A method is disclosed for forming a split-gate flash memory cell where the floating gate of the cell is self-aligned to isolation, to source and to word line. This multi-self-aligned structure, which provides the maximum shrinkage of the cell that is possible, is also disclosed. The multi-self-alignment is accomplished by first defining the floating gate at the same time the trench isolation is formed, and then self-aligning the source to the floating gate by using a nitride layer as a hard mask in place of the traditional polyoxide, and finally forming a polysilicon spacer to align the word line to the floating gate. Furthermore, a thin floating gate is used to form a thin and sharp poly tip through the use of a "smiling effect" to advantage. The tip substantially decreases the coupling ratio of the floating gate to the word line for fast erasing speed, while at the same time increasing the coupling of the source to the floating gate with the attendant increase in the programming speed of the split gate flash memory cell.

(1) Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to split-gate memory cells used in flash EEPROMs (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memories), and in particular, to a method of forming a split-gate flash memory cell having multi-self-aligned structure.
(2) Description of the Related Art
One of the important drivers for increased performance in computers is the higher levels of integration of circuits. This is accomplished by miniaturizing or shrinking device sizes on a given chip. Tolerances play an important role in being able to shrink dimensions on a chip. Self-alignment of various components in a device can help reduce those tolerances and improve packing density of chips. As is known in the art, a split-gate flash memory cell normally has a floating gate, a control gate, source and drain regions, and none of them are usually self-aligned with respect to each other. That is, floating gate is not aligned to the cell isolation regions, nor to the common source line, nor to the control gate, or word line. This is primarily because of the poly oxide process employed in forming the floating gate. Consequently, it is difficult to shrink such a device. It is disclosed later in the embodiments of the present invention a method of forming a multi-self-aligned structure where the memory cell can be substantially reduced in size with the attendant improved packing density and performance.
A method of forming a conventional split-gate flash memory cell is shown in FIG. 1a where a layer of gate oxide (30) is thermally grown over substrate (10). Next, a first polysilicon layer (40) is formed followed by the deposition of nitride layer (50). A photoresist layer (60) is then spun over the substrate and then patterned with a floating gate pattern as shown in FIG. 1b, which in turn, is etched into the nitride layer (50) as shown in FIG. 1c. The photoresist layer, which is no longer needed, is removed. Next, the first polysilicon that is exposed in the pattern openings in the nitride layer is oxidized to form polyoxide (45) as shown in FIG. 1d. Subsequently, the nitride layer is removed where now polyoxide (45) serves as a hard mask to remove all the first polysilicon portions except those that are covered by the polyoxide (FIG. 1e). As is well known in the art, this is usually accomplished by main etch followed by over-etch. It is at this etching step that the corner edge (47) is usually rounded off, as seen in FIG. 1e, which is not desirable for achieving fast program erase speed described below. It will be shown later in the embodiments of this invention that by employing a "smiling effect", the sharpness of corner edge (47) can be improved such that charge transfer between substrate (10) and floating gate (40), and then the charge transfer between the floating gate and control gate, (60), is fast. The control gate is formed by depositing a second polysilicon layer over intergate layer (50), also known as interpoly, which separates the two polysilicon layers, namely, the floating polygate and the control polygate. The completed split-gate cell structure is shown in FIG. 1f.
Over the years, numerous improvements in the performance as well as in the size of memory devices have been made by varying the simple, basic one-transistor memory cell, which contains one transistor and one capacitor. The variations consist of different methods of forming capacitors, with single, double or triple layers of polysilicon, and different materials for the word and bit lines. In general, memory devices include electrically erasable and electrically programmable read-only memories (EEPROMs) of flash electrically erasable and electrically programmable read-only memories (flash EEPROMS). Many types of memory cells for EEPROMs or flash EEPROMs may have source and drains regions that are aligned to a floating gate or aligned to spacers. When the source and drain regions are aligned to the floating gate, a gate electrode for a select transistor is separate from the control gate electrode of the floating gate transistor. Separate select and control gates increase the size of the memory cell. If the source and drain regions are aligned to a spacer formed after the floating gate is formed, the floating gate typically does not overlie portions of the source and drain regions. Programming and erasing performance is degraded by the offset between the floating gate and source and drain regions.
FIG. 1g, which is an enlarged view of FIG. 1f, is a conventional flash-EEPROM cell where two MOS transistors share a common source (25). A top view is shown in FIG. 1h. FIG. 1g is a cross-sectional view of the cell taken at 1g--1g crossing active region (15) defined by passive filed oxide or isolation region (13). A top view of the shared common source line is referenced as (70) in FIG. 1h.
In the cross-sectional view 1g, the first doped region, (20), lies within the substrate. The second doped region, (25), also lies within substrate (10) and is spaced apart form the first doped region (20). Channel region (23) lies within substrate (10) and between first (20) and second (25) doped regions. Gate oxide layer (30) overlies substrate (10). Floating gate (40), to which there is no direct electrical connection, and which overlies substrate (10), is separated from substrate (10) by a thin layer of gate oxide (30) while control gate (60), to which there is direct electrical connection, is generally positioned over the floating gate with intergate oxide (50) therebetween.
To program the transistor shown in FIG. 1g, charge is transferred from substrate (10) through gate oxide (30) and is stored on floating gate (40) of the transistor. The amount of charge is set to one of two levels to indicate whether the cell has been programmed "on" of "off." "Reading" of the cell's state is accomplished by applying appropriate voltages to the cell source (25), Vs, drain (20), Vd, and to control gate (60), Vg, and then sensing the amount of charge on floating gate (40). To erase the contents of the cell, charges are removed from the floating gate by transferring them to the word line (control gate) through the gate oxide. The path of the charge transfer is shown by arrows (41) in FIG. 1g.
This programming and erasing of an EEPROM is accomplished electrically and in-circuit by using Fowler-Nordheim (FN) tunneling for erasing, and channel-hot electron (CHE) injection for programming, as is well known in the art. FN tunneling usually requires higher voltage than the CHE mechanism. It is common practice use FN tunneling for both write and erase for NAND type of cell architecture, while CHE programming and FN tunneling erasure is used for NOR circuits. The latter approach is shown in FIG. 1g. Thus, in the programming mode, source (25) is coupled to the floating gate through a high voltage which in turn creates a high electric field between floating gate (40) and control gate (60), thereby causing injection of CHEs from substrate (10) to floating gate (40) in FIG. 1g. In the erase mode, on the other hand, the control gate is impressed with a high voltage and electrons are injected from the floating gate to the control gate through the FN tunneling mechanism, usually aided by the poly tip of the floating gate.
In the conventional memory cell shown in FIG. 1g, word lines (not shown) are connected to control gate (60) of the MOS transistor, while the length of the MOS transistor itself is defined by the source (25) drain (20) n+ regions shown in the same Figure. As is well known by those skilled in the art, the transistor channel is defined by masking the n+ regions. However, the channel length of the transistor varies depending upon the alignment of the floating gate (40) with the source and drain regions. This introduces significant variations in cell performance from die to die and from wafer to wafer. Furthermore, the uncertainty in the final position of the n+ regions causes variations in the series resistance of the bit lines connected to those regions, and hence additional variation in the cell performance. The multi-self-aligned structure of the present invention resolves the uncertainty of the prior art.
Erasing and programming speed of a split gate flash memory cell is governed by the capacitive coupling between different parts of the cell. As it will be described more fully later, the programming and erasing of the cell is accomplished by transferring charges between polysilicon or poly parts comprising the floating gate, control gate and the source region in the device substrate. A faster erase speed is achieved if the coupling ratio between the control gate and the floating gate is low, which in turn, is attained by having a thinner floating gate as well as a sharper edge on the gate. With conventional methods of forming split gate cells, it is difficult to have low coupling ratio because of the relatively tall sidewalls of the floating gate. This is compensated to a large extent by forming a sharp edge or tip on the floating gate. On the other hand, higher programming speed is achieved if the coupling ratio between the floating gate and the source region is higher, which can be attained with a thinner floating gate. It is disclosed in the embodiments of the present invention a method of forming a split gate flash memory cell having a thin floating gate and a sharp poly tip in order to improve erasing and programming speed of the cell. The method involves the use of a nitride layer in place of the poly oxide that is conventionally employed in forming the floating gate, and also using to advantage a so-called "smiling effect" which is normally taught away.
In U.S. Pat. No. 5,879,992, Hsieh, et al., provide a method for forming a split-gate flash memory cell having a step poly supporting an interpoly oxide of varying thickness for the purposes of improving the over-all performance of the cell. Polyoxide is formed over portions of a first polysilicon layer which in turn is partially etched to form a step adjacent to the side-wall of a floating gate underlying the polyoxide. A spacer is next formed of a hot temperature oxide over the step poly. An interpoly oxynitride is then formed and control gate is patterned overlapping the floating gate with the intervening interpoly oxide. The step poly and the spacer thereon form proper distances between the control gate and the floating gate while keeping the distance between the poly tip and the control gate unchanged so that appropriate couplings between the control gate and the floating gate, and between the floating gate and the substrate are achieved, thus improving the over-all performance of the split-gate flash memory having a step poly.
In another U.S. Pat. No. 5,858,840, Hsieh, et al., propose a method for forming a short and sharp gate bird's beak in order to increase the erase speed of a split-gate flash memory cell. This is accomplished by implanting nitrogen ions in the first polysilicon layer of the cell and removing them from the area where the floating gate is to be formed. Then, when the polysilicon layer is oxidized to form polyoxide, the floating gate region without the nitrogen ions oxidizes faster than the surrounding area still having the nitrogen ions. Consequently, the bird's beak that is formed at the edges of the polyoxide assumes a sharper shape with smaller size than that is found in prior art. This results in an increase in the erase speed of the memory cell.
A different method of making a split-gate flash EEPROM cell is disclosed by Ahn in U.S. Pat. No. 5,652,161. The method prevents the degradation of the tunnel oxide film of the cell due to the band-to-band tunneling and the secondary hot carrier which are generated by a high electric field formed at the overlap region between the junction region and the gate electrode when programming and erasure operations are performed by a high voltage to the structure in which the tunneling region is separated from the channel with a thick insulation film.
Still another method of making a flash memory for multi-level logic is shown by Lin, et al., in U.S. Pat. No. 5,851,881. The memory device has a poly stacked gate transistor in series with a MONOS transistor. The method begins by forming a tunnel oxide layer on the surface of a semiconductor substrate. The substrate has a stacked gate channel area and a MONOS channel area in the active regions. A poly floating gate electrode is formed over the stacked gate channel region. An ONO layer having a memory nitride layer is formed over the floating gate and the tunnel oxide layer over the MONOS channel region. A control gate electrode is formed over the ONO layer spanning across the poly floating gate electrode and the MONOS channel region. Source/drain regions are formed in the substrate. A poly flash transistor and a MONOS flash transistor combine to form the 4 level logic memory cell of the invention.
Hong, on the other hand, discloses in U.S. Pat. No. 5,427,968 an electronically erasable and reprogrammable memory integrated circuit device having split-gate memory cell with separated tunneling. A silicon substrate having field oxide layers isolating component regions are processed to construct a memory cell in each of the isolated component region. Each of the memory cells includes a drain and source region formed in the silicon substrate, with a channel formed between the drain and source regions. Ring-shaped floating gate surrounds and covers the periphery of the channel and is isolated with the drain and source regions respectively by two thin tunneling oxide layers that are separated from each other. The two separated tunneling oxide layers constitute two separated tunneling regions. A control gate layer covers the ring-shaped floating gate and the portion of the channel that is not covered by the floating gate layer, and is separated from the floating gate by an isolation layer. A gate oxide layer is formed between the control gate layer and channel.
It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that prior art provides methods for partially improving the performance of memory devices through reshaping and reforming the poly tip, affecting the coupling ratios between the substrate and the floating gate, and between the floating gate and the control gate, and also by providing partial self-alignment between different parts, of the cell. It is disclosed later in the embodiments of the present invention a multi-self-aligned structure where all the parts, namely, the floating and control gates, and source and drain regions, are all aligned with respect to each other. This arrangement provides the maximum shrinkage of the cell that is possible. Furthermore, the method makes it possible, through the use of "smiling effect", to form a thin and sharp poly tip in the floating gate, thereby improving the coupling ratio, and hence the over-all performance of the split-gate flash memory device.

