The present invention relates to the fields of molecular medicine and targeted delivery of therapeutic or diagnostic agents to cells outside the vascular system and into the parenchymal tissue of organs within the body. More specifically, the present invention relates to improved TfR-binding moieties based on shark VNARs capable of crossing the blood brain barrier (BBB) and capable of carrying and releasing cargo specifically targeted to the parenchymal tissue of the brain.

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is the principal interface between blood and the interstitial fluid that bathes neurons within the brain parenchyma (Abbott et al., Neurobiol Dis. 2010 January; 37(1):13-25). The BBB is formed by highly specialized endothelial cells that maintain an optimal environment for neuronal function by eliminating toxic substances and supplying the brain with nutrients and other metabolic requirements. The BBB likewise presents a formidable obstacle for the systemic delivery of many potentially important therapeutic and diagnostics agents. With the exception of small, lipophilic molecules (MW less than 500 Daltons), which can cross the BBB by transmembrane diffusion, nearly all hydrophilic small molecules, peptides, proteins, RNAs and genetic vectors that could be of therapeutic value are excluded (Pardridge, J Cereb Blood Flow Metab. 2012 November; 32(11):1959-72.). For example, many of the antibodies designed to treat a variety of neurodegenerative disorders including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease and frontotemporal dementia will be limited by their inability to reach the pathological target within the brain. Thus, despite tremendous progress in the discovery of potential therapeutics for CNS diseases, successful development is hindered without an effective means of delivery across the BBB.
Although the BBB restricts the passage of many substances, brain capillaries use membrane transport systems to deliver nutrients and macromolecules important for normal brain function. The main route for large molecules, such as proteins and peptides, to enter the CNS is by receptor-mediated transcytosis (RMT) which might also be used to shuttle a wide range of therapeutics into the brain in a non-invasive manner (Jones and Shusta, Pharm Res. 2007 September; 24(9):1759-71). Circulating ligands such as transferrin, insulin and leptin interact with specific receptors concentrated on the luminal side of the brain capillary endothelial cells. Once bound to the receptor, the process of endocytosis is initiated as the receptor-ligand complexes cluster and intracellular transport vesicles detach from the membrane (Tuma and Hubbard, Physiol Rev. 2003 July; 83(3):871-932). The transport vesicles containing receptor-ligand complexes or dissociated ligands are directed away from the lysosomal compartment and trancytosed to the brain interstitial side of the endothelial cell, where they are released without disrupting the BBB.
The transferrin receptor 1 (TfR-1) endocytotic pathway for iron homeostasis has been one of the most extensively characterized systems for drug delivery across the BBB. TfR-1 mediates influx of iron-loaded transferrin from blood to brain in addition to the transcytosis of iron-depleted transferrin in the reverse direction. Transferrin itself has been used as a vehicle for brain delivery, but transferrin conjugates have to compete for the receptor with the high plasma concentration of the endogenous ligand. The OX-26 mouse monoclonal antibody, which specifically binds the rat transferrin receptor in brain capillaries without blocking the binding of transferrin (Jefferies et al., 1985), was the first antibody used to carry a drug cross the BBB (Freiden et al., Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 1991 Jun. 1; 88(11):4771-5).
Anti-TfR antibodies have since been modified in a several different ways to deliver heterologous biomolecules, e.g., a drug cargo, to the brain. Potential biotechnology products, including lysosomal enzymes, neurotrophins, decoy receptors and antibody fragments, have been fused to the carboxyl terminus of the Fc domain of TfR for CNS delivery (Pardrige and Boado, Methods Enzymol. 2012; 503:269-92). More recently, bispecific antibodies have been produced by knobs-into-holes technology whereby one half of the antibody binds the CNS target and the other binds the TfR-1 (Yu et al., Sci Transl Med. 2011. 3(84):84ra44). Bispecific antibodies have also been generated by fusing the ScFv portion of a TfR-1 antibody to the carboxyl terminus of a therapeutic antibody (Niewoehner et al., Neuron. 2014 Jan. 8; 81(1):49-60) which maintains avid binding to the target. Each of these approaches has provided evidence of CNS activity in animal models following the intravenous injection, indicating that TfR-1 antibodies hold significant promise as therapeutic carriers for the non-invasive treatment of CNS disorders.
Despite these advances, several features of monoclonal antibodies as BBB carriers have hampered their translation from animal to humans. Antibodies are large molecules composed of 4 disulfide-linked subunits that are challenging to format as bispecific molecules. Moreover, functional components outside the antigen recognition domain can lead to off-mechanism toxicity, and complement-mediated lysis of TfR-rich reticulocytes has been reported (Couch et al., Sci Transl Med. 2013 May 1; 5(183):183ra57, 1-12). Another drawback is that TfR antibodies used to date are species-specific, which is problematic for preclinical safety testing of potential therapeutic molecules. Surrogate antibodies to TfR-1 with the same biochemical properties (binding epitope, affinity, avidity and pH sensitivity) and transcytosis activity will be difficult to identify. Moreover, antibodies that block ligand binding (Crépin et al., Cancer Res. 2010 Jul. 1; 70(13):5497-506), inhibit transcytosis or deplete surface receptors (Bien-Ly et al., J Exp Med. 2014 Feb. 10; 211(2):233-44) would be unsuitable as BBB carriers due to potential iron deprivation.
To address the drawbacks inherent in full size antibodies as BBB carriers, a panel of species cross-reactive VNARs to TfR-1 were identified by phage display and selected for brain uptake. VNARs are isolated variable domains derived from the naturally-occurring single chain antibodies found in the shark (Stanfiled et al., Science. 2004 Sep. 17; 305(5691):1770-3.). Their small size (˜12 kDa), high solubility, thermal stability and refolding capacity (Wesolowski et al., Med Microbiol Immunol. 2009 August; 198(3):157-74) simplifies coupling to a monoclonal antibody or other pharmaceutical. Their modularity offers a wide range of therapeutic design and species cross-reactivity facilitates the development and clinical translation of brain penetrant therapeutics to treat a broad spectrum of CNS disorders.
Recently developed methods for in vivo enrichment and isolation of peptides capable of crossing the BBB, described in PCT/US2017/045592, filed Aug. 4, 2017 (now WO2018/031424), yielded VNARs that binds to human and mouse TfR-1 and are capable of penetrating the BBB. When formatted as an Fc-fusion, one clone (Clone C; also referred to as Clone 10 in the WO2018/031424) crossed the BBB and reached a concentration of 5 nM in murine whole brain tissue and is the most potent shuttle to TfR-1 identified to date. The next most potent clone reached a concentration of 0.7 nM (Clone H and shown as Sequence 169 in WO2018/031424).
Both clones cross the BBB at low therapeutic doses (2 mg/kg), are rapidly taken up into the brain (with 1 hr), continue to accumulate over several days and slowly decline over the next week after a single IV injection. These profiles markedly contrast with other BBB shuttles to the TFR1, which are rapidly cleared by the liver (Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2009. 102(4):1251-1258; Neuron 2014. 81(1):49-60) or require very high doses (e.g., 50 mg/kg, Genentech, Yu et al. Sci. Transl. Med. 3:84ra44 (2011)).
Clone C and Clone H differ structurally from other TfR shuttles in that each contains a VNAR domain derived from a shark single chain antibody rather than from a monoclonal antibody or scFv fragment. VNARs bind antigens predominantly through a single CDR3 region, which is much longer than CDRs in monoclonal antibodies. The more focused binding paratope of the VNAR is able to seek out small epitopes on antigens that are inaccessible to the large binding paratope of monoclonal antibodies. In the case of TfR-1, VNARs were able to access short regions of homology in surface exposed region in both the mouse and human versions of the receptor. To date there are no species cross-reactive monoclonal antibodies to TfR-1, except those that bind the highly homologous transferrin binding site. Such conventional-type antibodies block the transport iron-carrying transferrin, cause severe cytotoxicity and are not suitable for therapeutic use.
The ability to generate species cross-reactive binders is important for two reasons. Numerous antibodies can be generated to TfR-1, but very few cross the BBB. With a pool of cross-reactive binders, it is possible to select VNARs that are highly brain penetrant in mice but that also retain binding to the identical site in the human receptor, for example as reported herein. This not only increases the probability of discovering rare, highly functional binders but makes them suitable for clinical use in humans.
Nevertheless, the need remains for new additional molecules that selectively deliver compounds such as biomolecules (e.g., therapeutics and diagnostics) across membrane systems in mammalian subject, such as into various organs, tumors or across the BBB. Moreover, it would be advantageous to have new selective TfR-specific binding compounds, especially ones having one or more advantageous biological properties with therapeutic and/or diagnostic benefit over current anti-TfR antibodies and other regulators of iron transport systems. The present invention addresses this need through restricted random mutagenesis of CDR3 of the TfR-1 binding paratope of Clone C and Clone H. These variants provide further sequence variations that confer additional advantages for brain uptake and therapeutic development.

