A sensor comprising a resonator structure arranged for resonating along a first plane; and at least one sensing electrode arranged on a second plane parallel to said first plane at a predetermined distance of said resonator structure along a direction normal to said first plane.

Disk Resonator Gyroscopes are described for example in U.S. Pat. No. 7,581,443. FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a known sensor 10 that comprises a disk resonator 12. Disk resonator 12 is for example made out of a number of concentric rings 14 attached to each other by radial elements to a central support 16. The concentric rings 14, central support 16 and radial elements can be formed out of a quartz or silicon wafer by etching. The sensor 10 illustrated in FIG. 1 comprises two differential driving electrodes 18 and two differential sensing electrodes 20 arranged each in the plane materialized by the concentric rings 14, at a predetermined distance from the outermost ring 14. Proper electrical stimuli applied to the driving electrodes 18 cause the rings 14 to periodically deform toward then away from driving electrodes 18, as schematized in the exaggerated deformation drawing 22 where a N=2 vibration mode of the resonator 12 is illustrated. The sensing electrodes 20 can be arranged so that the deformation of the rings 14 caused by driving electrodes 18 brings the rings away from, then toward the sensing electrodes 20. The deformation of the rings 14 increases or reduces the gap between the outward-most ring and the sensing electrodes. This causes variations of the capacitance formed between the sensing electrodes 20 and the outward-most ring, that can be measured by the sensing electrodes.
Due to the inertia of the rings, any displacement of the resonator along the plane materialized by the concentric rings 14 causes changes in the periodic variations of the capacitance measured by sensing electrodes 20, that can be measured by sensing electrodes 20 and converted into a measurement of the displacement. Because the motion of the rings 14 is along the plane materialized by the rings 14, and because the active surfaces the driving and sensing electrodes (18, 20) are perpendicular to this plane, the motion of the rings 14 is effectively perpendicular to the active surfaces of the driving and sensing electrodes (18, 20). It follows that the transducers formed by the driving and sensing electrodes (18, 20) and the rings can be modeled approximately as parallel plate transducers, where one of the plates represents the outward most moving ring of the DRG and the other plate represents a stationary electrode surface.
A problem of known sensor 10, however, is for example that it is difficult to reduce the sensing gap between sensing electrodes 20 and the outer surface of the outward-most ring 14, which limits the sensitivity of the sensor 10.
There is a need in the art for a resonator sensor having improved sensitivity.

Disk resonator gyroscope with out-of-plane electrodes


A rupture feature releases pressurized gas into a diffuser through an egress opening in an inflator wall responsive to a pressure impulse in the inflator. A sturdy rupture fragment is positioned opposite the egress opening. A thin rupture membrane continuously circumscribes and sealingly interconnects the rupture fragment to the inflator about the egress opening. Rupture membrane thickness is less than rupture fragment thickness or inflator wall thickness at the egress opening. The rupture membrane is upstanding from the inflator wall about the egress opening to a constant height. The rupture fragment and the rupture membrane are integrally-formed with each other and with the inflator wall at the egress opening. The pressure impulse impacts the rupture fragment, urges the rupture fragment away from the inflator, detaches the rupture fragment from the inflator by fully transversely fracturing the rupture membrane, and drives the rupture fragment into containment within the diffuser.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to vehicle passenger safety modules that use pressurized gas from an inflator to deploy an airbag between passengers and the interior of a vehicle in the event of a collision. In particular, the present invention pertains to the structure associated with the inflator that effects the abrupt release of the pressurized inflation gas contained therein.
2. Background
An airbag for a vehicle passenger safety module includes an inflation portion that captures pressurized gas from an inflator, thereby becoming a gas-filled cushion interposed between a vehicle occupant and the interior vehicle surfaces surrounding that occupant.
The inflator is ignited electrically in response to a signal from a momentum monitor carried in the vehicle. The inflator is a closed structure having walls sufficiently sturdy to safely retain inflation gas at high pressures. The pressurized inflation gas is released from the inflator at a high velocity by abruptly opening the discharge end of the inflator. The inflation gas initially passes through a gas diffuser that redirects the inflation gas in directions and in quantities that are optimally suited to nondestructively but efficiently inflate an airbag cushion.
The structure actually effecting the abrupt opening of the inflator is the rupture features of the inflator. The rupture feature is activated in response to a pressure impulse of predetermined amount generated in the inflator.
A typical rupture feature employs a thin rupture disc that is supported about the periphery thereof across the intended outflow path of pressurized inflation gas. The rupture disc is secured to the interior of a sturdy frame component that is used to close the discharge end of the inflator. A pressure impulse of predetermined amount generated in the inflator causes destructive forces in the rupture disc that burst the rupture disc permitting the pressurized inflation gas in the inflator to escape at high velocity.

Rupture feature for inflator of vehicle airbag


Embodiments of the invention provide a ventilation assembly comprising a main housing adapted for installation into standard 2′×4′ wall or ceiling construction within a building or space. The main housing can include a fluid inlet through which fluid is received within the main housing, and a fluid outlet through which fluid exits the main housing. The ventilation assembly can be installed in place of an existing ventilation exhaust fan assembly, or can be installed in a space where no ventilation assembly has previously existed. The main housing can provide support to a blower assembly, including a scroll and a blower wheel positioned within the scroll. A motor may be nestled within the scroll and coupled to the blower wheel. Electrical power can be supplied to the motor to cause the motor to rotate the blower wheel to generate a flow of fluid out of the fluid outlet.

Ventilating exhaust fans, such as those typically installed in bathrooms, draw air from within an area and pass the exhausted air out to another location, such as through a vent in the roof of a home or other structure. Many typical exhaust fans currently in use include a housing positioned within a building structure, such as in an aperture or other structure in a wall or ceiling.
Centrifugal exhaust fans typically include a main housing, a rotating fan wheel and motor assembly. The fan wheel can usually include a plurality of vanes that create an outward airflow during rotation, which, in turn, is directed out of an outlet opening. The fan wheel is typically coupled to a motor supported within the fan housing, and the motor drives the fan wheel, thus providing ventilation to an area. In order to meet performance demands, most modern ventilating exhaust fans are still relatively bulky, either due to the physical size of the motor, the fan wheel, or both.


An instrument for providing ventilation access to the trachea has a hollow needle with a sharp tip, a tube extending within the needle and a spring urging the tube to project a short distance from the patient end of the needle. The rear end of the tube carries two colored flags one of which is visible at a time in a transparent window towards the machine end of the needle. When the patient end of the instrument is pushed through neck tissue overlying the trachea the inner tube is pushed rearwardly so that a flag of one color is visible. When the patient end of the instrument enters the trachea the spring can push the inner tube forwardly so that the other flag is visible. In one embodiment the instrument carries a dilator and tracheostomy tube that can be slid off the needle after penetration. In another embodiment, ventilation equipment is connected to the rear of the inner tube and the patient is ventilated through the instrument itself.

This invention relates to medico-surgical instruments.
Various procedures and instruments are used to ventilate patients via the trachea. Tracheostomies can be made by a conventional surgical technique or by a percutaneous technique, which is quicker and more suited to emergency situations. In the usual percutaneous technique a needle is pushed through the skin of the throat into the trachea. Entry of the needle to the trachea is detected by a loss-of-resistance technique involving a syringe filled with air connected to the needle hub. The tip of the needle is blocked while it is passing through the neck tissue so that manual pressure applied to the needle plunger encounters a resistance to movement. When the tip of the needle enters the trachea air can flow and the plunger can move forwardly, enabling entry to be detected. The syringe is then removed and a guidewire is slid along the needle. The needle is then pulled out along the guidewire, leaving the guidewire in position. The opening into the trachea is then enlarged by sliding a dilator or a series of dilators of increasing size along the guidewire into the trachea. When the opening has been enlarged sufficiently, a tracheostomy tube is slid along the guidewire, following which the guidewire can be removed. Although the apparatus involved in this technique has been used successfully for many years, the number of different components and steps is not ideal for adverse situations, such as at the site of a trauma incident, and it may not be suitable for less experienced clinicians or paramedics.
An alternative technique used in emergency situations is percutaneous transtracheal ventilation. In this technique a sharp-tipped needle penetrates the trachea and the external, machine end of the needle is connected to a jet ventilation machine so that breathing gas is supplied to the trachea via the needle, which is left in position. This arrangement can be used to provide emergency ventilation for up to about one hour, which is usually sufficient time for the patient to be provided with alternative ventilation. The advantage of this procedure is that it can be carried out relatively easily by ambulance crew and paramedics and it does not involve the need for cutting with a scalpel. The procedure does, however, have several disadvantages. First, there is a risk that the needle will not be inserted to the correct depth, because of variations in thickness of neck tissue overlying the trachea. If the needle is not inserted far enough its tip may be located in the anterior tissues surrounding the trachea instead of in the trachea itself. If inserted too far, the needle may damage the posterior wall of the trachea. Second, because the ventilation gas emerges through the open tip of the needle and the bore of the needle is relatively small compared with a tracheal tube, the gas emerges as a jet directed longitudinally of the needle and towards the posterior wall of the trachea. Where the gas jet impinges on the tissue of the trachea it may cause drying and necrosis.
Another problem with emergency ventilation instruments is that it is usually necessary to hyperextend the neck in order to provide access to the trachea. Where the patient has suffered neck injury, or is suspected of having suffered a neck injury it is important that there is minimal movement of the neck. This is a particular disadvantage because patients requiring emergency ventilation are often those that have been involved in an accident of the kind that can cause neck injury.