Method to fabricate a new structure with multi-self-aligned for split-gate flash

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company


This invention provides an apron having at least one beverage pocket specifically designed for holding beverage containers at a convenient location for easy access by the user. The pocket includes a reinforced outer rim, formed from a durable polymer ring or gusset in an illustrative embodiment. In one implementation, the pocket is located along the lower end of a side wing of the apron so that it is generally below and within easy reach of the wearer's right (or left) hand. The ring/gusset secures an appropriately sized inner beverage pocket pouch that has a depth and perimeter size sufficient to house an average-sized beverage container. The depth of is arranged so that the top of an average container either protrudes slightly, or is completely recessed within the pouch. The pouch may be constructed from one or more layers of insulating material to allow the drink to retain its heat or coolness and preventing transfer of heat/cold to the wearer's body. In an illustrative embodiment, the apron can also include additional convenient features, such as a retractable, lanyard-mounted bottle opener. The retractable cord/lanyard-mounted bottle opener is placed within easy reach of the user, and may be located on the same side of the apron as the pocket, at a position above the pocket, in this embodiment.

Aprons are one of the most popular accessories used by cooks and barbecue enthusiasts. They allow ones clothes to remain clean, even while working around messy food preparation areas where grease and other permanently staining substances are likely to be encountered. Many barbeque aprons feature durable fabric with pockets and a variety of adjustable straps to allow the he apron to accommodate wearers of various sizes. There is typically one strap that is worn around the neck and often another strap worn around the back of the body near the waist or mid torso. In this manner, the apron is easily put on and removed as needed, but still held securely.
Aside from changes in materials and strap arrangements, aprons have changed little over the years. However, new and improved features that can add further conveniences to the wearer are highly desired.


An electronic device includes an imaging device to capture image data. At least one processor is configured to: process the image data to determine whether the image data includes a graphic that changes over time, and pair the electronic device with a second electronic device in response to a determination that the image data includes the graphic that changes over time.

For pairing a hand-held (HH) device to a television device (TV) within a home (assuming that both of devices are using the same access point (AP)), typically the HH device presents a user with a list of all TV devices on the home network. The user would then have to select one of the devices in the list. The TV devices, however, do not know which user is currently in front of a particular TV device.


