A demodulation pixel architecture allows for demodulating an incoming modulated electromagnetic wave, normally visible or infrared light. It is based on a charge coupled device (CCD) line connected to a drift field structure. The drift field is exposed to the incoming light. It collects the generated charge and forces it to move to the pick-up point. At this pick-up point, the CCD element samples the charge for a given time and then shifts the charge packets further on in the daisy chain. After a certain amount of shifts, the multiple charge packets are stored in so-called integration gates, in a preferred embodiment. The number of integration gates gives the number of simultaneously available taps. When the cycle is repeated several times, the charge is accumulated in the integration gates and thus the signal-to-noise ratio increases. The architecture is flexible in the number of taps. A dump node can be attached to the CCD line for dumping charge with the same speed as the samples are taken. Different implementations are described herein, which allow for smaller design or faster speed. The pixel structure can be exploited for e.g. 3D time-of-flight imaging. Both heterodyne and homodyne measurements are possible. Due to the highly-efficient charge transport enabled by static drift fields in the photo-sensitive region and small-sized gates in the CCD chain, high frequency bandwidth from just a few Hertz (Hz) up to greater GHz is supported. Thus, the pixel allows for highly-accurate optical distance measurements. Another possible application of this pixel architecture is fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM), where short laser pulses for triggering the fluorescence have to be suppressed.

The demodulation of modulated light at the pixel level requires the switching of a photo-generated charge current. While possible to handle both electron as well as hole currents, the common methods today use the photo-generated electron currents. This choice is largely due to the higher mobility of electrons in the semiconductor material. Some pixel architectures do the necessary signal processing based on the photo-current while others work directly in the charge domain.
All of the pixel architectures transfer photocharges through the photo-sensitive detection region to a subsequent storage area or to a subsequent processing unit. In the case of charge-domain based pixel architectures, the photocharges are generally transferred to an integration node. In order to demodulate an optical signal, the pixel has to contain at least two integration nodes that are accumulating the photo-generated charges during different time intervals.
Different pixel concepts have been realized in the last few decades. The basic principle of an in-pixel demodulation sensor was first described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,856,667 to Thomas Spirig and Peter Seitz. Each pixel of the sensor had photo-sensitive areas and transfer gates or switches associated with each of the integration sites. The sensor enables in-pixel sampling of the impinging light signal with theoretically an arbitrary number of samples.
Another similar pixel concept was described in T. Ushinaga et al., "A QVGA-size CMOS time-of-flight range image sensor with background light charge draining structure", Three-dimensional image capture and applications VII, Proceedings of SPIE, Vol. 6056, pp. 34-41, 2006. Here, a thick field-oxide layer is used to smear the potential distribution below the demodulation gates.
A common problem of the afore-mentioned pixel architectures is the slowness of the charge transport through the semiconductor material. This decreases significantly the quality of the in-pixel demodulation process. In all pixel structures, the limiting transport speed is the step-wise potential distribution in the semiconductor substrate that is used to transport the charges through the semiconductor in lateral direction out of the photosensitive region. In those configurations, thermal diffusion dominates the transport speed instead of movement by the lateral electric drift fields resulting from the step-wise potential distribution.
More recently, new approaches to speeding the in-pixel transport of the charges have been proposed. One example by Peter Seitz and described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,498,621 B2 generates the lateral electric drift fields by passing a current through very high-resistive poly-silicon gate electrodes with the intent of producing a smoother potential distribution. Similarly, D. van Nieuwenhove et al., "Novel Standard CMOS Detector using Majority Current for guiding Photo-Generated Electrons towards Detecting Junctions", Proceedings Symposium IEEE/LEOS Benelux Chapter, 2005, introduced another drift field pixel where a drift field in the substrate is generated by the current of majority carriers. To perform demodulation of photo-generated minority carriers, the majority current is dynamically controlled by the modulation signal.
The afore-mentioned drift field pixel concepts have drawbacks, however. First, the demodulation requires the switching of large capacitances since the whole sensitive area needs to be dynamically controlled. Secondly, an electronic current is used to generate the drift fields, resulting in significant in-pixel power consumption.
An alternative pixel concept uses a static drift field pixel. The architecture described in European Patent Application EP 1 624 490 A1, entitled "Large-area pixel for use in an image sensor", overcomes these two problems. In contrast to the architectures mentioned before, it separates the detection and the demodulation regions within the pixel. It shows lower power consumption and, at the same time, it supports fast in-pixel lateral charge transport and demodulation.
One major application of demodulation pixels is found in real-time 3-D imaging. By demodulating the optical signal and applying the discrete Fourier analysis on the samples, parameters such as amplitude and phase can be extracted for the frequencies of interest. If the optical signal is sinusoidally modulated for example, the extraction based at least three discrete samples will lead to the offset, amplitude and phase information. The phase value corresponds proportionally to the sought distance value. Such a harmonic modulation scheme is often used in real-time 3-D imaging systems having incorporated the demodulation pixels.
Another possible application of these pixel architectures is fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM), where short laser pulses are used to trigger the fluorescence.
The precision of the pixel-wise distance measurement is directly proportional to the modulation frequency. Therefore, high-speed charge transfer from the photo-sensitive area to the storage site is of highest importance to enable high precision phase measurement.

Demodulation pixel with daisy chain charge storage sites and method of operation therefor


A non-invasive multispectral energy system made up of a transilluminating radiating means that illuminates soft tissues that have been treated with a contrast agent using first and second non-IR illuminating signals to produce thereby a first and second near-IR multispectral images; means for optically combining the first and second near-IR multispectral images into a combined tissue image; and a means for processing the combined tissue image to detect cancer and tumors. The non-invasive multispectral imaging system uses a diode laser system that emits the first and second near-IR illuminating signals with wavelengths selected from a range between 750 nm and 1,000 nm as a radiating means and a CCD camera. which is placed in a location with the soft tissues between the CCD camera and the transilluminating radiating means. IR dyes and endogenous chromophores and fluorsphores enhance IR contrast and tumor sites. IR contrast agents such as Indeganine Green (ICG) are used.

The present invention relates generally to infrared spectroscopy and, more specifically, the invention pertains to a Contrast Agent for multispectral infrared transillumination and fluorescence of turbid media.
This invention is for non-invasive multispectral IR absorption and fluorescence measurement system for the detection of blood related abnormalities in tissue. An FDA-approved contrast agent, tailored to the measured spectral range, is introduced intravenously to provide both absorption and fluorescent contrast in tissue. While the full scope of eventual uses will emerge through clinical experience, two immediate areas of application are for the detection of breast cancer and internal bleeding.

Contrast agent for multispectral infrared transillumination and fluorescence of turbid media

The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force


The present disclosure relates to packaging containers for holding a plurality of test sensors. The packaging container may include a first semi-circular housing and a second semi-circular housing. The first semi-circular housing has a plurality of first test sensor containing regions. Each of the plurality of the first test sensor containing regions is adapted to contain at least one test sensor having a top portion covered by a foil cover. The second semi-circular housing has a plurality of second test sensor containing regions. Each of the plurality of the second test sensor containing regions is adapted to contain at least one test sensor. The second semi-circular housing has a top portion. The first semi-circular housing and the second semi-circular housing are positioned adjacent to each other.

The present disclosure generally relates to a packing container for test sensors and, more particularly, to a circular packing container for test sensors to be used in conjunction with a liquid sample monitoring device to determine an analyte concentration in a liquid sample.
Monitoring systems are used for determining the presence or concentration of analytes in body fluids, such as glucose, cholesterol, alcohol, and hemoglobin in blood, interstitial fluid, or chemical substances in saliva. These monitoring systems require frequent use of test sensors. The test sensors may be provided individually, but most find it convenient to utilize a cartridge of strips.
Certain self-monitoring systems are portable, handheld testing devices. The portable nature of these devices enables a user to conveniently test their blood glucose levels wherever the users may be. These testing devices typically include, or at least are able to hold, test sensors or strips for testing harvested blood or any other suitable liquid sample. The test sensors may include a reaction area containing a reagent for producing a measurable reaction with an analyte indicative of the presence or concentration of said analyte. For example, some reagents may produce a measureable reaction with glucose indicative of the blood glucose concentration level.
Patients suffering from various forms of diabetes or any condition resulting in abnormal blood glucose concentration levels often need to test their blood to determine whether any corrective action needs to be taken. For example, a patient that has detected an irregularly high blood glucose concentration level may use insulin to lower his or her blood glucose concentration. Failure to take the appropriate corrective action may result in serious adverse health effects on the individual. Given the importance of monitoring blood glucose concentration levels, engineers and scientists have developed self-monitoring systems with sensors adapted to test a blood sample.
Conventional test sensors can only be used once per test. As a consequence, users of portable, handheld self-monitoring devices often carry a cartridge or container holding a plurality of test sensors. Examples of cartridges designed for holding test sensors are described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,660,791 and U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2008/0093235 and 2008/0164164, the entire disclosures of each of which are hereby incorporated by reference. Conventional cartridges or containers, however, may be bulky and difficult to carry. Since users typically need to replenish their portable self-monitoring devices often, there is a need for improving and decreasing the size of the cartridges and containers designed for holding test sensors. There is a particular need for a replenishment system that allows for replenishment of less than all of the test sensors of a given cartridge or holder.