Provided is a synthesis method of a modified conjugated diene polymer. Conjugated diene monomers are reacted in a reaction system. A modifier is added into the reaction system while the reaction proceeds to a predetermined extent. The modifier has a structure represented by formula (1):

1. Field of the Invention
The invention is related to a modified conjugated diene polymer and a synthesis method thereof, and more particularly, to a conjugated diene polymer with good compatibility with silica and a synthesis method thereof.
2. Description of Related Art
The conjugated diene polymer is widely used in resin modification and various industrial products, one application of which is the manufacture of tires. With the rising awareness of environmental protection in recent years, the requirements for tire performance have become high. For instance, it is desired to be able to achieve low fuel consumption and low loss rate. To conform to this trend, it is necessary to improve the mechanical properties of the conjugated diene polymer such as rolling resistance, skid resistance, and tensile strength.
For the conventional tire, carbon black is usually added to the conjugated diene polymer to increase the strength of the tire. However, in recent years, the method of using silica as a reinforcing agent has been proposed in light of problems such as the gradual depletion of petroleum resource and global warming. Since silica is more difficult to disperse uniformly in the conjugated diene polymer as compared to carbon black, it is necessary to improve the compatibility between silica and the conjugated diene polymer.

Modified conjugated diene polymer and synthesis method thereof

Abstract: wherein R1-R11 each independently represent a C1-C5 alkyl group; 1≦m≦300; 0≦a≦65; 0≦b≦65; 0≦c≦40; 0<a+b; 0≦c/(a+b+c)≦0.8; the X and Y are structures respectively represented by formula (2) and formula (3):

Abstract: wherein R12, R16, and R17 each independently represent a C1-C5 alkylene group and R13-R15 each independently represent a C1-C5 alkyl group.


A method and apparatus for cleaning a filter apparatus of the type having an atmospherically vented tank, a rotatable filter frame in the tank having filter material thereon providing one or more filter effluent compartments on the filter frame. An influent line supplies liquid containing suspended solids to the tank and a filtered effluent outlet communicates with the filter effluent compartment, and a spray wash device including spray nozzles is operable during a wash cycle to direct high pressure liquid spray at a side of the filter material on the filter frame in a spray zone. An air tight hood is mounted inside the tank and extends above the upper periphery of the filter frame to an open lower end below the spray zone. The hood is vented to atmosphere during a filter time to allow liquid influent in the tank to flow into the hood and immerse the filter frame, and air is supplied to the hood during the wash cycle at a pressure sufficient to pneumatically depress the liquid in the hood to a level below the spray zone.

In filter apparatus of the type disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,090,965 and 4,639,315 web filter material is mounted on a rotatable filter frame to form one or more enclosed filter effluent compartments on the rotatable frame. During filtering, liquid influent containing suspended solids is passed into an influent tank and flows in a filter direction through the filter material into a filter effluent compartment for discharge to an outlet. The filter material on the filter frame is intermittently backwashed by rotating the filter frame past a suction head which is positioned to engage the outer side of the filter material and which is operative to draw filtered liquid from inside the filter effluent compartment through the filter material in a direction opposite the filter direction, to remove and discharge entrapped solids in the backwash water. The above patents also disclose a high pressure spray wash for washing the filter material after a number of backwash operations. The high pressure spray wash includes spray nozzles disposed either inside or outside the filter effluent compartment and arranged to direct high pressure liquid spray at one side of the filter material. However, the high pressure spray wash cannot be effected while the filter material being washed is submerged in liquid and, in the prior filter apparatus of this type, it was necessary to drain down the liquid in the tank to a level sufficient to enable spray washing. This substantially increased the overall time required for a high pressure spray washing of the drum and correspondingly increased the amount of time that the filter apparatus was out of its filtering mode.

Method and apparatus for cleaning a filter apparatus


A diffractive lens according to the present invention has the function of focusing light. The diffractive lens has a side on which a diffraction grating is arranged on either an aspheric surface or a spherical surface in its effective area. The diffraction grating has n0 phase steps, which are arranged concentrically around the optical axis of the diffractive lens. And the radius rn of the circle formed by an nth one (where n is an integer that falls within the range of 0 through n0) of the phase steps as counted from the optical axis of the diffractive lens satisfiesrn=√{square root over (a{(n+c+dn)−b(n+c+dn)m})}{square root over (a{(n+c+dn)−b(n+c+dn)m})}where a, b, c and m are constants that satisfy a>0, 0≦c<1, m>1, and

There are various kinds of optical elements that have a function of focusing light. Some of those optical elements use refraction, others use diffraction, and still others may use both of these two functions in combination. In this description, an optical element as a combination of an optical element that uses refraction and an optical element that uses diffraction will be referred to herein as a "diffractive lens". A diffractive lens is obtained by forming a diffraction grating on the refracting surface of a lens and contributes to increasing the number of design parameters for adjusting optical properties. Consequently, with a diffractive lens, the number of lenses required can be reduced with the same optical performance maintained.
It is also well known that a diffractive lens contributes effectively to reducing various kinds of aberrations of a lens including field curvature and chromatic aberration (which is a shift of a focal point with the wavelength). This is partly because a diffraction grating has the opposite type of dispersion property to the one caused by an optical material. Such a dispersion property is sometimes called a "reverse dispersion property".
The shape of a diffractive lens is a combination of the base shape of a lens body, on which a diffraction grating is to be formed (i.e., the shape of a refractive lens), and the shape of the diffraction grating. For example, FIG. 13(a) illustrates an aspheric shape Sb of a lens body and FIG. 13(b) illustrates a diffraction grating shape Sp1, which is determined by the phase function represented by the following Equations (1):
                                          ϕ                                      (              r              )                                =                                                    2                                π                                            λ                0                                                                {                                                ψ                                                        (                    r                    )                                                  -                                                      λ                    0                                                                          int                                                              (                                                                        ψ                                                                                (                            r                            )                                                                                λ                          0                                                                    )                                                                                }                                                                                ψ                                      (              r              )                                =                                                    a                1                                          r                        +                                          a                2                                                          r                2                                      +                                          a                3                                                          r                3                                      +                                          a                4                                                          r                4                                      +                                          a                5                                                          r                5                                      +                                          a                6                                                          r                6                                      +            …            +                                          a                i                                                                            r                  i                                                                                (                                                      r                    2                                    =                                                            x                      2                                        +                                          y                      2                                                                      )                                                                        (        1        )            where φ(r) is a phase function represented by the curve Sp in FIG. 13(b), Ψ(r) is an optical path length difference function (z=Ψ(r)), int is an integer operator, r is a radial distance from the optical axis, λ0 is a designed wavelength, and a1, a2, a3, a4, a5, a6, . . . and ai are phase coefficients. As can be seen from FIG. 13(b), in the shape Sp1, a phase step is produced every time the phase goes over 2π.
According to a conventional method for designing the shape of a diffractive lens, supposing there is a diffraction grating on an aspheric shape Sb, an aspheric coefficient that determines an aspheric shape Sb and a phase function that determines a phase function sp are obtained at the same time so that the optical property to be achieved by giving an optical path length difference based on the phase function Sp to the aspheric shape Sb has a desired level. The shape Sbp1 of the diffraction grating surface is determined by adding the shape Sp1 corresponding to the phase difference function to the aspheric shape Sb (see FIG. 13(c)). The height d of the phase step shown in FIG. 13(c) generally satisfies the following Equation (2):
                    d        =                              q            ·            λ                                                              n                1                                                          (                λ                )                                      -            1                                              (        2        )            where q is a designed order (e.g., q=1 as for first-order diffracted light), λ is the operating wavelength, d is the step height of the diffraction grating, and n1(λ) is the refractive index of a lens material that makes the lens body at the operating wavelength λ. The refractive index of a lens material has a wavelength dependence and is a function of the wavelength. In a diffraction grating that satisfies this Equation (2), the phase difference between the root and the end of a phase step becomes 2π on the phase function, and the optical path difference with respect to light with the operating wavelength λ becomes an integral number of times as long as the wavelength. Consequently, the diffraction efficiency of qth-order diffracted light (which will be referred to herein as "qth-order diffraction efficiency") with respect to light with the operating wavelength can be approximately equal to 100%.
It is known that in such a diffractive lens, as the error from the relation represented by Equation (2) widens, diffracted light rays of non-designed orders are produced one after another, thus causing flares or ghosts that covers the image field and deteriorating the image quality.
Thus, in order to eliminate such flares to be caused by diffracted light rays of non-designed orders from an image processor that uses such a diffractive lens, Patent Document No. 1 discloses a method for reducing the influence of the flares by detecting the locations of pixels with saturated luminance, estimating the locations and intensities of the flares with respect to those pixel locations, and performing signal processing on the image based on those data.
On the other hand, Patent Document No. 2 discloses a method for reducing the influence of flares on a digital camera that uses a diffractive lens. According to the method of Patent Document No. 2, if there are any saturated pixels when the first frame is shot, the second frame is shot so as to prevent those pixels from getting saturated again and then the image shots of the first and second frames are subjected to computational processing to eliminate flares.