A multicolor image forming apparatus having an apparatus body and plural kinds of processing devices such as a photoreceptor, an electric charger for providing electric charge on the photoreceptor, an image exposure device for performing image exposure corresponding to multicolor image information on the charged photoreceptor, a developing device including a plurality of developing sub-devices for developing a latent image formed on the exposed photoreceptor into a toner image, a cleaner for cleaning a toner remaining on the photoreceptor after the toner image has been transferred to a copy paper, a plurality of supply devices for supplying toner to each of the plurality of developing sub-devices, and a color process cartridge for accomodating at least the photoreceptor and the plurality of developing sub-devices among the plural kinds of processing devices.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a multicolor image forming apparatus for obtaining color copies by electrophotography in which a latent image formed on a photoreceptor is developed by a plurality of developing means including a multicolor developer.
2. Description of the Related Art
Many methods and apparatuses have been proposed to obtain color images by electrophotography. For instance, Japanese Patent Publication Open to Public Inspection No. 100770/1986 discloses a method for obtaining a color copy which will be explained as follows. Latent images corresponding to the number of decomposed colors of documents, are formed on a photoreceptor. The latent images are transferred onto a transfer drum every time development is conducted and multicolor images are formed on the surface of the transfer drum. After that, they are transferred onto a transfer paper. Color copies are obtained in the way mentioned above. According to this method, the apparatus needs to have a transfer drum having a circumferential surface onto which an image of document size can be transferred. It is unavoidable that the size of the apparatus becomes large and its structure becomes complicated.
For example, Japanese Patent Publication Open to Public Inspection No. 149972/1986 discloses a multicolor image forming apparatus which will be explained as follows. A latent image corresponding to the number of document image basic colors is formed on a photoreceptor and development is conducted. Multicolor copies are obtained by transferring the images onto a transfer paper every time development is conducted. It is difficult to accurately superimpose multicolor images by this method and a color copy with good quality can not be obtained.
There is a multicolor image forming method in which forming a latent image on a photoreceptor corresponding to the number of document image basic colors and development is repeated to superimpose color toner on the photoreceptor, then the color image on the photoreceptor is transferred onto a transfer paper. The basic process of this multicolor image forming method is disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication Open to Public Inspection Nos. 75850/1985, 76766/1985, 95456/1985, 95458/1985, and 158475/1985 by the applicants.
In the multicolor image forming apparatus to obtain color images by the method of superimposition mentioned above, a plurality of developing units containing different colored toner are located around the photoreceptor and the photoreceptor generally makes a plurality of revolutions to develop latent images on the photoreceptor, and color images are obtained.
Furthermore, the applicants offered a proposal to improve the work efficiency of a plurality of developing units with the object of simplifying the structure surrounding the photoreceptor of the above-mentioned color image forming apparatus by the applicants to make the apparatus compact and enhance its function. The content of the proposal is disclosed in Japanese patent application No. 89917/1986 which will be explained as follows. A frame which can contact to and detach from the photoreceptor is mounted on the apparatus. When the frame detaches from the photoreceptor, a plate mounted on the frame is pulled out and a developing apparatus mounted on the plate is removed for cleaning and to supply toner.
On the other hand, concerning a copier in general use, a proposal is offered as disclosed in Japanese patent Publication No. 54392/1983. The content of the proposal is as follows. A photoreceptor, a developing unit, and a cleaner are mounted on a support in a body with the object of making it easy to replace and maintain each unit. In the case of monochrome, all of these units are made in a body and they are disposable for easy replacement. That type of apparatus is disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication Open to Public Inspection No. 154255/1982. In the case of a disposable color cartridge, an apparatus in which a plurality of disposable developing units are built, is disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication Open to Public Inspection No. 72159/1983.
However, these apparatuses do not attain the level of the above-mentioned multicolor image forming apparatus with a plurality of developing units of multicolors and full colors in view of the point that the apparatus is compact and excellent in maintenance efficiency.
In the case where a plurality of developing units are located in the peripheral portion of the photoreceptor, toner flies in all directions in the apparatus during operation, more than in the case of a conventional copier. As a result, maintenance work must be conducted frequently.
On the other hand, the above-mentioned multicolor image forming apparatus in which a color image is obtained by superimposing toner images on the photoreceptor, is complicated in structure and large in size. It is especially necessary that the clearance between a plurality of developing units and the surface of the photoreceptor must be accurately maintained.
In order to take measures against these problems, a color process cartridge is considered a solution, wherein the color process cartridge is one body in which a photoreceptor, a plurality of developing units, and furthermore cleaning means are assembled. When a disposable color process cartridge with a plurality of built-in color developing units is to be used among the above-mentioned various kinds of multicolor image forming apparatuses, the color toner consumption of each developing apparatus is different from each other according to the kind of documents to be copied and especially according to the users. Especially the difference of consumption between black toner and other colored toner is remarkable. For that reason, it is disadvantageous that color cartridges with a plurality of built-in color developing units are used as disposable units. There are various kinds of problems in installing a photoreceptor and a plurality of the developing units, explained as follows
(1) In the multicolor image forming apparatus for developing the above-mentioned general color images, superimposed color images, and the like, the arrangement and the shape of each developing unit differ from each other in view of the fact that each apparatus has a different structure. Therefore, when the photoreceptor is replaced, the developing unit is replaced, or when the developing unit is pulled out to replace toner, the photoreceptor is subject to damage. In order to prevent a developing unit of one color from scratching other color toner images developed on the photoreceptor, or to solve the problem of color mixing, a clearance adjusting mechanism must be installed in each developing unit which adjusts the clearance between the photoreceptor and the developing unit. When the bias must be changed, there are problems in the mechanism and in the time. Its structure is complicated and its operation and maintenance work are very troublesome and, furthermore, a great number of parts are needed in the apparatus. As a result, the apparatus tends to lack reliability.
(2) There is a method which has been known as the rotary developer. In this method, the developing unit which is located at a prescribed position of a body of rotation, is rotated by a prescribed angle to develop each color at a fixed position every time each color is developed. In this method, it is difficult to stop the developing unit at a prescribed position with accuracy. Especially in the non-contact developing method, the mechanism to adjust the clearance (D sd) between the photoreceptor and the developing sleeve is complicated and it is hard to set the photoreceptor and the developing sleeve accurately. Furthermore, it takes time to rotate the developing units, therefore it is difficult to conduct development at a high speed because of the restriction of time.
(3) The variation of the development characteristics is one of the factors which degrades the image quality. The variation of the development characteristics is caused by the fluctuation of D sd stemming from the fluctuation of the diameter of the photoreceptor according to the difference of the temperature between the inside and outside of the apparatus, or the fluctuation of D sd according to the vibration of the inside or outside of the apparatus caused by the machines rotation. Actually, the fluctuation of D sd is required to be .+-.0.02 to 0.03 mm. However, the eccentricity of the photoreceptor shaft is usually .+-.0.005 to 0.01 mm. When the photoreceptor is installed in the apparatus, the clearance between the surface of the photoreceptor and the developing unit is .+-.0.1 to 0.3 mm. When the apparatus is in operation, the fluctuation of the temperature inside the apparatus is 5.degree. to 35.degree. C. According to the fluctuation of the temperature, the photoreceptor now in use, made from aluminum expands and contracts by .+-.0.01 to 0.2 mm. The expansion and contraction of the photoreceptor affect the quality of the image, causing mixing and imbalance of color, in combination with the fluctuation of voltage which is caused by the difference of the relationship of positions of the developing unit, the electrifying unit, and the exposure unit.
The main problems to be solved by the present invention are as follows.
(4) Previously, the applicants invented and proposed a method which is disclosed in Japanese patent application Nos. 181792/1986, 89048/1986, and 89917/1986. The method will be explained as follows. As a developing garage, a unit box is installed on a frame on which a plurality of developing units are mounted being integrated into one body. When the individual developing unit is removed, the developing garage on which a plurality of developing units are mounted is once removed from the photoreceptor drum, then the individual developing unit is pulled out from the garage. The problem of this invention is when the individual developing unit is removed, toner is scattered, and scattered toner drops into the apparatus and causes mixing of colors.
(5) The applicants improved the invention which was disclosed in the above-mentioned Japanese patent application Nos. 18172/1986 and 89048/1986, and applied for a patent of Japanese patent application Nos. 234494/1987, 294918, and 320597/1987. In these patents the applicants proposed a color image forming apparatus the details of which will be described as follows. Various process units mainly consisting of a plurality of developing units, a cleaning unit, and the like are mounted on the apparatus equipped with a photoreceptor, together with a slidable frame which is capable of being pulled out and pushed in quickly. Each developing unit which can be dismounted from a toner hopper mounted on the apparatus, can be replaced for maintenance.
However, this invention did not reach a higher level than a disposable color developing unit cartridge in which the individual developing unit is replaced according to the consumption of toner, in order to show consideration for promoting customer's merit and making the apparatus compact.

Multicolor image forming apparatus with separately removable and insertable assembly units


The invention provides a multi-piece solid golf ball having a core, an envelope layer which encloses the core, an intermediate layer which encloses the envelope layer, and a cover which encloses the intermediate layer and has formed on a surface thereof a plurality of dimples. The core is formed primarily of a rubber material, the envelope layer is formed primarily of a specific resin mixture, the intermediate layer is formed primarily of a resin material, and the cover is formed primarily of polyurethane. The intermediate layer and the cover have surface hardnesses (Durometer D hardness) which satisfy the relationship: intermediate layer surface hardness>cover surface hardness. The golf ball has an excellent flight performance and controllability that are acceptable to professionals and other skilled golfers, while also having an excellent durability to cracking on repeated impact and an excellent scuff resistance.

The present invention relates to a multi-piece solid golf ball composed of a core, an envelope layer, an intermediate layer and a cover that have been formed as successive layers. More specifically, the invention relates to a multi-piece solid golf ball for professionals and other skilled golfers which is endowed with an excellent flight performance and good controllability.
A variety of golf balls have hitherto been developed for professionals and other skilled golfers. Of these, multi-piece solid golf balls in which the hardness relationship between an intermediate layer covering the core and the cover layer has been optimized are in wide use because they achieve both a superior distance in the high head speed range and controllability on shots taken with an iron and on approach shots. Another important concern is the proper selection of thicknesses and hardnesses for the respective layers of the golf ball in order to optimize not only flight performance, but also the feel of the ball when played and the spin rate of the ball after being struck with the club, particularly given the large influence of the spin rate on control of the ball. A further key concern in ball development, arising from the desire that golf balls also have durability under repeated impact and scuff resistance against burr formation on the surface of the ball when repeatedly played with different types of clubs, is how best to protect the ball from external factors.
The three-piece solid golf ball having an outer layer cover formed primarily of a thermoplastic polyurethane which is disclosed in JP-A 2004-180822 was intended to meet such a need. However, because this golf ball does not have a sufficiently reduced spin rate when hit with a driver, it is often unable to deliver a distance that is acceptable to professionals and other skilled golfers. Moreover, it also has a poor durability.
Meanwhile, efforts to improve the flight and other performance characteristics of golf balls have led to the development of balls having a four-layer construction, i.e., a core enclosed by three intermediate or cover layers, that allows the ball construction to be varied among the several layers at the interior. Such golf balls have been disclosed in, for example, JP-A 9-248351, JP-A 10-127818, JP-A 10-127819, JP-A 10-295852, JP-A 10-328325, JP-A 10-328326, JP-A 10-328327, JP-A 10-328328 and JP-A 11-4916.
Yet, as golf balls for the skilled golfer, the above balls provide a poor balance of distance and controllability or fall short in terms of achieving a lower spin rate on shots with a driver, thus limiting the degree to which the total distance can be increased. Moreover, with these golf balls, it has been difficult to achieve in the same ball a good spin rate-lowering effect, good rebound and good durability.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.


A moving image reproduction apparatus includes an instruction unit, an acquisition unit, a playback speed determination unit, and a moving image reproduction unit. The instruction unit is configured to issue a change instruction for changing a playback target to another moving image while a selected moving image is being played back. The acquisition unit is configured to, if the change instruction has been issued by the instruction unit, acquire a playback time of the moving image which has been played back until the change instruction. The playback speed determination unit is configured to determine a playback speed of the moving image to be played back after the change instruction, according to the playback time. The moving image reproduction unit is configured to play back the moving image instructed for reproduction by the change instruction at the playback speed.

1. Field of the Invention
Embodiments of the present invention relate to a moving image reproduction apparatus and a moving image reproduction method that reproduces a moving image.
2. Description of the Related Art
For example, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-221999, there is discussed a technique for shooting, at a high frame rate, a momentary image that is impossible to perceive with human eyes, and recording it as a moving image. Hereinafter, the moving image acquired at the high frame rate is referred to as a high-speed moving image. There is available an apparatus that reproduces the high-speed moving image at a slow speed so that a momentary motion may be perceived, when the high-speed moving image is reproduced.
However, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-221999, even when a desired moving image is searched for in a hurry from among a plurality of still images and moving images, the high-speed moving image would be reproduced slowly. Thus, there is a problem that an outline of the moving image may not be efficiently grasped.

