A heat retentive server, comprising a central portion comprising a heat storage member formed of a material which is preferably susceptible to being heated by induction, is provided with one or more valves which are normally in closed positions, and are capable of opening to vent excess pressure in the central portion. In one preferred embodiment, a valve is placed so as to allow communication between the central portion and a different interior region of the server. In another embodiment, a valve is placed so as to allow communication between the central portion and the exterior of the server. In another embodiment, a server is provided with at least one valve of each type.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to heat storage dishes, and particularly to a system of pressure relief for heat storage dishes.
2. Description of Background Information
In environments where food is prepared and cooked in a central location and distributed and served to consumers who are remotely located, such as in hotels, in aircraft and in institutional settings such as hospitals and nursing homes, there is often a delay between the time that the food is prepared, cooked and subsequently placed on a plate or other serving dish, and the time that the food is eventually presented to the consumer for consumption at a remote location, such as a hotel room, hospital room, on aircraft, etc. Accordingly, by the time the food is presented to the consumer, the food can become cold unless special measures are taken to keep the food hot. Various approaches to such meal service problems encountered in such service environments, sometimes referred to as "satelliting" have been employed in the food service and container industries.
One approach to solving such problems associated with the service of meals involves the use of heat retentive servers, which are serving trays constructed and adapted to keep food hot for a longer period than such food maintained in an ordinary room-temperature environment, serving trays having insulated portions therein, and/or serving containers which retain heat. Heat retentive servers commonly comprise serving trays having insulated portions therein, and/or serving containers which retain heat. Such containers typically are adapted to receive a plate containing portions of a meal which are to be kept hot. Such servers typically include an insulated base portion and an insulated dome portion, which together cooperate to define an insulated enclosure which is adapted to receive a plate having such heated meal portions thereon, and maintain the plate and the meal portions in an insulated environment. In some instances, the heat retentive server can include a portion which acts as a heat storage "battery", or a heat sink.
Such heat retentive servers can be designed to support dishware, which in turn holds a portion of a meal which is to be kept hot. In such circumstances, such a base is commonly called a "pellet" base, and the entire system, i.e., the base, dome and plate, is referred to as a "pellet system". When a heat sink is incorporated into a server base and the base supports a food-carrying dish, such as a plate, the base can be referred to as a plate server.
The heat sinks in such systems can include, e.g., a phase-change core, such as that disclosed in U.S. Pats. Nos. 4,982,722 and 4,246,884. In other approaches, a solid heat sink can be used.
In the past, heat retentive servers have employed convection or conduction heating in order to either heat a food service dish or heat a storage battery during food service operations. U.S. Pat. No. 5,603,858, issued Feb. 18, 1997 to WYATT, and assigned to Aladdin Synergetics, Inc., of Nashville, Tenn., the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference as though set forth in full herein, discloses a heat retentive server that is capable of being heated by induction.
Recently, induction heating of heat retentive servers as well as inductively heated servers and serving systems have been introduced by Aladdin Synergetics, Inc., Nashville Tenn. and are experiencing rapid and widespread acceptance in the marketplace, even revolutionizing the industry. Whereas conventional systems required long lead times, inductively heated servers and server heating systems provide apparatus and methods whereby individual pellets can be heated very rapidly, for example, in periods of 5-10 seconds and can be employed to keep food hot for longer than 1 hour. Speed, therefore, is an important advantage in using such systems, in which individual pellets are rapidly heated at the start of a tray line. Another advantage of such systems is their ability to direct heat up toward the food while reducing waste of heat energy through the bottom of the server. Such systems are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,603,858 to WYATT, incorporated above by reference.
It is believed that Aladdin's systems have prompted others to attempt to enter the marketplace with inductively heated servers. Thus, another inductively heated server is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,611,328 to McDERMOTT, filed Sep. 19, 1995 and issued Mar. 18, 1997, in which a metal disk substantially fills the entire interior volume of the server and in which it is believed that substantial heat may be lost through the bottom of the server. The server is produced by insert molding and the structure surrounding the metal disk is seamless.
For reasons of safety and ease of handling, the heat storage battery may be enclosed within an airtight chamber. When the battery is heated, however, the surrounding air is also heated and expands. Thus, there exists the danger that if overheated, the pellet might burst. Different methods have been developed to deal with the increases in pressure within the pellet chamber of conductively or conventionally heated servers.
SCHNEIDER, U.S. Pat. No. 4,059,096, discloses an imperforate pellet enclosed in reinforced chamber. The pellet has reduced thickness in the center region which overlies a raised portion in the lower surface of the enclosure. It is the stated intent of the SCHNEIDER invention to reinforce the pellet enclosure in order to reduce the chance of bursting.
LANIGAN et al., U.S. Pat. No. 3,837,330, discloses a heat retentive server in which essentially the entire lower surface of the pellet enclosure is concave. Further, through an opening in the center of the pellet, the upper and lower surfaces of the enclosure are welded together. In this fashion, the stress caused by excess internal pressure causes reversible deformation of the heat retentive server.
ROTHSCHILD, U.S. Pat. No. 4,086,907, also discloses a heat retentive server with a concave bottom surface. Additionally, however, the lower surface of the enclosure is provided with rectangular indentations or corrugations to permit controlled deformation and allow the pellets to stack whether hot or cold.
MURDOUGH et al., U.S. Pat. No. 3,734,077, discloses a heat retentive server in which the pellet is provided with an opening in the central portion. The upper surface of the enclosure extends downward into the opening, and the lower surface of the enclosure extends upward into the opening, such that, in the central portion, the upper and lower surfaces are either in contact, or at least in close proximity. Upon buildup of excess pressure in the chamber, the upper and lower surfaces move slightly apart from one another, thus relieving the excess pressure.
KREIS, U.S. Pat. No. 3,557,774, also discloses a heat retentive server in which the pellet is provided with an opening in the central portion. Here, however, the upper surface of the enclosure is flat, and the lower surface extends upward through the opening. The upper and lower walls are welded together to strengthen the server against bursting.
Each of these methods is suited for conductively or connectively heated servers, which ordinarily take 60 to 90 minutes or more to heat to operational temperature. It is doubtful that any of these methods would work effectively for inductively heated servers, in which the temperature of the pellet can reach operational temperature very rapidly, in seconds. Further, if the heat retentive server, through excessive use, or through misuse, should develop small cracks, small amounts of water might seep in, which upon evaporation by heating, can cause a significant pressure increase. Due to the rapid temperature rise, there is available very little time in which the excess pressure can escape through the cracks.
The use of valves to limit pressure buildup in closed containers is known. For example, KOLOSOWSKI, U.S. Pat. No. 5,228,384, discloses a double-boiler which is a vented double-walled container wherein the vent optionally comprises a spring-loaded valve as a means of pressure relief The vent disclosed has a threaded valve housing onto which a threaded valve cap is placed. To permit threading the valve cap on the valve housing, the housing extends from the boiler cap on which it is mounted. By means of a spring which bears upward on the valve cap, a plug is brought to bear downward on a venting hole, thus sealing the hole for normal operation of the boiler. The valve itself is on a threaded cap used for covering the filling hole of the double boiler.
CLARKE et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,137,050, discloses a spring-biased pressure relief valve for use with cryogenic pumps. The seal is made resistant to leaks caused by dust by the use of an annular projection on either the housing or the valve closure, and an o-ring on which the annular projection is brought to bear.
VANDENBERK, U.S. Pat. No. 4,990,247, discloses a spring-biased pressure relief valve for use in liquid filters such as engine oil filters. The part analogous to the valve stem consists of two pairs of oppositely situated legs with hooks for engaging the cylindrical spring. The valve also comprises a bellows and a flow restrictor.
BARNARD, U.S. Pat. No. 4,574,836, discloses a pressure relief valve with a bypass indicator and re-settable means to prevent closing of the valve after it has opened.
KELLY, U.S. Pat. No. 2,784,737, discloses a pressure relief valve for use on axle roller bearings of railroad rolling stock. The outlet portion of the valve housing is rabbeted to accommodate a metal ring. The closure end of the valve stem protrudes beyond the valve seat. The head of the valve stem has a stop member to prevent the valve from becoming stuck in the closed position should the valve closure be struck from the outside.
PURDOM, U.S. Pat. No. 5,577,740, discloses a container which includes a thermally activated diaphragm which may be fastened to the container with an adhesive material. The diaphragm comprises two layers, a thermally fusible layer, and a support layer. In the presence of excess temperature, the thermally fusible layer fuses and releases the support layer.
RAGUSA et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,859,822, discloses a mnicrowaveable container, having a lid which optionally includes a vent, which vent may be a suitable one-way valve, for releasing steam or vapor generated during microwave heating of the food in the container.
FLOYD et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,672,996 discloses a self regulating valve which can be used as a pressure relief valve for explosion prevention in microwave system-based, closed vessel digestion procedure. The valve includes a pressure-deformable, resilient wall member having a fluid vent port, and an obstructing member that cooperates with the wall member to open and close the valve.
WILSON et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,664,287, provides for a pressure relief vent comprising a flat rupturable diaphragm. The diaphragm is attached to the outside surface of the container along a perimeter and at a spot location within the perimeter. In one embodiment, fluid is permitted to flow between the diaphragm and the outer surface of the container. In another embodiment, the heart-shaped diaphragm is welded to the container. In another embodiment, the spot location produces a stress concentration, allowing the diaphragm to rupture at a predetermined pressure.
DOYLE et al., U.S. Pat. No. 3,659,584, discloses a disposable metallic double-boiler An outer chamber contains water or other cooking fluid, and an inner chamber contains food. In order to use the device, an adhesive tape is removed from the lid, the container is pierced, and the tape is replaced. The container is then heated on a stove. The replaced adhesive tape acts to retain the cooking vapors inside the container, but will be forced off the opening if the internal pressure becomes too high.