Abstract: 0.05                    b        0              <    b    <          b      0                  b      0        =          1              mn        0                  m          -          1                    and dn is an arbitrary value that satisfies −0.25<dn<0.25.


The invention relates to a multimetallic nanoshell sensor which comprises a core that is less conductive that a first metallic layer and having a catalytically active second metallic layer partially or completely surrounding the first metallic layer. The sensor can be used in any surface enhanced spectroscopic applications.

The platinum metals (ruthenium, rhodium, palladium, osmium, iridium, and platinum) have outstanding catalytic properties. The chemical industry, for example, uses a significant amount of either platinum or a platinum-rhodium alloy catalyst in the form of gauze to catalyze the partial oxidation of ammonia to yield nitric oxide, which is the raw material for fertilizers, explosives, and nitric acid. In recent years, a number of platinum-group metals have become important as catalysts in synthetic organic chemistry. Ruthenium dioxide is used as coatings on dimensionally stable titanium anodes used in the production of chlorine and sodium hydroxide. Platinum supported catalysts are used in the refining of crude oil, reforming, and other processes used in the production of high-octane gasoline and aromatic compounds for the petrochemical industry. Since 1979, the automotive industry has emerged as the principal consumer of platinum-group metals. Palladium, platinum, and rhodium have been used as oxidation catalyst in catalytic converters to treat automobile exhaust emissions. A wide range of platinum-group metal alloy compositions are used in low-voltage and low-energy contacts, thick- and thin-film circuits, thermocouples and furnace components, and electrodes.
Characterization of the binding and/or reaction of adsorbates at the surfaces of platinum group metals is critical for understanding and thus improving their catalytic reactions. However, current methods of studying these reactions are less than satisfactory. Electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS), for example, is highly satisfactory in detecting molecules bound to model surfaces, but suffers from the need for expensive equipment and ultra-high vacuum environments. Hence, it cannot be used to replicate actual behavior of catalytic reactions that occur at or above atmospheric pressure or in the presence of a liquid. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), often coupled with the use of attenuated total reflectance (ATR) techniques and Raman spectroscopy, have also been used to characterize adsorption processes, but the technique is not surface selective and signal-to-noise ratios often suffer from solvent effects. Moreover, with the growing trend toward greener aqueous-based reactions, the technique is especially limited by the strong IR absorption of the O-H stretching modes of water. Additionally, current techniques often require integration times much longer than actual reaction times.
Thus, there is a critical unmet need for sensitive, surface-selective, and easy-to-implement methods to provide detailed molecular-level information on heterogeneous catalytic reactions while they occur under realistic reaction conditions.
Discovered in the late 1970's, surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) is a strong candidate to fulfill this need. Raman spectroscopy detects molecules with chemical bonds that exhibit changes in polarizability, and SERS provides orders-of-magnitude improvement in detection limit through the use of nanostructured metal substrates. The primary mechanism responsible for the surface enhancement is the ability of the metal to support directly excitable surface plasmons at the excitation laser wavelength and across the Stokes frequency range. This plasmon response provides an intense electromagnetic field at the metal surface at both the excitation and Stokes wavelengths.
The shape and size of the metal nanoparticles strongly affects the strength of the enhancement because these factors influence the ratio of absorption and scattering events. There is an ideal size for these particles—not just any small particles will have the same impact on the Raman intensity—as well as an ideal surface thickness for each experiment. Particles which are too large allow the excitation of multipoles, which are nonradiative. As only the dipole transition leads to Raman scattering, the higher-order transitions will cause a decrease in the overall efficiency of the enhancement. Particles which are too small, however, lose their electrical conductance and cannot enhance the field. Furthermore, when the particle size approaches a few atoms, the definition of a plasmon does not hold, as there must be a large collection of electrons to oscillate together.
With recent developments in understanding structure effects on plasmonic behavior in metal nanostructure synthesis, SERS substrates with higher and more highly reproducible enhancements can be designed. Engineered substrates based on nanometer-sized metallic shapes, like rods, rings, gaps, bowties, and shells offer SERS enhancements of up to 109. In particular, Au nanoshell (NS) SERS substrates have been successfully used to determine conformation of surface-bound biomolecules and to transduce the spectral signature of surface-bound thiols in a high-resolution alloptical pH nanosensing device. The large active area for SERS on nanoshell surfaces, along with the large and highly reproducible enhancements designed into these structures, provide a SERS-active substrate that is quite promising for monitoring catalytic processes. However, existing Au nanoshells (e.g., US2008204742 by Halas; US2008096289 and US2008096289 by Zhou; and U.S. Pat. No. 7,371,457 et seq by Oldenburg) have only demonstrated enhancements up to 107, so there is still room for improvement.
The use of SERS as a probe for adsorption and reaction of chemicals at catalytic surfaces has been attempted previously, with many groups attempting to overcome the inherent SERS limitation to coinage metals (gold and silver) and extend SERS to typical catalytic materials, such as palladium (Pd), rhodium (Rh), platinum (Pt) and iridium (Ir). Previous studies focused primarily on the study of electrochemical reactions, where the substrates typically were roughened Au electrodes coated with 1-2 nm of catalytic metal or covered with platinum-group metal nanoparticles. More recently, structured substrates consisting of solely of the catalytic material have been introduced. Overall, the techniques have enjoyed only moderate success, offering typical enhancements of 104-106.
What is needed in the art are ever more sensitive detection methods, devices and compositions for use in biological, spectroscopic and other applications. More sensitive methods can be advantageously employed in the monitoring of chemical processes, for example in-line monitoring of water remediation processes.

Multimetallic nanoshells for monitoring chemical reactions


A system may include a first inverter configured to invert a first data signal and a second inverter configured to invert a second data signal. A pull-up element may be coupled to an output of the first inverter on a first terminal and a power source on a second terminal, wherein the power source is also coupled to a pull-up element of a main output buffer. A pull-down element may be coupled to an output of the second inverter on a first terminal and a ground on a second terminal, wherein the ground is also coupled to a pull-down element of the main output buffer.

The delay of output buffer in a silicon chip may be strongly affected by power and ground noise. For multiple parallel outputs, depending on data patterns the power and ground noise could be very different. Such differences may cause significant timing skew among outputs. For example, if all but one of the outputs switch at the same direction and the one remaining output switches against all other outputs, different output delay timings for one or more of the outputs may result

Systems and methods involving pseudo complementary output buffer circuitry/schemes, power noise reduction and/or other features


A method of detecting clouds in a digital image comprising, for an area of the digital image, determining a reflectance value in at least three discrete electromagnetic spectrum bands, computing a first ratio of one reflectance value minus another reflectance value and the same two values added together, computing a second ratio of one reflectance value and another reflectance value, choosing one of the reflectance values, and concluding that an opaque cloud exists in the area if the results of each of the two computing steps and the choosing step fall within three corresponding predetermined ranges.

1. Field of the Invention (Technical Field)
The present invention relates to methods, apparatuses, and computer software for detection of opaque clouds.
2. Description of Related Art
Particularly in analysis and/or production of satellite imagery, there is a need to accurately identify opaque clouds while, at the same time, limit the detection of thin, transparent clouds and to not falsely detect clear sky as clouds. The state of the art is discussed at length in Ackerman, et al., "Discriminating Clear-Sky from Cloud with MODIS", modis.gsfc.nasa.gov/data/atbd/atbd_mod06.pdf (Oct. 1, 2002). The present invention provides substantial improvements over the prior efforts, as discussed below.


A computer casing has a frame, two fixing panels arranged inside the frame, and two side panels assembled on opposing sides of the frame. The frame, the fixing panels and the side panels are all made of aluminum. The frame includes a top panel, a bottom panel, a front panel and a rear panel fixed together by means of soldering. The computer casing is secured in entirety and has large dissipation area. Additionally, the computer casing is easily classified and recycled in the case of expiration.

(a) Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a computer casing, and particularly to a computer casing which has firm structure and large dissipation area and which is easy to be recycled when discarded.
(b) Description of the Prior Art
Devices and components associated with computers, for instance, hard disk, main board, and Central Processing Unit (CPU) etc., are developed rapidly with develop of information technology. Processed data involved in multimedia computation are more enormous, and computing speed is promoted quickly, making operating temperature of computation devices and Integrated Circuit (IC) components in the computers become high in excess. Chips on the main board usually give out a great deal of heat during operation. It tends to affect normal performance and even to lower operation speed or shorten lifespan thereof without measures to dissipate heat appropriately. Heat sink and fans are solutions to this problem currently.
A conventional computer casing has a frame with panels on sides thereof. Electronic components and main board are mounted inside the computer casing. CPU is mounted on the main board. Heat sink is also provided on the main board and covers the CPU. A fan is disposed on the heat sink. The heat sink absorbs heat generated by the CPU and expands heat area. The fan blows to dissipate the heat.
However, the frame and panels of the computer casing are detachably assembled together by means of screws. This makes the computer casing weak. Moreover, besides CPU, other components on the main board may generate heat. Space interior the computer casing is closed, so heat therein fails to give out of the computer casing. Heat is recycled inside the computer casing, and correspondingly dissipation effect can not be optimal. Exorbitant high temperature may decrease operation efficiency of CPU and even damage it. On the other hand, a host computer often has metal frame, plastic panels and electronic components, which are respectively made of different material. When the host computer is spoiled and needs to be recycled, the frame, the panels and the components have to be detached and classified, resulting in troublesome recycling process. A computer casing which can solve above problems is desired.