Moving image reproduction apparatus and method


A combined wheelbarrow and beach chair apparatus (10) comprising pivotally attached framework units (11) and (12) having a flexible cargo unit (14) suspended between them and a pivoted wheel assembly unit (13) attached to one of the framework units (11) and provided with members to vary the angular orientation of the wheel assembly unit (13) relative to the framework units (11) (12) and, a removeable support unit (15) which will change the apparatus (10) from a chaise lounge/wheelbarrow configuration to a chair configuration.

This invention was the subject matter of Document Disclosure Program Registration No. 160,149 which was filed in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on Dec. 4, 1986.
As can be seen by reference to the following U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,826,511; 4,261,590; 2,896,960; and 2,967,058; the prior art is replete with myriad and diverse collapsible wheelbarrow constructions.
While all of the aforementioned prior art constructions are more than adequate for the basic purpose and function for which they have been specifically designed, these prior art devices are severely limited in both the number and variation of useful configurations available to the user between the fully collapsed and the fully extended dispositions of the patented wheelbarrow constructions.
In essence it seems that the state of the art in this particular area of technology has barely advanced beyond the collapsible or flexible wheelbarrow receptacle stage; and, has not even approached the point wherein pivoted or articulated frame components have been more than superficially investigated.
As a consequence of the foregoing situation, there has existed a longstanding need among users of wheelbarrows in general for a multiple use wheelbarrow construction which employs an articulated framework having both moveable and slideable components to produce a variety of useful configurations; and, the provision of such a construction is a stated objective of the present invention.

Combined beach chair and wheelbarrow apparatus


The present invention is to provide a sheet conveying device capable of reducing noise. The sheet conveying device includes an endless belt that gives a conveying force to a sheet and a rotating member engaged with an outer peripheral portion of the endless belt. The endless belt has, on its outer peripheral portion, a plurality of convex portions arranged in a peripheral direction thereof, the convex portions each extending in a width direction thereof. The rotating member has a contact portion that contacts the outer peripheral portion of the endless belt and deforms a plurality of points of each of the convex portions in the width direction.

Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a sheet accumulating device that loads and accumulates thereon sheets that have been fed to a sheet discharge port and to improvement of a conveying mechanism that conveys sheets fed from the sheet discharge port to a predetermined position.
Description of the Related Art
There are various types of mechanisms that load and accumulates, on a loading surface disposed downstream of a sheet discharge port, sheets on which an image has been formed by an image forming apparatus. For example, a post-processing device disclosed in Patent Document 1 is connected to the sheet discharge port of the image forming apparatus, guides the image-formed sheets to a predetermined post-processing tray and accumulates the sheets thereon, and houses the post-processed sheets in a downstream side stack tray.
More specifically, in Patent Document 1, processing tray is disposed downstream of the sheet discharge port, and the processing tray is provided with a sheet end regulating section that regulates positions of sheet ends by making the sheet ends abut thereagainst and an endless belt mechanism that conveys the sheets to the regulating section.
In the endless belt mechanism, a flexible belt is suspended from above the processing tray onto a topmost sheet and rotated in a conveying direction. In general, such a belt has on its surface a plurality of convexes with a V-shaped cross section. Forming the convexes on the belt surface increases friction with the sheet that contact the belt surface, allowing reduction of a pressing force that presses the belt against the sheet.

Sheet conveying device and sheet accumulating device provided with the same


A display apparatus includes: a display panel, a guide panel coupled to a rear surface of the display panel, a main frame coupled to the guide panel, and a force sensor module disposed between the guide panel and the main frame. The force sensor module includes: a sensor bar including one or more sensor rods, the one or more sensor rods extending from a central portion of the main frame toward a peripheral portion of the main frame, and a strain gauge provided at each of the one or more sensor rods.

Recently, a display apparatus is installed even in a vehicle, and a user operates the display apparatus using a touch sensor or a force sensor.
Since a force sensor according to a related art is disposed in several layers behind the display module, there are problems that the force sensor has a complicated structure and increases a thickness of the display apparatus.
Korean Patent Application Publication No. 10-2010-0129420 discloses a display apparatus having a pressure sensor that senses a touch pressure by measuring deformation of a metal resistance layer on the side of a free end of the force sensor so that a force sensor module can be slim.
However, the related art has problems in that it is not possible to uniformly sense a pressure of a user's touch pressure regardless of a position of the user's touch because the force sensor is disposed at an edge of the display and that a large number of force sensors are required.
In addition, the related art has a problem in that it is difficult to accurately install a force sensor at a predetermined design position.
In addition, the related art has a problem in that the force sensor cannot operate accurately due to fatigue during long-term use.


A curable composition that maintains good handleability in the liquid form and that can be photo- or heat-cured to form a cured product having physical properties including both high transparency and high flexural strength. A curable composition includes, an epoxy compound of (1):

Conventionally, an epoxy resin has been widely used as an epoxy resin composition in combination with a curing agent in the electronic materials field. In such an electronic materials field, in order to be applied to, for example, a high refractive index layer of an anti-reflective coating (for example, an anti-reflective coating for liquid crystal displays), an optical thin film (for example, a reflection plate), a sealing material for electronic parts, a printed circuit board, and an interlayer dielectric material (for example, an interlayer dielectric material for built-up printed boards), forming materials are required to have performances such as high adhesion to a substrate, hard coating properties, high heat resistance, and high transparency to visible light.
In general, a crystalline epoxy resin has a rigid main chain skeleton or is multifunctional and hence has high heat resistance. Therefore, such a resin is used in a field requiring heat-resistant reliability, for example, in an electrical and electronic field.
However, in some fields to which such an epoxy resin is applied, molding cannot be performed except by, for example, casting using a liquid composition. The crystalline epoxy resin is limited to be applied to the molding using a solid material, for example, transfer molding, and the application range is limited.
Conventionally, an epoxy resin used for liquid molding such as casting is a liquid epoxy resin. Hence, such an epoxy resin is difficult to achieve sufficiently satisfactory improvement of physical properties of a cured product, such as heat resistance of which requirement has been increased in fields such as adhesion, casting, sealing, molding, and lamination. To address this, there is an increasing demand for liquefaction of a crystalline multifunctional epoxy resin that can provide a cured product having physical properties such as high heat resistance. In addition, there is a demand for photo- or heat-curing of the liquid epoxy resin.
Meanwhile, there has been disclosed an epoxy resin that is obtained by liquefaction of a highly crystalline epoxy compound such as tris-(2,3-epoxypropyl)-isocyanurate of which some of epoxy groups are esterified to reduce crystalline properties (see Patent Document 1).
There has been also disclosed a compound having a triazinetrione ring to which an epoxy ring is bonded through a long chain alkylene group (see Patent Document 2).
There have been further disclosed an epoxy compound having a triazinetrione ring to which an epoxy ring is bonded through a long chain alkylene group and an epoxy resin composition using the epoxy compound (see Patent Documents 3, 4, and 5).
In addition, there have been disclosed an epoxy compound having a triazinetrione ring to which an epoxycyclohexyl group is bonded through an oxyalkylene group and an epoxy resin composition using the epoxy compound (see Patent Document 6).

Long-chain alkylene-containing curable epoxy resin composition

Abstract: [where each of E1, E2, and E3 is independently an organic group of Formula (2) or Formula (3); and each of R1, R2, and R3 is independently an optionally branched alkylene group or oxyalkylene group:

Abstract: (where R4 is a hydrogen atom or a methyl group)]; and an acid generator.


A photo cathode converts an incident light into photoelectrons. A photomultiplier kept vacuum inside thereof, amplifies photoelectrons converted by the photo cathode. Photoelectrons intensified by the photomultiplier arrives at an output electrode array, and a current signal produced by the photoelectrons arriving at the output electrode array is directly read outside the photomultiplier via metal bulbs or anisotropic conductive rubber.

In order to improve the sensitivity and the resolution of the photoelectric imaging sensor, there is a proposed photoelectric imaging sensor comprising: a photo cathode converting an incident light into photoelectrons; a photomultiplier, kept vacuum inside thereof, intensifying photoelectrons converted by the photo cathode; a plurality of output electrodes at which photoelectrons intensified by the photomultiplier arrives; and a plurality of signal pick-up electrodes corresponding to these output electrodes. In the proposed photoelectric imaging sensor, an integrated circuit is incorporated into the signal pick-up electrode and each output electrode is insulated from the corresponding signal pick-up electrode. (For example, Patent Document 1)
Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 28,997/94

Photoelectric imaging sensor and two-dimensional output electrode array used therein


A method comprising identifying a mood media item association with an object media item, the mood media item being a media item of a face of a user while the object media item is being viewed by the user, determining an object that is associated with the object media item, and causing establishment of an association between the object and the mood media item is disclosed.

Electronic apparatuses, such as mobile communication apparatuses, are becoming more and more pervasive. Apparatuses can perform numerous functions and a user can provide inputs that will cause an apparatus to take desired actions or change its behavior based on the inputs. It may be desirable for user interaction with an apparatus to be convenient for the user. It may also be desirable to design the apparatus so that the apparatus functions in ways that excite the user.

Establishment of an association between an object and a mood media item


A sensor assembly for use in actuating an electronic detonator in response to a shock tube event propagated through a shock tube, the sensor assembly including support, and at least one sensor on a surface of the support, the support being configured to position the at least one sensor displaced laterally from a line of action of the shock tube event.

