A method and apparatus for allocating a frequency resource to each micro User Equipment (UE) in a hierarchical cellular mobile communication system are disclosed. The method includes acquiring information about traffic of each macro UE or a macro BS in a frequency resource allocated to the macro UE or the macro BS, first Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) information about an SNR of a signal from the macro UE or the macro BS, measured at each micro UE and second SNR information about an SNR of a signal from the micro UE, measured at each micro BS, calculating throughput of the micro UE using the traffic information, the first SNR information and the second SNR information, determining a frequency resource to be allocated to the micro UE using information about the calculated throughput and allocating the determined frequency resource to the micro UE.

A mobile communication system can be designed to have a hierarchical cell structure wherein a macrocell covering a whole cell is overlaid with microcells (e.g. femtocells) covering parts of the cell. The hierarchical cell structure based on a typical cellular network was proposed to improve frequency resource utilization and to extend cell coverage, for example, communication coverage. When there are geographical obstacles in a cell or a shadowing area is created indoors, the hierarchical cell structure can extend communication coverage. Deployment of a small microcell in a shadowing area where communication is impossible due to signal attenuation enables low cost communication coverage extension. In this case, unused resources are allocated to the microcell in order to prevent interference between the macrocell and the microcell.
As stated above, the hierarchical cell structure can service more UEs and data using frequency resources through efficient use of frequency resources. In an environment where a macrocell is overlaid with microcells, resources used by the macrocell are reused for the small microcells, thereby increasing frequency resource utilization. Consequently, cell capacity can be remarkably increased.
However, interference may occur because a macro UE connected to the macrocell and a micro UE connected to a microcell use the same frequency resources in the spatially non-separated environment. To avert this problem, interference avoidance may be employed.
Interference avoidance is a technique of preventing interference caused by simultaneous transmission from a macro UE and a micro UE. Frequency resource priority is given to the macro UE over the micro UE regarding, and the micro UE is allowed to transmit signals only when the macro UE is not using the frequency resources. Therefore, the micro UE should determine whether the macro UE is transmitting signals or not using the frequency resources. The determination may be made through Cognitive Radio (CR) spectrum sensing.
CR is a technology for wireless communication in which an unlicensed user having no available frequency resources detects temporarily unused frequency resources of a licensed user, referred to as a spectrum hole or white space, and operates adaptively according to an optimum transmission scheme for the detected frequency resources. This frequency sharing scheme was proposed based on the idea that although the licensed user has frequency resources, the licensed user does not use the frequency resources at all times.
Accordingly, the unlicensed user may share the frequency resources with the licensed user without mutual interference by detecting a time period during which the licensed user does not use the frequency resources through spectrum sensing. Spectrum sensing is an essential technique in CR.
Spectrum sensing may be carried out using one of a matched filter detector, a feature detector, and an energy detector in the physical layer of a communication system. The matched filter detector and the feature detector are not popular in view of implementation complexity and the need that an unlicensed user should know signal characteristics of a licensed user in advance. In this context, energy detection-based spectrum sensing will be focused upon herein.
If a macrocell coexists with a microcell through CR spectrum sensing in a hierarchical cell structure, a macro UE and a micro UE serve as a licensed UE and an unlicensed UE, respectively. The microcell is overlaid on the macrocell and the micro UE is connected to the microcell by sensing frequency resources unused by the macro UE.
An environment where a macrocell has available frequency resources and a plurality of macro UEs use the frequency resources simultaneously is considered because of channelization characteristics of a macro UE system whose frequency resources will be reused. For example, an Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.16e Mobile Worldwide interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) system divides a channel into 16 subchannels.
When a plurality of micro UEs within a microcell use frequency resources of a macrocell, it is important for the micro UEs to share the frequency resources by detecting a time period during which the frequency resources are not used by the macro UEs through spectrum sensing. However, a method for allocating macrocell frequency resources to each micro UE by a micro Base Station (BS) has yet to be specified.

Apparatus and method for allocating frequency resource to micro UE in a mobile communication system

Industry-Academic Cooperation Foundation, Yonsei University


Two sequential treatments within a chemical vapor deposition chamber, or within sequential chambers without a vacuum break, are performed on a copper layer to clean and passivate the copper surface prior to deposition of a copper diffusion barrier layer or a dielectric layer. The first treatment includes an ammonia, a hydrogen, or a hydrocarbon plasma cleaning of the copper surface followed by a short initiation of an organosilane precursor or a thin silicon nitride layer. A copper diffusion barrier layer may then be formed over the pretreated copper surface using an organosilane plasma, with or without a carbon dioxide or a carbon monoxide, or a silane with a nitrogen gas and an ammonia gas. Copper diffusion is retarded and film adhesion is improved for a dielectric layer or a copper diffusion barrier layer on the copper surface.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to semiconductor processing and, more particularly, to processing of a copper layer and subsequent layers.
2. Related Art
Integrated circuits fabricated on semiconductor substrates often require multiple levels of metal layers to provide the necessary electrical interconnections. The metal layers are separated by various insulating or dielectric layers, which are also known as inter-level dielectric (ILD) layers or inter-metal dielectric (IMD) layers. For example, in the damascene approach, a metal layer (i.e., a metal conductor pattern) is embedded in the dielectric layer or film to provide a planar interconnection layer.
Copper (Cu) can be used as the material for the metal layer. One drawback of copper is that copper atoms can migrate or diffuse into the adjacent dielectric layer, which reduces the insulator""s integrity. For example, copper diffusion in silicon oxide (Sixe2x80x94O) based dielectrics is a known problem for interconnects formed with the damascene approach.
To prevent copper diffusion, a copper diffusion barrier layer (also known as a dielectric diffusion barrier (DDB) layer) can be formed between the metal layer and the subsequently deposited dielectric layer. For example, 500 xc3x85 to 1000 xc3x85 of silicon nitride (Si3N4) or silicon carbide (SiC) can be used as a copper diffusion barrier layer. However, one drawback is that the total effective dielectric constant (k) of a damascene interconnect (i.e., an interconnect scheme formed by the damascene approach) increases due to the addition of the copper diffusion barrier layer. As is known, low-k dielectric insulators are desired to minimize resistive-capacitance (RC) interconnect delays and power consumption.
Another drawback is that the film adhesion of the copper diffusion barrier layer or dielectric layer on the copper surface is poor when copper oxide or contaminants exist. If the dielectric barrier is permeable to oxygen, copper oxide may be formed even after the planarized copper layer is capped with the dielectric layer. In addition, the presence of copper oxide on the interface of the copper layer and the dielectric barrier layer deteriorates the electron-migration performance of the copper interconnects.
Various techniques can be used to clean the copper surface to improve the film adhesion, but the copper surface may be re-oxidized, for example, if the copper diffusion barrier layer or dielectric layer contains any oxygen. Accordingly, methods are needed to improve film adhesion and reduce copper diffusion.
Systems and methods are disclosed herein, for example, to retard copper diffusion and improve film adhesion for a copper diffusion barrier layer or a dielectric etch stop layer on a copper metal layer. Two treatments within a chemical vapor deposition chamber or within sequential chambers are performed on a copper layer to clean and passivate the copper surface prior to deposition of a copper diffusion barrier layer or a dielectric etch stop layer.
The first treatment includes an in-situ plasma cleaning of the copper surface followed by the formation of an ultra-thin passivation and glue layer. The plasma cleaning contains reactive hydrogen species generated from at least one of ammonia, hydrogen, and hydrocarbon (CxHy where x=0,1,2, etc. and y=2,4,6, etc.) or their combinations. The ultra-thin passivation and glue layer is formed by performing a short initiation of an organosilane precursor or by depositing a thin silicon nitride layer. A copper diffusion barrier layer or a dielectric etch stop layer can then be formed over the cleaned and passivated copper surface using a silane or organosilane plasma with or without a carbon dioxide, a carbon monoxide, an ammonia, or a nitrogen gas feed.
For example, typical process parameters for the first treatment in a plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition chamber include, but are not limited to, a flow rate of 2000 to 6000 sccm for ammonia, hydrogen, or hydrocarbon, a radio frequency power density of 100 to 500 W per deposition station, and a pressure of 1 to 5 Torr for a duration of 3 to 120 seconds
The typical process parameters for the second treatment in the chamber include, but are not limited to, a flow rate of 200 to 1500 sccm for tetramethylsilane (4MS) or 200 to 1000 sccm for silane (SiH4) and 2000 to 5000 sccm for nitrogen and ammonia, a radio frequency power density of 100 to 300 W, and a pressure of 1 to 5 Torr for a 1 to 5 second duration.
In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a method of treating a copper layer of a semiconductor device includes performing a plasma treatment on the copper layer in a chemical vapor deposition chamber followed by performing an organosilane plasma treatment or thin silicon nitride deposition in the same or sequential chemical vapor deposition chamber to passivate and glue the copper layer. The method may further include depositing a copper diffusion barrier layer after the organosilane plasma treatment has been performed.
In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a method of semiconductor processing includes introducing an ammonia gas, a hydrogen gas, a hydrocarbon gas, or one or more of their combinations, into a chemical vapor deposition chamber to remove surface oxide and contaminants on a copper layer of a semiconductor device and introducing an organosilane gas or silane and nitrogen gases into the same or sequential chemical vapor deposition chamber to prevent oxidation of the copper layer after the copper layer is cleaned. The method may further include introducing an organosilane or silane gas, with or without a carbon dioxide, a carbon monoxide, an ammonia, and/or a nitrogen gas, into the same or sequential chemical vapor deposition chamber to deposit a copper diffusion barrier layer or etch stop layer.
A more complete understanding of embodiments of the present invention will be afforded to those skilled in the art, as well as a realization of additional advantages thereof, by a consideration of the following detailed description of one or more embodiments. Reference will be made to the appended sheets of drawings that will first be described briefly.