The method of making a silicon device including a pn-junction includes the steps of providing a p-doped monocrystalline silicon substrate (1) with a doping concentration C.sub.S ; making a pn-junction by forming a first n-doped layer portion (21) directly on one side of the p-doped monocrystalline silicon substrate (1) with a doping concentration C.sub.D greater than the doping concentration C.sub.S of the silicon substrate; depositing epitaxially at least one other n-doped layer portion (22) having a doping concentration C.sub.E on the first n-doped layer portion (21) to form a silicon layer including the first n-doped layer portion and the at least one other n-doped layer portion; and etching a portion of the p-doped monocrystalline silicon substrate (1) so as to form a blind hole extending to the pn-junction from another side of the silicon substrate opposite to the side on which the first n-doped layer portion (21) is formed, the etching being such that the hole ends at the pn-junction.

The present invention relates to a method of making a pn-junction in a silicon substrate and, more particularly, to positional stabilization of etching mask boundaries in anisotropic etching of structures in a silicon substrate.
A method of making a pn-junction in a silicon substrate is known, including making a silicon layer on a monocrystalline silicon substrate and doping the silicon layer oppositely from the silicon substrate so that the silicon layer is of a doping type which is opposite to the silicon substrate.
Such methods for doping silicon are described in "Mikromechanik" by A. Heuberger, in Section 3.1.2, pp. 91 to 97, Springer Verlag, 1989. One possibility for doping includes diffusion from the gas phase or doped surface coatings. Another possibility is that the doping atoms can be added to the substrate by an externally produced and accelerated ion beam. Additional engineering methods for layer deposition are described in the above cited reference in Section 3.1.5, pp. 114 to 121, e.g. epitaxial layer formation of layers with predetermined doping profiles.

Silicon device including a pn-junction acting as an etch-stop in a silicon substrate


A device for continuously treating a textile fabric web comprises at least one application devices for applying one or more treatment liquors to the fabric web. After applying the liquors, the fabric web exhibits a total moisture content in the range of 100 to 220% of the weight of the dry fabric. The fabric web with the moisture is fed into a tower-like heating zone of an ager, in which the fabric web is guided over a path consisting of a plurality of horizontal loops.

The present invention relates to an improved continuous process and installation for treating textile fabric webs.
A two-step coating method and a corresponding installation are disclosed in German Published Patent Application 37 33 997. An important feature of this two-step liquor application is the possibility of applying more liquid to the web, that is, achieving moisture contents (i.e., liquid weight in proportion to the weight of the dry fabric) which lie far above those that are attainable using devices that work with squeezing devices, which exhibit an applied pressure that produces a uniform line pressure and prevents the fabric web from slipping through. In the second coating device, the additional liquid is only applied, but is not exchanged for the liquid quantity applied by the first coating device. The second coating is, therefore, purely an additional impregnation. The question of how such a heavily loaded fabric web should be directed in the ager to prevent the liquid from running off or dripping off is not addressed by this patent application.
The present invention is directed to the problem of developing a process, and a corresponding installation, which will ensure that a fabric web which is heavily loaded with treatment liquor will undergo the proper treatment sequence in an ager.

Continuous process and installation for treating textile fabric webs


A smart transformable shading system with adaptability to expand and retract in response to solar radiation comprises, in one implementation, a housing unit, a plurality of structural cells, and a plurality of modular units. The structural cells are within the housing unit, and are aligned in first and directions with respect to the housing unit. Each modular unit is placed within a corresponding structural cell, and includes a plurality of structural rings, a plurality of deployable shell panels, a plurality of control units, and a plurality of circuit units. Each circuit unit is connected to a corresponding control unit, which in turn is connected to a corresponding deployable shell panel, the combination of which is placed within a corresponding structural ring to transform into different geometries in response to light.

Transformable shading systems have become a popular type of building façade coverings in various residential and commercial applications. The transformable shading systems are aesthetically attractive while providing improved insulation across a window or other type of opening due to their modular construction. The design emphasis in various building structures has maintained pressure on the industry to continue to create unique aesthetically attractive coverings for architectural openings. Although the introduction of transformable shading systems has greatly benefited the industry in this regard, there remains a need to create smart transformable shading systems having adaptability to climate change, and capability to be optimized based on various parameters such as vision comfort, vision field, Useful Daylight Illuminance (UDI), Daylight Glare Probability (DGP), and Daylight Glare Index (DGI). While these parameters can directly impact illuminating or lighting effects perceived by occupants inside a subject unit, the shading system optimization based on such parameters can ultimately improve the annual energy consumption of the subject unit.
Accordingly, there is a need for providing a smart system and method for transformable shading system with motion flexibility to different timings and geometric adaptability to climate change.

Smart transformable shading system with adaptability to climate change


A plasma-vortex engine (20) provided. The engine (20) consists of a plasmatic fluid (22) circulating in a closed loop (44) encompassing a fluid heater (26), an expansion chamber (30), and a condenser (42). The expansion chamber (30) is fabricated of magnetic material, and encompasses a rotor (72), fabricated of non-magnetic material, to which T-form vanes (114), also fabricated of non-magnetic material, are coupled. A shaft (36) is coupled to the rotor (72). During operation, the plasmatic fluid (22) is heated to produce a plasma (86) within the expansion chamber (30). The plasma (86) is expanded and a vortex (100) generated therein to exert a plasmatic force (93) against the vanes (114). The rotor (72) and shaft (36) rotate in response to the plasmatic force (93). A plurality of magnets (115,119) are embedded in the vanes (114) and rotor (72) to provide attractive and repulsive forces (97,99,101) and better seal the vane (114) to the expansion chamber (30).

The controlled expansion of gases forms the basis for the majority of non-electrical rotational engines in use today. These engines include reciprocating, rotary, and turbine engines, and may be driven by heat (heat engines) or other forms of energy. Heat engines may use combustion, solar, geothermal, nuclear, or other forms of thermal energy. Combustion-based heat engines may utilize either internal or external combustion.
Internal-combustion engines derive power from the combustion of a fuel within the engine itself. Typical internal-combustion engines include reciprocating engines, rotary engines, and turbine engines.
Internal-combustion reciprocating engines convert the expansion of burning gases (typically, an air-fuel mixture) into the linear movement of pistons within cylinders. This linear movement then converted into rotational movement through connecting rods and a crankshaft. Examples of internal-combustion reciprocating engines are the common automotive gasoline and diesel engines.
Internal-combustion rotary engines use rotors and chambers to more directly convert the expansion of burning gases into rotational movement. An example of an internal-combustion rotary engine is the Wankel engine, which utilizes a triangular rotor that revolves in a chamber, instead of pistons within cylinders. The Wankel engine has fewer moving parts and is generally smaller and lighter, for a given power output, than an equivalent internal-combustion reciprocating engine.
Internal-combustion turbine engines direct the expansion of burning gases against a turbine, which then rotates. An example of an internal-combustion turbine engine is a turboprop aircraft engine, in which the turbine is coupled to a propeller to provide motive power for the aircraft.
Internal-combustion turbine engines are often used as thrust engines, where the expansion of the burning gases exit the engine in a controlled manner to produce thrust. An example of an internal-combustion turbine/thrust engine is the turbofan aircraft engine, in which the rotation of the turbine is typically coupled back to a compressor, which increases the pressure of the air in the air-fuel mixture and markedly increases the resultant thrust.
All internal-combustion engines of this type suffer from poor efficiency. Only a small percentage of the potential energy is released during combustion, i.e., the combustion is invariably incomplete. Of that energy released in combustion, only a small percentage is converted into rotational energy. The rest must be dissipated as heat.
If the fuel used is a typical hydrocarbon or hydrocarbon-based compound (e.g., gasoline, diesel oil, or jet fuel), then the partial combustion characteristic of internal-combustion engines causes the release of a plethora of combustion by-products into the atmosphere in the form of an exhaust. In order to reduce the quantity of pollutants, a support system consisting of a catalytic converter and other apparatuses is often necessitated. Even when minimized, a significant quantity of pollutants is released into the atmosphere as a result of incomplete combustion.
Because internal-combustion engines depend upon the rapid (i.e., explosive) combustion of fuel within the engine itself, the engine must be engineered to withstand a considerable amount of pressure and heat. These are drawbacks that require a more robust and more complex engine over external-combustion engines of similar power output.
External-combustion engines derive power from the combustion of a fuel in a combustion chamber separate from the engine. A Rankine-cycle engine typifies a modern external-combustion engine. In a Rankine-cycle engine, fuel is burned in the combustion chamber and used to heat a liquid at substantially constant pressure. The liquid is vaporized to become the desired gas. This gas is passed into the engine, where it expands. The desired rotational power is derived from this expansion. Typical external-combustion engines also include reciprocating engines, rotary engines, and turbine engines.
External-combustion reciprocating engines convert the expansion of heated gases into the linear movement of pistons within cylinders. This linear movement is then converted into rotational movement through linkages. The conventional steam locomotive engine is an example of an external-combustion open-loop Rankine-cycle reciprocating engine. Fuel (wood, coal, or oil) is burned in a combustion chamber (the firebox) and used to heat water at a substantially constant pressure. The water is vaporized to become the desired gas (steam). This gas is passed into the cylinders, where it expands to drive the pistons. Linkages (the drive rods) couple the pistons to the wheels to produce rotary power. The expanded gas is then released into the atmosphere in the form of steam. The rotation of the wheels propels the engine down the track.
External-combustion rotary engines use rotors and chambers instead of pistons, cylinders, and linkage to more directly convert the expansion of heated gases into rotational movement.
External-combustion turbine engines direct the expansion of heated gases against a turbine, which then rotates. A modern nuclear power plant is an example of an external-combustion closed-loop Rankine-cycle turbine engine. Nuclear fuel is "burned" in a combustion chamber (the reactor) and used to heat water. The water is vaporized to become the desired gas (steam). This gas is directed against a turbine, which then rotates. The expanded steam is then condensed back into water and made available for reheating. The rotation of the turbine drives a generator to produce electricity.
External-combustion engines may be made much more efficient than corresponding internal-combustion engines. Through the use of a combustion chamber, the fuel may be more thoroughly consumed, releasing a significantly greater percentage of the potential energy. More thorough consumption means fewer combustion by-products and a significant reduction in pollutants.
Because external-combustion engines do not themselves encompass the combustion of fuel, they may be engineered to operate at a lower pressure and a lower temperature than comparable internal-combustion engines. This in turn allows the use of less complex support systems (e.g., cooling and exhaust systems), and results in simpler and lighter engines for a give power output.
Typical turbine engines operate at high rotational speeds. This high rotational speed presents several engineering challenges that typically result in specialized designs and materials. This adds to system complexity and cost. Also, in order to operate at low-to-moderate rotational speeds, turbine engines typically utilize a step-down transmission of some sort. This, too, adds to system complexity and cost.
Similarly, reciprocating engines require linkage to convert linear motion to rotary motion. This results in complex designs with many moving parts. In addition, the linear motion of the pistons and the motions of the linkages produce significant vibration. This vibration results in a loss of efficiency and a decrease in engine life. To compensate, components are typically counterbalanced to reduce vibration. This results in an increase in both design complexity and cost.
Typical heat engines depend upon the diabatic expansion of the gas. That is, as the gas expands, it loses heat. This diabatic expansion represents a loss of energy.
What is needed, therefore, is an external-combustion rotary heat engine that maximizes and utilizes the adiabatic expansive energy of the gases.