This invention relates to a sensing assembly for use with in a blasting system. In particular the invention relates to a sensing assembly that is operable to actuate an electronic detonator upon sensing a shock tube event without exposing a sensor on the assembly directly to a physical process resulting from signal propagation by a shock tube.
WO2012/009732 describes a timing module for use within a detonating system which includes discriminating and validating arrangements which sense and validate parameter characteristics produced by a shock tube event, and an electronic timer which executes a timing interval in response thereto. An end of a shock tube is connected via a coupling to a housing which contains the timing module. Various sensors are arranged in the coupling so that the sensors are exposed to a shock tube event resulting from signal propagation by the shock tube.
The shock tube event produces gasses and particles at high pressures and high temperatures which can be sufficiently severe to damage the sensors which are exposed to the event, before the sensors can complete their detecting and sensing functions and relay data thereon to downstream electronic circuiting. This, in turn, can result in a malfunction of the detonator.
An aim of the invention is to provide a sensor assembly to address, at least in part, the aforementioned situation.


A submersible remotely operable vehicle used for inspection of liquid cooled electrical transformers can include a number of separate cameras and sensors for mapping and navigating the internal structure of the transformer with liquid coolant remaining in the transformer. The remotely operable vehicle can be wirelessly controlled to perform various inspection functions while the number of cameras provide video streams for processing to produce a three dimensional field of view based on an observation position of the remotely operable vehicle.

Power transformers are a key component in power transformation and distribution. Large power transformers are extremely heavy, and are difficult to transport and replace. In addition, transformers have a limited life span even if not damaged, and it is necessary to periodically maintain and repair power transformers. While online monitoring, dissolved gas analysis, noise level monitoring and related technologies are often used to identify potential problems that a transformer may have, the maintenance and repair work is required to be performed on site or in a repair shop, both of which require draining of the transformer oil. Thus, physically accessing the interior of the transformer for inspection by a human can be a costly and time consuming undertaking. There are also safety and environmental considerations involved in the manual inspection, draining and refilling operations.
Therefore, the capability of inspecting the interior of a large power transformer with the cooling oil remaining in the tank is highly desired by the transformer servicing and manufacturing industry. However, internal inspection of transformers is typically possible in only limited applications, such as by using standard visual tools like borescopes for smaller size units. For medium and large power transformers, due to technical issues such as cable length and controlling the borescope, only limited internal areas of the transformer are able to be visually inspected. Thus, many transformer defects such as damage to transformer windings have to be detected by using indirect techniques, such as by analyzing temperature of the oil, detection of gasses that appear in the oil under certain conditions, and noise level, for example. Accordingly, there remains a need for further contributions in this area of technology.

Submersible inspection vehicle with navigation and mapping capabilities


Improved methods and apparatus that make more accurate and reduces risk of filling reaction chambers of cartridge cells with blood samples to conduct blood coagulation tests of the type employing the plunger technique are disclosed. A cartridge holder is provided that secures a test cartridge in a fixed upright position and deflects the plunger flag of each cartridge cell to enable manual insertion of a blood dispenser deeply into the reaction chamber to fill the reaction chamber and avoid contamination of surfaces of the cartridge outside the reaction chamber. Preferably, the cartridge holder provides illumination of the reaction chamber during filling, so that the user can judge when the reaction chamber is properly filled with blood dispensed from the blood dispenser. The cartridge holder may incorporate image magnification to facilitate viewing of the reaction chamber as it is filled.

Blood coagulation is a complex chemical and physical reaction that occurs when blood (herein, "blood" shall mean whole blood, citrated blood, platelet concentrate or plasma, unless otherwise specified) comes into contact with an activating agent, such as an activating surface or an activating reagent. In accordance with one simplified conceptual view, the whole blood coagulation process can be generally viewed as three activities: platelet adhesion, platelet aggregation, and formation of a fibrin clot. In vivo, platelets flow through the blood vessels in an inactivated state because the blood vessel lining, the endothelium, prevents activation of platelets. When a blood vessel is damaged, however, the endothelium loses its integrity and platelets are activated by contact with tissue underlying the damaged site. Activation of the platelets causes them to become "sticky" and adhere together. Additional platelets then adhere to the activated platelets and also become activated. This process continues until a platelet "plug" is formed. This platelet plug then serves as a matrix upon which blood clotting proceeds.
If the chemical balance of the blood is suitable, thrombin is then produced that causes fibrinogen to convert to fibrin, which forms the major portion of the clot mass. During clotting, additional platelets are activated and trapped in the forming clot, contributing to clot formation. As clotting proceeds, polymerization and cross-linking of fibrin results in the permanent clot. Thus, platelet activation plays a very important function in blood coagulation.
The clinical assessment of clotting function has long been recognized to be important in the management of surgical patients. Preoperatively, the assessment of the clotting function of the patient's blood is utilized as a predictor of risk of patient bleeding, allowing advanced preparation of blood components. Perioperative monitoring of the clotting function of the patient's blood is also important because coagulopathies can be induced by hemodilution of procoagulants, fibrinogen and platelets, by consumption of coagulation factors during surgical procedures, or by cardiopulmonary bypass. Post operative assessment of clotting function is also crucial to the patient's successful recovery. For example, 3-5% of cardiopulmonary bypass patients require surgical reoperation to stop bleeding. Prompt assessment of clotting function could rule out coagulopathy as the cause of bleeding and could avoid unnecessary surgery that adds to patient morbidity and treatment costs.
Several tests of coagulation are routinely utilized to assess the complicated cascade of events leading to blood clot formation and test for the presence of abnormalities or inhibitors of this process. Among these tests are platelet count (PLT), prothrombin time (PT), partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), activated clotting time (ACT), fibrinogen level (FIB) and fibrinogen degradation product concentrations. The aPTT test can also be used to assess the degree of anticoagulation resulting from heparin administration, while the PT test results can indicate the level of anticoagulation produced by warfarin administration.
During heart bypass surgery, the platelets of blood circulated in an extracorporeal circuit may become activated by contact with the materials present in the extracorporeal circuit. This activation may be reversible or irreversible. Once platelets are irreversibly activated, they lose their ability to function further. A deficiency of functional platelets in the blood may be indicative of an increased probability of a post-operative bleeding problem. Such a deficiency, and the, resulting post-operative bleeding risk, could be remedied by a transfusion of platelet concentrate. Platelet functionality tests, e.g., the ACT test, can identify a deficiency of platelets or functional platelets and aid the attending surgeon in ascertaining when to administer a platelet concentrate transfusion. Such a test is further useful in ascertaining the efficacy of a platelet transfusion. By performing the platelet functionality test following a platelet transfusion, it is possible to determine if additional platelet concentrate transfusions are indicated. Real-time assessment of clotting function at the operative site is preferred to evaluate the result of therapeutic interventions and also to test and optimize, a priori, the treatment choice and dosage.
A number of different medical apparatuses and testing methods have been developed for measuring and determining platelet activation and coagulation-related conditions of blood that can be used in real time during surgery, particularly bypass surgery, on fresh drawn blood samples or that can be used after some delay on citrated blood samples. Some of the more successful techniques of evaluating blood clotting and coagulation of fresh or citrated blood samples employ plunger techniques disclosed in commonly assigned U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,599,219, 4,752,449, 5,174,961, 5,314,826, 5,925,319, and 6,232,127, for example.
As shown in the figures of the '127 patent, for example, these automated instruments employing the plunger technique for measuring and detecting coagulation and coagulation-related activities receives a blood filed syringe and a cartridge. The cartridge includes a plurality of test cells, each of which is defined by a tube-like member having an upper reaction chamber where the analytical test is carried out and a lower reagent chamber that contains a reagent or reagents and/or other compounds as disclosed in the above-referenced commonly assigned patents. For example, the reagents and compounds in at least one of the cells comprise a platelet activation reagent to activate coagulation of the blood in order to determine the ACT.
As disclosed in the above-referenced '127 patent, certain discoveries have been made which contribute to a better understanding of the role of platelets in an ACT test. Such discoveries suggest that the activation of the platelets has a significant and previously unappreciated effect on ACT test results. While it has long been suspected that platelet activation contributes to total blood coagulation times, until fairly recently, there has been no technique available for confirming and quantifying the impact of platelet activation on ACT. The above-referenced '826 patent discloses an improved ACT test that includes a platelet activation phase to accommodate the effects of platelet activation. An activating reagent is mixed with a sample of blood to be tested, and then the mixture is gently agitated in such a manner and for a period of time sufficient to establish a predetermined and predictable contribution to the ACT from platelet activation. Two simultaneous ACT tests (with different platelet activation phases) are performed to evaluate platelet function, and the difference between the resulting ACT tests is indicative of the platelet functionality of the sample of blood. In a further improvement disclosed in the above-referenced '319 patent, the sample of blood is mixed with a chemical platelet activating agent to facilitate the participation of active platelets in the blood clotting reaction, thereby shortening the clotting time of the blood. If the platelets are inactive or not functioning normally, the activator will have minimal or no effect on the clotting time.
More particularly, each cartridge cell is formed by a downwardly tapered, open-ended, tube of transparent glass or plastic material. A resilient, flexible, sliding plug seals the lower end opening of the tube below the reagent chamber. The sliding plug is adapted to be engaged and driven upward into the reagent chamber by a plug driver shaft of the instrument. The tube wall is shaped to define an inwardly projecting annular seat intermediate the upper reaction chamber and the lower reagent chamber. The annular seat defines an upper annular sealing surface and a lower annular sealing surface. Each cartridge cell contains an elongated plunger that comprises an elongated plunger shaft extending between an upper, laterally extending "flag" disposed above the tube upper end opening and a sealing washer or disk (also referred to as a "daisy") that is initially seated against the upper and lower annular sealing surfaces to seal the reaction chamber from the reagent chamber when a blood sample is dispensed into the reaction chamber. The plunger shaft is disposed in the center of the reaction chamber when the plunger is seated.
The use of the instrument and the cartridge is depicted in FIG. 5 of the above-referenced '127 patent. A syringe filled with blood is manually inserted into a syringe receptacle of the instrument. The cartridge is manually inserted into a cartridge receptacle of the automated coagulation timer instrument. Discrete blood samples are automatically dispensed from the syringe into the upper reaction chambers of the cells. When the test commences, an actuator of the instrument engages all of the flags of the plunger assemblies in the cells of the cartridge and lifts the plunger assemblies to unseat the respective sealing disks. At the same time, the plug driver shafts are driven upward against the plugs to move the plugs upward and force the contents of the reagent chambers through the seat opening into the reaction chambers to be mixed with the blood samples. The plunger assemblies are moved up and down one or more times to mix the blood samples and reagent. The plunger flags are lifted to a starting position and released by the actuator. The plunger assembly descends by the force of gravity, resisted by the viscosity of the blood in the reaction chamber, until the sealing disk either contacts the upper annular sealing surface or is halted by contact with a blood clot that forms in the reaction chamber above the upper annular sealing surface.
The movement of the flag of the plunger assembly is photo-optically tracked by the instrument. The instrument detects and times out the movement of the plunger assembly and the point at which it stops descending in a manner disclosed in the above-referenced '127, '219, and '319 patents. The coagulation-related activity is detected upon a sufficient change in the descent rate and indicated by the instrument. In particular, the ACT of the blood in each cell of the cartridge is timed out, displayed, and stored in memory, and the cartridge array is withdrawn from the cartridge receptacle.
A less expensive and simplified, ACT II® automatic coagulation timer, is commercially sold by the assignee of this patent application that receives a cartridge having two cells of the type described above that are already filled with blood by a user as described below. The ACT II® instrument does not include the receptacle for the blood filled syringe and the automatic blood dispenser for moving the syringe over each upper cell opening and ejecting the blood sample from the syringe.
In use of the simplified ACT II® instrument to determine coagulation time of a whole blood sample or plasma in an operative procedure, the user typically draws the patient's whole blood or plasma into a syringe and then manually dispenses the blood samples into the upper reaction chambers of the two cartridge cells. For samples that are citrated, the use of a precision pipettor and pipette tips can alternatively be used. It is important that the amount of blood dispensed into each reaction chamber be relatively equal and sufficient in volume without over-filling the reaction chamber to accurately perform the ACT tests and avoid contamination of the instrument. Thus, the user must carefully judge and visually observe the amount of blood ejected from the syringe or pipettor into the reaction chamber.
The blood must dispensed deeply into the reaction chamber to avoid depositing blood droplets on the flag or on the plunger shaft above the upper level of the blood sample that would tend to weight the plunger and contaminate the cartridge receptacle of the instrument. Thus, the user must take care to properly deposit the blood sample into the reaction chamber of each cell.
The flag must be manually deflected to one side of the cell without breaking the seal between the upper reaction chamber and the lower reagent chamber to insert the needle or pipette tip into the upper open end. Therefore, the user typically grasps the cartridge and pushes the flag aside with a gloved finger when the needle tip or pipette tip is inserted through the upper open end. The syringe needle tips are sharp, and there is a possibility of a needle puncture of the user's finger or hand when holding the cartridge steady and upright and diverting the flag aside to insert the needle tip into the upper open end.
Thus, although previous instruments using the plunger sensing technique have proven generally satisfactory, the need for certain enhancements has been identified.