Transferrin receptor (TfR)-selective binding peptides capable of crossing the blood brain barrier and methods of use thereof


The beams between a MEMS device and an input source or an output, e.g., a fiber bundle, are caused to be closer to each other at the MEMS device than at the fiber bundle. This can be achieved in a variety ways. This may be achieved a) when each fiber is associated with a respective micro lens of a micro lens array, by insuring that there is a different distance between the centers of adjacent micro lenses than there is for the centers of their corresponding adjacent fibers, b) when the fibers are terminated by collimators, the direction of the collimators is adjusted to point the beams in a converging manner and c) by employing an optical system that changes the direction of various ones of the beams may be interposed between a) the fiber bundle and b) the corresponding MEMS device.

This invention relates to the art of optical micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) devices, and more particularly, to all-optical switching using MEMS devices.
One solution for all-optical switching employs two MEMS devices each containing an array of tiltable micro mirrors, e.g., small mirrors, which can reflect light, which herein refers to any radiation in the wavelength of interest, whether or not in the visible spectrum. An optical path is established for light supplied from an input source, e.g., an optical fiber, to an output, e.g., an output fiber, by steering the light using a first micro mirror on the first optical MEMS device, the first micro mirror being associated with the input fiber, onto a second micro mirror on the second optical MEMS device which is associated with the output fiber. The second micro mirror then steers the light into the output fiber. Each fiber connected to the system is considered a port of the system, the input fibers being the input ports and the output fibers being the output ports.
Often, the light to be steered from the input fiber onto the first micro mirror of the first optical MEMS device first passes through a micro lens that is associated therewith and is part of an input micro lens array. The function of each micro lens is to collimate the beam of light supplied from its respective associated input fiber. Alternatively, in lieu of employing a separate micro lens array, a lens may be integrated with each fiber of fiber bundle in an arrangement that forms a collimator. A similar arrangement of a micro lens array or collimators are also found interposed between the output MEMS device and the output fiber bundle in the output section of the all-optical switch. In the output section, the function of each micro lens is to couple the light beam into its respective associated output fiber.
At present, the tilt angle of a micro mirror is set by applying to one or more electrodes appropriate voltages. Unfortunately, using current electrostatic angle control technology, the tilt resulting for a particular control voltage is a highly non-linear function. Consequently, requiring less tilt tends to allow the angle desired to be more accurately achieved. As a result, all-optical switches tend to include the functionality of a so-called xe2x80x9cfield lensxe2x80x9d between the MEMS devices. The field lens causes beams reflected from untilted mirrors on a MEMS device to converge. This acts to translates the angle at which the light is incident onto each micro mirror into a position to which the light will be directed upon reflection from the micro mirror, thereby allowing all the input micro mirrors to be homogenized. By homogenized it is meant that all micro mirrors having the same tilt will direct their light to the same position. Furthermore, the field lens refocuses each of the beams that pass through it, thus reducing loss. However, use of the field lens does not decrease the distance that is required between the input and output MEMS devices.
Because the all-optical switch is typically made up of sets of mirrors that cooperate to switch light from any input port to any output port, the entire system needs to be aligned to achieve the best possible optical connections, i.e., the least loss from the input to the output. To this end it must be determined what voltages need be applied to the electrodes controlling each mirror to achieve the best connection between it and each other mirror of the opposing set, and what voltage needs to be applied to the electrodes of each of the opposing mirrors as well. This process of determining the voltages is known as xe2x80x9ctrainingxe2x80x9d. When a field lens is used, the entire optical switch must be trained as a unit because there are variations from one system to the next due to variations in the respective field lenses and in the mounting position. This training process is time consuming and must be repeated should any component need to be replaced.
We have recognized that the field lens can be eliminated, while the same effect as if a field lens had been included in the system is maintained by, in accordance with the principles of the invention, causing the beams between a MEMS device and an input source or an output, e.g., a fiber bundle, to be closer to each other at the MEMS device than at the fiber bundle. This can be achieved in a variety ways. In one embodiment of the invention in which each fiber is associated with a respective micro lens of a micro lens array, by insuring that there is a different distance between the centers of adjacent micro lenses than there is for the centers of their corresponding adjacent fibers. In another embodiment of the invention in which the fibers are terminated by collimators, the direction of the collimators can be adjusted to point the beams in a converging manner. In yet another embodiment of the invention, an optical system that changes the direction of various ones of the beams may be interposed between a) the fiber bundle, and any associated micro lens array or collimators, and b) the corresponding MEMS device. Such an optical system could be any focusing lens arrangement, a multiple prism arrangement, and a multiple mirror arrangement where each mirror is tilted to point the beams in a converging manner. Furthermore, the optical system could be combined with an imaging system to image the micro lenses or collimators onto the MEMS device.

Optical MEMS switch with converging beams


Extremely low-melting oxide glasses useful in silver/glass die-attach materials are disclosed. These glasses are composed of silver oxide, phosphorus oxide and a third component comprising PbO, CdO, ZnO or combination thereof. Their melting point lies in the 200.degree.-300.degree. C. range.

The invention addresses the problem of bonding to a ceramic package surface certain types of temperature-sensitive semiconductor devices at the lowest possible temperature with a silver/glass mixture usually in the form of a dotting paste.
In addition to the well-known gold/silicon eutectic alloy die-bonding process, the advent of glass/ silver is a solution to the eutectic bond stress problems associated with very large silicon die. Silver-loaded glass die-attach materials have demonstrated production reliability on die exceeding 0.4 inch on a side and can be used on both bare silicon and gold-covered silicon. During firing the glass flows to the device and forms a conventional chemical bond, the glass and silver interpenetrate and form a mechanical bond. After completion of the thermal treatment, the microstructure consists of an interlaced network of silver in a sintered glass matrix. The malleability of silver permits greater stress relief in the bond compared with gold eutectic preforms. The process has a wide processing window, and the glass die bonding material offers a significant cost advantage over the Au-Si system.
One major drawback remains the processing temperature which lies in the 400.degree.-500.degree. C. range in an oxidizing atmosphere for several minutes. This tends to create reliability problems to both multi-pin ceramic packages and temperature-sensitive VLSI devices. Lead borate-based glasses do not allow a processing temperature below 400.degree. C. Reduction of the glass processing temperature to about 300-350.degree. C. by a glass formulation change would aid in coping with the processing reliability problems associated with multi-pin ceramic packages and the new generation of silicon integrated devices.
This glass formulation must be totally free of any alkali or halide.

Silver phosphate glass die-attach composition


A computerized system and method of managing subway trains along a two-track subway line to allow express travel in combination with local service. Express trains catch up to local trains at express stations along the line, and provision is made to allow the express trains to physically or “virtually” pass the local train at those stations. Embodiments in which the express trains physically pass the local train include direct train-to-train transfer facilitated by side-by-side tracks at the express station occupying reduced footprint. In other embodiments, virtual passing is accomplished by changing the type of service provided by trains at express intervals: a local train “transforms” into an express train and vice versa. Embodiments enable passengers to transfer between trains at express stations so that these “relay” passengers can travel faster than any specific train.