Pressure relief system for inductively heated heat retentive server


A system, apparatus, and method(s) for at least the conversion of a radial, polar, or coordinate system model footprint or types other than rectilinear to a rectilinear footprint to facilitate visual and/or comparative analysis of similarly formatted footprints in accordance with one or more embodiments is described herein.

Tools and procedures for data management, including the selection, compilation, manipulation, and conversion of data to provide a data set solution, as well as the comparison and analysis of the resultant data set are varied and typically include, among other things, a computer, computer memory and storage device, and interface for visual representation of the resultant data solution set. However, as is often the case, the comparative analysis of two or more data sets is cumbersome, if not impossible, due to the data sets being formatted differently.
For example, data sets containing substantially the same information may be plotted on a coordinate system grid using radial, polar, or rectilinear techniques, to name a few. Visually comparing data sets having substantially the same information but plotted differently is often difficult, confusing, inconsistent, time-consuming, and imprecise. When dealing with data sets such as sensor performance regions that are related to military or defense operations the problems associated with comparing data sets format differently may have undesirable results.
Accordingly, there exists a need for a system, apparatus, and method(s) that provide improved data management techniques to facilitate visual and/or comparative analysis.


A vehicle door, in particular a passenger door for a public transport vehicle, includes a window frame for receiving a window, which has at least one frame element for receiving a respective window edge of the window. The vehicle further includes a door frame for receiving the window frame. The door frame includes a door profile and the at least one frame element includes a window profile respectively, wherein the at least one window profile with reference to a movement in a release direction perpendicular to the window edge received by the respective frame element is engaged with a respective door profile in a form-fitting manner.