Systems and methods to retard copper diffusion and improve film adhesion for a dielectric barrier on copper


A resource download process is provided which includes accepting and/or determining evidence about user based factors, accepting and/or determining resource based factors, and maximizing the expected value of downloading resources. A resource distribution process is provided which includes accepting and/or determining user based factors, accepting and/or determining resource based factors, accepting and/or determining intermediate storage facility based factors, and minimizing the total expected latencies between requesting and receiving resources. A process for distributing resources is provided which includes determining a change in value and a change in cost of storing resources on a first storage facility versus storing resources on a second storage facility, determining a value density based on the change in value and the change in cost, and maximizing a total value density given a total size of resources being less than the finite available capacity of the first storage facility.

§ 1.1 Field of the Invention
The present invention concerns intelligently downloading resources, including computational resources, software components, or informational resources for example, from a source to one or more intermediate storage facilities. The present invention also concerns intelligently distributing resources among intermediate storage facilities having different latencies. Finally, the present invention concerns evaluating whether or not to modify the capabilities of (e.g., increase or decrease) intermediate storage facilities.
§ 1.2 Related Art
Often, resources, such as software components, data, or content for example, are downloaded from a source to an intermediate storage facility(ies). Typically, the finite size of the intermediate storage facility(ies) limits the amount of resources that can be downloaded. As such resources are needed, by an executing application program for example, they are then loaded from the intermediate storage facility(ies) to a working storage area. FIG. 1 depicts this relationship between a resource source 110, an intermediate storage facility(ies) 120, and a working storage area 130, all in an environment 100. Naturally, if resources requested by an application are not currently stored at the intermediate storage facility(ies) 120 (when not in the working storage area 130), then they must be obtained from another source.
Further, resources, such as data or instructions for example, may be distributed across a number of intermediate storage facilities having various latencies. For example, computers have used data and instruction caching to download data or instructions from a relatively slow and large storage area (such as a magnetic disk for example) to a relatively fast and small storage area (such as RAM for example) (also referred to as "cache memory"). In this way, the computer's processor can access needed data or instructions from the cache memory, if it is stored there (also referred to as a "hit"); if not (also referred to as a "miss"), it will access the needed data or instructions from the slower larger memory. Some methods have managed the cache memory in an attempt to maximize a ratio of hits to misses. Typically, most recently used data are stored in a cache, and when the cache becomes full, the least recently used data is "flushed" from the cache.
A few environments in which the present invention may operate are introduced below. First, an environment in which software components are installed from a removable mass storage media (such as a compact disk(s) (or "CD") ROM(s), for example) to a non-volatile intermediate storage facility(ies) (such as a hard magnetic disk drive, for example) is introduced in § 1.2.1 below. Second, an environment in which software is loaded onto resident, non-volatile, memory of an un-tethered (or wireless) device, such as a palm computer, a personal digital assistant, a cordless telephone, an information appliance or any other wireless or un-tethered device, is introduced in § 1.2.2 below. Third, an environment having multiple storage facilities having different latencies is introduced in § 1.2.3 below. Fourth, an environment in which software components or multimedia resources are loaded from a source server to a more local intermediate storage facility(ies) is introduced in § 1.2.4 below. Finally, unmet needs in each of the four (4) exemplary embodiments are summarized in § 1.2.5.
§ 1.2.1 First Exemplary Environment
A first exemplary environment, in which software components are loaded from a CD ROM(s) to a hard magnetic disk drive of a personal computer is now introduced. As is known, software is often distributed and sold as computer executable code stored on a CD ROM(s). A computer user often invokes a so-called "installation wizard" which controls the download of software components from the CD ROM to appropriate directories on the hard magnetic disk drive residing on their personal computer. Though the capacity of hard magnetic disk drives has greatly increased over the past decade, and is expected to continue increasing, disk drive resources are finite and often must be rationed. Moreover, to make applications easier to use and to offer users a rich computing experience, the amount of software code in typical applications has also increased over the last decade. Thus, to reiterate, disk drive resources often must be rationed.
As one example, the Microsoft Visual Studio™ development system (from the Microsoft Corporation of Bellevue, Wash.) is used by software developers developing applications for a Microsoft Operating system platform such as Windows® 95 or Windows NT® for example. This product contains about two (2) gigabytes of software. Some personal computers do not have this much magnetic hard disk storage capacity. Even personal computers having a magnetic hard disk drive of two (2) or more gigabytes often have other applications, operating systems, or data which may leave little, or insufficient, disk storage remaining for additional software. Developers may typically only use specific subsets of the software. Thus, it is believed that such developers would like to download only software components that they will need.
In view of the increasing size of software applications and the need to ration disk drive (or other storage facility) resources, some software applications have installation wizards which permit users to load software components for (a) a standard version of the application, or (b) an enhanced or professional version of the application. The standard version of the application is perfectly acceptable for most users and requires less storage space. The enhanced or professional version of the application provides increased functions, but requires more storage space. Moreover, software applications may have installation wizards that permit users to load core software components, which are necessary for the application to operate, and to expressly select additional, non-essential components.
While the foregoing installation wizards have aided many personal computer users in rationing their hard disk (or other storage facility) resources, challenges remain. For example, applications having installation wizards which permit standard or enhanced versions of the application to be installed are limited to two (2) versions of the application and rely on a judgment, made at one time, by the application developer as to what functions most "standard" users will want. Applications having installation wizards which install core software components and selected optional software components rely on a user's selection, which may be uniformed and which may cause confusion and undue anxiety in uniformed users.
Thus, there is a need for methods and apparatus for intelligently downloading software components from a source to an intermediate storage facility(ies). Such methods and apparatus should be as automated as possible thereby relieving users of often difficult or confusing decisions. Moreover, such methods and apparatus should minimize the risk, while conserving magnetic hard disk (or other storage facility) resources, that a user will need a software component that was not installed.
§ 1.2.2 Second Exemplary Environment
In a second exemplary environment, software components, and data such as addresses, telephone numbers, schedules, and to-do lists, for example, are loaded onto an un-tethered device, such as a palm computer, a personal digital assistant, a cordless telephone, or another information appliance. In such cases, the software components and/or data are transferred from a source having less limited storage, such as a desktop personal computer for example. Such un-tethered devices typically have relatively small amounts of available storage. The users of such devices are typically willing to sacrifice storage capacity for the freedom of movement that un-tethered computing devices afford. However, most users would clearly prefer the enhanced functionality and features provided under the operating environments of their desktop computers. To make applications easier to use and to offer users a rich computing experience, the amount of software code in typical applications will undoubtedly increase. However, analogous to the hard magnetic disk drives of personal computers, the storage of such un-tethered devices is finite and often must be rationed.
§ 1.2.3 Third Exemplary Environment
In a third environment, some computers users will have access to more than one disk drive, each of which may have different latencies and different capacities. A user may partition the capacity of these drives into one or more logical drives. When installing software, the software will be stored to a default directory on a default logical drive, unless a user specifies a logical drive and directory at which the software is to be installed. In either case, little, if any, thought is given to optimizing the distribution of software components across various storage devices. The present inventor has recognized that during the installation of software components, it would be advantageous to optimally install the software components on the various disk drives.
§ 1.2.4 Fourth Environment
An exemplary environment in which software components or multimedia resources are loaded from a source server (e.g., an Internet server) to a more local intermediate storage facility(ies) (e.g., a regional proxy server, a resident server, a hard disk drive cache area, etc.) is now introduced.
Recently, to reduce the costs of distributing software, many software producers have been distributing software over the Internet, using the file transfer protocol (of "FTP") for example. Updates and patches to correct "bugs" in the software are also available over the Internet. Often, a download site, as a part of a software producer's home site, is provided at the software producer's Internet site server. In many instances, mirror sites, at various geographic locations, are used to provide the same download capability, but at a site closer to the end user or at a site having more excess capacity to serve download requests. Unfortunately, however, such mirror sites are not tailored to the specific populations of end users in different locations. Rather, as the name implies, the content offered at such sites "mirrors" that found at the download site provided at the software producer's Internet site server.
Regarding content, such as multimedia content, at least one Internet service provider (@HOME Network of Redwood City, Calif.) has built a separate network which parallels the Internet. This separate network uses the same underlying protocols as those used on the Internet to ensure compatibility with the Internet. The @HOME network uses a hierarchical, distributed network architecture with caching and replication facilities, in an effort to ensure that information an end user wants is "close" to that end user. More specifically, the @HOME network employs local caching servers to (i) improve performance by using the cache as a dedicated local server, (ii) reduce the amount of data movement in higher layers of the hierarchical network, and (iii) use usage statistics for tuning performance, tailoring the service, and targeting promotions and advertising. Unfortunately, it is believed that the @HOME network uses rather primitive caching techniques when determining what to download and store at the local caching servers. Moreover, it is believed that such caching is tailored to the specific environment of the @HOME network.
§ 1.2.5 Unmet Needs
In view of the expected increasing size of software applications and the need to ration storage resources, there is a need for methods and apparatus for intelligently installing software components or for intelligently downloading software components and data to un-tethered computing devices. Such methods and apparatus should be as automated as possible thereby relieving users of often uninformed, difficult, or confusing decisions. Moreover, such methods and apparatus should minimize the risk, while conserving storage resources, that a user will need a software component or data that was not downloaded. Further, there is a need for methods and apparatus for intelligently distributing resources among storage facilities having various latencies. Furthermore, there is a need to determine whether or not to change (e.g., increase or decrease) a capacity (or some other characteristic, such as read access time) of an intermediate storage facility.