Glucose measurement system with high-capacity cartridge and capability of more frequent replenishment


A method of rendering an image having a plurality of objects. The method comprises: generating an adjusted z-position by randomly adjusting the original z-position of an object over a series of samples; sorting the plurality of objects in a sample based on the adjusted z-position of each object of the plurality of objects; and rendering the plurality of objects in a sample based on the sorted order for the sample using the adjusted z-position but at the original z-position to generate a resulting image.

Presenting an image of a scene including multiple objects arranged in a three-dimensional data model typically involves rendering each of the objects visible from the perspective of a viewer or camera. However, determining which objects and which portions of objects are visible can be a complicated problem. One solution has been to use a depth-sorting process known as the "painter's algorithm."
The painter's algorithm uses a back-to-front approach to rendering objects. All the objects in the scene are sorted in depth order, using the z-positions of the objects in the model. The objects are then rendered one by one in depth order (e.g., drawn to the frame buffer as pixels), beginning with the object furthest from the camera. An object that is in front of a farther object and is obscuring the farther object (from the camera's perspective) will be rendered "on top" of or over the farther object, and so hide those parts of the farther object that are behind the nearer object.

Z-jittering of particles in image rendering


An image forming method includes: forming a first control image on an image bearing member by an image forming device; detecting the density of the first image by a detecting sensor; forming a second control image lower in target density level than the first image on the image bearing member by the image forming device; and detecting the density of the second image by the detecting sensor, wherein the image forming device forms the second image to be larger than the first image.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an image forming method of forming a control image, an image detecting method of detecting it, and an image forming apparatus using the electrophotography or the electrostatic recording method. This image forming apparatus includes a copying machine, printer, and facsimile apparatus.
2. Description of Related Art
A conventional electrophotographic image forming apparatus forms a toner image on a photosensitive member and transfers the image onto a recording medium such as a sheet of paper. Image forming apparatuses which repeat this sequence to achieve multi layer transfer of images onto a recording medium, forming a full-color image are also available. As a development method, such an apparatus adopts a two-component development method.
The full-color image forming apparatus executes control for optimizing the density of a toner image formed every color image so as not to change the hue or tone of a formed image.
More specifically, the density of a patch image formed on a photosensitive member is detected by a density detecting sensor arranged around the photosensitive member. If the detection result is determined to be lighter than a predetermined value, the density of a toner image formed on the photosensitive member is adjusted to darken the image. If the detection result is determined to be darker than the predetermined value, the density of a toner image formed on the photosensitive member is adjusted to lighten the image.
A density detecting sensor 13 uses a near infrared ray LED as a light-emitting element and a photodiode as a light-receiving element. The density detecting sensor 13 detects regular reflection light from a toner image visualized on a photosensitive drum 1. The detected toner image density is controlled by adjusting image forming conditions (toner/carrier density (ratio in weight between toner and carrier), and a charging bias, exposure light quantity, and developing bias for forming an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive member).
When a low-density toner image is detected by the density sensor, an output from the density sensor becomes unstable and the detection accuracy degrades under the influence of scratches or the like on the surface of the photosensitive drum, resulting in an image forming failure.
It is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming method, image detecting method, and image forming apparatus capable of increasing the density detection accuracy of a detecting sensor regardless of the target density level of a control image.
The above and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Image forming control using density detection


A polyacetal resin composition for use in producing molded articles of low gloss comprises the polyacetal and an aluminosilicate fiber.

The term oxymethylene polymer as used herein is meant to include oxymethylene homopolymers and diethers and diesters. Also included are oxymethylene copolymers, which include oxymethylene polymers having at least 50 percent recurring oxymethylene units and at least one other unit derived from a monomer copolymerizable with the source of the oxymethylene units.
Oxymethylene polymers having recurring --CH.sub.2 O-- units have been known for many years. They may be prepared for example, by the polymerization of anhydrous formaldehyde or by the polymerization of trioxane, which is a cyclic trimer of formaldehyde, and will vary in physical properties such as thermal stability, molecular weight, molding characteristics, color and the like depending, in part, upon their method of preparation, on the catalytic polymerization technique employed and upon the various types of comonomers which may be incorporated into the polymer.
The polyacetal resins are superior in mechanical and physical properties and, therefore, have been widely used in various fields, especially as molding resins. It is known that polyoxymethylenes can be provided with additives in order to improve certain physical properties of the molding resin, and as well the molded products obtained therefrom. Such additives extend the range of possible uses of such polymer compositions. Thus, fillers have been incorporated into the oxymethylene polymers for the purpose of improving rigid strength, hardness, friction resistance and wear resistance, to increase heat distortion temperature, impart fire retardancy, increase dimensional accuracy of the molded articles by decreasing shrinkage, improve electrical conductivity and antistatic property, and to increase economy by using inexpensive fillers. U.S. Pat. No. 4,506,053 cites numerous inorganic and organic fillers which can be included in the form of powder, flakes, or fibers in oxymethylene polymer compositions. Among the vast list of materials disclosed in the patent are included metal silicates such as talc, clay, mica, asbestos, calcium silicate, montmorillonite and bentonite which materials are similar to the low gloss additives used in the present invention to be further discussed.
It is important to recognize that while the use of a particular filler may impart a desired property to the oxymethylene polymer composition, the addition of the filler may also degrade certain other properties. Thus, it is important that the particular filler used achieve improvements in the desired physical property and not degrade the good mechanical properties of polyacetal resins if its use is to be accepted by industry.
One proposed use for polyacetal resins is as molded components in the interior of automobiles. One necessary property of any molded product in an automobile interior is that the surface of the molded article have a low-gloss in order to aesthetically match interior coverings such as seat upholsteries and the like. As before said, it is important that the use of a filler to reduce the gloss of a polyacetal resin not significantly alter the other properties. Thus, the primary objective of the present invention is to provide a low-gloss polyacetal polymer composition which retains its mechanical properties.


There is provided an apparatus for aligning document actions specified in a documented procedure with demonstrated user actions. The apparatus includes an alignment device for computing an alignment between the document actions and the demonstrated user actions based on at least one similarity metric.

Technical support procedures are typically very complex. Users often have trouble following printed instruction describing how to perform these procedures.
In a study to investigate how end users perform technical support procedures while following printed directions, the mouse and keyboard actions of eleven subjects were captured as they followed five pages of written instructions (including screenshots). These instructions were copied from IBM's internal technical support website. The instructions described a procedure to modify and verify the Domain Name Server (DNS) configuration of a laptop computer. Each subject was presented with a different initial configuration, with the eleven configurations chosen to be distinct and to span the space of possible procedure pathways. The subjects were instructed to follow the directions to restore the system to the correct configuration.
Nearly all participants, regardless of MICROSOFT WINDOWS knowledge, had difficulties following printed instructions. In particular, it was noted that people often had difficulty translating from text on the page to widgets on the screen. Moreover, it was noted that people tended to miss portions of the instructions, particularly separate portions of text that described branches of a conditional instruction. Also, it was noted that people had difficultly following out-of-order instructions and screenshots, especially those that were not identical to what they saw on the screen.
Accordingly, it would be desirable and highly advantageous to have a method and apparatus for aligning document actions specified in a documented procedure with corresponding demonstrated user actions, so as provide a guided approach to technical support procedures.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Method for aligning demonstrated user actions with existing documentation