Conventional vehicle doors are generally found on vehicles and especially on public transport vehicles, such as trams, metros, regional trains, etc. Passenger doors are provided for public transport vehicle s. In particular, it has to do with vehicle doors, which make it possible for passengers to enter and exit the vehicle. Such vehicle doors generally comprise a window frame for receiving a window for the vehicle door in addition to a door frame, which is primarily made of metal and forms the support construction of the vehicle door, and a window frame for receiving a window for the vehicle door. In addition, such a vehicle door also regularly comprises door plates for extensively covering the door frame.
Conventional window frames are welded initially and formed separately from the door frame for the purpose of fastening them to the door frame.
A disadvantage to this approach entails such a welding process being relatively work-intensive and therefore expensive. A subsequent detachment of the fastening, for example, for repair or the like is cumbersome. Based on the most recent prior art, as a consequence, the disclosure provides a vehicle door that is simpler and less expensive to manufacture.


An illustrative example embodiment of an elevator system includes a destination entry device configured to allow a passenger to indicate an intended destination prior to entering an elevator car and at least one detector configured to detect a proximity between the passenger and at least one other individual that has not indicated an intended destination. A controller is configured to determine whether the detected proximity between the passenger and the at least one other individual satisfies at least one criterion indicating that the at least one other individual likely is associated with the passenger, will board an elevator car with the passenger, and will travel to the intended destination with the passenger. The controller is configured to assign an elevator car to carry the passenger and the at least one other individual to the intended destination when the detected proximity satisfies the at least one criterion.

Elevator systems have proven useful for carrying passengers between different levels in a building. For many years an individual desiring elevator service would indicate an intended direction of travel from a particular floor by pressing a hall call button. In response to such a call the elevator system controller would determine whether the passenger intended to travel up or down from the boarding floor and direct a car to that floor, illuminate a direction light near the entrance to the car, and open the door so the passenger could board. Once in the elevator car the passenger is able to indicate an intended destination floor through a car operating panel, which typically includes a set of buttons corresponding to the potential destination floors.
Advances in technology have allowed for elevator systems to become more sophisticated or versatile. For example, destination entry systems allow passengers to enter an intended destination prior to entering an elevator car. An elevator dispatch controller determines which elevator car will most efficiently service each such request and assigns an elevator car for each passenger. The car assignment process usually includes considering whether sufficient room is available in a candidate car based on the number of passengers assigned to that car. Once a suitable car is identified, there are various known techniques to notify the passenger which car has been assigned to travel to the intended destination.
One challenge associated with destination entry systems is that not every individual desiring service will place a call. Instead, for example, if several people intend to travel together in an elevator car oftentimes only one of them will place the call. The dispatch controller typically does not have the ability to determine whether additional passengers will accompany the individual who placed the call. There may not be adequate room on an elevator car that is assigned to several passengers when, in reality, several more intend to board that car. This scenario is particularly challenging in peak traffic situations when many people desire elevator service at or around the same time and passengers may be frustrated that the assigned car fills up before they are able to board.

Inferred elevator car assignments based on proximity of potential passengers


A hot melt adhesive supply system includes a container configured to receive a supply of unmelted hot melt adhesive pieces, and an agitation device configured to agitate the supply of hot melt adhesive pieces situated in the container. The hot melt adhesive supply system further includes a transfer conduit configured to communicate hot melt adhesive pieces from the container to a hot melt adhesive melter.

Hot melt adhesive systems have many applications in manufacturing and packaging. For example, thermoplastic hot melt adhesives are used for carton sealing, case sealing, tray forming, pallet stabilization, nonwoven applications including diaper manufacturing, and many other applications. Hot melt adhesives often come in the form of pellets or particulates, which are generally referred to as pieces, and are contained in or provided from an adhesive supply, such as a tank or hopper. The hot melt adhesive pieces can be heated and melted by a melter, and liquified hot melt adhesive can be pumped to a dispenser, such as a dispensing gun or other applicator which applies the hot melt adhesive to a substrate. Hot melt adhesive, in its pre-melted state (referred to herein as hot melt adhesive pieces, or unmelted hot melt adhesive pieces), can be provided in a variety of shapes and sizes, ranging from small bb-sized pieces, to larger sized pieces which are sometimes referred to as "chips" and still larger "pillows" that are several inches in dimension. Hot melt adhesive pieces may be moved from the adhesive supply to the melter as part of an automated filling operation.
For example, air-driven, or pneumatic, transfer systems use the force of flowing air to move hot melt adhesive pieces from an adhesive supply to a melter. In a known arrangement, a transfer conduit connects the adhesive supply with the melter, and an air pump is operated to generate an air flow that moves hot melt adhesive pieces through the transfer hose from the adhesive supply to the melter.
Environmental conditions, however, can interfere with the movement of hot melt adhesive pieces from the adhesive supply to the melter. In particular, temperature and/or the amount of time that the hot melt adhesive pieces have been in the adhesive supply may affect the movement of the hot melt adhesive pieces. For example, as the environmental temperature increases, the hot melt adhesive pieces can begin to soften and stick together to form clumps of hot melt adhesive.
Pneumatic transfer systems have a limit relative to the size and weight of the hot melt adhesive that they can transfer in a cost effective manner. Large clumps of hot melt adhesive can be too large to fit through a transfer hose and travel between the adhesive supply and the melter. Large clumps can also be too heavy to be moved by a given pneumatic transfer system. If a melter is not provided with an appropriate flow of hot melt adhesive pieces, the melter will not be able to provide liquid hot melt adhesive to a dispenser. This would cause an undesirable disruption of a dispensing operation.
In addition, as hot melt adhesive pieces begin to stick together in the adhesive supply, features can be formed in the adhesive supply that also tend to deprive an adhesive melter with an appropriate flow of hot melt adhesive pieces. For example, hot melt adhesive pieces that have stuck together can create a clump or an even larger formation in the adhesive supply. Such a formation will not be moved out of the adhesive supply by the pneumatic transfer system. In addition, the formation is likely to block the flow of hot melt adhesive pieces from the adhesive supply to the transfer conduit that connects the adhesive supply with the melter. Moreover, clumps or large formations of hot melt adhesive tend to cause nearby hot melt adhesive pieces to stick to them, and this process can lead to substantially large formations in the adhesive supply.
In addition to increased temperatures, the amount of time that hot melt adhesive pieces have been sitting still in an adhesive supply can also cause problems for moving the hot melt adhesive pieces to a melter. The longer hot melt adhesive pieces sit in the adhesive supply, they can begin to stick together, leading to similar problems as those discussed above.
There is a need, therefore, for adhesive supply systems that address one or more of the drawbacks discussed above.