This invention is in the field of mass transit systems. Embodiments of this invention are more specifically directed to scheduling and operation of mass transit commuter rail systems.
For many years, citizens of major metropolitan areas throughout the world have relied on commuter rail systems, including surface rail and subways, as an important means of transportation. Because at-grade intersections with motor vehicles are avoided by subway trains, subway systems are especially attractive in densely populated cities. Currently, over two hundred cities in the world operate subway commuter rail systems, serving hundreds of millions of passengers each day.
Commuter rail systems in general, and subway systems in particular, are of course constrained to the physical locations of their tracks and stations. Trains cannot travel except along the rails, and do not stop for loading and unloading except at discrete stations along the railway. The construction cost of the infrastructure components of railways, rails, and stations is a primary determination in the overall size and complexity of a subway system, especially considering the excavation required to build a subway line within (and thus under) an existing city. Because of these constraints, and of the cost required to add lines or additional infrastructure, optimal utilization of the transportation capacity provided by the subway commuter rail system is a highly desirable goal. Underutilization of the subway system is a financial disaster, in that the huge infrastructure costs are not recouped; as such, subway commuter rail construction is often confined to routes that are capable of providing adequate ridership. But these infrastructure costs also inhibit additional capacity from being constructed, if demand for the subway system exceeds its capacity. As a result, many of the world's urban subway systems are overcrowded; indeed, the overcrowded subway systems in Seoul, Korea and Tokyo, Japan often receive worldwide publicity. My U.S. Pat. No. 5,176,082, issued Jan. 5, 1993, describes a passenger loading and unloading control system that provides one way of addressing this overcrowding problem, specifically by scheduling the number of passengers that may board individual train cars at a station according to the number of passengers that are already on those cars; a method of simultaneously loading and unloading passengers, in an orderly manner, is also described in my patent.
The constraint of high infrastructure construction costs is also reflected in passenger travel times. Commuter rail systems present the particular problem that passengers are free to board and exit the subway train at any station along the line. For example, a train that makes n stops along its line will have Σj=2n(j−1) possible individual passenger trips, with the particular trip made by a given passenger defined by the station at which the passenger boards (i.e., the trip origin) and the station at which the passenger chooses to exit the train (i.e., the destination). And, of course, ridership depends on the convenience provided by the subway, which in large part depends on the proximity of subway stations to passenger destinations. The subway system designer and operator is thus faced with a tradeoff between the number of stations along a line and the passenger travel time from origin to terminus. Specifically, while a larger number of stations along a line improves the proximity of the subway to a wide range of destinations, this larger number of stations will necessarily slow the passenger travel time of passengers that do not want to exit the train at a particular station.
One conventional approach to solving the two problems of overcrowded subway train systems and long passenger travel times is the use of express trains, which are trains that do not stop at every station along a line. In some of the larger subway systems, such as those in New York City, Paris, and Seoul, separate railways and station platforms are provided for the express and local trains, enabling the express trains to travel the route without being held up by the slower local trains that stop at each station. In these systems with separate express lines and stations, in which the express trains are not slowed by local trains and stops at local stations, those passengers that board at an express station, remain on an express train throughout their trip, and exit at an express station, have the optimum passenger travel time.
However, many passengers must ride a local train either to travel to an express station, or to travel from the express station to their desired destination, or both. If these passengers wish to take advantage of the express train service, they must make a transfer between the local and express lines at least once during their trip. The total travel time for these passengers thus includes not only the travel time while on the trains, but also the transfer time involved in changing trains at the express stations. One can consider this transfer time to be the sum of several components, including the boarding and deboarding times, the time required for the passenger to walk between the express and local platforms (typically on different subway levels), and also the time spent waiting for the "transfer-to" train to arrive at the station. Typically, the wait time dominates this transfer time, and can be considered as a random variable, with a mean value of about ½ the "headway" time of the "transfer-to" train.
By way of further background, it is known to synchronize the arrival and departure times of express trains at express stations with the arrival and departure times of local trains at those stations, during rush hour periods of the day. For example, the New York City subway system has been known to schedule their express subway service to minimize transfer times between express and local trains, at least during morning rush hour periods. In this way, the wait time that passengers spend waiting for the "transfer-to" train to arrive at the station is reduced.
As evident from this description, however, those subway systems or portions of subway systems that are limited to only a single track in each direction of travel have not been able to provide express service. In such systems, the ultimate speed of travel of an express train, which as such does not stop at local stations located between express stations, will eventually necessarily be limited by the speed of any local train that the express train catches up to along the route.
By way of further background, "side tracks" or "sidings" are used in some railway systems to allow a faster train to pass a stopped or slower train. FIG. 1a illustrates, in plan view, an example of a conventional passenger rail station at which faster trains are allowed to pass slower or stopped trains, using side tracks. In this example, the two-track system includes main line 2WE for trains traveling "west" to "east" in the view of FIG. 1a, and main line 2EW for trains traveling "east" to "west". Main line 2WE is disposed adjacent to platform 5WE, at which passenger are able to board and de-board west-to-east traveling trains, while main line 2EW is disposed adjacent to platform 5EW, which supports passenger boarding and deboarding for east-to-west travel. This conventional station includes side tracks 4WE, 4EW associated with platforms 5WE, 5EW, respectively. Side tracks 4WE, 4EW can each be coupled to their respective main tracks 2WE, 2EW, such that a train traveling along main track 2WE, for example, can switch over to and travel along side track 4WE at this station, or can instead continue on main track 2WE. As evident from FIG. 1a, in this conventional arrangement, a slower train approaching the station from the west on main track 2WE can switch over to side track 4WE and stop at platform 5WE, allowing a faster train such as an express train to remain on main track 2WE and travel past platform 5WE, effectively passing the slower train that is stopped at platform 5WE on side track 4WE. As such, a two-track subway line including stations such as the conventional station shown in FIG. 1a can support express and local service.
Side track facilities are typically more prevalent at surface rail stations than at subway stations, because the excavation cost etc. involved in adding a side track at a subway station is typically prohibitive. For example, as shown in FIG. 1a, the station must be sufficiently wide (vertical dimension in FIG. 1) to include the two main tracks 2WE, 2EW, two platforms 5WE, 5EW, two side tracks 4WE, 4EW, and the appropriate spacing on either side of each of these structures. If an existing two-track system wished to add express service, the cost of adding side tracks 4WE, 4EW in the manner shown in FIG. 1a is especially prohibitive, and for that reason is seldom carried out. And even in those surface or subway systems in which side tracks are provided at stations, significant wait time is often required for passengers to change from one train to another, as mentioned above.
By way of further background, computer algorithms for optimizing the scheduling of trains are known in the art. U.S. Pat. No. 6,873,962 B1 describes an automated approach for scheduling departure times and velocities of trains traveling along a rail corridor, by deriving and optimizing a cost function that ensures that all intersections (trains meeting or passing one another) occur at locations at which side tracks are in place. U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US 2005/0234757 A1 describes an automated scheduling system for freight trains, in a railway system including side tracks to allow faster trains to pass slower or stopped trains. U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US 2005/0261946 A1 also describes a method and system for calculating a train schedule plan that operates by optimizing a cost function to minimize delays at crossing loops and lateness at key locations along train routes. U.S. Patent Application No. US 2008/0109124 A1 describes a train scheduling method in which placeholders ("virtual consists") are used to improve the stability of the solution.
However, each of these conventional train scheduling methods and systems apply to the scheduling of trains that are not concerned with allowing passengers to board or de-board at intermediate stations along the route. In other words, these scheduling methods do not involve the problem of passenger transfer from one train to another, nor do they account for trains that allow for the payload to efficiently board and de-board at any particular stop along the route. In other words, these conventional scheduling methods and systems do not solve many of the important and dominant issues involved in commuter rail systems, particularly subway systems.
By way of further background, U.S. Pat. No. 1,604,932 describes a passenger train system in which passenger throughput is increased by providing trains that are longer than the available platforms. Some cars in the train stop at the platform of every station, while other cars in the train stop at the platform only at alternating stations. The cars and platforms are color-coded, so that the passengers are aware of the restrictions.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Synchronized express and local trains for urban commuter rail systems

Integrated Transportation Technologies, L.L.C.


The present invention provides coating compositions including: (a) about 75 to about 99.9 weight percent of a crosslinkable film-forming system including one or more crosslinkable film-forming resins and one or more crosslinking materials which is capable of reacting with the film-forming resin to form a crosslinked film; and (b) one or more substantially saturated, predominantly hydrocarbon adhesion promoting agents having an average of more than one pendant or terminal polar group per molecule which are capable of reacting with the crosslinking material, the adhesion promoting agent(s) being present in an amount ranging from about 0.1 to about 25 weight percent on a basis of total resin solids of the coating composition. The coating compositions are useful for directly coating surfaces of thermoplastic and thermosetting plastic substrates, such as TPO and RIM, without the aid of flame or corona pretreatment, or the use of an adhesion promoter. Plastic articles coated with the coating compositions are also disclosed.

Plastic materials such as thermoplastic olefin (TPO) and reaction injected molding urethane (RIM) have been developed which are useful in many applications, such as automobile parts and accessories, containers, household appliances and other commercial items. It is often desirable to coat articles made from such plastic materials with organic coating compositions to decorate them or to protect the plastic materials from degradation when exposed to atmospheric weathering conditions such as sunlight, moisture, heat and cold. To achieve longer lasting and more durable parts, it is necessary for the coatings to be tightly adhered to the surface of the plastic.
Plastic substrates made from a variety of thermoplastic and thermosetting plastic materials have widely varying surface properties, including surface tension, roughness and flexibility, which make it difficult to achieve adequate adhesion of the organic coatings to such materials, particularly after aging or environmental exposure of the plastic materials. It is well known that to properly adhere coatings to some plastic materials, an adhesion promoter or tie coat can be used. The application of an adhesion promoter or tie coat is normally an added step in the coating process. The adhesion promoter is usually applied in a thin layer, normally about 0.25 mils (6.35 microns (.mu.m)). Typically, adhesion promoters used on TPO plastic surfaces contain chlorinated polyolefins, some examples of which are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,997,882; 5,319,032 and 5,397,602. Additionally, flame or corona pretreatment steps can be used to facilitate adequate adhesion of organic coatings to some plastic substrates.
The use of adhesion promoters and corona pretreatments in a coating system used to coat plastic substrates adds complexity and cost to the system. The application of an adhesion promoter usually entails coating the plastic substrate with the promoter, followed by some drying or curing time which increases the time of the entire coating process and will usually necessitate additional workspace. Accordingly, coating compositions which exhibit excellent adhesion directly to plastic materials such as TPO and RIM without the use of adhesion promoters or tie coats are desirable.
Polyolefin diols have been used in coating compositions to impart adhesion to the plastic substrate without the use of adhesion promoters or tie coats. However, polyolefin diols may be incompatible with the resins and/or crosslinking agents used in some coating compositions.