A Patrone according to the present invention comprises a spool that winds film in the form of a roll between two flanges thereof, and a Patrone body for storing said spool so that the spool can rotate freely. The spool is made of a shading material. The distal part of the film is provided with a leader whose width is equal to or smaller than the dimension between the two flanges and which winds round the outer circumference of film wound about the spool by at least one turn. The leader may also be formed of or include a shading material.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a Patrone including a spool that winds up film in the form of a roll and a Patrone body for storing the spool so that the spool can rotate freely about the axis thereof.
2. Description of the Related Art
In recent years, proposals have been made for a camera employing a Patrone that enables automatic film feed. After the Patrone is mounted, when a spool axis is rotated, a leader formed in the distal part of film can be fed to a film-wind spool. A variety of proposals have also been made for the structure of the Patrone, especially, for the structure of a shading structure.
A camera in which a magnetic recording means is incorporated has been put to use. A camera that makes it possible to record photographic information or information of processing to be done at a processing laboratory in a magnetic recording section of film has also been proposed. Numerous proposals have been made for a Patrone having a magnetic recording section.
When it comes to the shading structure for a Patrone, a Patrone for photographic film proposed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 4-3153 has an elastic shading plate at a film outlet and thus reduces the resistance against film feed. This art also provides a shading capability that proves effective for film rewind.
The Patrone for photographic film disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 4-3153 has a drawback that when the adhesion of an elastic member improves, the resistance against film passage increases.
A film cartridge for photographic film disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 4-67034 has a structure for intercepting external light by narrowing a space inside the inner wall of a film path, to which a plush is attached at a film outlet, from outside the film path.
In the film cartridge for photographic film disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 4-67034, however, plushes must be overlapped in order to realize reliable shading using plushes. This leads to higher resistance against film passage.
In a film cartridge disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 3-116136, a rotatable shading member is installed independently at a film outlet. No resistance arises against film loading. When stored, the film is shielded from light reliably.
In the film cartridge disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 3-116136, the mechanisms of a rotary member and a rotation drive member are complex. This results in an increase in costs.
Various proposals have been made for the structure of a Patrone that is preferred for a new film format and enables auto-loading of film with ease. For example, a structure disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 3-180837 relates to a Patrone of a film-feed type. As for the Patrone of this proposal, a variety of Improvements for simplifying automatic film feed have been implemented in the shape of the Patrone. The Patrone itself is shaped conveniently for manufacturing by plastic molding, which is lower in cost than a conventional Patrone made of metal.
When film has a magnetic recording section, there is a possibility that magnetic information recorded in the film may be deleted accidentally by a strong external magnetic field induced in, for example, a magnet. A measure must therefore be taken against accidental deletion of magnetic information. In the Patrone of an automatic feed type disclosed in the Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 3-180837, however, the Patrone itself is adroitly shaped so that film will be fed smoothly by auto-loading. The shape makes manufacturing difficult unless plastic molding is employed.
If a Patrone having the above shape is manufactured using a metal, costs increase. If downsizing is attempted, the number of parts increases.
When a non-magnetic material such as plastic is employed as mentioned above to manufacture a film storage for the film having a magnetic recording section, the magnetic recording section cannot be protected from an external magnetism.
An auto-feed type Patrone has a problem that since the distal part of film itself is relatively soft, it is hard to feed the distal part of film through plushes at an outlet of the Patrone.
In not only the auto-feed type but also an auto-loading type for hooking perforations of film, if a distal part of film has poor strength, perforations are likely to break away.


A lighting module has a base, a top, a longitudinal axis from the base's center to the top's center, and a lateral edge surrounding the axis. Solid state light sources at the base emit excitation light, having an excitation wavelength and an angular distribution centered about the axis, toward the top. A lens defines a lateral edge of the module, which extends from the base to the top and reflects the excitation light. A phosphor surface of the module, shaped as a funnel having a wide end proximate the top and a narrow end proximate the base, receives and absorbs the excitation light, producing phosphor light that exits the module through the lateral edge. The phosphor light's wavelength is greater than the excitation wavelength, and has an angular distribution at each point on the phosphor surface centered about a local surface normal with respect to the phosphor surface.

Solid state light sources, such as but not limited to light emitting diodes (LEDs), organic LEDs (OLEDs), and the like, have significant advantages over conventional incandescent light sources. These include lower power requirements and longer lifetime. Unlike typical incandescent light sources, which radiate light generally uniformly in all directions, a solid state light source has a light output that is generally directional. Such directionality may offer newfound flexibility in producing illumination systems that have tailored light output.

Side-emitting solid state light source modules with funnel-shaped phosphor surface


Provided is a working machine capable of accurately detecting a contaminant in grease contained in a slewing mechanism. The working machine includes a lower travelling body, an upper slewing body, and the slewing mechanism. The slewing mechanism includes: a ring gear fixed to the lower travelling body and having inner teeth; a pinion disposed on the upper slewing body and rotated in mesh with the inner teeth of the ring gear; and a grease bath disposed along an inner circumference of the ring gear for storing grease. The upper slewing body includes a sensor for detecting a contaminant having a potential for contaminating and deteriorating the grease, and a sensor supporting member supporting the sensor at a position that allows the sensor to revolve while being immersed in the grease in the grease bath.

A slewing-type working machine such as hydraulic excavator includes a lower travelling body, an upper slewing body, and a slewing mechanism for slewing the upper slewing body above the lower travelling body. For example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2002-302972 discloses a slewing mechanism that includes a ring gear having a plurality of teeth arranged along an inner circumference thereof and a pinion meshable with the plurality of teeth of the ring gear. The ring gear is fixed to the lower travelling body, and the pinion is supported by the upper slewing body. The pinion is driven by a drive means such as hydraulic motor disposed on the upper slewing body to rotate while meshing with the ring gear. The center of the ring gear coincides with the slewing axis of the upper slewing body. Therefore, the movement of the pinion in a circumferential direction of the ring gear while rotating causes the upper slewing body to be slewed with respect to the lower travelling body.
The slewing mechanism includes a grease bath. The grease bath is shaped in an annular recess extending along the inner circumference of the ring gear, storing grease for lubricating a meshing portion between the ring gear and the pinion. The pinion is supported at a position where a part of the pinion is immersed in the grease in the grease bath. The grease in the grease bath is drawn into the rotating pinion to be supplied to the meshing portion between the pinion and the ring gear.
The grease in the grease bath, however, may be contaminated and deteriorated by water particles having entered the slewing mechanism or by metal powder produced from components of the slewing mechanism. The deteriorated grease is likely to hinder the operation of the slewing mechanism. For example, water particles mixed in the grease in the grease bath significantly reduce the viscosity of the grease while being stirred by the pinion in rotation. The reduction in the viscosity inhibits the grease from sufficiently adhering to the pinion and the ring gear, thus deteriorating the lubrication effect of the grease. This may promote wear and damage of the ring gear and the pinion, hindering the smooth operation of the slewing mechanism. Besides, the water particles having entered the grease bath may be dispersed by the rotating pinion or may splash out from a space between meshed teeth of the ring gear and the pinion. The thus splashed water may then strongly hit a sealed portion of the slewing mechanism and enter a movable portion disposed inside the slewing mechanism to thereby inhibit the slewing mechanism from smooth operation.
To solve the problem, it can be considered to detect a contaminant having a potential for deteriorating the grease in the grease bath to accurately recognize the state of deterioration of the grease, specifically, for example, providing a sensor 70 for detecting a water particle (contaminant) at a bottom portion 20a of a grease bath 20, as shown in FIG. 10.
However, even if water particles accumulate on the top surface of the grease G, the grease G filled in the grease bath 20, having a high viscosity, is likely to prevent the water particles from reaching the bottom portion 20a of the grease bath 20. Furthermore, a portion of the grease G near the bottom portion 20a of the grease bath 20, being hard to stir by a pinion 17, may form a layer of non-deteriorated grease.
For the above reasons, it is difficult to detect a contaminant even though the sensor 70 is disposed at the bottom portion 20a of the grease bath 20.

KOBELCO CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY CO., LTD.


A stent comprises a plurality of undulating circumferential portions, each circumferential portion comprising alternating peaks and valleys; and a plurality of longitudinally extending portions connecting the plurality of undulating circumferential portions. Each of the plurality of longitudinally extending portions contains a first longitudinally extending strut and a second longitudinally extending strut circumferentially offset with respect to the first longitudinally extending strut. The first longitudinally extending strut and the second longitudinally extending strut are interconnected by a connecting portion. Circumferentially adjacent first longitudinally extending struts in a pair of circumferentially adjacent longitudinally extending portions are circumferentially spaced at a first distance and circumferentially adjacent second longitudinally extending struts in the pair of circumferentially adjacent longitudinally extending portions are circumferentially spaced at a second distance. The first distance is greater than the second distance. The present stent has a very desirable balance of conformability and flexibility while obviating or mitigating crashing, out of tubular configuration and other problems (as discussed herein).