Methods and apparatus for downloading and/or distributing information and/or software resources based on expected utility


A drying apparatus including a body portion including an upwardly extending drying member which has an upper portion for holding an item of apparel, and a platform coupled to the body portion. The platform can be moved into a first, generally horizontal position over the drying member and can be moved into a second, non-horizontal position not over the drying member such that a user has access to the upper portion of the drying member. The drying apparatus can include an air freshener.

This invention relates to the field of dryers, and more specifically to an apparatus for drying of items of apparel.
Garment dryers, such as boot and glove dryers, typically include a drying post which is placed inside the boot, for example. A fan then forces air through the post and into the boot. Some dryers omit a fan and use electric heat or gas heat in a convection process. All these boot dryers can be obtrusive, though. While being used, they can be in the way and can be unsightly. After being used, they add to the clutter of a room. Accordingly, there is a need for a boot and glove dryer that can be easily used without being obtrusive.
In one aspect, a drying apparatus including a body portion including an upwardly extending drying member for holding an item of apparel. The drying apparatus also includes a platform coupled to the body portion and located above the drying member. In one example, the platform can be moved from a first, generally horizontal position covering over the drying member to a second, non-horizontal position not covering over the drying member such that a user has access to the drying member. In one option, a drying apparatus includes a air freshener.


A new cultivar of Erigeron named xe2x80x98Spindriftxe2x80x99 that is distinguishable by medium green foliage, a compact mounding habit and small daisy-like flowers that range in color from dark purple to lilac-pink and white. In combination these traits set xe2x80x98Spindriftxe2x80x99 apart from all other existing varieties of Erigeron known to the inventor.

Genus: Erigeron.
Species: karvinskianus.
Denomination: xe2x80x98Spindriftxe2x80x99.
The present invention relates to a new and distinct cultivar of Santa Barbara daisy and is an herbaceous perennial that is grown for use as an ornamental landscape and container plant. The new invention is known botanically as Erigeron karvinskianus and will be referred to hereinafter by the cultivar name xe2x80x98Spindriftxe2x80x99. Erigeron is in the family Compositae in which the commonly referred to xe2x80x9cflowerxe2x80x9d, is actually the inflorescence, and made up of smaller ray flowers and disc florets. For ease of clarification the common term xe2x80x9cflowerxe2x80x9d is used herein to describe the inflorescene.
xe2x80x98Spindriftxe2x80x99 is an induced mutation that was bred by the inventor in January 1998 in a cultivated area of Victoria, Australia. In March 1997 the inventor treated ten Erigeron karvinskianus plants with Colchicine. Colchicine was used to change the chromosome count of the plant. Dwarfing can be a side effect of the chemical and was critical to the breeding process. In January 1998 the seed from these plants was collected and sown. The inventor selected xe2x80x98Spindriftxe2x80x99 in 1998, from the seedlings that resulted, based on its compact growth habit. The female parent plant is Erigeron karvinskianus (unpatented) and the male parent plant is Erigeron karvinskianus. xe2x80x98Spindriftxe2x80x99 differs from the parent plant in growth habit and fertility.
xe2x80x98Spindriftxe2x80x99 is a ground cover and container plant that exhibits a compact mounding habit with small daisy-like flowers that bloom year round. Flowers exhibiting the colors of white, pink-lilac and dark purple-rose are all individually present on an individual plant. xe2x80x98Spindriftxe2x80x99 is hardy to minus 2xc2x0 Centigrade and cultural requirements include full sun to light shade and moist well-draining soil. The distinguishing characteristics of xe2x80x98Spindriftxe2x80x99 are habit and low fertility. The closest comparison plant is the parent plant Erigeron karvinsiana. xe2x80x98Spindriftxe2x80x99 is distinguishable from the parent plant by growth habit and low fertility.
The first asexual reproduction of xe2x80x98Spindriftxe2x80x99 was carried out by the inventor in 1998 in a cultivated area of Melbourne, Australia. The method used was softwood cuttings. Since that time subsequent generations have been determined stable and true to type.
The following traits have been repeatedly observed and represent the distinguishing characteristics of the new Erigeron cultivar. These traits in combination distinguish xe2x80x98Spindriftxe2x80x99 from all other existing varieties of Erigeron known to the inventor. xe2x80x98Spindriftxe2x80x99 has not been tested under all possible conditions and phenotypic differences may be observed with variations in environmental, climatic, and cultural conditions, however, without any variance in genotype.
1. Erigeron xe2x80x98Spindriftxe2x80x99 is an herbaceous perennial exhibiting a compact, mounding growth habit.
2. Erigeron xe2x80x98Spindriftxe2x80x99 produces small daisy-like flowers that exhibit the colors dark purple-rose, lilac-pink, and white all individually present on an individual plant.
3. Erigeron xe2x80x98Spindriftxe2x80x99 exhibits low fertility.
4. Erigeron xe2x80x98Spindriftxe2x80x99 exhibits medium-green foliage.
5. Erigeron xe2x80x98Spindriftxe2x80x99 is 16 cm. in height and 40 cm. in width in a 2-litre container.
6. Erigeron xe2x80x98Spindriftxe2x80x99 is floriferous and moderately vigorous.
7. Erigeron xe2x80x98Spindriftxe2x80x99 continues blooming year round.
8. Erigeron xe2x80x98Spindriftxe2x80x99 is hardy to minus 2xc2x0 Centigrade.