Coating composition for plastic substrates


Single band and multiband wireless antennas are an important element of wireless systems. Competing tradeoffs of overall footprint, performance aspects such as impedance matching and cost require not only consideration but become significant when multiple antenna elements are employed within a single antenna such as to obtain circular polarization transmit and/or receive. Accordingly, it would be beneficial to provide designers of a wide range of electrical devices and systems with compact single or multiple frequency band antennas which, in addition to providing the controlled radiation pattern and circular polarization purity (where required) are impedance matched without substantially increasing the footprint of the antenna and/or the complexity of the microwave/RF circuit interfaced to them, whilst supporting multiple signals to/from multiple antenna elements in antennas employing them. Solutions present achieve this through provisioning one or more capacitive series reactances discretely or in combination with one or more shunt capacitive reactances.

A global satellite navigation system (satnav) or global navigation satellite system (GNSS) is a system that exploits a network of autonomous geo-spatially positioned satellites to provide geolocation and time information to a suitable receiver anywhere on or near the Earth where there is an unobstructed line of sight. Whilst timing information can be obtained from line of sight to a single satellite geo-spatial location requires line of sight to three (at sea level) or four satellites as a minimum.
In applications where relatively low precision is required low complexity surface mount patch antennas are generally employed accessing a single GNSS signal. However, other applications requiring high precision of timing and/or location require accurately tuned, wider bandwidth, antennas which, ideally, support multiple frequency operation providing higher fidelity reception and thereby improved multipath rejection and better output phase linearity.
Even within these applications there is a constant drive for compact multiband antennas that can be easily integrated into portable devices or more generally into mobile platforms and equipment. These antennas should provide a controlled radiation pattern, namely a uniform coverage of the upper hemisphere of their radiation pattern and circular polarization purity to improve cross-polarization rejection and hence multipath rejection. Additionally, it is desirable for these antennas to be electromagnetically isolated from the chassis and/or any conductive ground structures external to the antenna allowing for their integration into multiple platforms with minimal redesign.
However, the overall footprint of a GNSS antenna is a combination of both the physical antenna itself and its associated electronics. Accordingly, a GNSS antenna is normally deployed together with an impedance matching circuit and either a low noise amplifier for receivers or power amplifier for transmitters. Where multiple antenna elements are employed to either receive or transmit a common signal, e.g. with four antenna elements each fed with the common signal with defined phase relationships for each antenna element, then a microwave circuit such as a quadrature splitter or combiner for example is also employed.
However, with multiple antenna elements within a single antenna the design of the matching network can be challenging as the multiple antenna elements should be matched simultaneously.
Accordingly, it would be beneficial to provide designers of a wide range of electrical devices and systems with compact multiple frequency band antennas which, in addition to providing the controlled radiation pattern and circular polarization purity are impedance matched without substantially increasing the footprint of the antenna and/or the complexity of the microwave/RF circuit interfaced to them which provides the multiple signals to the multiple antenna elements. This is achieved through provisioning one or more capacitive series reactances discretely or in combination with one or more shunt capacitive reactances.
Other aspects and features of the present invention will become apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art upon review of the following description of specific embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying figures.

Filar antenna element devices and methods


A cervical immobilization device is disclosed and includes at least one and, preferably, at least two opposite arms that can be folded between a flat and an upright position to engage and support a patient's head. A reversible actuating device folds the arms to the supporting position, and can lock the arms in the folded supporting position. Alternatively, a locking device for locking the position of the arms in the folded supporting position can be provided. The reversible actuating device can be coupled to the arms for folding the arms to an upright position symmetrically and uniformly. In one embodiment, the reversible actuating device is a flexible member that passes around a guide to a position which can be gripped by the user.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates generally to a head and cervical immobilization device. More particularly, the invention is a cervical immobilization device that can be erected from a flat condition to an operable condition to minimize movement of the head of an injured patient.
2. Description of the Background Art
It is essential to immobilize the head and cervical portions of patients or accident victims, who have suffered cervical injuries, to prevent further injury during their transport to a medical facility. Several varieties of head and cervical immobilization devices have been used in the emergency medical industry for many years. Some of these devices are designed to fold flat during storage and can be erected when needed.
One type of head immobilization device includes a rigid structural portion that does not require the use of a rigid backboard to transport a patient safely. Examples of this type of device are disclosed generally in U.S. Pat. No. 4,034,748 to Winner, U.S. Pat. No. 4,211,218 to Kendrick, and U.S. Pat. No. 4,594,999 to Nesbit.
Another type of head immobilization device is designed to be attached to a rigid backboard. Examples of this type of device are as follows.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,928,711 to Williams discloses a head immobilizer and method for immobilizing. The device of this patent includes flexible members that are bent independently to wrap around the sides of the head of a patient. The members are secured to a base for locking the position of the members. The head supporting members are attached to the base by a hook and loop fastening means.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,964,418 to Wilson discloses a collapsible cervical immobilization device. This device has a pair of collapsible members with fold lines to enable the members to conform to a patient's head. Rigid support members are then attached to a base by a hook and loop fastening means to restrain the patient's head and neck.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,944,016 to Ferko discloses an adjustable collapsible head immobilizer. This device also has a pair of inner panels that are hinged to a base and conformed to a patient's head. The outer panels have slide tabs that engage a locking mechanism on the base.
The devices of the background art can be effective in immobilizing a patient's head and neck during transport to a medical facility. However, these devices have certain limitations, and there is a continuing need in the industry for improved head immobilization devices. For example, the industry lacks a head immobilization device that can be positioned under a patient's head and smoothly erected and locked into an operable position with minimal manipulation of the device.


A circuit system includes a user interface, voltage source, and a terminal bank connected to the voltage source. The circuit can be used in a powered catheter system where the catheter includes a structural reinforcement layer such as a braid comprised of one or more wires. The reinforcement layer can be used to convey a current or signal in a powered catheter. The catheter may utilize a hypotube element which provides integrated sensors in order to power and control multiple systems in the powered catheter.

One aspect of the invention relates to a catheter comprising a structural reinforcement such as a braid, and utilizing the structural reinforcement elements to convey current and/or signals in the catheter.
Another aspect of the invention relates to a circuit system which can be used in an interventional device such as a catheter.
Typical circuits utilize a positive and negative pole and thus typically require two sets of wires for a supply and return path for current. Circuit systems used with catheters also utilize such an arrangement, or utilize the patient himself as the ground. The typical arrangement utilizes sets of wires running from the proximal to the distal end of the catheter.
The embodiments disclosed herein describe a circuit comprised of a first set of connections which provide a powering supply and return bank (i.e. positive and negative), and sensors which feed off the powering supply and return bank located near the sensors. The circuit system can utilize a hypotube and can be used in a number of devices, including a catheter. The hypotube itself can be circuited and can include one or more sensors.


A display panel includes a pair of substrates a display medium layer held between the pair of substrates and has a display region and a frame region outside the display region and a hole on an inner side of the frame region penetrating the pair of substrates and the display medium layer. The display panel further includes a hole-periphery sealing part disposed between the pair of substrates so as to surround the hole, in which the hole-periphery sealing part includes an angled portion or a protrusion.

In general, transmissive liquid crystal display devices usually include a liquid crystal panel, a backlight unit, a circuit substrate or a power supply for supplying various types of electrical signals to the liquid crystal panel, a case for housing these, and the like.
The liquid crystal panel has a display region (active area) in which a plurality of pixels are arrayed, and a frame region (non-active area) outside the display region. The display region includes pixel electrodes, TFTs (thin film transistors), and the like, and displays images or video. Meanwhile, the frame region has a sealing member for sealing liquid crystal material between substrates, wiring or a monolithically-formed driver circuit connected to scan lines or signal lines, terminals that connect to an external driver circuit, and the like. The frame region is not used for image or video display.
The frame region of the liquid crystal panel does not contribute to display, and it is therefore preferable that the frame region be made narrow. Yet, while the frame region of liquid crystal panels has been progressively narrowed over the years, completely eliminating the frame region is difficult in principle.
Conventional research has focused on narrowing or obscuring the frame region on the display panel. The subject applicants have disclosed in Patent Document 1 a display device in which a transmissive cover is disposed on the viewer side of the display panel. In this display device, the edge of the transmissive cover has a convex curved portion that function as a lens.
The convex curved portion (lens portion) of the transmissive cover is typically disposed so as to cover the frame region of the display panel and a part of the display region near the frame region (hereinafter, also referred to as the "peripheral display region"). The light emitted from the pixels (peripheral pixels) in the peripheral display region refract at the lens portion. This results in the image formed by the peripheral pixels being magnified and displayed on the front side of the frame region. Because of this effect, the frame region becomes obscured or appears as if the frame region does not exist.
By using the display device described above, it becomes possible to provide a portable electronic device (smartphone or the like) in which almost the entire panel surface on the viewer side of the electronic device is capable of display, for example. This type of electronic device has a large area capable of content display relative to its size, and is thus advantageous in terms of making the device more compact.