Plasma-vortex engine and method of operation therefor


An integrated drain mast structure for use in draining fluids emanating from aircraft components, such as turbine engines and fuselages, for facilitating the detection of fluids leaking from said components. A self-supporting tube section including a plurality of generally aligned fluid passages each having a peripheral wall, at least a portion of which is common with at least a portion of another aligned adjacent fluid passage is connected to one or more of these aircraft components. An aerodynamic fairing includes a plurality of fairing fluid passages each connected to a respective fluid passage of the tube section and having respective fluid outlets. The tube section and fairing section can comprise a single integral structure.

Gas turbine engines used in modern aircraft are complex pieces of equipment whose proper operation and reliability are essential to safe flight. Modern gas turbine engines incorporate critical components which often generate, convey, consume and/or contain fluids. For example, components, such as fuel pumps and hydraulic pumps, distribute and control the flow of jet fuel and hydraulic fluid, respectively; components, such as oil tanks, store fluid; and components, such as starter motors, gear boxes, actuators, compressors, generators and the like, require a supply of lubricants—all of which fluids have the potential to leak or overflow from their respective components or reservoirs.
The detection of fluid leaking from a turbine engine may indicate that an engine component has failed or is likely to fail in the near future, if no action is taken. Providing an outlet for leaking fluids is a preferred design consideration in lieu of permitting leaking fluid to collect in and around the turbine engine potentially concealing other issues and/or triggering other failures.
Accordingly, aircraft turbine engines typically include multiple drain lines each connected to a specific engine component in order to provide an outlet for fluids that may leak or overflow therefrom, as well as to provide for the early detection of leaks that may indicate a potential maintenance or other critical engine operating condition. In a typical prior art design, each of the individual drain lines are typically routed from individual engine components alongside the turbine engine to a central single location, toward permitting any leaking fluid to exit through a plurality of outlet ports provided in a fairing structure extending from the engine cowling. Each of the drain lines are typically secured to a support structure or mast positioned within the engine cowling, using brackets and fasteners toward preventing undesired movement, fatigue and/or breakage of the drain lines. Each fluid drain line is, in turn, connected by fittings to a drain fairing assembly that is joined to the support structure, also using mounting plates, brackets and fasteners. The fairing projects outwardly from and is secured to the engine cowling.
As part of normal aircraft operation, ground personnel and pilots typically perform, and in many cases are required to perform, a visual inspection of critical portions of the aircraft to identify any obvious conditions that may negatively impact flight safety. The drain line fairing assembly of an aircraft engine, being among many critical aircraft components, is subject to particular attention. A visual pre-flight inspection of the drain line fairing may reveal fluids leaking from the engine which may be an indication of a critical component failure or an indication of a potential future failure—each of which may result in engine failure leading to a potentially catastrophic result.
By way of example, a pre-flight inspection may reveal the presence of fluid dripping from or accumulated on the fairing. While multiple drain outlets are provided in the fairing, in some cases it may be difficult to confirm from which outlet any one or more fluids leaked, making identification of the engine component requiring attention difficult, if not impossible.
Likewise, apart from the engine, there are other components in an aircraft that also require fluid draining, together with fluid detection and identification. These would include aircraft sink drains and ice storage bins that could likewise benefit from an improved integrated drain mast assembly positioned along the bottom of an aircraft fuselage.
Regardless of whether addressing fluid drainage from an engine cowling or a fuselage, the disadvantages of such a prior art drain assembly designs include: the need to source, track and inventory a large number of individual components that must be assembled together to form a complete drain line assembly that is secure enough, and strong enough, to withstand vibration and the external forces that bear upon such structures during flight; the collective weight of all of the individual components; the time required to assemble, route and secure each of the individual drain lines to the support structure, brackets, plates and fairing; and finally the time required to install the finished assembly in the aircraft.
In view of at least the foregoing, there is a demonstrable need for an improved drain mast structure as presently disclosed herein.


A circuitry is provided with a first switching contact. A first spacer is laminated on the circuitry so as to provide a first space above the first switching contact. A first, elastic sheet member is laminated on the first spacer and provided with a second switching contact opposing to the first switching contact in the first space. The first sheet member is operable to deform while using the first space to bring the second switching contact into an electrical contact with the first switching contact. A second spacer is laminated on the first sheet member so as to provide a second space above a first part of the first sheet member. A second sheet member is laminated on the second spacer, the second sheet member being operable to deform while using the second space to thereby deform the first part of the first sheet member. An elastic member is interposed between the first sheet member and the second sheet member at the second space. The elastic member has an elastic deformability which is higher than an elastic deformability of the first sheet member.