Erigeron plant named xe2x80x98Spindriftxe2x80x99


A casino wagering game where at least one player has the options to either place multiple wagers against a dealer and/or banker (the house) in a game, to qualify for a pre-determined Bonus schedule, or both. However, uniquely by the design of the present invention, each participating player is initially dealt three cards creating at least two separate hands. Specifically, one of those cards dealt to each player is considered a “shared card” in its relationship to each of the other two cards dealt to that player. Within the dealing, the house is dealt one hand of two cards. According to another aspect, the three cards initially dealt to each player, defined as at least two separate hands, may be treated separately in a Bonus game offered for an additional or separate wager. After the initial Bonus aspect of the game is resolved, a game defined by the house ensues.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to games of chance, more specifically casino wagering games, and more particularly to Blackjack type card games that are suitable for use in gaming establishments.
2. Background of the Art
Blackjack is the most universally known and played card game in the world, whether it is called Blackjack, BJ, Twenty-one, vingt-et-un, pontoon or vanjohn. The main forms of this game (typically called Blackjack) consist of one or more players competing with either a changing bank—usually a private game amongst players, or a permanent bank—the typical casino game. There are a number of other variations offering different card values, and/or points count that the players attempt to reach. Seven and a half, Ten and a half, Macao, Fifteen and Farmer are interesting variants of the game.
Starting in the early 1960's, computer analysis of the game of Blackjack significantly affected future play and development of the game. Basic strategies and evaluations of cards played (counting methods) revealed that, under certain circumstances, there are advantageous plays or opportunities to increase wagers for the player to make while playing Blackjack. Thereafter, quick and not always attractive adjustments to dealing strategies, payouts, etc., have resulted in a game that is in constant change. Yet, the game remains popular to both the public and gaming operators. Casino operators are always looking for new games attractive to players, needing little explanation, offering multiple betting options, attractive payouts and fast paced, yet still retain an attractive hold or profit to the house.
More modern variations have added side bets such as "Pair Square™" (betting that the first two cards dealt the player match rank), or Spin the Wheel type games offering the player options when attaining certain hand totals. Other schemes offer alternatives such as the option to draw additional hands after a bust, or where multiple hands may be dealt to the dealer, where Blackjack hands evolve into poker hands, or community type BJ hands are dealt similar to Mini-Baccarat.
For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,702,104 discloses a method of playing a mixture of Blackjack and Baccarat. A common card is dealt to the player where by treatment it creates two separate hands. The hands are pre-defined as one, a Blackjack hand, and the other a Baccarat hand. Then the dealer eventually receives two separate hands, one for Blackjack competition and the other for the Baccarat game. The only way the player wins his single wager is to beat the dealer in both hands. This is played out similar to Pai Gow. However, those who are familiar with these games realize there is no provision described allowing the splitting of pairs or the chance to double down in Blackjack. Further, there is no opportunity for the player to choose betting either the "Bank" or "Player" hand as traditionally offered in Baccarat. These limitations make this game less attractive to connoisseurs of either game.
A "Method of Playing Multiple Action Blackjack" is disclosed in an Oct. 13, 1992, patent issued to Richard A LeVasseur (U.S. Pat. No. 5,154,429). In this presentation, players are each dealt a single hand, with the dealer being dealt two consecutive hands. Play of the first and second dealer hands and the player hands are conventional, with each player allowed to place a wager on the outcome of each of the dealer hands. Each player uses the same hand against each dealer hand. Conventional Blackjack or twenty-one rules are otherwise used. This is a typical, recently offered variant of the game where a new "look" is given to the game, yet fails to offer a new or attractive large payout or a bonus round of play.
All this attempts to keep Blackjack competitive with newer card games being introduced. The focus is on the typical player who is most attracted to table games where they have some knowledge of the game and recognize an opportunity for good or the anticipation of great gain. This is best exemplified by the successes of "Three Card Poker™," "Let-lt-Ride™," and "Caribbean Stud® Poker." These games have defined payouts and additional bonuses based on poker hands. Interestingly each has payouts topping out at 40 to 1 up to 1000 to 1, or progressive pots that can reach into the hundreds of thousands of dollars.
When trying to devise single or multi-level and attractive bonus schedules for the game of Blackjack, there is an inherent problem: its traditional format. There are only 1,326 initial two-card hands. In other words, there is little room for development.
Previous developments offer advancements such as a Fast Action Card (U.S. Pat. No. 5,320,356 issued to Glenn J. Cauda on Jun. 14, 1994). Here there is offered a game where a common card, referred to as the "Fast Action Card," Is common to the hands of each of players and the dealer. In other words, in this invention there is only one "Fast Action Card," or common/shared card, for use by all the participating players and the dealer as well, still leaving each with only a single two (2) card hand to play. All player and dealer hands develop from the combination of the "Fast Action Card" and the initial single card dealt to each player and the dealer. The idea of a common card is introduced here, but fails to fully develop. Any combinations are still limited to the evaluations of a single two (2) card hand.
The same is true for U.S. Pat. No. 6,726,427 issued to Jarvis in April of 2004, which discloses a method of playing a plurality of two (2) card hands against the dealer's single or multiple hands. The sequence of dealing the multiple hands, options allotted the players to elect additional hands, etc. are described. Here, four cards are dealt to the player to produce two hands. The multiple hands are each independent and still rely on the basic pool of 1,326 initial two card hands, making large bonus payouts difficult.
However, uniquely by the design of the present invention described herein, each participating player is initially dealt three cards that create at least two separate and playable hands. Specifically, one of those cards dealt to each player is considered a "shared card" in its relationship to each of the other two cards dealt to that player. The house is dealt one hand consisting of two cards. In addition, this present invention describes another aspect: the three cards initially dealt to each player, constructed and defined as at least two separate hands, may be treated separately in a Bonus game offered to the player for an additional or separate wager.
Thus, applying the present invention's initial card arrangement to the game, "Double Black Jacks" greatly enhances the original scope of 1,326 initial two card hand combinations in a single deck of fifty-two cards as described above, into 22,100 potential three-card combinations yielding 66,300 hand combinations. This field offers the imagination many levels and ranges for bonuses. By starting with three cards that produce two separate hands, and then proceeding into a game of "Double Black jacks," the present invention offers an attractive alternative and solution to the development of bonuses for "Double Black jacks" or other card games. Multiple decks of cards yield greater combinations proportionately.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,170,827 issued to Lombardo on Jan. 9, 2001, discloses a method of playing a card game where the player makes two wagers and receives three cards that can be arbitrarily arranged by the player into two separate groups. The dealer is dealt four cards, creating two separate hands. The player's cards will be played against the dealer's two hands in two separate comparisons. Should the play of the game result in a draw, this game allows the player to rearrange the player's hand to form a new competitive position. Aside from the complexity of first playing two player hands against two dealer hands, by design of the invention, players are allowed to touch and arbitrarily arrange these hands. This opens the door for professional cheats and is very difficult for a surveillance team to monitor. Only two (2) wagers are made resulting in two hands with no Bonus available based on the original three cards dealt the player.
Recently, Blackjack games with attractive bonuses have been introduced. U.S. Pat. No. 6,808,173 issued to Roger Snow in October of 2004, offers a game where, within a standard Blackjack game, players are offered an optional side bet. Players and the dealer are initially dealt two (2) card hands each. The bonus schedule reveals various awards based on the player's hand alone or with some combination of arrangement or appearance of cards in both the player and dealer's hands combined, if the optional side bet is properly placed for that outcome. Also, U.S. Pat. No. 6,854,731 issued to Saucier in February of 2005, discloses a Blackjack type card game where the player is offered an optional side wager. Each player is initially dealt a two (2) card. Should that hand in its first two card total the hand count of "20" as normally accepted in the game of Blackjack, a Bonus payout is due if the player properly placed the Bonus bet. Additional Bonus payouts are made based on the player's hand qualifying in a combination of cards in the dealer's hand, i.e., the player has two (2) queens and the dealer has a Blackjack. Both of the games described here rely on the simultaneous appearance of a particular array of cards in the combination of dealer and player's hands. There is only one bet for the player's hand and an optional side bet required to win the bonus.
Uniquely, by the design of the present invention, each player can make up to three separate and distinct wagers, which may or may not be dependent on each other. Further, each wager offers an attractive "house edge" on its own. In other words, the house or operator may offer a player the opportunity to place bets on the hands, or the Bonus wager, or both, with or without requiring that any one be equal to any of the others. Finally, these bets may be of any amount, subject only to table betting limits set by the house and are more easily monitored.
There are names and terms similar to that used in the present invention's title, "Double Black Jacks™", and have appeared in the marketplace. U.S. Pat. No. 5,882,259 issued to Holmes on Mar. 16, 1999, offers a method of playing a video game called BlackJack Poker. In one example (10), it offers a winning arrangement if the player receives the specific combination of two Blackjacks within the dealing of the five initial cards. Two or four of those cards may create all black, "Blackjack combinations." These two hands, derived from the initial dealing of five cards, are defined specifically as follows: 1) the combination of the Jack of Spades and the Ace of Spades, and 2) the combination of the Jack of Clubs and the Ace of Clubs. These are considered pre-designated winning arrangements if the player is dealt one or both of these "two all black Blackjack combinations on the initial deal." Payouts are made should the player receive either or both of these combinations according to Example 10 under the tier of "DOUBLE BLACKJACK," according to the number of coins bet. Play then continues with the player having the option to discard unwanted cards, receive replacements and continue into a game of poker.
Considering all the above, the present invention brings the standard game of Blackjack to a new level and produces an attractive "win-win" scenario. The player is offered multiple wagers on a game known and understood. Play is enhanced with a new and attractive Bonus scheme on the game. The present invention offers an attractive gaming platform with multiple betting options, speed, and little or no exposure to any "counting" strategy. "Double Black Jacks™." or "Mississippi Blackjack," as it may be called, offers a new and unique multi-level bonus payout based on traditional Blackjack with an attractive payout scale. All this results in inducing player participation while retaining an attractive hold or profit for the house.

Double Black Jacks, a Blackjack type game


A hydrostatic mechanical power split transmission includes a housing, at least one first power branch having at least one hydraulic pump and at least one hydraulic motor, and at least one drive shaft provided with gear wheel elements, which is disposed inside the housing and can be directly or indirectly driven by at least one drive engine, in particular an internal combustion engine as a further power branch, the drive shaft being able to selectively act either directly or indirectly on the sun gear of a planetary gear system by way of at least one clutch, to be decoupled from the planetary gear system, wherein the planetary gear system can be switched to a state of constrained motion by way of further clutches as a function of the respective operating state of the power split transmission.