Provided is a highly reliable nickel-zinc battery including a separator exhibiting hydroxide ion conductivity and water impermeability. The nickel-zinc battery includes a positive electrode containing nickel hydroxide and/or nickel oxyhydroxide; a positive-electrode electrolytic solution in which the positive electrode is immersed, the electrolytic solution containing an alkali metal hydroxide; a negative electrode containing zinc and/or zinc oxide; a negative-electrode electrolytic solution in which the negative electrode is immersed, the electrolytic solution containing an alkali metal hydroxide; a hermetic container accommodating the positive electrode, the positive-electrode electrolytic solution, the negative electrode, and the negative-electrode electrolytic solution; and the separator exhibiting hydroxide ion conductivity and water impermeability and disposed in the hermetic container so as to separate a positive-electrode chamber from a negative-electrode chamber. The alkali metal hydroxide concentration of the positive-electrode electrolytic solution differs from that of the negative-electrode electrolytic solution.

Zinc secondary batteries have been developed and studied over many years. Unfortunately, these batteries have not yet been put into practice. This is due to a problem that zinc contained in the negative electrode forms dendritic crystals, i.e. dendrites, during a charge mode of the battery and the dendrites break the separator to cause short circuit between the negative electrode and the positive electrode. In contrast, nickel-cadmium batteries and nickel-hydrogen batteries have already been commercialized. Nickel-zinc secondary batteries, however, have advantages over such commercialized batteries. In specific, nickel-zinc secondary batteries have a very high theoretical density of capacity; i.e., about five times that of nickel-cadmium secondary batteries, 2.5 times that of nickel-hydrogen secondary batteries, and 1.3 times that of lithium ion batteries. In addition, nickel-zinc secondary batteries are produced from inexpensive raw materials. Thus, a strong demand has arisen for a technique for preventing the short circuit caused by dendritic zinc in zinc secondary batteries.
For example, Patent Document 1 (WO2013/118561) discloses a nickel-zinc secondary battery including a separator composed of a hydroxide-ion-conductive inorganic solid electrolyte between a positive electrode and a negative electrode for preventing the short circuit caused by dendritic zinc, wherein the inorganic solid electrolyte is a layered double hydroxide (LDH) having a basic composition represented by the formula: M2+1−xM3+x(OH)2An−x/n.mH2O (wherein M2+ represents at least one type of divalent cation, M3+ represents at least one type of trivalent cation, An− represents an n-valent anion, n is an integer of 1 or more, and x is 0.1 to 0.4).
Sealed nickel-zinc batteries have been disclosed which are provided with negative electrodes that absorb to recycle oxygen gas generated at the end of a charge mode. For example, Patent Document 2 (JPH05-303978A) discloses a sealed nickel-zinc battery including an electrode assembly including a positive electrode plate, a negative electrode plate, a separator, and a retainer, and a liquid-retainable layer disposed around the assembly, wherein the liquid-retainable layer is composed of a fibrous cellulose material having a length of 0.5 to 50 mm and a diameter of 5 to 100 μm and impregnated with an electrolytic solution. The separator used in the battery disclosed in Patent Document 2 is composed of a porous polypropylene membrane treated with a surfactant. Patent Document 3 (JPH06-96795A) discloses a sealed nickel-zinc battery including an electrode assembly, a battery container, and an electrolytic solution, wherein the negative electrode of the assembly faces the bottom of the container, and the electrolytic solution has a volume that is more than 98% and 110% or less of the total spatial volume of the electrode assembly. The separator used in the battery is composed of a microporous film and a cellophane membrane.
A technique has been disclosed for facilitating the permeation of oxygen gas generated from a positive electrode through a separator to a negative electrode during an overcharge mode of a battery. For example, Patent Document 4 (JPH05-36394A) discloses a separator for an alkaline battery, the separator being composed of a porous hydrophobic resin membrane having a surface coated with at least a hydrophilic fabric.


A method for identifying a type of a fuel injector installed in an internal combustion engine includes generating a control signal to supply electrical energy from a power source for actuating the fuel injector, monitoring the electrical energy, identifying a pattern in the electrical energy, the pattern being indicative of the type of the fuel injector, and outputting a notification indicative of an incorrect injector type based on the pattern.

Internal combustion engines involve the interaction of a number of complex components, including parts that are regularly replaced or upgraded. Some engines include electronic control units that have programming to control the operation of one or more components of the engine, such as fuel injectors, based on the design, expected response, or other qualities of the engine component. Some electronic controls unit include programming to modify aspects of fuel injector control based on qualities of the installed injector. These injector qualities can be provided to the electronic control unit by uploading a program to the control unit, or by inputting a predetermined code associated with a particular injector. If an injector with differing features is subsequently installed, the control unit can be provided with new programming associated with this new injector. However, performance issues can arise when an injector is installed without updating the control unit. Performance is also impaired when the control unit is updated incorrectly, for example by providing an incorrect code or program to the control unit. A control unit that is improperly configured can inject a larger or smaller quantity of fuel than intended, which can result in increased emissions of unwanted exhaust components such as smoke. Improper configuration of the control unit can have other adverse effects on the performance of the engine. For example, an improperly configured control unit can result in poor fuel economy, low engine power, rough idle, and increased wear.
A method of identifying a short circuit in a fuel injector is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,966,871 (the '871 patent) to Perryman et al. The method described in the '871 patent includes determining when current exceeds a set limit. This determination can help identify a short circuit associated with the fuel injector. The method described in the '871 patent also includes comparing monitored voltages to determine whether a voltage is 0 Volts, at a predetermined time, to determine whether a short circuit condition exists. While the method described in the '871 patent can be helpful for identifying a short circuit, it may be unsuitable for identifying a type of fuel injector, and/or for detecting when a controller has not been provided with appropriate programming for an installed fuel injector.
The disclosed method and system may solve one or more of the problems set forth above and/or other problems in the art. The scope of the current disclosure, however, is defined by the attached claims, and not by the ability to solve any specific problem.

Method and system for identification of fuel injector type


An absorption refrigeration and air conditioning device capable of controlling temperature and/or the humidity of enclosed spaces particularly useful in maritime applications and improving fuel economy of internal combustion engines is provided.