The present invention relates to a slim switch which is employed in operation areas of various apparatuses such as electrical appliances.
A membrane switch, for example, is known as the slim switch. This membrane switch is employed in operation areas of various apparatuses such as electric appliances, because it is highly reliable and contributes to realization of space saving.
In FIG. 3, a membrane switch 51 comprises an exterior sheet 52, a spacer sheet 53 and a circuitry 54, which are laminated on a base plate 55. The respective members are bonded with each other with adhesive layers 56.
A movable contact 57 is provided on a predetermined position of a back face of the exterior sheet 52. A through hole 58 is formed in the spacer sheet 53 in alignment with the position of the movable contact 57. The circuitry 54 is provided with a switch circuit having an appropriate pattern, which is not shown. Fixed contacts 59 are provided on the switch circuit at positions opposed to the movable contact 57.
In the membrane switch 51 having the above described structure, when a front face of the exterior sheet 52 is pressed downward with switch operation of a finger 60 of an operator, as shown by an arrow mark, the movable contact 57 and the fixed contacts 59 are brought into electrical contact with each other in association with flexure of the exterior sheet 52. In this manner, the conductive condition of the non-shown switch circuit is established. On the other hand, when the finger 60 of the operator is detached from the membrane switch 51, the exterior sheet 52 which is flexed until then will be recovered to the original state, and the conductive condition of the switch circuit will be released.
Besides the above described membrane switch 51, a dome switch having the following structure is commonly used as the slim switch.
In FIGS. 4 and 5, a dome switch 61 comprises an exterior sheet 62, a spacer sheet 63 and a circuitry 64 which are laminated on a base plate 65. The respective members are bonded to each other with adhesive layers 66. Moreover, the dome switch 61 is designed in such a manner that more improved feeling of click as compared with the above described membrane switch 51 (see FIG. 3) can be obtained.
The exterior sheet 62 is formed with a dome part 67 which is projected in a dome shape. A movable contact 68 is provided at the top of a back face of the dome part 67. A through hole 69 is formed in the spacer sheet 63 at a position corresponding to the dome part 67. Into this through hole 69, the dome part 67 which is projected downward is adapted to be inserted. The circuitry 64 is provided with a not-shown switch circuit with an appropriate pattern. Fixed contacts 70 are provided on the switch circuit at positions opposed to the movable contact 68.
In the dome switch 61 having the above described structure, when the dome part 67 is pressed downward with switch operation of a finger 71 of an operator as shown by an arrow mark, and the movable contact 68 of the dome part 67 which is projected downward comes into electrical contact with the fixed contacts 70 of the circuitry 64, the conductive condition of the non-shown switch circuit can be obtained. When the dome part 67 is projected downward, the feeling of click can be obtained. On the other hand, when the finger 71 of the operator is detached from the dome part 67, the dome part 67 which is projected downward until then will be recovered to the original state, and the conductive condition of the non-shown switch circuit will be released.
The above described membrane switch 51 and the dome switch 61 have had several problems as follows.
First, there is a problem that it is difficult to secure a sufficient stroke length when the switch is operated. There is such an anxiety that a person who operates the switch is unable to reliably recognize ON-OFF of the switch.
Second, there is a problem that operation load of the switch operation is determined to some extent, depending on a shape of the part to be pressed, and it is actually difficult to change feeling of the switch operation even if so desired. Third, there is another problem that freeness of design is limited due to the shape of the part to be pressed.
Lastly, in the dome switch 61, when the dome part 67 which is projected downward is recovered to the original state, speed of the recovery may be faster than speed of the finger 71 to be detached. Therefore, there is a problem that some of the operators may feel uncomfortable when they receive a repulsive force of the dome part 67.
It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a slim switch in which a sufficient stroke length at the switch operation can be secured, and improved feeling of the switch operation can be obtained. It is also an object of the invention to provide a slim switch in which freeness of design can be enhanced.
In order to achieve the above object, according to the invention, there is provided a switch, comprising:
a circuitry, provided with a first switching contact;
a first spacer, laminated on the circuitry so as to provide a first space above the first switching contact;
a first, elastic sheet member, laminated on the first spacer and provided with a second switching contact opposing to the first switching contact in the first space, the first sheet member being operable to deform while using the first space to bring the second switching contact into an electrical contact with the first switching contact;
a second spacer, laminated on the first sheet member so as to provide a second space above a first part of the first sheet member;
a second sheet member, laminated on the second spacer, the second sheet member being operable to deform while using the second space to thereby deform the first part of the first sheet member; and
an elastic member, interposed between the first sheet member and the second sheet member at the second space, the elastic member having an elastic deformability which is higher than an elastic deformability of the first sheet member.
In such a configuration, when the switch is operated, the second sheet member is first subjected to a pressure load and deformed, and at the same time, the elastic member is elastically deformed. Then, the first part of the first sheet member is deformed downward, so that the second switching contact is brought into contact with the first switching contact. With this action, the switch is turned on. On the other hand, when the pressure load is released, the first part of the first sheet member deformed downward, the elastic member elastically deformed, and the second sheet member deformed downward are recovered to their original state, and the conductive condition of the switch is released. On this occasion, a repulsive force of the first part of the first sheet member is absorbed by the elastic member.
Accordingly, not only a sufficient stroke length can be secured, but also the freeness of design of the second sheet member serving as an exterior appearance member can be enhanced. Further, the feeling at the switch operation can be improved.
Preferably, the static member is fixed to at least one of faces of the first sheet member and the second sheet member which are opposed to each other through the second space.
In such a configuration, since distance between the first sheet member and the second sheet member is kept constant, the stroke length can be always secured in a stabilized state. Moreover, the feeling at the switch operation can be maintained in a favorable condition.
Preferably, the first part of the first sheet member is projected toward the second sheet member in a condition where no load is applied thereto.


Disclosed are a multifunctional thermal conducting and/or radiating particle simultaneously having at least one of various functions, such as electromagnetic wave absorbing property, flame retardency, antistatic property, insulating property, thermal resistance and electrical conductivity, as well as a thermal conductivity, a composite array having the same and a fabrication method thereof. The multifunctional thermal conducting and/or radiating particle is composed of a core and a shell, wherein the core includes a core particle having a lower thermal conductivity than that of a particle included in the shell, and the shell includes high-thermal conductive particles each having a higher thermal conductivity than that of the core particle.

1. Field of the Invention
This specification relates to multifunctional thermal conducting and/or radiating particles and an array having the same, and more particularly, multifunctional thermal conducting and/or radiating particles having not only thermal conductivity but also at least one of various properties, such as electromagnetic wave absorbing property, flame retardency, antistatic property, insulating property, thermal resistance, electrical conductivity and the like, an array having the same and a fabrication method thereof.
2. Background of the Invention
As specific devices, such as flat panel display devices, flexible devices, LEDs, vehicle packages, small-sized electronic devices and information communication devices, become thin in thickness and integrated, countermeasures against heat, electromagnetic waves and the like are being at issue. Especially, a processing speed of a microprocessor as a logical chip device is getting fast up to several GHz, and a memory semiconductor highly increases in capacity up to almost terabit. Accordingly, thermal density is further increased and emission of electromagnetic waves are drastically increased, thereby affecting or being affected by adjacent electronic components or the device itself to cause an electromagnetic interference (EMI/EMC) and thermal aging. Hence, it is urgent to prepare countermeasures against such heat, electromagnetic waves and the like in the latest devices. To solve the thermal problems generated from electronic components or electronic component modules, a heat sink is widely used. The heat sink is attached onto an electronic module acting as a heat source to fast disperse (spread) generated heat to the exterior. When the heat sink is physically attached onto such electronic component, the attached surface is not flat and thereby a gap may be generated therebetween, thereby causing an inefficient heat transfer. In regard of this, to lower thermal resistance at a contact part, a flexible film or a greasy thermal interface material (TIM) is interposed therebetween. Also, the heat sink emits high heat in a high power LED package and the like, complex functions (properties) such as thermal resistance, flame retardency and the like are also required.
However, the conventional TIM has been designed for the purpose of facilitating heat transfer between the electronic component and the heat sink, so it has not had a function of removing radiation noise generated from the inside of an electronic device or electrical noise introduced from the outside.
For preventing noise interference in the related art, electromagnetic waves, which are emitted from the electronic components or introduced from the outside, was blocked by covering the electronic components or blocking a gap using a shielding case, a conductive sheet, a conductive fiber, a conductive gasket, a conductive paste and the like, those formed of a conductive metal (e.g., silver, copper, etc.). Those materials are mainly made of the conductive metal, thus to exhibit superior thermal radiating properties. However, for packaging with electronic components by applying those materials, an electric shock may be caused due to low withstand voltages. Consequently, they are inappropriate as TIM material unless an electrically insulating layer is further inserted.
An electromagnetic wave shielding/absorbing material (JP 2006-135118 A1), which is formed by laminating the electromagnetic wave absorbers, fabricated in the related art in a sheet form, or electromagnetic wave absorbers and conductive shielding materials in a multi-layered structure, exhibits high electromagnetic wave shielding effect but has difficulty in effectively dispersing (spreading, dissipating) heat. In order to satisfy various functions required in electric/electronic devices, various functional materials should be inserted, however, they may not effectively cope with the recent tendency of being thin in thickness. In recent years, several methods have been introduced in which multifunctional thermal radiating materials simultaneously having different functions (properties), such as electromagnetic wave absorbing properties, electrically insulating property, thermal resistance, flame retardency and the like so as to acquire spatial and economical advantages.
As one example, for simultaneous exhibition of electromagnetic wave absorbing property and thermal conductivity, a method, in which magnetic powders and high conductive ceramic powders are mixed with a polymer binder using a typical agitator, followed by extrusion or tape-casting, thereby fabricating a powder composite in a sheet form, has been filed in Europe (EP 1372162A1), Japan (JP 2007-31695) and USA (U.S. Pat. No. 7,030,172 B2). However, upon requirements of two or more functionalities, an appropriate means for formation of a heat transfer path between thermal conductors is not found, for example, in a multifunctional array (structure) using both a filler having relatively low thermal conductivity and a filler having high-thermal conductivity, the fillers having different functions.

Multifunctional thermal conducting and/or radiating particles and array having the same, and fabrication method thereof

Korea Institute of Science and Technology


An apparatus includes a substrate, a first heating element, and a second heating element. The substrate includes a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion that is between the first portion and the second portion. The first portion is characterized by a first thermal conductivity, the second portion is characterized by a second thermal conductivity, and the third portion is characterized by a third thermal conductivity. The third thermal conductivity is less than the first thermal conductivity and the second thermal conductivity. The first heating element is coupled to the first portion of the substrate, and is configured to produce a first thermal output. The second heating element is coupled to the second portion of the substrate, and configured to produce a second thermal output. The second thermal output is different from the first thermal output.