Hot melt adhesive supply having agitation device, and related methods


A trash receptacle apparatus comprising a first vertical pole, a second vertical pole, a third vertical pole, a fourth vertical pole, a first top bar, a second top bar, a third top bar, a fourth top bar, a first roller pole, a second roller pole, a third roller pole, a fourth roller pole, and a base wherein the poles and base altogether form a frame; a housing for temporarily enclosing the frame; and a plurality of wheel disposed on the bottom panel; wherein a trash bag can be folded over the top poles; wherein a user can pull the trash bag out of the trash receptacle apparatus through the frame without having to lift the trash bag above the trash receptacle apparatus.

The present invention features a trash receptacle apparatus for allowing a user to pull a trash bag out of the trash receptacle apparatus without having to lift the trash bag above the trash receptacle apparatus.
Any feature or combination of features described herein are included within the scope of the present invention provided that the features included in any such combination are not mutually inconsistent as will be apparent from the context, this specification, and the knowledge of one of ordinary skill in the art. Additional advantages and aspects of the present invention are apparent in the following detailed description and claims.


An operation load application member includes: a pivot support portion, a leg portion having a first projection and a second projection at its tip; and a connection portion which connects the pivot support portion and the leg portion together. The pivot support portion, the leg portion, and the connection portion are unitarily formed. The operation load application member can generate, by itself, a plurality of operation loads and a plurality of operation feels. Accordingly, there is provided an air blowing device which can reduce manufacturing cost while maintaining satisfactory operation loads and operation feels.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an air blowing device for use in an air conditioner of an automobile or the like.
2. Description of Related Art
Conventionally, there is proposed an air blowing device for switching between supply and shutoff of cooled or heated air or the like to the interior of an automobile or the like and for adjusting the direction of an airflow in the case of supply of cooled or heated air or the like, for the purpose of adjusting the interior atmosphere of the automobile or the like.
One conventional air blowing device includes a plurality of airflow direction adjustment plates, an annular member, and a tubular body. The plurality of airflow direction adjustment plates are connected to one another by connection members, and pivotally move in an interlocking relation. Further, the plurality of airflow direction adjustment plates are supported in the annular member so as to be pivotally movable about a pivotal axis perpendicular to the axis (center axis) of the annular member. Still further, the annular member, which supports the plurality of airflow direction adjustment plates as described above, is supported in the tubular body so as to be coaxially rotatable with respect to the tubular body about the axis of the tubular body. Namely, the air blowing device is designed so as to adjust both the rotational angle of the airflow direction adjustment plates about the axis of the air blowing device and the pivotal axis thereof perpendicular to the axis of the air blowing device. Accordingly, the air blowing device enables an control of the blowing direction of airflow (refer to, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-237854).


A method of making an object by additive manufacturing includes: (a) providing an additive manufacturing apparatus including a light source; (b) providing a carrier platform having a substantially planar object adhesion surface, the adhesion surface having a plurality of elongate wash channels formed therein; (c) producing the object on the carrier platform adhesion surface with the additive manufacturing apparatus from a light polymerizable resin, the object having at least one internal cavity formed therein; then (d) washing the object on the carrier platform with a wash liquid under conditions in which the wash liquid reaches the at least one internal cavity through the wash channels; then (e) optionally, at least partially drying the object on the carrier platform by separating the same from the wash liquid, and then agitating the object on the carrier platform to drain excess wash liquid from the object; (f) optionally, further curing the object.

Dental models and dies are used to prepare prosthetic crowns for patients, typically in labs where the crowns are manufactured, and then tested and modified by dental artisans as required, before they are sent to the dentist for fitting onto a previously prepared tooth of a patient (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 7,328,077). Because humans are so sensitive to even slight mis-alignments between their teeth, a high level of accuracy for such models is required (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 8,738,340).
Currently, the most accurate dental models and dies are milled from larger blocks of materials on five-axis milling machines. While accurate, such machines are expensive, and can be slow. And, speed of manufacture is important, because temporary crowns can be fragile, and a patient's teeth can shift surprisingly quickly if the permanent crown is not promptly installed (potentially requiring the manufacture of an entirely new crown).
Additive manufacturing techniques would seem ideally suited to the production of dental models and dies. Unfortunately, the more accurate techniques, such as jet-printing methods, can be extremely slow (for example, requiring approximately five hours to produce the model), and can generate objects with poor material and handling properties. The more rapid techniques (such as stereolithography), on the other hand, can sometimes produce models and dies with less accuracy than desired (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 9,375,298 to Boronkay et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 7,481,647 to Sambu et al.). Further, such techniques are generally carried out by photopolymerizing a viscous resin, with few techniques available for rapidly washing the viscous resin from the objects once they are produced.

Rapid wash carrier platform for additive manufacturing of dental models


A pinned photodiode with an ultra-shallow highly-doped surface layer of a first conductivity type and a method of formation are disclosed. The ultra-shallow highly-doped surface latter has a thickness of about 100 Angstroms to about 500 Angstroms and a dopant concentration of about 5×1017 atoms per cm3 to about 1×1019 atoms per cm3. The ultra-shallow highly-doped surface layer is formed by diffusion of ions from a doped layer into the substrate or by a plasma doping process. The ultra-shallow pinned layer is in contact with a charge collection region of a second conductivity type.