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an expandable stent.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Stents are generally known. Indeed, the term "stent" has been used interchangeably with terms such as "intraluminal vascular graft" and "expansible prosthesis". As used throughout this specification the term "stent" is intended to have a broad meaning and encompasses any expandable prosthetic device for implantation in a body passageway (e.g., a lumen or artery).
In the late 1980's, the use of stents attracted an increasing amount of attention due the potential of these devices to be used, in certain cases, as an alternative to surgery. Generally, a stent is used to obtain and maintain the patency of the body passageway while maintaining the integrity of the passageway. As used in this specification, the term "body passageway" is intended to have a broad meaning and encompasses any duct (e.g. natural or iatrogenic) within the human body and can include a member selected from the group comprising: blood vessels, respiratory ducts, gastrointestinal ducts and the like.
First generation stents were self-expanding, spring-like devices which were inserted in the body passageway in a contracted state. When released, the stent would automatically expand and increase to a final diameter dependent on the size of the stent and the elasticity of the body passageway. An example of such a stent is known in the art as the Wallstent™.
The self-expanding stents were found by some investigators to be deficient since, when deployed, they could place undue, permanent stress on the walls of the body passageway. Further, upon expansion, the stent would shorten in length in an unpredictable fashion thereby reducing the reliability of the stent. This led to the development of various stents which were controllably expandable at the target body passageway so that only sufficient force to maintain the patency of the body passageway was applied in expanding the stent—i.e., the so-called "balloon expandable stents".
Generally, in these second generation systems, a stent, in association with a balloon, is delivered to the target area of the body passageway by a catheter system. Once the stent has been properly located (for example, for intravascular implantation the target area of the vessel can be filled with a contrast medium to facilitate visualization during fluoroscopy), the balloon is expanded, thereby expanding the stent by plastic deformation so that the latter is urged in place against the body passageway. As indicated above, the amount of force applied is at least that necessary to maintain the patency of the body passageway. At this point, the balloon is deflated and withdrawn within the catheter, and subsequently removed. Ideally, the stent will remain in place and maintain the target area of the body passageway substantially free of blockage (or narrowing).
A balloon-expandable stent which gained some notoriety in the art in the 1990's was known as the Palmaz-Schatz™ stent. This stent is discussed in a number of patents including U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,733,665, 4,739,762, 5,102,417 and 5,316,023.
Another stent which has gained some notoriety in the art in the 1990's was known as the Gianturco-Roubin Flex-Stent. This stent is discussed in a number of patents, including U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,800,882, 4,907,336 and 5,041,126.
Other types of stents are disclosed in the following patents:
U.S. Pat. No. 5,035,706 (Gianturco et al.),
U.S. Pat. No. 5,037,392 (Hillstead),
U.S. Pat. No. 5,147,385 (Beck et al.),
U.S. Pat. No. 5,282,824 (Gianturco),
Canadian patent 1,239,755 (Wallsten), and
Canadian patent 1,245,527 (Gianturco et al.).
While these prior art stents have achieved a varying degree of success, the art is constantly in need of new stents having improved flexibility and stability while being able to be readily implanted with little or no trauma to the target lumen. It would be highly desirably if such new stents additionally were relatively resistant to kinking during bending while maintaining wall apposition and side branch access (particularly important when deploying the stent in the aorta).


A vehicle-to-vehicle communication device mounted in a subject vehicle includes (i) a transmitter-receiver for communication with other vehicle-to-vehicle communication devices mounted in other vehicles, (ii) a memory that stores communication wavelengths assigned to the other vehicles, and (iii) a communication control unit. When a certain vehicle is determined to be within a dangerous distance from the subject vehicle, the communication control unit refers to a communication wavelength assigned to the certain vehicle stored in the memory. When the communication wavelength assigned to the certain vehicle is identical to a communication wavelength assigned to the subject vehicle, the communication wavelength assigned to the subject vehicle is changed to another communication wavelength different from the communication wavelength assigned to the certain vehicle.

There are conventionally known running control devices that grasp traffic situation ahead by vehicle-to-vehicle information communication and control various devices present in a vehicle based on this information. Some of such running control devices are based on automobile-to-automobile communication. Such a running control device in a subject vehicle includes: a receiving means that receives information from another vehicle present ahead; a transmitting means that transmits the result, which is obtained by processing information on vehicles running ahead and the subject vehicle, to other vehicles present behind; and a running information processing means connected with various controllers present in the subject vehicle. The running control device is so constructed that it assists the safe running of the subject vehicle by collecting information on nearby vehicles and controlling the various controllers in the subject vehicle.
(Refer to Patent Document 1, for example.)
Some of such running control devices include in a subject vehicle: a front light transmitting/receiving unit that transmits or receives laser light signals to and from the area ahead of the subject vehicle; a rear light transmitting/receiving unit that transmits or receives laser light signals to and from the area behind the subject vehicle; and a signal relaying means that relays signals between the front light transmitting/receiving unit and the rear light transmitting/receiving unit. In this configuration, laser light signals including signals received by the front light transmitting/receiving unit are transmitted from the rear light transmitting/receiving unit; and laser light signals including signals received by the rear light transmitting/receiving unit are transmitted from the front light transmitting/receiving unit. Thus, the running control device makes it possible to pass a signal from one vehicle to another in rotation. (Refer to Patent Document 2, for example.)                Patent Document 1: JP-H05-266399 A        Patent Document 2: JP-H09-051309 A
However, the above-mentioned running control devices involve a problem. When there are multiple vehicles ahead, laser light is prone to be intercepted by those vehicles; therefore, it is difficult to appropriately carry out communication by light between vehicles. Also, when light from an oncoming vehicle is received as noise, it is difficult to appropriately carry out communication by laser light.


A light emitting device for enhancing emission efficiency and color rendering, comprising: a light source; a first emitting section having a luminescent material emitting light including a wavelength component longer than that of light from the light source when excited by the light from the light source; a second emitting section having a luminescent material emitting light including a wavelength component longer than that of the light from the first emitting section when excited by the lights from the light source and the first emitting section; and a light exit side from which the light from the light source, the first light-emitting section and the second light-emitting section emerges outside; and the first emitting section and the second emitting section are opened at the light exit side, and an area of a boundary surface between the first emitting section and the second emitting section is equal to or less than fifty percent of the surface area of the first emitting section.

Conventionally, a cold-cathode tube was, for example, used as a light source for a lighting system or a liquid crystal display backlight and the like. But in recent years, a pseudo-white light source, which is a combination of a light source emitting blue light and a material absorbing blue light and emitting yellow light, has been developed as an alternative light source. In this pseudo-white light source, an InGaN base light-emitting diode is used as a light source emitting blue light and cerium-activated yttrium aluminate is used as a material emitting yellow light, for example.
However, there are intrinsic insufficiency of green light and red light components in the spectrum of the light emitted from the pseudo-white light source, thereby the pseudo-white light source is low in color rendering, as well as in color reproduction. In order to solve this problem, the way of enhancing the color rendering and the color reproduction is proposed by means of adjusting the component of yttrium aluminate (that is the material emitting yellow light) for the purpose of improving it to emit yellow-green light and, at the same time, adding a material that absorb blue light and emit red light to the yttrium aluminate for the purpose of make up the shortage of the red light component of the pseudo-white light source.
However, materials emitting red light often absorb not only blue light but also lights with wavelength components longer than that of blue light and shorter than red light, or green to yellow light. The examples of such materials are alkaline-earth metals sulfide activated by europium, nitride of alkaline-earth metals and silicon activated by europium, oxynitride of alkaline-earth metals and silicon activated by europium or the like. These materials generally absorbs 400 nm to 580 nm wavelength light efficiently, and emit orange to red light, of which wavelength peak is located at about 580 nm to 680 nm.
Materials emitting orange to red light, typified by the above-mentioned ones, absorb the lights with shorter wavelengths than those of themselves, or green to yellow lights. Therefore, in case materials emitting orange to red light and materials emitting green to yellow light are used together, the orange to red light material absorbs a part of the light from green to yellow light material, thereby the luminous flux of the light emitting device gets remarkably lowered.
Several solutions are being tested at present, in which the reduction in luminous flux, occurred from the absorption of shorter-wavelength light into the materials emitting longer-wavelength light, could be prevented. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses that, in a light emitting device comprising two sorts of materials (here called, "material A" and "material B") that absorb the light from a light source and emit lights with different wavelengths respectively, when the material A (which corresponds to a material emitting orange to red light) absorb a part of the light emitted from the material B (which corresponds to a material emitting green to yellow light), the improvement in color rendering and the prevention of reduction in luminous flux can be achieved by locating the material A closer to the light source than the material B is.
[Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication (Kokai) No. 2004-71726

Light emitting device, and lighting system, backlight for display and display using the same


The present invention is directed to a method of forming a nonwoven fabric, which exhibits a pronounced three-dimensional image that is durable to both converting and end-use application. In particular, the present invention contemplates that a fabric is formed from a precursor web comprising at least one support layer or scrim, which when subjected to hydroentanglement on a moveable imaging surface of a three-dimensional image transfer device, an enhanced product is achieved. By formation in this fashion, hydroentanglement of the precursor web results in a more pronounced three-dimensional image; an image that is durable to abrasion and distortion due to elongation.