The invention relates to a hydrostatic mechanical power split transmission.
A hydrostatic mechanical power split transmission is described in DE 10 2004 001 929 A1, for example. The invention proposes a power split transmission having a continuously variable transmission ratio, which comprises a hydrostatic transmission part, composed of a first hydrostatic unit having a variable volume and a second hydrostatic unit having a constant volume, and a mechanical transmission part having a summation gearbox and a range change gearbox, in which the summation gearbox and the range change gearbox are disposed axially offset relative to the hydrostatic units.
A further hydrostatic mechanical power split transmission is described in WO 2009/071060 A2, comprising a housing, or a housing composed of individual housing parts, and at least one drive shaft, which is disposed inside the housing and can be driven by at least one drive engine, particularly an internal combustion engine, and which acts on at least two hydraulic pumps by way of gear elements in the manner of a pump transfer case and is provided with at least one further gear wheel, which directly or indirectly acts on an output element of a power-shift transmission, wherein at least in the region of the gear wheel at least one clutch element is positioned, and wherein the power-shift transmission has at least one shaft that can be driven in the hydrostatic circuit, wherein clutches, brakes, components of a single-step planetary gear system and similar components are provided in the region of said shaft, and wherein the output element of the power-shift transmission is connected to at least one output shaft.


A mouth-pressurized drinking bag comprises a collapsible inner bladder for holding a beverage, such as water. A long tube has a proximal end communicably attached to the lowest portion of the bladder, and a distal end extending away from the dispenser. A closure clamp is disposed near the distal end of the tube. A highly elastic outer case substantially and snugly surrounds the bladder. The bladder can be filled through a funnel temporarily disposed at the distal end of the tube. The filled bladder can be pressurized by blowing air through the tube, so that the bladder and the elastic outer case are expanded. After the bag is filled and pressurized, the clamp is closed. When a drink is desired, the clamp is released so that the beverage will be automatically forced by the pressurized inner bladder to flow outwardly through the tube and to the user's lips.

Cyclists riding for sport or training for competition expend a great deal of energy, and lose a great deal of water as sweat. As a result, they need to drink a lot of water when cycling to quench their thirst. The most common method of providing drinking water, for non-competition cycling, is to carry a detachable water bottle on the frame of the bicycle. However, using this type of bottle when the bicycle is in motion can be dangerous, because the cyclist must look away from the road when taking the bottle from and replacing it into its cradle. Therefore, many cyclists prefer to come to a stop before drinking, which can be quite inconvenient. The water from these non-insulated bottles is usually warm, so that it does not make a refreshing drink.
The drawbacks of the ubiquitous water bottle have prompted the invention of several devices for allowing cyclists to drink while riding. U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,095,812 to Rowe (1978) and 4,948,023 to Tripp (1990) show conventional water containers with very long straws. These straws allow a cyclist to sip a beverage without stopping. A significant problem of these systems is the difficulty of sucking liquid through a long straw. This is because the user must first suck out the great amount of air in the straw, and then work against the weight of the tall column of water to bring the water up through the straw. The process must be repeated for every use because the water will drop back down the straw after each sip. This can become very difficult to perform during a strenuous activity, such as cycling.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,060,833 to Edison et al. (1991) shows a water backpack with a bite-valve at the distal end of a tube. The user bites on the valve to accept water, which is caused by gravity to flow from the backpack into the tube. Although easy to use, this device will only work if it is located above the mouth, because it relies on gravity for feeding the water through the tube. Therefore, it can only be used by cyclists on bicycles with drooped handlebars, as shown in the patent. Moreover, many cyclists dislike wearing a large, constricting backpack.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,629,098 to Eger (1986) shows a rigid, pump-pressurized liquid container. A tube extending from the container has two separate passages, and a rubber bulb pump at the distal end. Pumping the bulb pressurizes the container via one passage, so that when a valve is released, liquid is forced out of the other passage of the tube. The valve has a knob which must be operated with two hands, so that it will require a cyclist to stop riding before drinking. It is fairly complicated in construction, so that its manufacturing cost will be relatively high.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,062,591 to Runkel (1991) shows a water container comprising a small, heavy latex or rubber balloon with a long feed tube connected to the top of the balloon. When filled and greatly expanded, the balloon will contract to force water through the tube and conveniently to the user. Although drinking from this device is very easy, filling it is more difficult. A pump, which can be inconvenient to carry, must be used to force water under higher than atmospheric pressure into the small balloon. Because the balloon has a minimum volume below which it cannot contract, and because the tube is connected to the top of the balloon, the user will not be able to drink the last amount of beverage. The small balloon must have enough elasticity for expansion, therefore it can only be made of latex or rubber. These materials are rather heavy, and have poor thermal insulating qualities. Furthermore, they impart an unpleasant rubbery taste to the drink. The elastic balloon is placed within an enlarged, non-elastic holder or outer case. The outer case is large enough to accommodate the balloon when it is fully filled and expanded. However, when the balloon is nearly empty, the non-elastic outer case will be loose, so that when the bicycle is in motion, the loose outer case will flap about to create considerable wind drag.
While the foregoing drinking devices for cyclists do in fact provide the benefit of drinking without having to stop riding, they have many shortcomings, including the difficulty of sucking through long straws, the requirement of carrying the container above mouth level, poor thermal insulating qualities, the inconvenience of having to pressure-fill the container with a pump, the rubbery taste imparted to the water by the containers, and the inability to access a remaining quantity of a beverage in the container.


The present invention converts each of the optical differential signals from DPSK demodulator from an optical signal into an electrical signal by using optical-electrical signal converters. Thereafter, each electrical signal is subjected to amplification adjustment at an appropriate amplification factor by variable amplifier, and an appropriate delay amount is added to each electrical signal by variable delay line, and thereafter data discrimination is performed by discriminator. Since two differential signals after DPSK demodulation are subjected to amplitude and delay adjustments, the need for optical parts is obviated enabling the use of electric circuits which can be integrated. Thus, the cost of the optical reception device will be reduced. Moreover, the since electric signals whose phases and amplitudes are equalized are inputted to discriminator, erroneous determination of data at discriminator will be reduced.

Among modulation/demodulation methods used in optical communication systems, the DPSK (Differential Phase Shift Keying) modulation/demodulation method is a modulation/demodulation method having superior reception sensitivity. Therefore the expectation is that the method will be used particularly in long-distance optical communication systems (see, for example, Non-Patent Document 1). Further, in order to draw the most out of the performance of the receiver for performing DPSK demodulation, it is necessary to provide a delay adjuster and a variable attenuator in the subsequent stage of an interferometer in the receiver as shown in FIG. 3 of Non-Patent Document 2.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram to show the configuration of a typical optical reception device using a DPSK demodulation method. It is noted that an optical reception device having a similar configuration to that of the optical reception device shown in FIG. 1 is shown in FIG. 3 of Non-Patent Document 2.
The optical reception device shown in FIG. 1 includes one-bit delay interferometer 130 for receiving an ultra-high speed optical signal of R bps (bits per second) where R is a number of giga-order, delay adjusters 203 and 204 are for adjusting the delay amount of optical signals 201 and 202, variable attenuators 205 and 206 are for adjusting the amplitude of the optical signals where delay amount is adjusted, optical-electrical signal converter (dual PD (photo-detector)) 209 is for converting optical signals 207 and 208 into an electrical signal, amplifier 211 is for amplifying electrical signal 210, and discriminator 213 is for converting electrical signal 212 into digital data.
One-bit delay interferometer 130 is for example a Mach-Zehnder interferometer. One-bit delay interferometer 130 includes optical branching section 131 for bifurcating the inputted light, transmission paths 132 and 133 for delaying one of the two branched signals with respect to the other signal, and directional coupler 134 for causing the two signals to interfere with each other and to be converted into optical intensity signals.
Delay adjusters 203 and 204 adjust to equalize the phases of the two differential signals, which have been outputted from directional coupler 134 in one-bit delay interferometer 130 before being immediately converted into a single signal. Optical variable attenuators 205 and 206 are used to adjust the signal balance (intensity ratio) between a positive component (logic 1) and a negative component (logic 0) of the signal to be inputted to discriminator 213.    Non-Patent Document 1: Christian Rasmussen et. al., "DWDM40G Transmission Over Trans-Pacific Distance (10000 km) Using CSRZ-DPSK, Enhanced FEC, and All-Raman-Amplified 100-km Ultra Wave Fiber Spans," Journal of Lightwave Technology, U.S., January 2004, vol. 22) no. 4, pp. 203-207.    Non-Patent Document 2: Jeffrey H. Sinsky, et. al., "A 40-Gb/s Integrated Balanced Optical Front End and RZ-DPSK Performance, IEEE Photonics Technology Letters," U.S., August 2003, vol. 15, no. 8, pp. 1135-1137.

Optical reception device and optical reception method


The invention relates to a method for the identification of a channel modulator, such as an agonist or antagonist, that interacts with one or more or LRRC8A, LRRC8B, LRRC8C, LRRC8D and/or LRRC8E and/or protein complexes thereof. The invention further relates to an isolated heteromeric protein complex comprising one or more or LRRC8A, LRRC8B, LRRC8C, LRRC8D and/or LRRC8E for use in such methods, in addition to kits suitable for carrying out such methods. The invention therefore relate preferably to the use of LRRC8 proteins and complexes thereof for the identification of VRAC (VSOAC) modulators.