The semiconductor industry currently uses different types of semiconductor-based imagers, such as charge coupled devices (CCDs), photodiode arrays, charge injection devices and hybrid focal plane arrays, among others.
Because of the inherent limitations and expense of CCD technology, CMOS imagers have been increasingly used as low cost imaging devices. A CMOS imager circuit includes a focal plane array of pixel cells, each one of the cells including either a photodiode, a photogate or a photoconductor overlying a doped region of a substrate for accumulating photo-generated charge in the underlying portion of the substrate. A readout circuit is connected to each pixel cell and includes a charge transfer section formed on the substrate adjacent the photodiode, photogate or photoconductor having a charge sensing node, typically, a floating diffusion node, connected to the gate of a source follower output transistor. The imager may include at least one transistor for transferring charge from the charge accumulation region of the substrate to the floating diffusion node and also has a transistor for resetting the diffusion node to a predetermined charge level prior to charge transfer.
In a conventional CMOS imager, the active elements of a pixel cell perform the necessary functions of: (1) photon to charge conversion; (2) accumulation of image charge; (3) transfer of charge to the floating diffusion node; (4) resetting the floating diffusion node to a known state before the transfer of charge to it; (5) selection of a pixel for readout; and (6) output and amplification of a signal representing pixel charge. The charge at the floating diffusion node is converted to a pixel output voltage by the source follower output transistor. The photosensitive element of a CMOS imager pixel is typically either a depleted p-n junction photodiode or a field induced depletion region beneath a photogate.
CMOS imaging circuits of the type discussed above are generally known and discussed in, for example, Nixon et al., "256.times.256 CMOS Active Pixel Sensor Camera-on-a-Chip," IEEE Journal of Solid-State Circuits, Vol. 31(12), pp. 2046-2050 (1996); and Mendis et al., "CMOS Active Pixel Image Sensors," IEEE Transactions on Electron Devices, Vol. 41(3), pp. 452-453 (1994), the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein.
A schematic top view of a semiconductor wafer fragment of an exemplary CMOS sensor pixel four-transistor (4T) cell 10 is illustrated in FIG. 1. As it will be described below, the CMOS sensor pixel cell 10 includes a photo-generated charge accumulating area 21 in an underlying portion of the substrate. This area 21 is formed as a pinned photodiode 11, shown in FIG. 2, formed as part of a p-n-p structure within a substrate 20. The pinned photodiode is termed "pinned" because the potential in the photodiode is pinned to a constant value when the photodiode is fully depleted. It should be understood, however, that the CMOS sensor pixel cell 10 may include a photogate, photoconductor or other image to charge converting device, in lieu of a pinned photodiode, as the initial accumulating area 21 for photo-generated charge.
The CMOS image sensor 10 of FIG. 1 has a transfer gate 30 for transferring photoelectric charges generated in the charge accumulating region 21 to a floating diffusion region (sensing node) 25. The floating diffusion region 25 is further connected to a gate 50 of a source follower transistor. The source follower transistor provides an output signal to a row select access transistor having gate 60 for selectively gating the output signal to terminal 32. A reset transistor having gate 40 resets the floating diffusion region 25 to a specified charge level before each charge transfer from the charge accumulating region 21.
The charge accumulating region 21 is formed as a pinned p-n-p photodiode 11 which has a p-type layer 24, an n-type region 26 within the p-type substrate 20. The pinned photodiode 11 includes two p-type regions 20, 24 and the n-type photodiode region 26 which is fully depleted at a pinning voltage. Impurity doped source/drain regions 22 (FIG. 1), preferably having n-type conductivity, are provided on either side of the transistor gates 40, 50, 60. The floating diffusion region 25 adjacent the transfer gate 30 is also preferable n-type.
FIG. 2 also illustrates trench isolation regions 15 formed in the active layer 20 adjacent the charge accumulating region 21. The trench isolation regions 15 are typically formed using a conventional STI process or by using a Local Oxidation of Silicon (LOCOS) process. A translucent or transparent insulating layer 55 formed over the CMOS image sensor 10 is also illustrated in FIG. 2. Conventional processing methods are used to form, for example, contacts 32 (FIG. 1) in the insulating layer 55 to provide an electrical connection to the source/drain regions 22, the floating diffusion region 25, and other wiring to connect to gates and other connections in the CMOS image sensor 10.
Generally, in CMOS image sensors such as the CMOS image sensor cell 10 of FIGS. 1-2, incident light causes electrons to collect in region 26. A maximum output signal, which is produced by the source follower transistor having gate 50, is proportional to the number of electrons to be extracted from the region 26. The maximum output signal increases with increased capacitance or acceptability of the region 26 to acquire electrons. The capacitance of pinned photodiode region typically depends on the doping concentration of impurities implanted into the active layer.
PNP photodiodes, such as the pinned photodiode 11 of FIG. 2, are becoming increasingly popular for high efficiency image sensors, particularly for image sensors operating at smaller wavelengths of the visible spectrum, for example, at the blue wavelength. Nevertheless, photodiodes for the blue spectrum are complex to design and have critical requirements for the potential barriers and wells located adjacent the transfer gate of the transfer transistor. This is partially because short-wavelength blue photons are absorbed closer to the surface of a substrate in a photodiode, as compared to either the red or green photons which are absorbed deeper.
In addition, the minority carriers in a blue pixel sensor cell are substantially more likely to be lost in recombination than the minority carriers formed in the red and green pixel sensor cells. The difference in the recombination rates is due to the relatively shallow penetration depths of die blue photons, the higher majority carrier concentration that exists in the n+ region 26 than in the substrate 20, and the depth of the junction. For example, even though the average penetration of a blue photon in a CMOS photodiode is approximately 0.2μ, a large number of blue photons fail to penetrate beyond the 0.1μ junction. This way, a large amount of these photons are lost to recombinations and the blue cell response remains substantially below the red cell and green cell responses. For these reasons, it is desirable for p-n junctions, such as the p-n junction between the p-type pinned layer 24 and the n-type region 26 of FIG. 2, to be very shallow.
In addition, it is desirable for the top surface layer (p-type) of the photodiode not to get depleted when the photodiode is pinned. In other words, the top surface layer should not get depleted when the main photodiode region gets depleted. This is to ensure that the leakage arising due to surface effects (defects, poor passivation, etc) do not contribute to the photodiode response characteristics. For example, surface defects occur as a result of transient-enhanced diffusion (TED) which, in turn, is the result of interstitials and extended defects due to implanted ions during implantation. Reducing the leakage arising due to the surface defects, particularly the TED defects, necessitates a high doping concentration in the top layer while, at the same time, maintaining a shallow junction.
There is needed, therefore, a shallow and highly concentrated pinned surface layer of a photodiode for an improved high blue response photosensor with suppressed transient-enhanced diffusion. There is also needed an active pixel photosensor for use in a CMOS imager that exhibits improved color separation, a better signal-to-noise ratio, minimized dark current and reduced cross-talk. A method of fabricating an active pixel photosensor exhibiting these improvements is also needed.