The present invention relates generally to methods of making nonwoven fabrics, and more particularly, to a method of manufacturing a nonwoven fabric exhibiting improved physical characteristics while exhibiting improved three-dimensional image, permitting use of the fabric in a wide variety of consumer applications.
The production of conventional textile fabrics is known to be a complex, multi-step process. The production of fabrics from staple fibers begins with the carding process whereby the fibers are opened and aligned into a feedstock referred to in the art as xe2x80x9csliverxe2x80x9d. Several strands of sliver are then drawn multiple times on a drawing frames to; further align the fibers, blend, improve uniformity and reduce the sliver""s diameter. The drawn sliver is then fed into a roving frame to produce roving by further reducing its diameter as well as imparting a slight false twist. The roving is then fed into the spinning frame where it is spun into yarn. The yarns are next placed onto a winder where they are transferred into larger packages. The yarn is then ready to be used to create a fabric.
For a woven fabric, the yarns are designated for specific use as warp or fill yarns. The fill yarns (which run on the y-axis and are known as picks) are taken straight to the loom for weaving. The warp yarns (which run on the x-axis and are known as ends) must be further processed. The large packages of yarns are placed onto a warper frame and are wound onto a section beam were they are aligned parallel to each other. The section beam is then fed into a slasher where a size is applied to the yarns to make them stiffer and more abrasion resistant, which is required to withstand the weaving process. The yarns are wound onto a loom beam as they exit the slasher, which is then mounted onto the back of the loom. The warp yarns are threaded through the needles of the loom, which raises and lowers the individual yarns as the filling yarns are interested perpendicular in an interlacing pattern thus weaving the yarns into a fabric. Once the fabric has been woven, it is necessary for it to go through a scouring process to remove the size from the warp yarns before it can be dyed or finished. Currently, commercial high-speed looms operate at a speed of 1000 to 1500 picks per minute, where a pick is the insertion of the filling yarn across the entire width of the fabric. Sheeting and bedding fabrics are typically counts of 80xc3x9780 to 200xc3x97200, being the ends per inch and picks per inch, respectively. The speed of weaving is determined by how quickly the filling yarns are interlaced into the warp yarns, therefore looms creating bedding fabrics are generally capable of production speeds of 5 inches to 18.75 inches per minute.
In contrast, the production of nonwoven fabrics from staple fibers is known to be more efficient than traditional textile processes, as the fabrics are produced directly from the carding process.
Nonwoven fabrics are suitable for use in a wide variety of applications where the efficiency with which the fabrics can be manufactured provides a significant economic advantage for these fabrics versus traditional textiles. However, nonwoven fabrics have commonly been disadvantaged when fabric properties are compared to conventional textiles, particularly in terms of resistance to elongation, in applications where both transverse and co-linear stresses are encountered. Hydroentangled fabrics have been developed with improved properties, by the formation of complex composite structures in order to provide a necessary level of fabric integrity. Subsequent to entanglement, fabric durability has been further enhanced by the application of binder compositions and/or by thermal stabilization of the entangled fibrous matrix.
Nonwoven composite structures typically improve physical properties, such as elongation, by way of incorporation of a support layer or scrim. The support layer material can comprise an array of polymers, such as polyolefins, polyesters, polyurethanes, polyamides, and combinations thereof, and take the form of a film, fibrous sheeting, or grid-like meshes. Metal screens, fiberglass, and vegetable fibers are also utilized as support layers. The support layer is commonly incorporated either by mechanical or chemical means to provide reinforcement to the composite fabric. Reinforcement layers, also referred to as a xe2x80x9cscrimxe2x80x9d material, are described in detail in U.S. Pat. No. 4,636,419, which is hereby incorporated by reference. The use of scrim material, more particularly, a spunbond scrim material is known to those skilled in the art.
Spunbond material comprises continuous filaments typically formed by extrusion of thermoplastic resins through a spinneret assembly, creating a plurality of continuous thermoplastic filaments. The filaments are then quenched and drawn, and collected to form a nonwoven web. Spunbond materials have relatively high resistance to elongation and perform well as a reinforcing layer or scrim. U.S. Pat. No. 3,485,706 to Evans, et al., which is hereby incorporated by reference, discloses a continuous filament web with an initial random staple fiber batt mechanically attached via hydroentanglement, then a second random staple fiber batt is attached to the continuous filament web, again, by hydroentanglement. A continuous filament web is also utilized in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,144,729; 5,187,005; and 4,190,695. These patents include a continuous filament web for reinforcement purposes or to reduce elongation properties of the composite.
More recently, hydroentanglement techniques have been developed which impart images or patterns to the entangled fabric by effecting hydroentanglement on three-dimensional image transfer devices. Such three-dimensional image transfer devices are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,098,764, which is hereby incorporated by reference; with the use of such image transfer devices being desirable for providing a fabric with enhanced physical properties as well as an aesthetically pleasing appearance.
For specific applications, a three-dimensionally imaged nonwoven fabric must exhibit a combination of specific physical characteristics. For example, when such fabrics are used in the formation of cleansing or dusting wipes, the fabric must exhibit sufficient durability to withstand application upon abrasive surfaces and yet exhibit a pronounced three-dimensional pattern so as to capture and retain particulates (application filed separately). Further, three-dimensionally imaged nonwoven fabrics used in home, medical and hygiene applications require sufficient resistance to elongation so as to resist deformation of the image when the fabric is converted into a final end-use article and when used in the final application.
Notwithstanding various attempts in the prior art to develop a three-dimensionally imaged nonwoven fabric acceptable for home, medical and hygiene applications, a need continues to exist for a nonwoven fabric which provides a pronounced image, as well as the requisite mechanical characteristics.
The present invention is directed to a method of forming a nonwoven fabric, which exhibits a pronounced three-dimensional image that is durable to both converting and end-use application. In particular, the present invention contemplates that a fabric is formed from a precursor web comprising at least one support layer or scrim, which when subjected to hydroentanglement on a moveable imaging surface of a three-dimensional image transfer device, an enhanced product is achieved. By formation in this fashion, hydroentanglement of the precursor web results in a more pronounced three-dimensional image; an image that is durable to abrasion and distortion due to elongation.
In accordance with the present invention, a method of making a nonwoven fabric embodying the present invention includes the steps of providing a precursor web comprising a fibrous matrix. While use of staple length fibers is typical, the fibrous matrix may comprise substantially continuous filaments. In a particularly preferred form, the fibrous matrix comprises staple length fibers, which are carded and cross-lapped to form a precursor web. In one embodiment of the present invention, the precursor web is subjected to pre-entangling on a foraminous-forming surface prior to juxtaposition of a support layer or scrim and subsequent three-dimensional imaging. Alternately, one or more layers of fibrous matrix are juxtaposed with one or more support layers or scrims, then the layered construct is pre-entangled to form a precursor web which is imaged directly, or subjected to further fiber, filament, support layers, or scrim layers prior to imaging.
The present method further contemplates the provision of a three-dimensional image transfer device having a movable imaging surface. In a typical configuration, the image transfer device may comprise a drum-like apparatus, which is rotatable with respect to one or more hydroentangling manifolds.
The precursor web is advanced onto the imaging surface of the image transfer device. Hydroentanglement of the precursor web is effected to form a three-dimensionally imaged fabric. Significantly, the incorporation of at least one support layer or scrim acts to focus the fabric tension therein, allowing for improved imaging of the staple fiber layer or layers, and resulting in a more pronounced three-dimensional image.
Subsequent to hydroentanglement, the three-dimensionally imaged fabric may be subjected to one or more variety of post-entanglement treatments. Such treatments may include application of a polymeric binder composition, mechanical compacting, application of surfactant or electrostatic compositions, and like processes.
A further aspect of the present invention is directed to a method of forming a durable nonwoven fabric, which exhibits a pronounced three-dimensionality, while providing the necessary resistance to abrasion and elongation, to facilitate use in a wide variety of applications. The fabric exhibits a high degree of fiber retention, thus permitting its use in those applications in which the fabric is used as a home cleaning substrate or medical fabric. Further, the support layer or scrim aids in preventing the distortion of the imprinted image upon the application of tension to the composite fabric during routine processing and use.
A method of making the present durable nonwoven fabric comprises the steps of providing a precursor web, which is subjected to hydroentangling. The precursor web is formed into a three-dimensionally imaged nonwoven fabric by hydroentanglement on a three-dimensional image transfer device. The image transfer device defines three-dimensional elements against which the precursor web is forced during hydroentanglement, whereby the fibrous constituents of the web are imaged by movement into regions between the three-dimensional elements and surface asperities of the image transfer device.
In the preferred form, the precursor web is hydroentangled on a foraminous surface prior to hydroentangling on the image transfer device. This pre-entangling of the precursor web acts to integrate the fibrous components of the web, but does not impart a three-dimensional image as can be achieved through the use of the three-dimensional image transfer device.
Optionally, subsequent to three-dimensional imaging, the imaged nonwoven fabric can be treated with a performance or aesthetic modifying composition to further alter the fabric structure or to meet end-use article requirements. A polymeric binder composition can be selected to enhance durability characteristics of the fabric, while maintaining the desired softness and drapeability of the three-dimensionally imaged fabric. A surfactant can be applied so as to impart hydrophilic properties. In addition, electrostatic modifying compound can be used to aid in cleaning or dusting applications.
Other features and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent from the following detailed description, the accompanying drawings, and the appended claims.

Nonwoven fabrics having a durable three-dimensional image


A video down conversion system compliant with the Advanced Television Systems Standard (ATSC) includes a decoder which decodes a Main Profile, High Level (MP@HL) image and employs a downconversion processor to produce a standard definition video signal. The system stores a subsampled image in order to reduce memory requirements and employs an upsampling filter to generate reference image data from the stored. subsampled image. The reference image data spatially correspond to the image data produced by the video decoder before it is subsampled. The upsampling filter uses different filter coefficients based on the subsampling phase of the stored image and the half-pixel indicator in the motion vector which is used to locate the downsampled reference image data in the stored subsampled image.