Cells regulate their volume not only to counteract swelling or shrinkage caused by osmotic challenges, but also during processes like cell growth, division, and migration. As water transport across cellular membranes is driven by osmotic gradients, cell volume regulation requires appropriate changes of intracellular concentrations of ions or organic osmolytes like taurine (Hoffmann et al., Pasantes-Morales et al.). Regulatory volume decrease (RVD) follows the extrusion of intracellular Cl− and K+ ions, as well as other osmolytes, across the plasma membrane. A key player is the volume-regulated anion channel (VRAC) that mediates characteristic swelling-activated Cl− currents (ICl(swell)), and appears to be ubiquitously expressed in vertebrate cells (Nilius et al. 1997, Okada et al. 2009, Okada et al. 1997). Nearly inactive under resting conditions, VRAC is slowly opened by hypotonic swelling. The mechanism by which cell swelling leads to VRAC opening remains enigmatic, with a plethora of studies suggesting a confusingly complex and controversial signal transduction cascade.
VRAC currents are outwardly rectifying (hence the alternative name VSOR for volume stimulated outward rectifier (Okada et al. 2009, Okada et al. 1997)) and show variable inactivation at inside-positive voltages. VRAC conducts iodide better than chloride and is inhibited by several rather non-specific compounds. VRAC might also conduct organic osmolytes like taurine (Jackson et al., Mulligan et al., Roy et al.) (hence the name VSOAC, volume-stimulated organic osmolyte/anion channel (Strange et al.)), but this notion has remained controversial (Lambert et al., Shennan et al., Stutzin et al.). VRAC activity is believed to be not only important for cell volume regulation per se, but also for basic cellular functions like the regulation of cell cycle, proliferation and migration (Hoffmann et al., Nilius et al. 1997, Okada et al. 2009). It is thought to play a role in apoptosis and various pathological states including sickle cell anemia, ischemic brain edema and cancer (Okada et al. 1997, Okada et al. 2006), and VRAC-mediated membrane depolarization may trigger swelling-induced exocytosis (Moser et al.). However, progress in the characterization of VRAC and its biological roles has been severely limited by the failure to identify the underlying protein(s) despite intense efforts for more than two decades.
Hence, the identification of modulators, such as inhibitors or activators, of VRAC could enable the development of medically relevant compounds for potential use in the modulation of medical conditions associated with changes in cell volume, such as those mentioned above.
The lack of specific high-affinity inhibitors of ICl(swell) has precluded the biochemical identification of VRAC. Expression cloning approaches have been hampered by the ubiquitous expression pattern of the channel, its complex regulation, and potentially by a heteromeric architecture. Nonetheless, several proteins were suggested to embody VRAC. These proteins include the multidrug-resistance (mdr) P-glycoprotein (Valverde et al.) which is a transport ATPase, plCln, (Paulmichl et al., Fürst et al.) which turned out to be a spliceosome component (Pu et al.), as well as ClC-3 (Duan et al.) which rather is an endosomal anion transporter (Stobrawa et al.). All these claims were disproved by further experimentation (Stobrawa et al., Voets et al., Wine et al., Tominaga et al., Gong et al.). ClC-2 Cl− channels activate upon cell swelling, but their inward rectification and Cl− over I− selectivity deviate from VRAC (Gründer et al.). Drosophila dBest1, a member of a family of bona fide Ca2+-activated Cl− channels (Hartzell et al.), mediates swelling-activated Cl− currents in insect cells (Stotz et al., Chien et al.), but their characteristics differ from VRAC currents and the closest mammalian homolog of dBest1 is swelling-insensitive (Fischmeister et al.).
The present invention is based on a structural and functional characterisation of VRAC and its components. VRAC represents a structurally new class of channel that conducts ions and organic osmolytes. The invention relates to a practical utilisation of the VRAC characterisation shown herein, in order to provide methods and compounds used for identifying VRAC modulators in addition to the VRAC components themselves.

LRRC8 proteins and protein complexes and methods for identification of channel modulators

MAX-DELBRUECK-CENTRUM FUER MOLEKULARE MEDIZIN


An example of a pixel module comprises a module substrate having light emitters disposed on a light-emitter surface and a controller disposed on a controller surface opposed to the light-emitter surface. At least one module electrode is electrically connected to the controller and at least one module electrode is electrically connected to each light emitter. An example of a pixel-module wafer comprises a module source wafer comprising sacrificial portions and module anchors, each sacrificial portion laterally separated from an adjacent sacrificial portion by a module anchor and a pixel module disposed entirely over each sacrificial portion. At least one module tether physically connects each of the pixel modules to at least one of the module anchors. An example of a pixel-module display comprises a display substrate, pixel modules disposed on the display substrate and display electrodes disposed on the display substrate, each display electrode electrically connected to a module electrode.

Flat-panel displays comprise an array of pixels distributed in a display viewing area over a planar display substrate. The pixels are electrically controlled using matrix addressing with the intersections of row and column wires on the substrate defining pixel locations. Rows of pixels in the array are sequentially provided with control signals and columns of pixels in the array are provided with data signals. Passive-matrix control relies on row and column controllers external to the display viewing area to sequentially enable rows of pixels to emit light, so that only one row of pixels at a time emits light. Active-matrix control relies on local storage and control provided in the display viewing area for each pixel, for example with a storage capacitor and driving transistor as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 9,117,940. Data is provided from the external column controller to each pixel in a selected row of pixels and the rows are sequentially selected with the row controller. The pixels in each selected row receive data on the column wires and store the data locally in the pixel. Once the data is received and stored, it is displayed at each pixel by the control circuitry in the pixel by providing power to the pixel control circuitry, for example transistors driving electrodes controlling a liquid crystal (in the case of a liquid crystal display) or an organic light-emitting diode (in the case of an OLED display). Inorganic light-emitting diodes are also used in flat-panel displays.
Inorganic light-emitting diode (iLED) displays have many advantages, such as efficiency, color purity, and lifetime, and are found today in digital signage and large-format displays, for example in sporting venues. The iLEDs in these displays are relatively large, for example having a dimension of one mm or more, are mounted in a display frame, for example in an array of tiles, and are controlled by circuitry external to the display frame. It is difficult, therefore, to construct a high-resolution iLED display with relatively smaller iLEDs. Existing iLED displays often have pixel pitches of approximately 25 ppi, a relatively low resolution, especially compared to OLED or liquid crystal flat-panel displays.
Approaches to providing high-performance electronic devices distributed over a substrate are described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,722,458 entitled Optical Systems Fabricated by Printing-Based Assembly. This patent teaches, inter alia, transferring light-emitting, light-sensing, or light-collecting semiconductor elements from a wafer substrate to a destination substrate or backplane. U.S. Pat. No. 7,972,875 entitled Optical Systems Fabricated by Printing Based Assembly discloses, inter alia, assembling printable semiconductor elements on a substrate by way of contact printing. Inorganic light-emitting diode displays using micro-transfer printing (Journal of the Society for Information Display, 2017, DOI #10.1002/jsid.610, 1071-0922/17/2510-0610, pages 589-609) describes high-performance electronic control circuits and micro-LEDs distributed over a large display substrate. In an example from this paper, small integrated circuits and micro-LEDs (devices) are formed over a sacrificial layer on the process side of corresponding crystalline semiconductor wafers, for example a silicon wafer for the integrated circuit and GaN or GaAs wafers for the micro-LEDs. The small integrated circuits and micro-LEDs are released from the various wafers by etching the sacrificial layers formed beneath the devices. A PDMS stamp is successively pressed against the process side of each wafer and the devices are adhered to the stamp. The devices are then pressed against a display substrate coated with an adhesive and thereby adhered to the display substrate. The adhesive is subsequently cured, electrodes are formed using photolithographic methods and materials, and the devices are encapsulated to form arrays of light-emitting pixels.
U.S. Pat. No. 9,818,725 entitled Inorganic-Light-Emitter Displays with Integrated Black Matrix describes, inter alia, an inorganic light-emitting display with micro-transfer printed light-emitting diodes and pixel controllers distributed over a flat-panel display substrate with an integrated black matrix. Certain embodiments of such approaches provide an LED display with improved optical performance but there remains a need for inorganic LED displays with improved manufacturability, increased resolution, reduced cost, and pixel structures that facilitate such improved manufacturability and increased resolution.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Modules with integrated circuits and devices


The invention provides antibodies that bind to human PDGFRα and neutralize activation of the receptor. The invention further provides methods for neutralizing activation of PDGFRα and methods of treating a mammal with a neoplastic disease using the antibodies alone or in combination with other agents.