The embodiments described herein relate to devices and methods for molecular diagnostic testing. More particularly, the embodiments described herein relate to heaters and methods of heating a sample volume to amplify a nucleic acid in a molecular diagnostic testing device.
There are over one billion infections in the U.S. each year, many of which are treated incorrectly due to inaccurate or delayed diagnostic results. Many known point of care (POC) tests have poor sensitivity (30-70%), while the more highly sensitive tests, such as those involving the specific detection of nucleic acids or molecular testing associated with a pathogenic target, are only available in laboratories. Thus, molecular diagnostics testing is often practiced in centralized laboratories. Known devices and methods for conducting laboratory-based molecular diagnostics testing, however, require trained personnel, regulated infrastructure, and expensive, high throughput instrumentation. Known high throughput laboratory equipment generally processes many (96 to 384 and more) samples at a time, therefore central lab testing is often done in batches. Known methods for processing test samples typically include processing all samples collected during a time period (e.g., a day) in one large run, resulting in a turn-around time of many hours to days after the sample is collected. Moreover, such known instrumentation and methods are designed to perform certain operations under the guidance of a skilled technician who adds reagents, oversees processing, and moves sample from step to step. Thus, although known laboratory tests and methods are very accurate, they often take considerable time, and are very expensive.
There are limited testing options available for testing done at the point of care ("POC"), or in other locations outside of a laboratory. Known POC testing options are often single analyte tests with low analytical quality. These tests are used alongside clinical algorithms to assist in diagnosis, but are frequently verified by higher quality, laboratory tests for the definitive diagnosis. Thus, in many instances, neither consumers nor physicians are enabled to achieve a rapid, accurate test result in time to "test and treat" in one visit. As a result, doctors and patients often determine a course of treatment before they know the diagnosis. This has tremendous ramifications: antibiotics are either not prescribed when needed, leading to infections; or antibiotics are prescribed when not needed, leading to new antibiotic-resistant strains in the community. Moreover, known systems and methods often result in diagnosis of severe viral infections, such as H1N1 swine flu, too late, limiting containment efforts. In addition, patients lose time in unnecessary, repeated doctor visits.
Moreover, many known POC diagnostic devices employ test strips or other simple detection mechanisms, and often do not amplify the target organism. Although recent advances in technology have enabled the development of "lab on a chip" devices, such devices are often not optimized for point-of-care testing. For example, some known devices and methods require continuous power usage to thermally cycle the sample, which can limit the ability to produce a portable or "in home" test. Other known devices include cumbersome resistance heaters and heat sinking arrangements that are not conducive to portable or "in home" tests. Specifically, such devices can have high power usage and can be too large to be reasonably packaged for use as a POC test.
Moreover, many known "lab on a chip" devices amplify a very small volume of sample (e.g., less than one microliter), and are therefore not suited for analyzing for multiple different indications (e.g., a 3-plex or 4-plex test).
Reducing the package size of a diagnostic device can also negatively impact the accuracy to which amplification temperatures are controlled. For example, the size, shape and packaging of certain structures (e.g., a heater, a flow member, or the like) can cause spatial variations in temperature within a reaction chamber. Moreover, tight packaging of electrical components (e.g., resistance heaters) and processors (e.g., control modules) can result in an undesirable level of electromagnetic field (EMF) noise.
Thus, a need exists for improved devices and methods for molecular diagnostic testing. In particular, a need exists for improved amplification modules, heaters and methods for amplifying a target nucleic acid in a molecular diagnostic testing device.

Printed circuit board heater for an amplification module


The present invention relates to an organic electronic device or an organic semiconducting material comprising a borane compound a borane compound, the borane compound comprising at least one boron atom in the oxidation state (III) and at least one anionic ligand, the anionic ligand having the formula (Ia) or (Ib)

Organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), which are self-emitting devices, have a wide viewing angle, excellent contrast, quick response, high brightness, excellent driving voltage characteristics, and color reproduction. A typical OLED includes an anode, a hole transport layer (HTL), an emission layer (EML), an electron transport layer (ETL), and a cathode, which are sequentially stacked on a substrate. In this regard, the HTL, the EML, and the ETL are thin films formed from organic and/or organometallic compounds.
When a voltage is applied to the anode and the cathode, holes injected from the anode electrode move to the EML, via the HTL, and electrons injected from the cathode electrode move to the EML, via the ETL. The holes and electrons recombine in the EML to generate excitons. When the excitons drop from an excited state to a ground state, light is emitted. The injection and flow of holes and electrons should be balanced, so that an OLED having the above-described structure has excellent efficiency.
WO 2017/029370 A1 discloses metal amides and the use thereof as hole injection layer for organic light-emitting diodes.
Angewandte Chemie, International Edition 2011, 50, 2098-2101, discloses as an air-sensitive, vacuum distillable dense liquid, a compound to which a composition C10 H14 B F6 N O4 S2, structure
and Chemical Abstract Service number 1283232-76-7 were assigned.
WO 2017/029366 A1 discloses a hole injection layer for an organic light-emitting diode comprising a triaryl amine compound doped with a charge neutral metal amide compound, the hole injection layer having a thickness of 20 to 1,000 nm.
However, there is still a need to improve the performance of organic electronic devices and/or organic semiconducting materials, in particular of optoelectronic devices comprising an organic charge transport material, such as organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs) or organic photovoltaic (OPV) devices and of complex devices comprising the said optoelectronic devices, such as OLED displays.
It is, therefore, the object of the present invention to provide an organic electronic device and/or an organic semiconducting material overcoming drawbacks of the prior art, in particular to provide organic electronic devices/organic semiconducting materials comprising hole transport materials, hole injection materials, hole generation materials or two or more thereof for improving the performance of a respective device, in particular for improving initial voltage, efficiency or voltage stability thereof.

Organic electronic device, organic semiconducting material and a borane compound

Abstract: wherein in the formulas (Ia) and (Ib)    A1 to A6 are independently selected from the group consisting of CO, SO2 or PDX1;    X1 is independently selected from the group consisting of halide, nitrile, halogenated or perhalogenated C1 to C20 alkyl, halogenated or perhalogenated C6 to C20 aryl, and halogenated or perhalogenated heteroaryl having 5 to 20 ring-forming atoms; and    R1 to R6 are independently selected from the group consisting of substituted or unsubstituted C1 to C20 alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted C1 to C20 heteroalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted C6 to C20 aryl, and substituted or unsubstituted C5 to C20 heteroaryl, wherein it may be provided that R1 and R2 are linked to each other to form a ring;    as well as to a respective borane compound.


An object of the present invention is to provide cellulose acetate that has excellent compatibility with a resin, can reinforce a resin, and has excellent thermal stability. An embodiment of the present invention is cellulose acetate having a cellulose triacetate I crystal structure, wherein a temperature at which a weight loss relative to weight at 100° C. reaches 5% is 200° C. or higher when the cellulose acetate is heated at a heating rate of 10° C./min under a nitrogen atmosphere.

A natural cellulose fiber is a fiber having, as a minimum unit, a microfibril that is an assembly of single crystal fibers and has a diameter of about 3 nm. A fiber obtained by extracting this microfibril by chemical and physical treatment is a so-called cellulose nanofiber. The cellulose nanofiber is considered to have a strength five times or more that of steel in spite of the fact that its density (specific gravity) is one-fifth of that of steel, and a low linear thermal expansion coefficient of one-fiftieth of that of glass. Therefore, the cellulose nanofibers are expected to be used as reinforcing fibers that are combined with another material such as a resin material, to enhance the strength of the material.
Further, the cellulose nanofibers themselves or a composite material obtained by combining the cellulose nanofibers with another material, such as a resin material, are/is also expected to function as a transparent material. However, natural cellulose is rich in hydroxyl groups and is hydrophilic, and therefore has poor compatibility for hydrophobic nonpolar commodity plastics and are inferior in dispersibility in these resins, thus not significantly contributing to the improvement of the strength of the resin materials. Thus, studies have been conducted to chemically modify the hydroxyl groups of natural cellulose to be hydrophobic and to improve the compatibility with hydrophobic, non-polar, commodity resins.
Patent Document 1 describes a fiber-reinforced resin composition containing (A) a chemically modified cellulose nanofiber and (B) a thermoplastic resin, in which a crystallinity of the chemically modified cellulose nanofiber is 42.7% or higher and 78.8% or lower; hydrogen atoms of the hydroxyl groups of the sugar chain constituting the cellulose nanofiber are substituted with acetyl groups, and a degree of substitution is 0.56 or higher and 2.52 or lower.

Cellulose acetate, cellulose acetate fiber, cellulose acetate composition, method for producing cellulose acetate, and method for producing cellulose acetate composition

NATIONAL UNIVERSITY CORPORATION HOKKAIDO UNIVERSITY


Various example embodiments are disclosed. According to an example embodiment, a technique may include storing, by a mobile station while in an active state, a neighborhood paging list, transitioning from active state to idle state, receiving a paging group ID from a local base station, determining that the paging group ID received from the local base station does not match any of the paging group IDs on the mobile station's neighborhood paging list, performing location update, updating the neighborhood paging list based on information received from the local base station, the updated neighborhood paging list including a paging group ID (PGID) identifying a local paging area corresponding to the local base station and a list of neighbor paging group IDs identifying one or more paging areas that are neighbors to the local paging area.