The climate on ships requires regulation, particularly in hot areas, as ambient temperature and humidity increase to potentially unacceptable levels in maritime transportation.
However, the maritime environment is demanding due to the heeling and cranking of a ship and the shocks accompanying the breaking of waves.
Conventional absorption refrigeration units, which operate on the principle of de-humidification by heating a humidified liquid lithium bromide medium, cannot be applied without being modified for use under dynamic maritime conditions. Operational problems arise in conventional absorption units due to the movement of the ship.
Piston compressors are conventionally operated in order to regulate the environment on board a ship. However, these are expensive due to high cost of fuel, coolant liquid, refrigerant fluid and maintenance. Further, excess heat from the engines is dispersed to the environment.
An absorption cooling process was invented by Carré in 1858 and further developed by von Platen and Munters into a 3 fluid configuration that relied on gravity to transport fluid in the device and did not need to use pumping devices for fluid transport.
Einstein and Szilard disclosed in 1927 a refrigeration device, also see U.S. Pat. No. 1,781,541. In this device, a refrigerant medium is contained in an evaporator together with an inert gas. The refrigerant evaporates and together with the inert gas is transported to a condenser where the evaporate returns to its liquid state at the reduced temperature in the condenser which supplied with coolant. In U.S. Pat. No. 1,781,541, the refrigerant is butane which is immiscible with the inert ammonia gas. The butane has a lower density than the ammonia solution and the two components separate by stratification. The liquid butane returns via a conduit to the evaporator. The dense ammonia solution flows by gravity from the condenser to the generator unit via a heat exchanger where the application of heat from an external source causes the ammonia to evaporate. The ammonia gas returns to the evaporator via a conduit whereby its presence reduces the partial pressure of the refrigerant butane thus causing the refrigerant to evaporate. In the generator, water containing little ammonia is heated by passing an elevated container from which it drains gravitationally to the condenser via a heat exchanger whereby heat is transferred to the cold concentrated liquid flowing from the condenser to the generator. The cooled stream of water with low ammonia content is further cooled by passing through the cold water jacket of the condenser so that when it emerges in the condenser it is in a condition that promotes the rapid absorption of ammonia gas.
The various elements of the construction are brought into hydraulic balance by adjusting the elevation of the evaporator relative to the generator so that flow is maintained from the evaporator.
Published U.S. Patent Application No. 20110259039 discloses a thermally driven heat pump for heating and cooling. This thermally driven heat pump includes a low temperature evaporator for evaporating cooling fluid to remove heat. A first heat exchanger located at an outlet of a converging/diverging chamber of a first ejector receives a flow of primary fluid vapor and cooling fluid vapor ejected from the first ejector for condensing a portion of the cooling fluid vapor. An absorber located in the first heat exchanger absorbs cooling fluid vapor into an absorbing fluid to reduce the pressure in the first heat exchanger. A second heat exchanger located at an outlet of a converging/diverging chamber of a second ejector receives primary fluid vapor and cooling fluid vapor ejected from the second ejector for condensing the cooling fluid vapor and the primary fluid vapor. A separator in communication with the second ejector, the low temperature evaporator and the primary fluid evaporator separates the primary fluid from the cooling fluid.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,016,445 disclosed an absorption apparatus, method for producing a refrigerant effect, and an absorbent-refrigerant solution. The absorption apparatus comprises a housing and an absorber contained within the housing for producing a strong refrigerant solution. A generator refrigerant reservoir is situated in the bottom of the housing for producing a rising refrigerant vapor. A condenser is situated in the top of the housing for condensing the refrigerant vapor into a refrigerant liquid. An evaporator is disposed underneath the condenser in the housing for receiving the refrigerant liquid from the condenser and vaporizing the same to create a refrigerant effect. The absorption apparatus additionally comprises a pump for pumping the strong refrigerant solution from the absorber to the generator refrigerant reservoir. A process is disclosed for producing a refrigerant effect within a housing comprising producing a strong refrigerant solution by an absorber contained within the housing, and also producing a rising refrigerant vapor from a generator refrigerant reservoir positioned within the housing. The process also comprises condensing the refrigerant vapor into a refrigerant liquid by a condenser situated within the housing; vaporizing the refrigerant liquid by an evaporator disposed within the housing to produce the refrigerant effect; and pumping the strong refrigerant solution to the generator refrigerant reservoir. Also disclosed are an absorbent-refrigerant solution containing a promoter which enhances the vapor absorbent properties of the absorbent-refrigerant and a process for manufacturing an absorption apparatus.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,345,440 discloses a refrigeration system employing an adiabatic expansion and an impulse generating means for the oscillatory compression and pumping of a working fluid. The impulse generating means is a venturi having a liquid inlet downstream of the throat with means for applying heat by a heat source, typically the waste heat of an automobile engine to the working fluid. The working fluid may be used to cool air through an evaporation in an automobile passenger compartment.

Absorption refrigeration and air conditioning devices


In accordance with the invention, an optical data transmission system is provided with an integrated dual dispersion compensator that can compensate both chromatic dispersion and PMD. The compensator comprises in essence, a substrate-supported planar waveguide structure having a planar transmission waveguide coupled to an integrated chromatic dispersion compensator and to an integrated PMD compensator. The chromatic dispersion compensator is advantageously a length of waveguide coupled to an all-pass filter. The PMD compensator is advantageously a polarization separator for separating the two polarization components between two waveguide subpaths and at least one delay element coupled to at least one subpath to compensate propagation delays. The subpath beams can then be combined to an optical signal compensated for both chromatic dispersion and PMD. In a preferred embodiment the chromatic dispersion compensator and the delay element are both tunable.

This invention relates to optical data transmission systems and, in particular, to transmission systems provided with integrated dual dispersion compensators that can be readily fabricated in planar waveguide form.
Optical fiber transmission systems are beginning to achieve their great potential for the rapid transmission of vast amounts of information. In essence, an optical transmission system comprises an optical signal source and an optical fiber transmission path for carrying the optical signals. It may also include a receiver for detecting the signals and demodulating the information they carry. Increasingly the optical signals are wavelength division multiplexed signals (WDM or DWDM signals) comprising a plurality of distinct wavelength signal channels. In each channel information is typically transmitted as a sequence of optical pulses.
Chromatic dispersion compensators are important components of optical transmission systems. Chromatic dispersion occurs when signal components of different wavelengths are subject to different propagation delays. Such dispersion can distort a transmitted pulse and deteriorate the information content of a signal channel. Chromatic dispersion compensators (CDCs) equalize the propagation delays among the different wavelength components and maintain the quality of the transmitted information.
There are a wide variety of chromatic dispersion compensators. An early form of CDC disposes in the transmission path a length of specially fabricated dispersion compensating fiber (DCF). The DCF slows the fast wavelength components and/or speeds up the slow components. Compensation typically requires long lengths of such fiber, and the DCF is difficult to tune. DCFs cannot be easily integrated into planar waveguide form because of their great length. Another CDC uses a dispersion compensating grating (DCG). The DCG is typically a chirped Bragg grating operated in a reflection mode. The chirping is designed so that faster wavelength components travel farther in the grating before they are reflected, with the consequence that the faster components are effectively slowed. However since the Bragg gratings operate in a reflection mode, they are typically coupled to the transmission path by bulky and expensive optical circulators. DCG compensators cannot be fully integrated because they require circulators.
Particularly promising chromatic dispersion compensators have been developed which can be integrally fabricated in planar waveguide form. Such compensators are compact and relatively inexpensive. One example of such a dispersion compensator is the optical all-pass filter described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,289,151 issued to R. Kazarinov et al. on Sep. 11, 2001 and entitled xe2x80x9cAll-Pass Optical Filters,xe2x80x9d which is incorporated herein by reference. In essence, Kazarinov et al. device comprises one or more tiny optical waveguide ring resonators optically coupled to a length of transmission waveguide.
Unfortunately planar waveguides are highly birefringent. As a consequence, introducing a planar waveguide dispersion compensator along a data transmission path produces another type of dispersion referred to as polarization mode dispersion (PMD). PMD is dispersion due, not to the wavelength components of the transmitted light, but rather to the polarization components. The light pulse may be thought of as partitionable into two different orthogonal polarization directions. In a birefringent structure, the speed of one polarization component will increase over the other, gradually spreading and distorting the pulse. As a consequence there is a need for an integrated dual dispersion compensator that can compensate both chromatic dispersion and PMD.
In accordance with the invention, an optical data transmission system is provided with an integrated dual dispersion compensator that can compensate both chromatic dispersion and PMD. The compensator comprises in essence, a substrate-supported planar waveguide structure having a planar transmission waveguide coupled to an integrated chromatic dispersion compensator and to an integrated PMD compensator. The chromatic dispersion compensator is advantageously a length of waveguide coupled to an all-pass filter. The PMD compensator is advantageously a polarization separator for separating the two polarization components between two waveguide subpaths and at least one delay element coupled to at least one subpath to compensate propagation delays. The subpath beams can then be combined to an optical signal compensated for both chromatic dispersion and PMD. In a preferred embodiment the chromatic dispersion compensator and the delay element are both tunable.

Integrated optical dual dispersion compensator for compensating both chromatic and polarization mode dispersion


A method and apparatus are provided for measuring the crushing strength of an abrasive, comprising particles, used in a lapping process. Embodiments include a crushing strength tester having a cup for holding the abrasive; a first motor for rotating the cup in a first direction; a piston having a face for rotatably fitting within the cup and contacting the abrasive; a second motor for rotating the piston in a second direction opposite the first direction; and a press for pressing the piston against the abrasive and crushing the particles while the first and second motors are rotating. An initial particle size distribution for the particles is determined, then the abrasive is subjected to a crushing force approximately equal to that of the lapping process using the crushing strength tester. A post-crushing particle size distribution for the particles is determined, and the initial and post-crushing particle size distributions are compared.