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men, with approximately 220,000 cases and 29,000 deaths annually in the United States. A significant proportion of men diagnosed with prostate cancer have metastatic disease. Further, metastases eventually develop in many other prostate cancer patients despite treatment with surgery or radiotherapy. Bone is the most common site of prostate cancer metastasis, and is also a site to which breast cancers and lung cancers often metastasize. Most prostate cancer metastases are androgen-dependent, so that there is a rapid response to surgical or medical castration, but in virtually all patients, the tumor eventually becomes androgen-independent, leading to significant morbidity and mortality. Once bone metastases occur, currently available therapies have limited effect. The most effective approved therapy that has been described for metastatic prostate cancer (administration of docetaxel) extends median survival approximately three months. (Petrylak et al., 2004, N. Engl. J. Med. 351:1513; Tannock et al., 2004, N. Engl. J. Med. 351:1502) Accordingly, new therapies for metastatic bone cancers are urgently needed.
The insulin-like growth factor receptor (IGF-IR) is a ubiquitous transmembrane tyrosine kinase receptor that is essential for normal fetal and post-natal growth and development. IGF-IR is located on the cell surface of most cell types and serves as the signaling molecule for growth factors IGF-I and IGF-II (collectively termed henceforth IGFs). IGF-IR can stimulate cell proliferation, cell differentiation, changes in cell size, and protect cells from apoptosis. It has also been considered to be quasi-obligatory for cell transformation (reviewed in Adams et al., Cell. Mol. Life Sci. 57:1050-93 (2000); Baserga, Oncogene 19:5574-81 (2000)). High levels of expression of IGF-IR have been reported in tissue samples from prostate cancer bone metastases. Bone contains the largest store of IGFs in the body.
IGF-IR is a pre-formed hetero-tetramer containing two alpha and two beta chains covalently linked by disulfide bonds. The receptor subunits are synthesized as part of a single polypeptide chain of 180 kd, which is then proteolytically processed into alpha (130 kd) and beta (95 kd) subunits. The entire alpha chain is extracellular and contains the site for ligand binding. The beta chain possesses the transmembrane domain, the tyrosine kinase domain, and a C-terminal extension that is necessary for cell differentiation and transformation, but is dispensable for mitogen signaling and protection from apoptosis.
IGF-IR is highly similar to the insulin receptor (IR), particularly within the beta chain sequence (70% homology). Because of this homology, recent studies have demonstrated that these receptors can form hybrids containing one IR dimer and one IGF-IR dimer (Pandini et al., Clin. Canc. Res. 5:1935-19 (1999)). The formation of hybrids occurs in both normal and transformed cells and the hybrid content is dependent upon the concentration of the two homodimer receptors (IR and IGF-IR) within the cell. Although hybrid receptors are composed of IR and IGF-IR pairs, the hybrids bind selectively to IGFs, with affinity similar to that of IGF-IR, and only weakly bind insulin (Siddle and Soos, The IGF System. Humana Press. pp. 199-225. 1999). These hybrids therefore can bind IGFs and transduce signals in both normal and transformed cells.
A second IGF receptor, IGF-IIR, or mannose-6-phosphate (M6P) receptor, also binds IGF-II ligand with high affinity, but lacks tyrosine kinase activity (Oates et al., Breast Cancer Res. Treat. 47:269-81 (1998)). Because it results in the degradation of IGF-II, it is considered a sink for IGF-II, antagonizing the growth promoting effects of this ligand. Loss of the IGF-IIR in tumor cells can enhance growth potential through release of its antagonistic effect on the binding of IGF-II with the IGF-IR (Byrd et al., J. Biol. Chem. 274:24408-16 (1999)).
Platelet derived growth factor receptors alpha and beta (PDGFRα and PDGFRβ) are type III receptor tyrosine kinases. PDGFRα is critical for development and fulfills important functions into adulthood. For example, mice homozygous for a null mutation die during embryogenesis. At later stages of development, PDGFRα is expressed in many mesenchymal structures, whereas adjacent epithelial cells produce platelet derived growth factors (PDGFs). Tissue samples from normal or hyperplastic prostate glands test negative for PDGFRα, whereas primary prostate tumors and skeletal masses from matched subjects express PDGFRα. Further, of prostate cell lines obtained from different metastatic sites, PDGFRα is found in bone metastasis-derived PC3 cells, but not in cell lines obtained from lymph node (LNCaP) and brain (DU-145) metastases.
The platelet-derived growth factor family of growth factors consists of five different disulphide-linked dimers, PDGF-AA, -BB, -AB, -CC, and -DD, that act via PDGFRα and PDGFRβ. These growth factors are dimeric molecules composed of disulfide-linked polypeptide chains that bind to two receptor proteins simultaneously and induce receptor dimerization, autophosphorylation, and intracellular signaling. PDGFRα and PDGFRβ are structurally similar and can form heterodimers as well as homodimers. Because PDGFRβ does not bind the PDGF-A chain with high affinity, PDGF-AA activates only αα receptor dimers, whereas PDGF-AB and PDGF-CC activates αα and αβ receptor heterodimers.

Antibodies against PDGFRα to inhibit tumor growth


A telephone including a telephone base having a bottom convex surface and including a first pair of guide rails, in which the bottom convex surface has a number of recesses; and a telephone base support having a second pair of guide rails and adapted to slidably support the telephone base by cooperation between the first and second pairs of guide rails. The telephone base support includes an elastic member for successively engaging the plurality of recesses one by one, so that the telephone base slides on the telephone base support in discrete steps when the user articulates the telephone base.

The present invention relates to the field of telephones. More particularly, the present invention relates to telephones having articulating bases for adjusting the position of the telephone.
Articulating features have been incorporated into current telephones such as the telephone having a slidable speaker unit disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,461,672 to Enokido et al.
Currently, with telephones and liquid-crystal-displays (LCDs) in wide use, both technologies have been integrated to offer consumers telephones with LCD displays. The LCD displays are used to display caller ID, telephone directories, answering machine information, operating instructions, etc.
Because LCDs have a limited optimal viewing angle, however, conventional LCD displays on telephones are often difficult to see without the user having to move to a better viewing position. This problem is aggravated by the multiple locations where the telephones can be placed, on top of a desk or wall mounted, for example.


Multilingual information guidance system and device are provided. To elaborate, the system may include: at least one information output device configured to display guidance information to a user; and an information provision server connected to the information output device and configured to provide guidance information prepared in one or more languages to the information output device according to a request of the information output device. The information output device may output guidance information prepared in the native language corresponding to nationality information of a user, which is read from an RFID tag in which the nationality information of the user is stored or transmitted from the information provision server.

A guidance device that outputs information such as flight schedule or the like in an airport has provided guidance information only in the language of the country where the airport is located or in a few languages of the major countries, such as English language, regardless of nationality or language of a user.
By way of example, a guidance device in Incheon International Airport provides flight schedule information in Korean language, English language, Japanese language, and Chinese language. In this case, users using other languages than the languages used in the guidance device may not understand guidance information or errors may occur. Accordingly, there is a need for a guidance system which displays information translated into the native language corresponding to the nationality of a user and thus enables the user to acquire the information without language discrimination.
In this regard, Korean Patent Laid-open Publication No. 2010-0004852 (entitled "Multilingual automated selection and information system") proposes a system configured to translate a departure or destination city name in a flight or ship schedule into a country code, automatically select a language corresponding to the country code, and automatically broadcast or display guidance information to a user in the selected language.


Disclosed are compounds, pharmaceutical compositions, and methods of treatment. The disclosed compounds are based on fused 1,4-diazepine and pyrrolidinedione scaffolds. The compounds may be utilized in pharmaceutical compositions and methods for treating diseases and disorders associated with cell proliferation such as cancer and may have a formula illustrated as follows:

The field of the invention relates to fused pyrrolo-diazepinones. In particular, the field of the invention relates to substituted fused pyrrolo-diazepinones and uses thereof for treating diseases and disorders such as cell proliferative diseases and disorders such as cancers.
Over 200,000 people a year in the U.S. are diagnosed with lung cancer each year. It is by far the leading cause of cancer death among both men and women. The lung cancer five-year survival rate (17.7 percent) is lower than many other leading cancer sites, such as the colon (64.4 percent), breast (89.7 percent) and prostate (98.9 percent). The five-year survival rate for lung cancer is 55 percent for cases detected when the disease is still localized (within the lungs). However, only 16 percent of lung cancer cases are diagnosed at an early stage. For distant tumors (spread to other organs) the five-year survival rate is only 4 percent. More than half of people with lung cancer die within one year of being diagnosed.
Existing small molecule agents for lung cancer are typically alkylating agents of microtubule stabilizing agents, each of which produces major side effects. Development of new drugs for lung cancer and other cancers and persistent diseases will increasingly rely on the expansion of accessible chemical space to allow exploration of novel molecular targets. Here we report the synthesis of a library of novel fused heterobicyclic small molecules based on 1,4-diazepine and 2,4-pyrrolidinedione scaffolds. Key chemical transformations included a Mannich-type condensation and a chemoselective N-acylation reactions. Screening of these new compounds demonstrates that the new compounds have anti-cancer activity which suggests translational potential of this novel chemical scaffold. Some compounds have particular efficacy against lung cancer cells in vitro.