In some wireless networks, mobile stations may operate in an active state, in which the mobile station (MS) may transmit and receive data. Some mobile stations may also operate in an idle state in which the communications hardware for the MS may be placed into a low power or off state to conserve power. While in idle state, the MS may be either in a paging unavailable mode in which paging messages may not be received, or in a paging available mode where the MS may receive paging messages. The base station (BS) may send a paging message to notify the MS that the MS has data to be delivered to the MS. At various times, the MS will transition from paging unavailable mode to paging available mode to: 1) to receive a paging group identifier (PGID) of a local base station to determine if the MS has moved outside a specific paging area. If the MS has moved outside a specific paging area, the MS may perform network re-entry or a location update procedure with the new BS to notify the network of the MS's new location. And, 2) to receive the paging message, which may indicate if the BS has data to be delivered to the MS. If there is data to be delivered to the MS, the MS may transition to active state, perform network re-entry and receive the data.
In some cases, there may be a trade off between paging area size and location update frequency. A larger paging area may create larger paging overhead to send a large number of paging messages, but less frequency location updates being required by MSs. Whereas, a smaller paging area may decrease paging overhead, but may increase the location update burden on mobile stations.

Neighborhood paging group design for wireless networks


A method for determining a transversal controller parameterization for transversal control of a vehicle on a route segment to be instantaneously traveled on by the vehicle, having a step for determining the parameter based on a piece of information about a curvature of the route segment to be instantaneously traveled on.

Lane keeping assist systems such as LDW (Lane Departure Warning) and LKS (Lane Keeping Support), which warn the driver upon unintentionally departing the lane, or which help the driver keep the vehicle in the lane with the aid of a directed guiding torque on the steering wheel, have now been introduced into the European market.
German Patent Application No. DE 10 2008 023 972 A1 describes a method for identifying traffic-relevant information in a driving vehicle. Sensor data and map data of a navigation system are searched for traffic-relevant information contained therein and condensed to relevant sensor data and map data, after which a corresponding output signal is output. The traffic-relevant information may be, in particular, speed-limiting traffic signs, road markings or obstacles.

Method and device for determining a transversal controller parameterization for transversal control of a vehicle


There is provided a resistor-capacitor (RC) oscillator circuit insensitive to process, voltage, and temperature variances. The RC oscillator circuit includes a delay unit, a resistor unit, a capacitor, a resistor, and a first controller. The delay unit delays and outputs a signal received through an input terminal. The resistor unit is connected between an input terminal of the delay unit and a first node. The capacitor is connected between an output terminal of the delay unit and the first node. The resistor is connected between the input terminal of the delay unit and an output node. The first controller is connected between the output terminal of the delay unit and the output node, wherein a frequency signal is output through the output node.

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to an oscillator circuit for generating a frequency signal and, more particularly, to a resistor-capacitor (RC) oscillator circuit using a resistor and a capacitor for generating a frequency signal.
2. Description of the Related Art
In general, oscillators display some degree of frequency variation with temperature. As with variations in temperature, oscillators may exhibit sensitivity to operating voltage. A typical RC oscillator circuit includes a plurality of inverters serially connected, a capacitor, and a resistor. The typical RC oscillator circuit generates a frequency signal having a specific frequency using an RC time constant of the capacitor and the resistor.
FIG. 1 is a circuit diagram of a conventional resistor-capacitor (RC) oscillator circuit 100. Referring to FIG. 1, the RC oscillator circuit 100 includes inverters 107, 110, 120, 130, 170, and 180, a capacitor 140 connected between nodes N_C1 and N_C2, a transistor 105 responding to an input signal IN, and a NAND device 160.
For the purposes of this description, it is assumed that a threshold voltage (switching point) of a first inverter 110 is VDD/2, where VDD is a supply voltage, and that the propagation delay time of each inverter in the RC oscillator circuit 100 is much smaller than the RC decay time constant. In the conventional RC oscillator circuit 100 shown in FIG. 1, if an input signal IN transits to high, the transistor 105 is turned off and the RC oscillator circuit 100 is enabled.
If the voltage at the node N_Cl rises from 0 V to VDD/2, the voltage at the node N_C2 rises to a supply voltage VDD after a predetermined time delay (propagation delay) by the first and second inverters 110 and 120. For example, the voltage at the node N_C1 may rise from VDD/2 to 3*VDD/2 by charge maintenance of the capacitor 140.
Since the third inverter 130 inverts and outputs the voltage of the node N_C2, a voltage of 0 V is applied to the node N_C1 by the NAND device 160 and the inverter 170. Thus, the voltage at the node N_C1 falls from 3*VDD/2 to VDD/2, which is the threshold voltage of the first inverter 110, according to the slope of the RC time constant of the resistor 150 and the capacitor 140. At that time, a frequency signal FOUT, which is output through the output node NOUT, is maintained at 0 V during a half period of the frequency signal FOUT.
However, the frequency of a frequency signal output from the RC oscillator circuit 100 of FIG. 1 may decrease at a low temperature and low supply voltage and increase at a high temperature and high supply voltage. Also, the frequency of the frequency signal output from the RC oscillator circuit 100 may increase or decrease when the current driving ability increases or decreases, for example, due to process variance.
As described above, the RC oscillator circuit 100 of FIG. 1 may exhibit sensitivity to process, voltage, and temperature variances. For example, the RC oscillator circuit 100 may exhibit frequency variation of 10% to 20% depending on process type, 20% to 30% depending on temperature (e.g., −40° to 80° C.), and 20% to 30% depending on voltage (e.g., 1.6 V to 2.0 V).

Resistor-capacitor (RC) oscillator insensitive to process, voltage, and temperature variances


A controller includes a first data acquiring portion for acquiring a time constant of a position control circuit based on a position command value to a drive source and an actual position value, during operation of a controlled object; a second data acquiring portion for acquiring a rigidity value for the controlled object and a workpiece based on a force data obtained when the controlled object is brought into contact with the workpiece; and an automatic gain calculating portion for calculating a force control gain of a force control circuit from the time constant of the position control circuit acquired by the first data acquiring portion and the rigidity value acquired by the second data acquiring portion, under conditions where a time constant of the force control circuit is larger than the time constant of the position control circuit.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a controller for force-controlling a controlled object such as an industrial robot or a machine tool that is configured to perform a task such as assembling or grinding, wherein the controller incorporates a position control circuit inside a force control circuit to force-control the controlled object.
2. Related Art
A controller for force-controlling a controlled object is operated to control an industrial robot or the like after setting and/or adjusting the force control gain of its force control circuit. The force-controlled industrial robot can carry out precision work that involves contacts such as fitting of precision components, adjustment of gear phases, and grinding using a grinder. To enable the robot to carry out such precision work stably in short cycle times, the force control gain of the force control circuit must be properly set and adjusted.
As the force control gain is influenced by the actual work environment such as the mass and inertia of a hand tool attached to the end of the robot, the spring constants of the robot, hand tool, and workpiece, and the posture of the robot during the work, the amount of overshoot with respect to a force command value must be detected by applying a prescribed force in each direction to be force-controlled (each drive axis direction) and gradually increasing the gain from a sufficiently low gain, and an upper limit value of the force control gain must be determined within the range in which the amount of overshoot does not exceed a predetermined value. However, this method has the problem that there are many limitations and it takes time and skill to accomplish the adjustment.
On the other hand, it is also possible to set the force control gain automatically. To set it automatically, work is performed while gradually increasing the force control gain under program control, the waveform of the force is recorded during the process, and the appropriate force control gain is calculated by calculating the rise time, the amount of overshoot, the vibration components, etc. With this method, however, care must be taken when setting the initial value of the force control gain for adjustment; if the force control gain is set higher than the appropriate force control gain, the force control may oscillate in the first try and may cause damage to the robot or machine performing the work or to the hand tool attached to the machine, the workpiece being worked on, etc. Conversely, if the adjustment is performed starting with a low force control gain in order to avoid such a situation, the number of tries increases, resulting in the problem that it takes time to accomplish the adjustment. Further, in the case of a multi-axis robot, as the space where the force control is performed often contains a space of six axes, i.e., three translational axes and three rotational axes around the translational axes, if the force control gain is to be set for each of these axis, a great deal of time has to be expended to accomplish the gain setting.
Furthermore, when adjusting the force control gain, an environment that causes a physical contact with the workpiece has to be created for each axis direction. The reason is that, when there happens to be no contact in a certain axis direction, if the value of the force control gain obtained in such a situation were used without correction, the force might become unstable when a contact occurred in an actual environment. For example, when inserting a keyed rod 41 into a hole 42 as shown in FIG. 6, the only direction in which a contact occurs when the rod 41 is dislocated from the hole 42, as shown, is the Z direction which is the direction of insertion; therefore, in this case, no contact occurs in the X or Y direction, and the adjustment of the force control gain in the X and Y directions cannot be done until after the rod 41 has been inserted in the hole 42.
As another example, consider a situation where, for example, when inserting a cylindrically shaped workpiece into a hole, the amount of clearance for insertion is very small; in this case, if the adjustment is performed starting from a low force control gain, there arises a problem that the workpiece cannot be inserted because the force control performance is poor. In this way, there are cases where, at the early stage of the force control gain adjustment, two components have to be fitted together when the performance of the force control gain is poor, thus giving rise to a contradiction when setting or adjusting the force control gain.
As another example of the control method, JP-A-06-328379 discloses a method that has a large number of motion correction modules and that switches the motion mode according to the working condition, though this method is not one that controls the controlled object by appropriately controlling the force control gain in accordance with various working conditions.