In the United States a standard, the Advanced Television System Committee (ATSC) standard defines digital encoding of high definition television (HDTV) signals. A portion of this standard is essentially the same as the MPEG-2 standard, proposed by the Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG) of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). The standard is described in an International Standard (IS) publication entitled, "Information Technology--Generic Coding of Moving Pictures and Associated Audio, Recommendation H.626", ISO/IEC 13818-2, IS, 11/94 which is available from the ISO and which is hereby incorporated by reference for its teaching on the MPEG-2 digital video coding standard.
The MPEG-2 standard is actually several different standards. In MPEG-2 several different profiles are defined, each corresponding to a different level of complexity of the encoded image. For each profile, different levels are defined, each level corresponding to a different image resolution. One of the MPEG-2 standards, known as Main Profile, Main Level is intended for coding video signals conforming to existing television standards (i.e., NTSC and PAL). Another standard, known as Main Profile, High Level is intended for coding high-definition television images. Images encoded according to the Main Profile, High Level standard may have as many as 1,152 active lines per image frame and 1,920 pixels per line.
The Main Profile, Main Level standard, on the other hand, defines a maximum picture size of 720 pixels per line and 567 lines per frame. At a frame rate of 30 frames per second, signals encoded according to this standard have a data rate of 720*567*30 or 12,247,200 pixels per second. By contrast, images encoded according to the Main Profile, High Level standard have a maximum data rate of 1,152*1,920*30 or 66,355,200 pixels per second. This data rate is more than five times the data rate of image data encoded according to the Main Profile Main Level standard. The standard for HDTV encoding in the United States is a subset of this standard, having as many as 1,080 lines per frame, 1,920 pixels per line and a maximum frame rate, for this frame size, of 30 frames per second. The maximum data rate for this standard is still far greater than the maximum data rate for the Main Profile, Main Level standard.
The MPEG-2 standard defines a complex syntax which contains a mixture of data and control information. Some of this control information is used to enable signals having several different formats to be covered by the standard. These formats define images having differing numbers of picture elements (pixels) per line, differing numbers of lines per frame or field and differing numbers of frames or fields per second. In addition, the basic syntax of the MPEG-2 Main Profile defines the compressed MPEG-2 bit stream representing a sequence of images in five layers, the sequence layer, the group of pictures layer, the picture layer, the slice layer, and the macroblock layer. Each of these layers is introduced with control information. Finally, other control information, also known as side information, (e.g. frame type, macroblock pattern, image motion vectors, coefficient zig-zag patterns and dequantization information) are interspersed throughout the coded bit stream.
Format conversion of encoded high resolution Main Profile, High Level pictures to lower resolution Main Profile, High Level pictures; Main Profile, Main Level pictures, or other lower resolution picture formats, has gained increased importance for a) providing a single decoder for use with multiple existing video formats, b) providing an interface between Main Profile, high level signals and personal computer monitors or existing consumer television receivers, and c) reducing implementation costs of HDTV. For example, conversion allows replacement of expensive high definition monitors used with Main Profile, High Level encoded pictures with inexpensive existing monitors which have a lower picture resolution to support, for example, Main Profile, Main Level encoded pictures, such as NTSC or 525 progressive monitors. One aspect, down conversion, converts a high definition input picture into lower resolution picture for display on the lower resolution monitor.
To effectively receive the digital images, a decoder should process the video signal information rapidly. To be optimally effective, the decoding systems should be relatively inexpensive and yet have sufficient power to decode these digital signals in real time. Consequently, a decoder which supports conversion into multiple low resolution formats must minimize processor memory.
The MPEG-2 Main Profile standard defines a sequence of images in five levels: the sequence level, the group of pictures level, the picture level, the slice level, and the macroblock level. Each of these levels may be considered to be a record in a data stream, with the later-listed levels occurring as nested sub-levels in the earlier listed levels. The records for each level include a header section which contains data that is used in decoding its sub-records.
Each macroblock of the encoded HDTV signal contains six blocks and each block contains data representing 64 respective coefficient values of a discrete cosine transform (DCT) representation of 64 picture elements (pixels) in the HDTV image.
In the encoding process, the pixel data may be subject to motion compensated differential coding prior to the discrete cosine transformation and the blocks of transformed coefficients are further encoded by applying run-length and variable length encoding techniques. A decoder which recovers the image sequence from the data stream reverses the encoding process. This decoder employs an entropy decoder (e.g. a variable length decoder), an inverse discrete cosine transform processor, a motion compensation processor, and an interpolation filter.
FIG. 1 is a high level block diagram of a typical video decoding system of the prior art which processes an MPEG-2 encoded picture. The general methods used to decode an MPEG-2 encoded picture, without subsequent processing, downconversion or format conversion, are specified by the MPEG-2 standard. The video decoding system includes an entropy decoder (ED) 110, which may include variable length decoder (VLD) 210 and run length decoder 212. The system also includes an inverse quantizer 214, and inverse discrete cosine transform (IDCT) processor 218. A controller 207 controls the various components of the decoding system responsive to the control information retrieved from the input bit stream by the ED 110. For processing of prediction images, the system further includes a memory 199 having reference frame memory 222, summing network 230, and motion compensation processor 206a which may have a motion vector processor 221 and half-pixel generator 228.
The ED 110 receives the encoded video image signal, and reverses the encoding process to produce macroblocks of quantized frequency-domain (DCT) coefficient values and control information including motion vectors describing the relative displacement of a matching marcoblock in a previously decoded image which corresponds to a macroblock of the predicted picture that is currently being decoded. The Inverse Quantizer 214 receives the quantized DCT transform coefficients and reconstructs the quantized DCT coefficients for a particular macroblock. The quantization matrix to be used for a particular block is received from the ED 110.
The IDCT processor 218 transforms the reconstructed DCT coefficients to pixel values in the spatial domain (for each block of 8.times.8 matrix values representing luminance or chrominance components of the macroblock, and for each block of 8.times.8 matrix values representing the differential luminance or differential chrominance components of the predicted macroblock).
If the current macroblock is not predictively encoded, then the output matrix values provided by the IDCT processor 218 are the pixel values of the corresponding macroblock of the current video image. If the macroblock is interframe encoded, the corresponding macroblock of the previous video picture frame is stored in memory 199 for use by the motion compensation processor 206. The motion compensation processor 206 receives a previously decoded macroblock from memory 199 responsive to the motion vector, and then adds the previous macroblock to the current IDCT macroblock (corresponding to a residual component of the present predictively encoded frame) in summing network 230 to produce the corresponding macroblock of pixels for the current video image, which is then stored into the reference frame memory 222 of memory 199.

Upsampling filter and half-pixel generator for an HDTV downconversion system

Matsushita Electric Industrial, Co. Ltd.


A hand tool for removing flexible strips used to retain windows and screens onto doors. Each of the two blades of the strip all is optimized for use in removing one of the two flexible strip designs currently in use. The geometry of each blade is designed for ease of use and to protect the door, window, screen or operator from damage.

Windows and screens are often retained in the openings of outer doors of buildings by flexible retaining strips. The present invention optimizes the tools that are used for removal of the two most commonly used flexible retaining strip designs and locates each tool at the opposite ends of a common handle for convenience. The present invention is unique in that it is a hand tool for removal of window or screen retaining strips having a single "C" channel shaped handle and a narrow blade lying in a plane that is essentially orthogonal to the center line of the handle and having a distal end located at the center line extending from the handle in a first direction and a wide blade lying in a plane that is essentially orthogonal to the center line of the handle having a distal end at the same center line and extending from the handle in a direction opposite to the first direction.

Strip all window and screen removal tool


A semiconductor memory device includes: a lower pillar protruding from a substrate in a vertical direction and extending in a first direction by a trench formed in the first direction; an upper pillar protruding on the lower pillar in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; a buried bit line junction region disposed on one sidewall of the lower pillar; a buried bit line contacting the buried bit line junction region and filling a portion of the trench; an etch stop film disposed on an exposed surface of the buried bit line; a first interlayer dielectric film recessed to expose a portion of an outer side of at least the upper pillar disposed on the etch stop film; a second interlayer dielectric film disposed on the first interlayer dielectric film; and a gate surrounding the exposed outer side of the upper pillar and crossing the buried bit line.