To manage heat in a computer environment or the like, a base plate and/or a input/output (I/O) plate includes an integrated heat pipe. For example, the base plate, located between a bottom surface of a laptop computer chassis and a printed circuit board (PCB) or motherboard would include a heat-pipe network that draws heat away from the heat generating components of the PCB (e.g., a processor) and distributes the heat over the base plate. The I/O plate may also serve the same purpose, located at an end of the PCB. The base plate heat pipe and I/O plate heat pipe are thermally coupled together or are of a unitary design so as to distribute the heat generated in the laptop computer over a larger area achieving a relatively low-temperature isothermal design.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention pertains to an apparatus for managing heat in a computer environment or the like. More particularly, the present invention pertains to a method and apparatus for managing heat generated by electronic circuitry using a base plate and/or input/output plate with an integrated heat pipe.
2. Background Information
Electronic circuits, particularly integrated circuit (IC) chips, tend to generate an appreciable amount of heat during operation. If the heat is not sufficiently removed from the ambient area surrounding the IC chip, the electronic circuit therein may not operate properly. For example, specifications for a Pentium.RTM. processor (Intel Corporation, Santa Clara, Calif.) operating at 66 Megahertz (MHZ) provide a maximum temperature of 70.degree. C. for the ambient air surrounding the processor. Thus, if the temperature of the ambient air surrounding the processor exceeds this maximum temperature, there exists a possibility that the processor will not operate correctly.
Referring to FIG. 1, a view of a laptop computer 10 is shown. Laptop computer 10 includes a screen 11 and a main chassis 12. As is known in the art, the main chassis includes a keyboard component 13 having a support plate onto which is mounted a printed circuit board (PCB) and a plurality of keys. Under keyboard component 13 is another PCB 15 (sometimes referred to as a motherboard) which may include components such as one or more processors (e.g., a Pentium.RTM. processor), memory modules, and a variety of other electronic components. PCB 15 may be mounted to a base plate 17 extending over an area of a base 18 of laptop computer 10. Laptop computer 10 also includes an Input/Output (I/O) plate 19 which is at a back end 20 of the computer 10 in this example. The I/O plate 19 includes a number of openings that house connections that may be coupled to any of a variety of peripheral devices (e.g., an external floppy drive, a docking station, etc.).
Certain components on PCB 15 (e.g., the processor) generate more heat than others. Some known methods for dissipating heat from the Pentium.RTM. processor set forth above are described in Application Note APA480 "Pentium.RTM. Processor Thermal Design Guidelines Rev. 2.0," Nov. 1995 (see, e.g., Pentium.RTM. and Pentium.RTM. Pro Processors and Related Products, 1996, pp. 2-1337 to 2-1363 obtainable from McGraw-Hill Book Company). These methods include the placement of a heat sink on top of the processor and increasing air flow over the processor so that the ambient air (heated by the processor) may be removed. In a personal computer environment, the processor is typically coupled electrically to other devices on a PCB. These other devices also generate heat and employ the above identified heat removing methods to operate correctly.
Another device for removing heat from a component, such as a processor, is a heat pipe. A heat pipe typically has a round cross-section including two paths extending the length of the pipe. The heat pipe (e.g., an end of the heat pipe) is placed proximately to a component, such as a processor. Working fluid in the heat pipe (e.g., water) is heated at the component and vaporized. The vapor travels away from the component in a hollow, first path of the heat pipe (this first path typically has a relatively large cross-sectional area). Eventually, the vapor is cooled at another location in the heat pipe. For example, the vapor may be cooled over a heat sink device mentioned above. The vapor condenses to form working fluid and the working fluid travels back to the processor through a second path, sometimes referred to as a wick structure, via capillary action. Thus, the heat pipe continuously circulates working fluid and vapor to remove heat from the processor. Further details on the operation of heat pipes can be found in Handbook of Applied Thermal Design (1989, ed., Eric C. Guyer, pp. 7-50 to 7-58).
The use of devices for managing heat becomes very important in mobile computer systems, such as laptop computer 10 shown in FIG. 1. Because of their small size, especially in height, there is generally insufficient space for air flow past components in a laptop computer. Base plate 17 is made of a metal such as steel or aluminum which tends to conduct the heat generated by components on PCB 15 to all areas of base plate 17. Also, base plate 17 and I/O plate 19 may be combined into a single L-shaped plate 25 shown in FIG. 2. Doing so expands the area for spreading the heat generated by PCB components. Due to the relatively poor thermal conductivity of these metals, thermal gradients do occur in the base plate, which in turn causes some sections of base plate 17 and/or I/O plate 19 to be warmer than others thus limiting the thermal capabilities.
Heat pipes, as described above, may be used to improve heat management in laptop computers having a base plate 17 and I/O plate 19. The heat pipe is typically used to couple the heat of the processor to the base plate 17. Doing so has at least two significant drawbacks. First, incorporating heat pipes into the computer structure increases manufacturing costs and complexity in that it is desirable for the heat-pipe to be precisely placed and attached to the PCB adding a number of manufacturing steps to laptop computer fabrication. Also, the heat pipe is attached to the PCB in different locations creating a situation where some areas on the PCB are hotter than others. These differences in temperature may be perceived by a user, and the efficiency of the heat removal system is reduced. Accordingly, there is a need for an apparatus for improving heat management for electronic circuits, especially for laptop and notebook computers.