Photodiode with ultra-shallow junction for high quantum efficiency CMOS image sensor and method of formation


Techniques for reducing peak-to-average power in multicarrier transmitters employ peak cancellation with subcarriers that are impaired by existing channel conditions. The use of Carrier Interferometry (CI) coding further improves the effectiveness of peak reduction. CI coding can also be impressed onto pulse sequences in the time domain, which enhances spectral selection and facilitates peak-power control.

Multi-carrier modulation can result in a high peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR) of the transmitted signals. The PAPR is defined as the ratio of a signal's peak power level to its average power level. In the case of conventional OFDM modulation, the amplitude of the transmission is characterized by a substantially Gaussian-shaped probability distribution function. This Gaussian distribution indicates the possibility that some time-domain samples of the transmission may have amplitudes that are very high compared to the average sample amplitude. The resulting PAPR is much higher for conventional multi-carrier signals than for single-carrier signals. This is due to the probability of substantially constructive interference between the carriers.
The high PAPR for conventional multi-carrier signals imposes significant constraints on the transmission circuitry, and can greatly complicate the analog circuitry required for high-fidelity transmission. For example, a high PAPR translates into a large dynamic range at the inputs of digital-to-analog converters (DACs) and analog-to-digital converters (ADCs), necessitating a large number of bits for resolution. This can significantly increase a receiver's cost and complexity. Highly complex filters and amplifiers must be employed to handle high PAPR and the increased resolution. Furthermore, high PAPR results in higher power consumption in the transceiver circuits, further increasing the cost of the circuits and systems used in the analog front end.
Many prior-art techniques adapted to control the PAPR of multi-carrier transmissions employ clipping to attenuate signal amplitudes that exceed a selected threshold. This results in signal loss and an increase in the bit-error rate (BER). Clipping effectively introduces a cancellation impulse signal in the time-domain signal. As known in the art, a time-domain impulse corresponds to additive noise across all subchannels in the frequency domain. Thus clipping effectively reduces the signal-to-noise ratio for all subchannels in the modulated signal. This is not the case for a CI signal. Rather, an impulse constructed from user-allocated subcarriers can be applied to the particular CI phase-space(s) of interest without affecting other CI signal phase spaces. This approach either localizes signal degradation (which is an insignificant problem when channel coding is employed over multiple phase spaces) or slightly reduces bandwidth efficiency, such as by requiring additional information to be sent to the receiver to compensate for PAPR-mitigating signal distortions.
A variety of PAPR-reduction methods are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,623,513, 5,787,113, 5,768,318, and 5,835,536.
Various approaches have been developed to minimize the number of samples that require clipping. According to one class of techniques, data symbols are coded so that the resulting code words reside in a set of transmission symbols that reside below a predetermined PAPR threshold. These techniques reduce bandwidth efficiency due to the resulting coding overhead.
Another well-known approach applies a phase rotation to some of the subchannels to reduce the probability that a predetermined PAPR threshold is exceeded. Assuming a low probability that the original signal exceeds the PAPR threshold, the probability that both the original signal and the transformed signal exceed the threshold is approximately the square of the low probability. This is a particularly useful technique that can be applied to CI signaling because CI signals exhibiting high peaks are relatively rare. In a closely related technique, different data sequences (e.g., a cyclic rotation of the data) for a given data block may be generated. The sequence having the lowest PAPR is then selected for transmission. These and related approaches can greatly reduce clipping. However, control-signal overhead is required to inform the receiver of changes to the transmission signal.
Another approach estimates and corrects the effects of clipping at the receiver. An estimate of the clipping error is generated at the receiver and used to reconstruct a frequency domain compensation signal to remove the effects of any clipping.
In another PAPR-reduction technique, a normalizer is employed for determining a maximum-amplitude value from a plurality of data samples, and then dividing each of the data samples by the maximum amplitude value to produce normalized amplitude values. The normalized values may be provided with non-linear amplification for at least a subset of the values.
Another PAPR-reduction technique employs reserved subcarriers to cancel peaks. A bandwidth-efficient method of reducing the PAPR in DMT transmissions is disclosed in Gatherer and Polley, "Controlling clipping probability in DMT transmission", Proceedings of the Asilomar Conference on Signals, Systems, and Computers, (1997), pp. 578-584, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference. A similar method of reducing PAPR is disclosed in T. Starr, J. M. Cioffi and P. J. Silverman, "Understanding Digital Subscriber Line Technology", published by Prentice-Hall, 1999, which is incorporated by reference. A predetermined number of subcarriers are used to inject symbols that reduce the PAPR of a DMT signal, and an iterative algorithm teaches which symbols are injected. However, to reduce the PAPR significantly, up to 20% of the sub-carriers are required to inject the symbols, leaving fewer sub-carriers for carrying information. In addition, this method is complex. It requires iterative minimization of non-linear functions and computation of several fast Fourier transforms.
Each of these PAPR approaches can be used in combination with CI. The benefits of such combinations yield a higher performance budget from which advantageous combinations of PAPR, bandwidth efficiency, spectral roll-off, and BER are achieved. The benefits of low initial PAPR in CI modulation enhance the effectiveness of prior-art PAPR-reduction techniques.