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention relate to a semiconductor device, and more particularly, to a semiconductor memory device and a method for manufacturing the same.
Portable mobile devices small in size and miniaturized digital home appliances are widely in use. In coping with such trends, the semiconductor memory devices for use in mobile devices or digital home appliances are highly integrated. Particularly for DRAM or flash memory devices, it is an on-going effort to find ways to store a larger quantity of information in a limited space. The basic components of a DRAM device are transistors and capacitors. The transistor and capacitor are made in a stack structure, in which the transistor is formed on a silicon semiconductor substrate and the capacitor is formed on the transistor.
For electrical connection between the transistor and the capacitor, a storage node contact is disposed between a source region of the transistor and a lower electrode of the capacitor. In addition, a drain region of the transistor is electrically connected to a bit line through a bit line contact. In the structure in which the capacitor is disposed on the planar type transistor, films for signal transmission (for example, a word line and a bit line) are disposed between the transistor and the capacitor. Hence, there is a limit to increasing the capacity of the capacitor due to the space occupied by the films. Moreover, as a gate width of the planar type transistor is narrowed to less than 40 nm, a larger amount of power is consumed and an amount of a body current, which is a leakage current between the source region and the drain region of the transistor, is abruptly increased. To overcome these limitations associated with planar type transistors, the concept of vertical transistors has been studied.
FIG. 1 is drawn to show the basic vertical transistor concept. Referring to FIG. 1, the vertical transistor 100 has a drain region 112 formed at the lower portion of the semiconductor substrate 110 with respect to the gate electrode 120 and a source region 114 formed at the upper portion of the semiconductor substrate 110 with respect to the gate electrode 120. A channel region 116 is formed in the semiconductor substrate 110 in a vertical direction between the drain region 112 and the source region 114. A gate dielectric film 118 and the gate electrode 120 are sequentially disposed over the channel region 116 on the lateral side of the semiconductor substrate 110. When the vertical transistor 100 is applied to a DRAM device, a bit line is coupled to the drain region 112 and a storage node is coupled to the source region 114. The bit line is disposed so as to be buried in the lower side portion of the semiconductor substrate 110, and, unlike the planar type transistor, the space for forming the storage node is not reduced. Thus, the data storage capacity may not be suppressed in spite of the high degree of integration.
However, in order to form a vertical transistor as described above, it is necessary to form the drain region 112 at one side of the semiconductor substrate 110 on the lower portion with respect to the gate electrode 120. This process is not easy. For example, before forming the drain region 112, a conductive film doped at a high concentration is formed on the portion of the silicon substrate 110 where the drain region 112 is to be formed (that is, on the side of the lower portion of the silicon substrate 110 with respect to the gate electrode 120). Then, the dopants doped in the conductive film are diffused into the lower portion of the semiconductor substrate 110 to thereby form the drain region 112. However, with high integration of semiconductor devices resulting in overall size reduction of the semiconductor devices, it is difficult to form the drain region 112 of the vertical transistor 110 for accurate size and positioning in the semiconductor substrate 110.

Semiconductor memory device and method for manufacturing the same


A method for controlling a fan (6) of a vapour compression system (1) is disclosed, the fan (6) being arranged to provide a secondary fluid flow across a heat rejecting heat exchanger (3). A temperature difference, ΔT=Tout−Tamb, between a temperature, Tout, of refrigerant leaving the heat rejecting heat exchanger (3) and a temperature, Tamb, of ambient air of the heat rejecting heat exchanger (3) is established. A setpoint value, ΔTsetp, for the temperature difference, ΔT, is obtained, the setpoint value, ΔTsetp, being dependent on the fan speed of the fan (6) in such a manner that the setpoint value, ΔTsetp, increases as the fan speed increases. The fan speed of the fan (6) is controlled in order to control the temperature difference, ΔT, in accordance with the obtained setpoint value, ΔTsetp.

Vapour compression systems, such as refrigeration systems, air condition systems, heat pumps, etc., normally comprise a compressor, a heat rejecting heat exchanger, an expansion device and an evaporator arranged in a refrigerant circuit. In the heat rejecting heat exchanger, heat exchange takes place between the refrigerant flowing through the heat rejecting heat exchanger and the ambient, e.g. in the form of a secondary fluid flow across the heat rejecting heat exchanger, in such a manner that heat is rejected from the refrigerant. Accordingly, the temperature of the refrigerant decreases as the refrigerant passes through the heat rejecting heat exchanger.
In the case that the secondary fluid flow across the heat rejecting heat exchanger is in the form of an air flow, the secondary fluid flow may be controlled by controlling a fan arranged in the vicinity of the heat rejecting heat exchanger. It is normally desirable to control the fan, and thereby the secondary fluid flow across the heat rejecting heat exchanger, in such a manner that the temperature of the refrigerant leaving the heat rejecting heat exchanger is close to the ambient temperature, e.g. close to the temperature of the fluid of the secondary fluid flow. Thereby it is ensured that the pressure of the refrigerant flowing through the heat rejecting heat exchanger is at an appropriate level, and that the vapour compression system is operated in an energy efficient manner.
In order to control the secondary fluid flow as described above, various temperatures, such as the temperature of refrigerant leaving the heat rejecting heat exchanger, the temperature of refrigerant entering the heat rejecting heat exchanger and/or various ambient temperatures, etc., may be measured. Each of the sensors used for measuring the relevant temperatures introduces an uncertainty of the measured temperature, which may result in a deviation between a measured temperature value and the actual temperature value. When the temperature of refrigerant leaving the heat rejecting heat exchanger approaches the ambient temperature, even small deviations in the measured temperature values may result in erroneous operation of the fan. For instance, if the temperature measurements performed by means of the temperature sensors indicate that the temperature difference between the temperature of refrigerant leaving the heat rejecting heat exchanger and the ambient temperature is above a desired level, but the temperature of the refrigerant leaving the heat rejecting heat exchanger is in reality as close to the ambient temperature as possible, the control algorithm may keep requesting an increase of the fan speed in order to further reduce the temperature of the refrigerant leaving the heat rejecting heat exchanger, but this will have no effect because it is not possible to reduce this temperature further. This is an undesirable situation, because it increases the energy consumption, the noise level, as well as the wear on the fan, without improving the overall energy efficiency of the vapour compression system.
WO 2013/156158 A1 discloses a method for controlling a fan of a vapour compression system, the fan being arranged to provide a secondary fluid flow across a heat rejecting heat exchanger of the vapour compression system. A temperature difference between a temperature of refrigerant leaving the heat rejecting heat exchanger and a temperature of ambient air is established. The temperature difference is compared to a first threshold value and a second threshold value, and the rotational speed of the fan is controlled on the basis of the comparison. The first and second threshold values are substantially constant.
US 2007/0125106 A1 discloses a supercritical refrigeration cycle comprising a heat rejecting heat exchanger in the form of a radiator, and a cooling fan for blowing the atmospheric air to the radiator. A value of information representing the difference between the actual radiation state of the refrigerant at the outlet of the radiator and an ideal radiation state determined by the atmospheric temperature is calculated, and based on this value of information, the air capacity of the cooling fan is controlled to decrease the difference.

Method for controlling a fan of a vapour compression system in accordance with a variable temperature setpoint


A torsional spring tensioning system for a power transmission chain is disclosed. In embodiments, the torsional spring tensioning system includes at least one torsion spring coupled to a pair of links (e.g., an inner link and an outer link) of the power transmission chain. The torsional spring includes a first spring leg and a second spring leg flexibly coupled by at least one winding. The winding is coupled to a pivot that connects the inner and outer links together. Meanwhile, the first spring leg is coupled to the inner link, and the second spring leg is coupled to the outer link. As a result of this configuration, the torsional spring biases the inner link toward the outer link, or vice versa, to produce/maintain tension in the power transmission chain.

A power transmission chain may loosen over time due to stretching of chain links or other components. This may be caused by normal operating conditions (e.g., due to typical wear and crack) and/or as a result of an external stress (e.g., due to excessive torque, jamming, temperature changes, etc.). However, a power transmission chain should maintain proper tension to prevent failure, such as engagement failure and/or excessive noise from vibrating chain links or teeth.
There are numerous devices that can be used to maintain tension in a power transmission chain system. Depending on the functionality of the system, tensioning devices may include, but are not limited to, hydraulic, pneumatic, and/or gravity-based tensioning devices. Many of these tensioners are externally attached to the system to keep it in working condition. This requires the addition of external add-on devices that tend to increase size and complexity of the system.
To avoid increased size and complexity of a power transmission chain system, there is a need for tensioning systems that can be integrated within the power transmission chain itself, rather than requiring the addition of external add-on devices.

Torsional spring tensioning system for a power transmission chain


On the basis of rainfall amount data (24) representing a timeseries change in the amount of rainfall in a district as an estimation target and unascertained water amount data (23) representing a time-series change in the amount of unascertained water at a base point located downstream of each district, an unascertained water occurrence distribution estimating unit (12) of a control unit (10) calculates a correlation value between the rainfall amount data (24) in each district and the unascertained water amount data (23), and outputs each correlation value as an unascertained water occurrence distribution in each district.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a device and method for estimating the occurrence distribution of unascertained water and, more particularly, to a device and method for estimating the occurrence distribution of unascertained water, which estimate the occurrence distribution of unascertained water flowing into a sewer, and a recording medium.

Device and method for estimating occurrence distribution of unascertained water and recording medium


An aircraft environmental control system (ECS) includes a first valve that is adjustable between a plurality of first positions to open or shut-off a bleed air flow that flows from an inlet of the first valve to an outlet of the first valve. A second valve includes an inlet in fluid communication with the first valve outlet, and is adjustable between a plurality of second positions to throttle the bleed air that flows from the inlet of the second valve to an outlet of the second valve. A valve position sensor outputs a position signal indicating a measured position among the plurality of second positions. A controller is in signal communication with the valve position sensor. The controller is configured to determine a primary effective area of the second valve based on the measured position, and to diagnose operation of the first valve based on the primary effective area.