Apparatus for managing heat in a computer environment or the like


A method and apparatus for allowing a user to repetitively bounce into the air, includes a first and second support, each having a first and second end. A base being coupled to the first and second supports at the second ends. At least one compression resistance system being coupled with the base. The compression resistance system is configured to provide an uncompression force. First and second handles being coupled with the first ends of the first and second supports, respectively. When in use a user stands on the base between the first and second support and provides a first force on the apparatus. The user releases the first force and receives a second force. The user then stops exerting the second force and repeats the steps of providing the first force, releasing the first force and receiving the uncompression force.

This invention pertains to a method and apparatus for recreational and sporting activities, and more particularly to a method and apparatus for vaulting a user into the air.
A pogostick is well known in the art. However, the pogostick puts the user in danger of injury due to the placement of the vertical support. Traditional pogosticks present unneeded risk of injury to the chest, neck and face, as the vertical support is positioned along the midline of the body.
Traditional pogosticks are unstable and difficult to operate due to its non-adjustable nature. Further, traditional pogosticks are limited in the amount of motion and dynamic exercise they allow users.
The present invention advantageously addresses the needs above as well as other needs by providing an apparatus for continuously or repeatedly bouncing or being vaulted into the air comprising: a first support and a second support; a base having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the base is fixed with a second end of the first support and the second end of the base is fixed with a second end of the second support; and a compression resistance system secured with the base, and the compression resistance system being configured to provide an uncompression force.
In another embodiment, the invention provides an apparatus for allowing a user to bounce. The apparatus comprising: a base having a first end and a second end; the first end of the base being coupled with a second region of a first support; the second end of the base being coupled with a second region of a second support, wherein the first support and the second support are coupled with the base such that a first region of the first support is a distance from a first region of the second support; and a second end of the first support being coupled with a first compression resistance system configured to provide an uncompression force.
In another embodiment, the invention provides a method for allowing a user to repetitively bounce. The method comprising: standing on a base between a first and second support; providing a first force on a compression resistance system; releasing the first force; receiving an uncompression force; repeating the steps of providing the first force, releasing the first force and receiving the uncompression force.
In another embodiment, the invention provides a method and apparatus for allowing a user to continuously or repetitively bounce or to be vaulted into the air, includes at least a first and second support, wherein each of the first and second supports have a first and second end. A base is coupled to each of the second ends of the first and second supports, and at least one compression resistance system is coupled with the base. The compression resistance system is configured to provide compression resistance when the apparatus is in use. A first handle couples with the first end of the first support and a second handle couples with the first end of the second support. When in use a user stands on the base between the first and second support, balances on the apparatus and then provides a first force on the compression resistance system. The user then releases the first force and exerting a second force on at least one of the plurality of handles such that the second force is in the opposite direction as the first force. The user then stops exerting the second force and repeats the steps of providing the first force and releasing the first force.


The present invention relates to the identification of polynucleotides and polypeptides having increased expression in tumor blood vessels. The invention further relates to the use of the identified polynucleotides and polypeptides, and inhibitors of the polynucleotides and polypeptides, in the regulation of angiogenesis and the diagnosis and treatment of angiogenesis-related diseases such as cancer.

Angiogenesis is the growth of new capillary blood vessels, and is a critical component of solid tumor growth (Folkman, N. Engl. J. Med. 285:1182 (1971)). Targeted anti-angiogenic therapy for metastatic breast cancer with bevacizumab, a monoclonal antibody to vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), has shown efficacy in patients with metastatic breast cancer (Miller, E2100 Study. Scientific session on monoclonal antibody therapy in breast cancer. Ann. Mtg. Am. Soc. Clin, Oncol. 8-29-2005) and validated the approach of anti-angiogenesis therapy for this disease. Although VEGF is one critical growth factor involved in breast cancer angiogenesis (Schneider et al., Nat. Clin. Pract. Oncol. 4:181 (2007)), a more detailed understanding of the assortment of genes that are expressed in breast tumor vessels may facilitate the development of novel molecularly targeted antiangiogenic agents.
Several studies have established evidence to suggest that blood vessels supplying tumors express genes not shared by blood vessels that reside in normal tissues (Buckanovich et al., J. Clin. Oncol. 25:852 (2007); Madden et al., Am. J. Pathol. 165:601 (2004); Parker et al., Cancer Res. 64:7857 (2004); St. Croix et al., Science 289:1197 (2000)). St. Croix et al. used a tissue dissociation and cell immunopurification approach to isolate tumor and normal endothelial cells, and then compared gene expression patterns of endothelial cells derived from one colorectal cancer and normal colonic mucosa from the same patient (St. Croix et al., Science 289:1197 (2000)). Using serial analysis of gene expression, this analysis identified 46 transcripts, named tumor endothelial markers (TEMs), which were significantly up-regulated in tumor compared with normal endothelium. Using a similar method, Parker et al. isolated endothelial cells from two human breast tumors and one normal reduction mammoplasty and identified genes that were differentially expressed compared to normal breast tissue (Parker et al., Cancer Res. 64:7857 (2004)). This study identified 30 breast tumor vascular genes, of which HEYL and PRL3 were confirmed to be localized in endothelium by in situ hybridization. These studies have also shown tumor specific differences in tumor endothelial markers between colon, breast, and brain tumors. Buckanovich et al. subsequently used laser capture microdissection of vessel cells from ovarian cancer and normal ovaries and identified 70 differentially expressed TEMs (Buckanovich et al., J. Clin. Oncol. 25:852 (2007)).
Gene expression studies using DNA microarrays have identified several distinct breast cancer subtypes (Perou et al., Nature 406:747 (2000)) that differentiate breast cancers into separate groups that differ markedly in prognosis (Sorlie et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 98:10869 (2001)). The intrinsic subtypes include 2 main subtypes of estrogen receptor (ER) negative tumors: Basal subtype (ER negative and Her2/neu negative) and Her2/neu subtype (Her2/neu positive and ER negative); and an ER positive (luminal subtype). Given that TEMs differ between tumor types, and that breast cancers are molecularly heterogeneous, it is desirable to determine whether TEMs differ within the different molecular subtypes of breast cancer.
The present invention addresses previous shortcomings in the art by providing novel angiogenesis targets that can be used for diagnostic and therapeutic methods.

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill


A signal modulation device comprises a delta-sigma modulator disposed for transforming an amplitude-modulation signal in baseband into a pulse signal. It also comprises a phase modulator receiving, at its input, analogue phase-modulation signals in baseband. The pulse signal is mixed with carrier signals upstream of the phase modulator. The modulation device is designed to form an input stage of a transmitter.