It is well known that the fracture mechanism of micron superabrasive powders, defined as diamond and cubic boron nitride (CBN) powders, plays a determinant role in the abrasive process. The fracture mechanism of superabrasive particles is controlled by their crystalline structure (i.e. monocrystalline vs. polycrystalline) and by the nature and concentration of crystal growth defects (i.e. pre-existing fractures, voids, mechanical stresses and impurities). Consistent abrasive performance is achieved only by employing micron superabrasive powders whose properties are precisely defined and controlled. Therefore, it is crucial that micron superabrasive powder products be designed and manufactured to possess a specific set of chemical and physical properties that are responsible for their performance in a particular application. It is equally important that the end user understand the chemical and physical properties associated with different micron superabrasive powder types/products, and make an informed decision to select the product that performs best for their application. Whether used as abrasive or non-abrasive (i.e. feedstock for PCD manufacturing), mechanical strength and fracture characteristics are primarily responsible for the performance of a micron superabrasive powder type/product.
Generally, sub-sieve powders (powders that are smaller than 400 mesh) are considered micron powders. However, in the size range from 40 microns (approx. 400 mesh) to 80 microns (approx. 200 mesh), fine mesh sizes overlap with coarse micron-sizes. It is well known that the fracture mechanism of micron superabrasive particles plays a determinant role in any abrasive process. During abrasive action, the edges and points of micron superabrasive particles tend to dull. Progressive dulling of the particles leads to increased mechanical and thermal stresses at the abrasive-workpiece interface. If allowed to continue, this process leads to catastrophic failure of the micron superabrasive particles and workpiece damage. To avoid catastrophic failure, the micron superabrasive particles must be able to microfracture under severe mechanical stresses and develop new fresh cutting edges and points in a so-called "self sharpening" mechanism.
The fracture mechanism of micron superabrasive particles is controlled by crystalline structure (i.e. monocrystalline vs. polycrystalline) and by the nature and concentration of crystal growth defects (i.e. pre-existing fractures, voids, mechanical stresses and impurities). Virtually all synthetic mesh micron superabrasive powders are commercially produced via the catalytic high pressure-high temperature (HPHT) synthesis process. Manufacturing of micron superabrasive powders by the same process has been proven difficult, impractical and expensive. Micron superabrasive powders represent a by-product of the diamond or CBN synthesis process and are produced by milling of mesh size powders. Consequently, some of the characteristics of the starting mesh powders (so-called diamond or CBN feeds), are mirrored in the resulting micron superabrasive powders.
The intrinsic properties of the diamond or CBN crystal are determined by the nature (static vs. dynamic) and particularities of the HPHT synthesis process. For a given graphite-catalyst system, the kinetics of the catalytic HPHT synthesis process (i.e., nucleation and growth rates) is controlled by thermodynamic parameters—pressure and temperature. Furthermore, the nucleation and growth rates control the nature and amount of crystal growth defects (pre-existing fractures, voids, mechanical stresses, impurities) which, in turn, are responsible for the mechanical strength of the crystal. Therefore, there is a direct relationship between the crystal characteristics (size, shape, mechanical strength) and the nucleation and growth rates, as follows:                Low nucleation and growth rates produce larger, well developed (regular shaped) crystals with a low level of crystal growth defects and high mechanical strength.        High nucleation and growth rates produce smaller, poorly developed (irregular shaped) crystals with a high level of crystal growth defects and low mechanical strength.As a general rule, the level of crystal growth defects is strongly related to the synthesis process, while the distribution of crystal strength within the population is related to the post-synthesis processing of mesh powders (shape sorting, magnetic separation, etc). A brief summary of the particularities of some of the most frequently practiced catalytic HPHT diamond synthesis processes is presented in Table 1.
TABLE 1Cubic/ApposedBelt, PressHexagonalAnvilsHPHT DeviceStraightCurvedPressPressMetal CatalystNi—FeCo—FeNi—FeNi—Co—MnNi—MnGraphite-Metal chargeDiscs/PowderDiscs/PowderPowderHPHT cycleLong-ModerateModerate-ShortShort-V. ShortGrowth rateLow-ModerateModerate-HighHigh-V. HighCrystal growth defectsLow-ModerateModerate-HighHigh-V. High
The characterization of micron superabrasive powders is a difficult and complex task, involving the evaluation of the properties of a very large number of particles. There are no standard techniques in the prior art for measuring the mechanical strength and/or fracture characteristics of micron superabrasive powders, by either static or dynamic methods. Instead, the mechanical strength and fracture characteristics of micron superabrasive powders are controlled indirectly, by controlling the feed type and quality (i.e., metal bond diamond/CBN using a belt press or cubic press synthesis process; or resin bond diamond/CBN using a belt press or cubic press or opposed anvils press synthesis process). Furthermore, the concentration of residual crystal growth defects, as well as the particle shape and surface texture of the resulting micron superabrasive powders, can be significantly modified through a number of mechanical, chemical and thermal processes that are incorporated into the micronizing process.
There exists a need for a methodology and apparatus for characterization of different micron superabrasive powder types/products with respect to fracture strength and fracture characteristics.

Apparatus for measuring the crushing strength of micron superabrasives


Methods for selectively depositing high quality epitaxial material include introducing pulses of a silicon-source containing vapor while maintaining a continuous etchant flow. Epitaxial material is deposited on areas of a substrate, such as source and drain recesses. Between pulses, the etchant flow continues such that lower quality epitaxial material may be removed, as well as any non-epitaxial material that may have been deposited. The pulse of silicon-source containing vapor may be repeated until a desired thickness of epitaxial material is selectively achieved in semiconductor windows, such as recessed source/drain regions.

1. Field of the Invention
The present application relates to methods of epitaxial deposition of silicon-containing materials. More specifically, the present application relates to methods of cyclical epitaxial deposition and etch.
2. Description of the Related Art
Semiconductor processing is typically used in the fabrication of integrated circuits, which entails particularly stringent quality demands. A variety of methods are used in the semiconductor manufacturing industry to deposit material onto surfaces. One of the most widely used methods is chemical vapor deposition ("CVD"), in which atoms or molecules contained in a vapor deposit on a surface to form a film. CVD allows for the growth of films on device surface areas, including "epitaxial" films comprised of a crystalline silicon-containing material.
In some applications it may be desirable to achieve uniform or "blanket" deposition of epitaxial growth over mixed surfaces, such as insulating and semiconductor surfaces, while in other applications it is desirable to achieve "selective" deposition only over selected surfaces. Such selective deposition allows for growth in particular regions of an underlying structure by taking advantage of differential nucleation during deposition on different materials.
Selective deposition generally involves simultaneous deposition and etching of an epitaxial material. During a typical selective deposition process, a precursor of choice may be introduced that has a tendency to nucleate and grow more rapidly on one surface (e.g., a semiconductor surface) and less rapidly on another surface (e.g., an oxide surface). An etchant is added to the deposition process which has a greater effect upon the poorly nucleating film as compared to the rapidly nucleating film, therefore allowing growth on only specified surface areas. The relative selectivity of a selective deposition process is tunable by adjusting factors that affect the deposition rate (for example, precursor flow rate, temperature and pressure) and the rate of etching (for example, etchant flow rate, temperature and pressure). By precise tuning, epitaxial growth may be achieved with complete (e.g., zero growth on insulators and net growth, albeit slow, on single crystal windows) or partial (e.g., net growth on insulators and single crystal windows, with the net growth on the insulator being of lesser thickness than on the single crystal windows) selectivity on desired surfaces. However, while known processes often result in selective epitaxial growth, such growth is often of poor quality. For example, in current processes that provide selective growth in source/drain recesses, pronounced crystallographic defects may often originate in the bottom corner and sidewalls of the recess areas, resulting in undesirable, low quality epitaxial growth.
In addition to growing epitaxial material that is of high quality, it is often desirable to have epitaxial material that is strained. "Strain" may influence the electrical properties of semiconductors materials, such as silicon, carbon-doped silicon, germanium and silicon germanium alloys. Tensile strain helps to enhance electron mobility, which is particularly desirable for NMOS devices, while compressive strain helps to enhance hole mobility, which is particularly desirable for PMOS devices. Methods of providing strained material are thus of considerable interest and have potential applications in a variety of semiconductor processing applications.
It is therefore of considerable interest to provide methods of depositing epitaxial layers selectively that are of high quality and which may be strained to enhance electrical properties of semiconductor devices. It is also of considerable interest that these methods of deposition be performed efficiently to provide the added benefit of high throughput.