Exemplary embodiments pertain to the aircraft systems, and more specifically, to aircraft environmental control systems.
An aircraft environmental control system (ECS) typically employ one or more various valves to direct bleed air to one or more air cycle machines (ACMs) such as, for example, a pneumatic air cycle kit (PACK). The PACK then supplies heated or cooled air conditioning to the passengers and flight crew. One or more of the valves may be located in adverse environments such as a hot, high vibration, dirt-contaminated environment. One example of an adverse environment found on aircrafts is the engine compartment. Valves located in these adverse environments, however, are precluded from implementing a feedback sensor and/or valve position sensors (e.g., rotary variable transformers, potentiometers, position limit switches, etc.).

Aircraft environmental control system including valve built-in-test without position feedback


A plasmid which contains a mammalian cell-derived autonomously replicating sequence DNA, a promoter and a gene for peptide production inclusive of the translation initiation codon.

Known methods of producing peptides by utilizing genetic engineering techniques include, among others, causing microorganisms such as Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis to produce peptides, proteins and the like by utilizing plasmids and causing hosts to viruses to produce peptides, proteins and the like by utilizing viral DNA.
However, these known methods are not entirely satisfactory with respect to the stability of plasmids, the variety of usable cell species, and production efficiency.
The present inventor previously succeeded in isolating a mouse cell-derived DNA fragment containing an autonomously replicating sequence (ARS) and reported that this fragment is an EcoRI-BglII fragment of about 2,500 base pairs (Mol. Cell. Biol., 5, 563-568 (1985)).
The present inventors carried out further investigations into the properties of this ARS fragment and found that the ARS has affinity for the c-myc protein which is the product of the c-myc gene and that the c-myc protein binds with c-myc gene itself and controls expression thereof. Furthermore the inventor found that not only myc protein but also various DNA-binding proteins have affinity for the ARS. This finding made it possible to separate and obtain the ARS from various mammalian cells using the myc protein and the like. The inventor further found that useful peptides, proteins or glycoproteins, among others, can be produced efficiently by utilizing such a mammalian cell-derived autonomously replicating sequence (ARS), and have now completed the present invention.

Method for isolating a DNA encoding an autonomously replicating sequence


A method for measuring the far field antenna pattern of a large phased array antenna on a conventional far field range by applying a correction factor to the antenna phase shifters. As the antenna is electronically steered to each of its scan angle, a particular correction factor is applied to each radiating elements to correct the far field antenna pattern to the shortened far field range.

The measurement of one dimensional planar arrays that are electrically long is currently a difficult task. The accurate measurement of these antenna patterns is limited by the large antenna range requirements for the far field ranges, by the number of near field points that must be measured on a near field range, and by the great size and surface quality requirements of the reflector and feed for compact ranges. This patent application describes the use of applying a quadratic and higher phase correction factors to the phased array and measuring the partially corrected pattern at a distance much shorter than the usual far field distance.
The errors that result from this approach are analyzed as a function of range, the antenna electrical length, the sidelobe level, and the degree of correction which was applied. Both computer simulation and analysis are used to examine the limitations of this approach.
Investigations are currently underway to find methods for mounting large, lightweight, phased arrays on the fuselage of aircraft for airborne surveillance. Such arrays tend to be very long in one dimension, but moderate in size in the other. Because of the physical size of these antennas, the measurement of their basic antenna patterns is very difficult. For example, the far field distance for an antenna with a 10'.times.100' aperture at C-Band would be about 23 miles. By the far field range criteria of R.gtoreq.2D.sup.2 /.lambda. (where R is the distance from the antenna in feet and D is the aperture of the antenna in feet) for a very low sidelobe array, the distance would be much greater if more accuracy in the measurement is desired. The use of compact ranges for an antenna of this size would be extremely impractical. One approach in measuring the far field patterns using a conventional antenna range is based on the fact that in one dimension, the smaller one, the far field range antenna is well within the Fresnel field, but an accurate pattern can only be taken by putting in a phase correction over the aperture. Since the phase correction is only accurate at one angle, repeated corrections are therefore required to obtain a good approximation of the antenna pattern for the far field. In the present invention, the first higher order correction factors are examined, quadratic alone and quadratic and cubic. An analysis of the residual error is given and from that analysis, an estimate of the range of angles over which a particular correction factor gives a small error is found. The range space of angles over which the antenna pattern is measured when R.sub.o is equal to infinity, will determine the required number of resets of the phase shifters to narrow the error factor to an acceptable level.
Thus, it may be seen that at the present time very large phased array antennas cannot be accurately or conveniently measured by present prior art current measurement techniques. The purpose of the present invention is to provide accurate far field antenna pattern measurements using a much smaller range by the application of phase correction to the phased array.

Method for measuring large antenna arrays

The United States of America represented by the Secretary of the Airforce


A roller pinion for rotating about a central axis generally includes a core having an axial bore at its center for mounting on a drive shaft and recesses extending the length of the core. The recesses define faces with a plurality of regularly distributed sectors extending between them. The roller pinion also includes a cage associated with a plurality of rollers. The cage extends around the outer peripheral surface of the core, and presents, facing the outer peripheral surface of the core, a concentric spherical inner surface that faces the recesses of the core. Protuberances are provided that extend into the recesses. The protuberances have faces positioned parallel to and facing the faces of the recesses. Metal strips arranged in bundles with elastomer material interposed between the strips are inserted in a space between the respective faces of one recess in the core and one protuberance of the cage.

Some conventional aircraft have landing gear provided with actuators for driving wheels in rotation, so as to enable the aircraft to move without using the aeroengines of the aircraft. Among the various solutions that have been envisaged, one consists in providing a drive actuator having a roller pinion at its outlet that is constrained to mesh with a toothed wheel secured to the rim of the aircraft wheel. Nevertheless, the deformation to which the wheel and the landing gear carrying the wheel are subjected during taxiing make it necessary to make provision for the position of the roller pinion to adapt both linearly and angularly relative to the wheel, and thus to incorporate elements in the drive train that are movable or deformable. This is particularly true if the drive actuator is designed to be movable between an engaged position in which the roller pinion meshes with the toothed wheel, and a disengaged position in which the roller pinion is spaced apart from the toothed wheel. In addition, it is necessary to provide a filter member between the roller pinion and the drive motor suitable for filtering torque jolts. The adapter elements and the filter elements constitute additional elements giving rise to additional crowding in a zone that is already very congested, and requiring additional maintenance.

Roller pinions for driving an aircraft wheel in rotation


A method for fabricating a landing pad is described in which a transistor is formed on the substrate, wherein the transistor comprises a gate and source/drain regions at both sides of the gate in the substrate. A cap layer and a spacer are formed on the gate and at the sidewall of the gate respectively. A protective layer is formed to cover the substrate. The protective layer is then defined to form an opening to expose the source/drain region. A polysilicon landing pad is then formed in the opening and on the protective layer at the periphery of the opening. Silicidation is then conducted on the polysilicon landing pad to form a metal silicide landing pad and to destroy any native oxide at the source/drain region.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a fabrication method of a semiconductor device. More particularly, the present invention relates to a fabrication method of a landing pad.
2. Description of the Related Art
As semiconductors enter the stage of deep sub-micron processing, the device dimensions are gradually decreased. The fabrication of a landing plug is one approach to increase the aligned margin for photolithography when semiconductor devices become highly integrated.
FIGS. 1A to 1C are schematic, cross-sectional views showing the fabrication of a landing pad, which is applicable to an embedded dynamic random access memory device according to the prior art
Referring to FIG. 1A, a device isolation structure 30 is formed on the substrate 10 to define the active regions 15 and 20, wherein the active region 15 is a logic circuit region and the active region 20 is a dynamic random access memory region.
Transistors are formed on the active regions 15 and 20 respectively. Each transistor comprises a gate 40 and source/drain regions 70 in the substrate 10 at both sides of the gate 40. A silicon nitride cap layer 50 is formed on the gate 40 with silicon nitride spacers 60 formed on the sidewalls of the gate 40.
A silicon nitride layer 80 is then formed covering the active region 20. A salicide process is conducted to form a titanium silicide layer 90 on the source/drain regions 70 in the active region 15.
As shown in FIG. 1B, a silicon oxide layer 100 is formed on the active regions 15 and 20, followed by defining the silicon oxide layer 100 and the underlying silicon nitride layer 80 in the active region 20 to form an opening 110 above the source/drain region of the active region 20.
Referring to FIG. 1C, a doped polysilicon type of landing pad 120 is formed in the opening 110 and on the silicon oxide layer 100 at the periphery of the opening 110 to increase the aligned margin for photolithography performed in the subsequent formation of a contact plug. Subsequently an insulation layer (not shown) is then formed, followed by the formation a contact plug (not shown) to complete the manufacturing of an embedded DRAM device.
However, during the entire fabrication process, the wafer is being transferred between the various instruments. When the substrate 10 contacts air, the surface of the substrate 10 is oxidized to form a native oxide layer which affects the contact resistance between the source/drain region 70 and the landing pad 120. Furthermore, the resistance of the doped polysilicon landing pad 120 is higher than either a metal silicide or a metal. The RC delay time is thus greatly increased and the operating efficiency of the entire integrated circuit is adversely affected.

Method of fabricating a silicide landing pad