Software adaptable high performance multicarrier transmission protocol


A fuel supply system 32 for a rotary machine 10 is disclosed. Various construction details are developed which enable operation of a plurality of fuel injectors 28 in the machine at a low pressure drop with a wide range of fuel and water fuel rates. In one embodiment, an auxiliary water supply system supplies water at a location in close proximity to the fuel injector.

An axial flow, gas turbine engine has a compression section, a combustion section and a turbine section. An axial flow path for working medium gases extends through these sections of the engine. The working medium gases are compressed in the compression section. The compressed gases are mixed with fuel in the combustion section and burned to add energy to the gases. The hot, pressurized gases are expanded through the turbine section where work is extracted from the gases.
Examples of typical fuel supply systems which provide for fuel and water mixing and dividing arrangements are shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,214,435 entitled "Method For Reducing Nitrous Oxide Emissions Form A Gas Turbine Engine" issued to Campbell and U.S. Pat. No. 4,918,925 entitled "Laminar Flow Fuel Distribution System" issued to Tingle.
One device for delivering fuel to the combustion section is a fuel nozzle or fuel injector The fuel injector may have a relative pressure drop in comparison to the pressure drop of the fuel supply system which is relatively high. In such constructions, maldistribution of the fuel supplied to the plurality of fuel injectors is not a concern. Maldistribution is small, because the fuel supply system pressure drop is small in comparison to the pressure drop of the fuel injector and that pressure drop, which is the same for all fuel injectors, remains relatively constant between injectors for a given flow rate.
Another type of fuel nozzle or fuel injector has a very relatively low pressure drop in comparison to the pressure drop of the fuel supply system. An example of such a fuel injector is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,977,740 entitled "Dual Fuel Injector" issued to Thomas J. Madden, Barry C. Schlein, and W. Barry Wagner, which is assigned to the Assignee of this Application. This particular fuel injector uses both gaseous and liquid fuels and is designed to operate with water injection system for supplying water to the burning fuel to reduce the formation of nitrous oxides (NOx).
Maldistribution problems are a particular concern in such arrangements because the fuel injector pressure drop is relatively small and the fuel supply system must operate over a wide flow range. For example, water flow rates which are up to one and a half (11/2) times the fuel flow rate may be required to control emissions.
Large manifold pipes are necessary to accommodate the highest combined flow rates with reasonable pressure losses as dictated by the maximum fuel pump output capacity. At low flow rates, such as the engine starting condition, the length of time to fill the manifold pipes prior to commencing the starting sequences are excessively long.
Accordingly, scientist and engineers working under the direction of Applicants' Assignee have sought to develop a fuel supply system which can accommodate a wide range of flow rates and a wide range of water-fuel ratios during operative conditions while minimizing maldistribution problems.

Method of operating a combustion section supply system having fuel and water injection for a rotary machine


In order to compare a phase of an internal clock signal outputted from a clock driver with that of a data strobe signal from a data strobe output circuit driven by the internal clock signal, a selector is disposed to supply a data strobe signal instead of an external clock signal inputted into a phase comparison circuit. While the selector selects the data strobe signal, the selector, a replica circuit, and the phase comparison circuit operate as a phase advance/delay signal generation circuit to output a phase advance/delay signal indicating a timing deviation to an external output terminal.