The article "A Class-S RF Amplifier Architecture with Envelope Delta-Sigma Modulation" by Yuanxun Wang (IEEE 2002) describes a modulation device in which all of the information encoded in baseband using phase or amplitude modulation is transformed by a delta-sigma modulator before being transposed onto a carrier.
In the article "Linear High-Efficiency Microwave Power Amplifiers Using Bandpass Delta-Sigma Modulators" by Arun Jayaraman et al. (IEEE Microwave and Guided Wave Letters, Vol. 8, No. 3, March 1998), the base-band signals are converted into pulses using a bandpass delta-sigma modulator.
The document U.S. Pat. No. 5,838,210 describes a generator of modulated RF signals that implements a signal produced by a Phase-Width Modulator, or PWM. The principle of a PWM modulator, such as it is used in this document, is described in detail in the article "High-Efficiency Switched-Mode RF Power Amplifier" by Poojan Wagh et al. (IEEE 1999). The pulse widths are modulated as a function of the amplitude-modulation signal in baseband, and are phase-modulated as a function of the phase-modulation signal in baseband. The width- and phase-modulated pulse signal thus obtained is then amplified.
Because of the pulse-train form of the amplified signal, these devices need to be associated with a switched-mode, or class-S, amplifier in order to form a transmitter.
The present invention relates to a modulation device that produces a signal whose form does not require the use of a switched-mode amplifier.
FIG. 1 is a block circuit diagram of such a transmitter known to those skilled in the art. The transmitter comprises a signal modulation device that forms an input stage of the transmitter and a power stage disposed at the output. The modulation device comprises three input channels referenced E1, E2 and E3. The power stage is referenced S.
The input channels E1 and E2 are designed to each receive a base-band digital phase-modulation signal at the input. The input channel E1 comprises a digital delay gate 11 whose output is connected to a digital-to-analogue converter (DAC 1) 21. Similarly, the input channel E2 comprises a digital delay gate 12 whose output is connected to a digital-to-analogue converter 22. The input channels E1 and E2 each deliver, at the outputs of the converters 21, 22, an analogue phase-modulation signal with constant envelope. The input channel E1 delivers an in-phase signal I and the input channel E2 delivers an in-quadrature signal Q that is advanced with respect to the signal I (i.e. phase-shifted by +90°). The signals I and Q are variable with a frequency, for example, below 100 MHz.
A local oscillator 1, for example of the VCO (Voltage Controlled Oscillator) type, produces a high-frequency signal P0, for example at 5 GHz. The oscillator 1 is connected to an additional input of the modulation device, referenced E0. The signal P0 is transferred to an input of a phase-shifter 2 that produces, from the signal P0, two sinusoidal signals denoted P1 and P2 respectively at two outputs 2a and 2b. The signal P2, transferred on the output 2b, leads by one quadrature (+90°) with respect to the signal P1, transferred on the output 2a. The signals P1 and P2 form the carrier of the signal transmitted by the modulation device at its output.
An I/Q phase modulator, referenced 7, has two first inputs connected, respectively, to the outputs of the channels E1 and E2, and two second inputs connected, respectively, to the outputs 2a and 2b of the phase-shifter 2. In a known manner, the phase modulator 7 is equivalent to two multipliers 4 and 5 whose outputs are connected to respective inputs of a subtractor 6. The multiplier 4 receives the signals I and P1 at its input and the multiplier 5 receives the signals Q and P2 at its input. The subtractor 6 then delivers at its output a sinusoidal signal V having the frequency of the oscillator 1 and phase-modulated according to I and Q.
The input channel E3 receives a base-band digital amplitude-modulation signal at its input. It comprises a digital delay gate 13 whose output is connected to a digital-to-analogue converter 23. The output of the converter 23 delivers an analogue amplitude-modulation signal A. The signal A varies much more slowly than the signal P0.
The output of the converter 23 is connected to an input of a delta-sigma modulator 8. The delta-sigma modulator 8 is of the 1-bit type and of order n. Such a modulator is known to those skilled in the art. The quantization noise generated by the delta-sigma modulator 8 corresponds to frequencies situated beyond the low-pass cut-off frequency of the transmitter, such that it is filtered out. A synchronization input of the delta-sigma modulator 8 is, furthermore, connected to the input E0 in order to receive the signal P0 as sampling signal. In a known manner, the delta-sigma modulator 8 produces a signal C at its output that is composed of a pulse train with a pulse rate equal to the frequency of the signal P0 and pulse lengths determined as a function of the variations of the signal A.
The respective outputs of the phase modulator 7 and of the delta-sigma modulator 8 are connected to two respective inputs of a multiplier 3. The low and high levels of the pulses of the signal C correspond, for example, to the digital values −1 and +1. The multiplier 3 produces a signal W at its output corresponding to the phase-modulated signal V, with phase jumps of +/−π corresponding to the rising or falling edges of the pulses of the signal C. The encoding of the information in baseband that is then obtained is the following: the continuous modulations of the phase of the signal W correspond to the phase modulation in baseband, and the discontinuities in the phase of the signal W correspond to the amplitude modulation in baseband.
The phase-shifter 2, the phase modulator 7 and the multiplier 3 form a signal mixer 100, denoted MIXER.
The power stage S comprises an amplifier 101 with its output connected to a bandpass filter 102. The filter 102 is chosen depending on the allocated transmission frequency band. Its high cut-off frequency allows the quantization noise generated by the delta-sigma modulator 8, situated beyond this frequency, to be eliminated. The output of the filter 102 is connected to a transmission antenna.
Thanks to the encoding performed, the transmission of information from baseband to the antenna is quite insensitive to the distortions introduced by the amplifier 101. A high-efficiency amplifier can therefore be employed, operating in a linear, saturated or switched-mode regime.
A transmitter according to FIG. 1 therefore comprises two signal mixing stages. The first stage is formed by the multipliers 4 and 5, disposed in parallel, and the second stage is formed by the multiplier 3. These two stages are separated by the subtractor 6.
One drawback of a transmitter of the preceding type comes from the proximity between the delta-sigma module 8 and the amplifier 101. Indeed, these two components are only separated by the multiplier 3. A significant part of the noise generated by the module 8 is therefore amplified and transferred to the transmission antenna.

Modulation device and transmitter comprising such a device


A user terminal and a providing method thereof are provided. The method includes acquiring an iris image, determining a capturing condition of the iris image, converting the acquired iris image to an iris code and performing iris recognition by comparing the converted iris code with an iris code corresponding to a determined capturing condition among pre-registered iris codes, determining a physical condition of a user who is subject to the iris recognition on the basis of an iris recognition matching rate being within a preset range, and providing a determined physical condition result.

Apparatuses and methods consistent with exemplary embodiments relate to a user terminal and a providing method thereof, and more particularly, to a user terminal capable of determining a physical condition of a user, and a providing method thereof.
As a variety of personal information or content information is stored in personal user terminals, demands on security for the user terminals have increased. The password input method is used for securing the user terminals in the related art, but various authentication methods such as fingerprint recognition, voice recognition, or iris recognition have been introduced in recent years.
For iris recognition in the user terminals, an image of a portion of a face including an eye of the user needs to be captured. Therefore, there is a need for a method of performing iris recognition by capturing an image of the eye of the user and simultaneously using the image acquired for iris recognition in various ways.

User terminal and method of providing information to a user thereof


An automatic transmission includes a clutch having a drum section, a hub, a friction plate, a piston that presses the friction plate, a hydraulic chamber to which hydraulic oil is supplied to urge the piston in a direction toward the friction plate, and a cancellation chamber to which hydraulic oil is supplied to cancel a centrifugal hydraulic pressure applied to the hydraulic oil in the hydraulic chamber, and the piston is interposed between the hydraulic chamber and the cancellation chamber. The drum section includes communication passages that extend in a radial direction and respectively communicate with the hydraulic chamber and the cancellation chamber. Of the communication passages, in the communication passage that communicates with the cancellation chamber, an adjustment member is provided at an end portion on a radially inner side, and can adjust an atmospheric air release position of the communication passage in the radial direction.

An automatic transmission that is mounted on a vehicle such as an automobile is configured to switch a power transmission path including a planetary gear set and the like by means of selective engagement of a plurality of friction engagement elements including a clutch, a brake, and the like, and thereby achieves a specified gear shift stage according to a driving state of the vehicle.
The clutch that is used in such an automatic transmission generally includes a drum member, a hub member, a plurality of friction plates arranged between the drum member and the hub member, a piston pressing the plurality of friction plates, and a hydraulic chamber supplied with hydraulic oil to urge the piston in a friction plate direction.
As disclosed in JP2015-172378A, there is a case where the clutch for the automatic transmission is provided with a cancellation chamber on an opposite side of the piston from a hydraulic chamber in order to prevent dragging of the friction plates, which occurs when the friction plates are pressed by a centrifugal force applied to the hydraulic oil in the hydraulic chamber in a disengaged state. In this way, by a disengagement-side load that is applied to the piston by the centrifugal force that is applied to the hydraulic oil supplied to the cancellation chamber (hereinafter also referred to as a "centrifugal hydraulic pressure"), an engagement-side load that is applied to the piston by the centrifugal hydraulic pressure in the hydraulic chamber is cancelled. Here, in regard to the disengagement-side load of a case where the clutch includes an urging member to urge the piston in a direction to disengage the friction plates, a load that is applied to the piston by the urging member is added to the load that is applied to the piston by the centrifugal hydraulic pressure in the cancellation chamber.
In recent years, the automatic transmissions are provided with multiple gears for purposes of improving fuel efficiency and the like of the vehicles. In conjunction therewith, the number of the planetary gear sets constituting a gear shift mechanism tends to be increased. However, when the number of the planetary gear sets is increased, an axial dimension of the entire transmission is increased, which produces a problem of mountability.
To handle such a problem, for example, in the automatic transmission disclosed in JP2015-172378A, three hydraulic clutches for switching the power transmission path of the gear shift mechanism are arranged to overlap in an axial direction. In this way, compared to a case where these clutches are arranged in parallel in the axial direction, the axial dimension of the entire transmission is reduced. In regard to the clutches in JP2015-172378A, the hydraulic chambers and the cancellation chambers that are provided for the three clutches are also superimposed on an inner side and an outer side in a radial direction. In this way, compared to a case where these oil chambers are aligned in the axial direction, the axial dimension of the entire transmission is reduced.

Automatic transmission and centrifugal balance adjustment method for automatic transmission


A liquid crystal device includes a liquid crystal panel, a plurality of detection electrodes, a switching circuit, and a position identification device. The liquid crystal panel is configured so that a liquid crystal is sealed in a gap between a first substrate and a second substrate, which are opposed to each other, and a voltage of an opposite electrode opposite the liquid crystal periodically varies. The plurality of detection electrodes are provided on a side opposite to a side on which the liquid crystal is provided via the first substrate, wherein an initial voltage is induced in each of the plurality of detection electrodes on the basis of a variation in voltage of the opposite electrode. The switching circuit sequentially connects each of the plurality of detection electrodes, in which the initial voltages are induced, to a detection portion. The position identification device generates a position signal that indicates a position of a pointing body on the basis of a detection signal produced in the detection portion.

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to a technology for identifying a position, at which an object (hereinafter, referred to as pointing body), such as a finger or a pen, is in contact with a display surface of a liquid crystal device, which displays an image.
2. Related Art
An existing liquid crystal device with a touch panel that uses an electrostatic capacitance method has been proposed. As described in JP-A-5-19233, JP-A-8-44493, JP-A-2000-81610 and JP-T-2003-511799, detection electrodes are formed on a viewing side of the liquid crystal device. The position of the pointing body is identified on the basis of a signal that is obtained by detecting a variation in electrostatic capacitance of each detection electrode.
In the meantime, a parasitic capacitance is formed between the detection electrodes and electrodes or wirings of the liquid crystal device. Thus, when various signals used for displaying an image vary in the liquid crystal device, there is a problem that noise is induced in the detection electrodes. Noise in the detection electrodes causes a decrease in accuracy of position identification of the pointing body.

Liquid crystal device, electronic apparatus and position identification method for identifying a position of an object