An electronic circuit contains a flip-flop, a switch, a photodiode and a mode-locked laser. The mode-locked laser generates light pulses, which generate a photocurrent in the photodiode the switch transfers the photocurrent to one of two inputs of the flip-flop. The flip-flop outputs its status to at least one output.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to an optically controlled flip-flop, especially a toggle flip-flop. In many time-discrete systems, a phase noise of the clock signal limits the power. With analog-digital converters, a phase noise of the clock signal leads to a noise in the sampled signal. In the case of high frequencies, this noise predominates over noise sources elsewhere in the signal path. The phase noise of the clock signal in communications systems limits the lower limit of the time interval between two successive symbols. Phase noise in a clock signal originates partly within the oscillator which generates the clock signal and partly through noise in the further circuit which distributes the clock signal.
2. Discussion of the Background
A clock signal is conventionally generated through an electronic oscillator, for example, a quartz oscillator. However, with such an oscillator, the intrinsic phase noise of the oscillator, which leads to a phase noise of the generated clock signal is disadvantageous.
Moreover, the document E. W. Jacobs, "Optically Clocked Track-and-Hold for High-Speed High-Resolution Analog-to-Digital Conversion", Proc. IEEE International Topical Meeting on Microwave Photonics, 2004, pages 190-192, shows a holding element (sample-and-hold device) comprising a diode bridge. In this context, sampling pulses are generated by means of a mode-locked laser (mode-locked laser), the output of which is supplied simultaneously to two photodiodes. In the absence of light, two current sources conduct a zero-signal current to the diode bridge. Meanwhile, the output of the diode bridge follows an analog input signal to be sampled. When a laser pulse strikes the photodiodes, the two photodiodes interrupt the zero-signal current, which is generated by the current sources, and accordingly deactivate the diode bridge. The output of the diode bridge is therefore held constant during the time duration of the laser pulse. To allow digitization by an analog-digital converter, in view of the shortness of the laser pulse, the output signal of the diode bridge must be additionally sampled by a secondary holding element in order to increase the time duration. The requirements for the phase noise of this secondary holding element are significantly reduced by comparison with the requirements for a primary holding element. An electronic generation of the clock of the secondary holding element is therefore possible. With the holding element shown in that context, it is disadvantageous that it requires two photodiodes.

Electronic circuit for optical control of a flip-flop


Processes such as image matching can be improved by utilizing a Polar Accumulated Signed Gradient (PASG), a feature descriptor vector that utilizes polar coordinates. Such an approach is efficient because it avoids the costly image rotation and resampling of conventional processes. Further, the gradients can be sampled over different regions in order to achieve effective weighting without analyzing all gradients and applying a weighting factor. Such efficiencies enable image matching to be performed on devices with limited computing capacity, such as smart phones and tablet computers.

Image matching is a fundamental technique for applications such as computer vision, object recognition, motion tracking, and three-dimensional modeling. Image matching is performed to determine whether two images represent the same content, even though those images may not be exactly the same. For example, the content in one image may be rotated or taken from a different viewpoint as compared to the content in another image, may be a zoomed version of the other image, or may have been taken under different lighting conditions. Conventional image matching algorithms find discriminative regions or "patches" of an image using a keypoint detector. A feature descriptor is used to describe the patch in a way that is robust to illumination changes, rotations, and viewing angle. Feature descriptors thus enable a determination that image patches from two different images include views of the same content, despite differences in the patches pixel values due to conditions under which the scene was imaged. Since this is such a fundamental operation, it is important to make this process as efficient as possible.


A system and method are described for analyzing a menu. In one embodiment, a mobile device can obtain a digital version of a restaurant menu. A list of food criteria can be stored on the mobile device and tailored to a particular user of the mobile device. The restaurant menu can then be filtered using the stored list of food criteria to display a reduced version of the restaurant menu with items that conflict with the food criteria removed. In another embodiment, the digital version of the menu can be translated. For example, a destination language can be based on a language setting in the mobile device. A source language can either be entered by the user, determined automatically by comparing words in the menu itself against dictionaries in different languages, or by using geographic location of the restaurant.

Every day millions of people eat out at restaurants all over the world. For many customers, it's a common task to scan the restaurant menu to look for those menu items that meet their predetermined dietary preferences. Such preferences could include total calories, cholesterol, price, ingredients (for those with allergies) etc. Also, for those individuals travelling to foreign countries it is common to have to translate menu items or ingredients.
These tasks can be very time consuming. Looking over numerous menu options that are not applicable to a patron can be frustrating. Additionally, for some consumers, medical conditions, such as high-blood pressure, high cholesterol, etc. may dictate that the consumer avoid certain ingredients. Thus, eating in a foreign country can be unnecessarily dangerous.

Analyzing restaurant menus in view of consumer preferences


A standard sized coin roll holder is loaded with a stack of alternating coins and spacers such that a variable number of coins can be accommodated in a standard sized holder. The number of coins loaded into the holder can be configured to be one more than the number of spacers, starting with a coin, then a spacer and so on, such that a coin occupies both the first position and the last position in the stack and making a coin face visible at each end. A twenty coin holder can be loaded, for example, with 10 coins and 9 spacers or with 5 coins and 4 spacers. A compressible silicone rubber washer can also be included to account for slight variations in coin thickness, thus securing the stack within the available height inside a closed and sealed case.

Collecting coins in roll format has long been very popular. Many denominations of circulating coins are traditionally dispersed in bank-wrapped rolls, which consist of a standard number of coins within a tight paper wrapping. Similarly, many bullion coins are issued in hard plastic rolls. For example, US Mint-issued American Silver Eagles are released from the Mint in rigid plastic rolls of twenty coins that have been unchanged since the late 1980s.
For those who prefer to own coins in roll format, Numismatic Guaranty Corporation of Sarasota, Fla. (NGC) has offered Certified Rolls™, which encapsulate certified coin rolls in a fully transparent holder, making it easy to see the roll of coins through the holder. Certified Rolls™ have provided the advantages of an independent guaranty of condition and authenticity. NGC Certified Rolls™ have been made from exceptionally high-quality inert materials designed with long-term storage in mind.
An NGC certification label is included on each holder, describing its contents. Where applicable, an adjectival grade is also provided. Security of the roll has also been elevated to the highest levels. Each holder is sonically sealed and tamper-evident. Holographic security tape with a counterfeit-resistant hologram are affixed to each holder. Each Certified Roll is assigned an NGC certification number that can be parsed to correspond to each individual coin within the roll.
NGC Certified Rolls™ have been made available for at least rolls of twenty American Silver Eagles and twenty Chinese Silver Pandas.

Use of spacers to accommodate less than a capacity number of coins in a roll of coins in a case


A system and method for eye treatment. The system and method utilize an electro acupuncture stimulator. The electro acupuncture stimulator includes a positive lead and a negative lead. The system further includes a pair of first needles, a second needle and a diode. The pair of first needles are electrically connected to one of the positive lead and the negative lead. The diode is electrically connected to the other of the positive lead and the negative lead. The second needle is electrically connected to the diode.

The present invention relates to eye treatment and, more particularly, to a system and method of treating vision degradation using electro-acupuncture.
Aging, genetics and disease can cause degradation of a patient's vision. For example, retinopathies consisting of macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathies, and retinitis pigmentosa all cause degradation of vision.
As can be seen, there is a need for a system and method for improving vision degradation.


A neutral sensing assembly for a multiple shift rail (60B, 62B, 64B) shift bar housing assembly (70) is provided. The neutral sensing assembly utilizes a single two-position sensing (112, 114) and a relatively simply shaped neutral sensing bar (104) extending generally transverse to the axes (80, 82, 84) of the shift rails and interacting with neutral sensing notches (60C, 62C, 64C) for displacing the neutral sensing bar (FIG. 4 and 6) sufficiently to actuate the sensing upon axial displacement of any of the shift rails sufficient to cause the transmission (10) to be engaged in a not neutral condition.

1. Related Application
This application is related to British Application Ser. No. 8903132.3 filed Feb. 11, 1989.
2. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a sensing assembly for sensing a transmission neutral condition, and, in particular, to a relatively simple and reliable sensing assembly for use in connection with a multiple shift rail or shift rod transmission shift bar housing assembly for sensing a transmission neutral condition.
3. Description of the prior Art
Multiple speed change gear simple transmissions and/or compound multiple speed transmissions having a multiple speed main transmission section including a multiple shift rod (also called shift rails and/or shift bars) shift bar housing assemblies are well known in the prior art as may be seen by reference to U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,283,613; 4,735,109; 4,788,889 and 4,754,665, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
When such transmissions or transmission sections are utilized with auxiliary transmission devices, such as auxiliary transmission sections, multiple speed drive axles, multiple speed transfer cases or the like, and/or when used with automatic and/or semiautomatic drivetrain control devices, it is often important to have an accurate signal indicative of a transmission neutral, or not neutral, condition. Transmission shift bar housing neutral sensing devices comprising a plurality of separate sensing devices or switches for sensing axial displacement of each of a plurality of separate shift rails from the axially nondisplaced neutral positions thereof may be seen by reference to U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,722,237, and 4,445,393, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference. Transmission shift bar housing neutral sensing devices comprising an axially displaceable rod having a plurality of specially contoured ramps and grooves (after referred to as a "Christmas tree" shaped rod) extending transverse the axes of the shift rails and cooperating with specifically contouring grooves/ramps therein are known in the prior art as may be seen by reference to U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,676,115 and 4,290,515, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
While the prior art devices were effecting to provide signals indicative of a transmission neutral or not neutral condition, they were not totally satisfactory as they tended to be more complicated and expensive than desired.