Substituted fused pyrrolo-diazepinones and uses thereof


A door prop device for the purpose of maintaining a hinged door in a propped-open position against the forces of spring tension, wind, gravity, or other causes, which will effectively function without damaging either the door or any adjacent structure and which will function on doors which pivot on vertical axes, horizontal axes, or any pivot axes orientations between vertical and horizontal. The device comprises a block-shaped prop member and a retainer member attached to the prop member. The retainer member is adapted to be placed over and engage with a hinge pin of an opened door hinge whereby the prop member is caused to assume an obstructing position in the space between the separated plates of the opened hinge. When it is desired to close the door, the door prop device is simply removed from the hinge and the door may then be closed.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to devices for propping-open doors and, more particularly, to a device which is releasably engageable with a conventional butt door hinge for maintaining the door in a propped-open position.
2. Description of the Prior Art
There are a number of situations which require that a hinged door be maintained, at least temporarily, in a propped-open position. These situations may include, inter alia, child safety and/or observation, room ventilation, room cleaning in hotels, motels and hospitals, and furniture moving. Floor-supported wedge type devices for the purpose of propping-open hinged doors that would otherwise close due to spring tension, wind, gravity, or other causes, are known in the prior art.
In instances where the floor surface is slippery or the floor to door bottom height is irregular, a wedge type door stop may have to be repeatedly readjusted or may even be impossible to use. Furthermore, such devices commonly cause damage to the bottoms of laminated doors as well as scuffing and/or scratching of floor surfaces.
An advantage exists, therefore, for a door prop device which will enable a hinged door to be maintained in a propped-open position without damaging either the door or the floor, and which will properly function irrespective of the slipperiness of the floor and the spacing between the door bottom and the floor.
Another advantage exists for a door prop device which will function on doors which pivot on vertical axes, horizontal axes or any axes orientations between vertical and horizontal.
A further advantage exists for a door prop device which is rugged in construction, inexpensive to manufacture, and simple to use.
It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide a door prop device which will enable a hinged door to be maintained in a propped-open position without damaging either the door or the floor, and which will properly function irrespective of the slipperiness of the floor and the spacing between the door bottom and the floor.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a door prop device which will function on doors which pivot on vertical axes, horizontal axes, or any axes orientation between vertical and horizontal.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a door prop device which is rugged in construction, inexpensive to manufacture, and simple to use.
Still other objects and advantages will become apparent in light of the attached drawings and written description of the invention presented hereinbelow.


A fluid distribution system may include a by-pass fluid filter that combines high volume, in-tank fluid filtration with low volume fluid delivery to an external device such as an SCR injector. One or more outlet ports located along the fluid filter housing can be configured to discharge fluid toward other fluid distribution system components. In systems such as SCR systems, where the liquid reducing agent may freeze when not in use, directing already thawed liquid toward other system components can help thaw the frozen reducing agent at desired locations first. The fluid distribution system can also be arranged so that flow through the filter is in the same direction during the distribution cycle and during the purge cycle.

Selective catalytic reduction (SCR) may be used to treat exhaust gases from combustion-type power plants such as internal combustion engines or other fuel burning devices to remove certain types of pollutants. For example, a reducing agent may be introduced into an exhaust gas stream in the presence of a catalyst to remove NOx compounds from the exhaust gases and replace them with gases such as water vapor, nitrogen, and/or carbon dioxide. Urea is one example of a reducing agent that may be used in an SCR system. SCR systems may be configured to deliver stored reducing agent to an injector or other delivery point located at an exhaust system component to disperse or insert the agent into the exhaust stream to be treated.

Fluid distribution system with filtration


Provided is an agent for preventing and/or treating osteogenesis imperfecta, osteoporosis and/or osteoarthritis, the agent comprising a peptide consisting of one of the following amino acid sequences: (a) Val-Asn-Pro-Glu-Ser-Glu-Glu-Glu (SEQ ID NO: 1) and (b) Val-Asn-Pro-Glu (SEQ ID NO: 2). The agent of the present invention can be orally ingested, has osteogenic function, and has a preventive and/or healing-promoting effect on bone fractures and is therefore very useful for prevention and/or treatment of osteogenesis imperfecta, osteoporosis and/or osteoarthritis.

Osteogenesis imperfecta is a disease characterized by bone fragility and is caused by congenital defects in the synthesis of collagen, which is one of the principal components of bones. Typical symptoms are easily breakable bones, progressive bone deformity, etc. The disease occurs in one in approximately 20,000 people, and has been recognized as a rare and intractable disease. During the period of infancy and childhood, patients with osteogenesis imperfecta may experience multiple bone fractures, including frequent long bone fractures and continuous spinal compression fractures, and may also have severe bone deformity, resulting in inability to walk and other disabilities. Even after the patients reach the adulthood, they may require a wheelchair and/or nursing care (Non Patent Literature 1). Bisphosphonates have inhibitory effects on bone resorption and are only one therapeutic option that has been approved as effective for internal treatment of the disease in Japan. Cyclical intravenous administration of bisphosphonates has been proven effective for prevention of bone fractures. Their efficacy is known to be based on their ability to inhibit the activity of osteoclasts and thereby to suppress bone resorption. However, osteoclasts play an important role in the healing of bone fractures during the repair stage, and the inhibitory effects of bisphosphonates on the activity of osteoclasts may reduce the function of osteoclasts. If the patients already have a bone fracture, the administration of bisphosphonates has the risk of delaying the healing of the bone fracture, and is therefore contraindicated in osteogenesis imperfecta patients with bone fractures. Another problem of bisphosphonates is adverse effects, such as hypocalcemia, dyspnea, etc. Accordingly, there is a need for development of a novel osteogenesis-promoting agent that offers enhanced efficacy and safety in the treatment of osteogenesis imperfecta.
Bisphosphonates, based on the observation of the healing process of bone fractures in osteogenesis imperfecta, have also been reported to delay disappearance of fracture lines as compared with no use of bisphosphonates (Non Patent Literature 2). Microfractures occur even in normal bones and accumulation of microfractures is often observed in old bones. Administration of bisphosphonates induces osteopetrosis and increases fractures (Non Patent Literature 3). Bisphosphonates are known not to affect bone growth directly; however, bones grow while maintaining their shapes through continuous remodeling, and if bone remodeling is continuously suppressed by bisphosphonates, the risk of the malformation of bones may arise (Non Patent Literature 4). Accordingly, there is a need for a novel osteogenesis-promoting agent as a therapeutic drug for osteogenesis imperfecta that can promote osteogenesis through a novel mechanism of action without inhibiting the activity of osteoclasts, and thereby is capable of preventing bone fractures and promoting the healing of bone fractures. Most of osteogenesis imperfecta patients are infants and children, and accordingly a novel osteogenesis-promoting agent is also required to cause no growth abnormalities in patients and to be an orally available form that is easily taken.
During skeletal development, most of skeletal bones except the skull bones and the clavicles are formed through the process of endochondral ossification. In other words, each skeletal bone is first formed as cartilage. Then the chondrocytes in the center of the diaphysis of the cartilage hypertrophy, and enter into apoptosis. Osteoblasts and osteoclasts migrate from blood vessels into the central region, and the cartilage is replaced with bone tissue to form a bone (Non Patent Literature 5).
Similarly, during the repair stage in the healing process of bone fractures, mesenchymal stem cell-derived chondrocytes form cartilage around the fracture site and fill the fracture gap prior to fibrous callus formation through membranous ossification. The cartilage is then enlarged. After blood vessel penetration, the cartilage is calcified. The calcified cartilage is then absorbed by osteoclasts, and replaced by bone tissue produced by osteoblasts (endochondral ossification). In this manner, the cartilage produced after bone fractures is exclusively replaced with bone tissue, and the fibrous callus is replaced with the lamellar bone, leading to bone fusion (Non Patent Literature 6). The roles of various types of mesenchymal stem cell-derived cell populations, including chondrocytes, osteoblasts, osteoclasts, etc., in osteogenesis and healing of bone fractures have been gradually clarified.
Certain peptides are known to have a promoting activity on the proliferation of osteoblastic precursor cells (Patent Literature 1). However, the effect of the peptides on osteogenesis and fracture healing in skeletal diseases such as osteogenesis imperfecta is largely unknown. For treatment of osteoporosis and osteoarthritis, several medicinal drugs are currently available, but the efficacy is far from a satisfactory level. In these circumstances, the present invention provides a preventive and/or therapeutic drug for osteogenesis imperfecta, osteoporosis and osteoarthritis as described in detail below.

Preventive and/or therapeutic agent for osteogenesis imperfecta and other diseases