The present invention relates to a timing adjustment circuit for producing an internal clock signal which has a predetermined phase relation with respect to an inputted external clock signal and to a semiconductor device including the timing adjustment circuit.
In semiconductor devices such as a synchronous memory which operates in synchronization with an external clock signal (clock synchronous type semiconductor memories such as SDRAM) and a controller (a system LSI or microprocessor), with speeding-up of the operation, a propagation delay of a clock signal in an apparatus has raised a problem. To solve the problem, in the conventional semiconductor device, a timing adjustment circuit is disposed in an interface (or an input/output device) to receive an external clock signal and to produce an internal clock which has the same phase as that of the external clock signal, or a predetermined phase difference.
Additionally, the semiconductor device has further been speeded up in recent years (frequency of the external clock has been increased). Accordingly, there has been a problem that a phase difference between the external clock signal and the internal clock signal deviates from a predetermined value (timing deviation). Specifically, with enhancement of an operation rate of the semiconductor device, an allowable range is narrowed with respect to the timing deviation, and a manufacturing fluctuation which is a cause for the timing deviation has raised a problem.
To solve such a problem, it has been proposed to compare the phase of the external clock signal with that of a data signal outputted from an output circuit in synchronization with the internal clock signal and to adjust a delay time of a replica circuit (or a dummy load) included in the timing adjustment circuit based on the comparison result (e.g., see Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2000-163999, pages 4–5, FIGS. 2, 5 and 7).
Referring to FIG. 1, description will be made of such a timing adjustment circuit. A timing adjustment circuit 50 includes: a clock input circuit 52 for receiving an external clock signal CLK supplied to an external clock input terminal 51 to output an input clock signal; a phase/delay adjustment circuit 53 including a delay locked loop (DLL) or a phase locked loop (PLL) for delaying the input clock signal from the clock input circuit 52; a clock driver 54 for receiving a delay input clock signal from the phase/delay adjustment circuit 53 to output the internal clock signal; a replica circuit 57 for generating a delay in accordance with a data output circuit 55 (or a data strobe output circuit 56) driven by the clock driver 54; and a phase comparison circuit 58 for comparing the phase of the output signal (feedback signal) of the replica circuit 57 with that of the external clock signal to output a comparison result to the phase/delay adjustment circuit 53. It is to be noted that the replica circuit 57 is constituted to be capable of adjusting the delay.
The timing adjustment circuit 50 produces the internal clock signal for defining a timing at which data is outputted from the data output circuit 55, and feedback-controls the delay of the phase/delay adjustment circuit 53 so that the phase of the feedback signal from the replica circuit 57 agrees with that of the external clock signal. At this time, when the phase of an output signal Dout of the data output circuit 55 agrees with that of the feedback signal, the phase/delay adjustment circuit 53 is feedback-controlled, and accordingly the phase of the output signal of the data output circuit 55 agrees with that of the external clock signal.
Additionally, when timing deviation exists in the timing adjustment circuit 50 by manufacturing fluctuation, and even when the phase/delay adjustment circuit 53 is feedback-controlled as described above, the phase of the output signal of the data output circuit 55 does not agree with that of the external clock signal CLK. In this case, the timing deviation by the manufacturing fluctuation is removed as follows.
First, "0" and "1" are alternately repeatedly outputted from the data output circuit 55 in synchronization with the internal clock signal. When the data strobe output circuit 56 is used, a data strobe signal is used as such.
Subsequently, a test apparatus (not shown) is used to detect the phase (rising edge) of the external clock signal CLK supplied to the external clock input terminal 51, and the phase (change point) of the output signal of the data output circuit 55 (or the data strobe output circuit 56) outputted to a data output terminal 59. Moreover, these phases are compared with each other, and the delay of the replica circuit 57 is adjusted based on a phase difference.
Then, the test apparatus is used again to compare the phases of the signals with each other so as to check whether the phase of the output signal of the data output circuit 55 agrees with that of the external clock signal.
Thereafter, the above-described operation is repeated until the phase of the output signal of the data output circuit 55 agrees with that of the external clock signal CLK.
Here, the replica circuit 57 will be explained. For example, the replica circuit 57 is constituted to be capable of changing the delay in accordance with a value stored in a register, or to be capable of changing the delay by disconnecting a fuse (one or a plurality of fuses in a fuse group). The replica circuit 57 further includes a switch for selecting one of the register and fuse (group). When the phases of two signals are compared with each other as described above while adjusting the delay of the replica circuit 57, the register is selected, and the value stored in the register is changed to adjust the delay. Further, when the phase of the output signal of the data output circuit 55 agrees with that of the external clock signal, the fuse is disconnected so as to realize the delay. Moreover, the switch is changed over to a fuse side from a register side to fix the delay of the replica circuit 57.
As described above, in the timing adjustment circuit 50 illustrated in FIG. 1, the problem of the timing deviation by the manufacturing fluctuation can be solved.
The above-described timing adjustment circuit 50 adjusts the output timing of the delay from the data output circuit 55, but a timing adjustment circuit for adjusting an input timing of a data input circuit is also disposed. One example of this timing adjustment circuit is shown in FIG. 2.
A timing adjustment circuit 60 illustrated in FIG. 2 includes: a clock input circuit 62 for receiving the external clock signal CLK supplied to an external clock input terminal 61 to output an input clock signal; a delay adjustment circuit 63 for delaying the input clock signal; and a clock driver 64 for receiving the delayed input clock signal to output the internal clock signal.
This timing adjustment circuit 60 produces the internal clock signal for defining the operation timing of a data input circuit 66 which latches the input data supplied to a delay input terminal 65. The phase of the data signal outputted from the data input circuit 66 may have a predetermined relation with that of the external clock signal CLK, and the phases do not have to necessarily agree with each other. Therefore, in the timing adjustment circuit 60, the feedback control is not performed as in the timing adjustment circuit 50 of FIG. 1.
In this timing adjustment circuit 60, the delay of the delay adjustment circuit 63 can be adjusted to remove the timing deviation. Specifically, the phase of the data signal outputted from the delay input circuit 61 is compared with that of the external clock signal CLK, the delay of the delay adjustment circuit 63 is adjusted so that the phase difference indicates a predetermined value, and thereby, the timing deviation is removed. For example, the delay adjustment circuit 63 is structured by a register, fuse, and switch in the same manner as in the replica circuit 57 of FIG. 1.
In the conventional timing adjustment circuit, in order to remove the timing deviation by the manufacturing fluctuation, two signals including the external clock signal and the output signal of the data output circuit or the data input circuit are detected, and the phases have to be compared with each other. In other words, a test apparatus including two pins (input terminals) is required for detecting two signals.
However, in a low-precision test apparatus for use in wafer tests, a skew between the pins is 1 ns or more, and is larger than the timing deviation (about 500 ps) allowed in a device, for example, which operates with an external clock of 500 MHz. Therefore, the conventional timing adjustment circuit cannot detect or remove the timing deviation using the low-precision test apparatus. That is, the conventional timing adjustment circuit has a problem that the circuit is limited by the skew between the pins in the test apparatus for use, when removing the timing deviation.

Timing adjustment circuit and semiconductor device including the same


Embodiments described herein relate generally to a methodology of efficient object classification within a visual medium. The methodology utilizes a first neural network to perform an attention based object localization within a visual medium to generate a visual mask. The visual mask is applied to the visual medium to generate a masked visual medium. The masked visual medium may be then fed into a second neural network to detect and classify objects within the visual medium.

Object detection within computer vision is becoming an increasingly important aspect of data processing. Object detection may generally relate to an image processing methodology that detects and defines objects (e.g., buildings, particular people, etc.) within digital images and videos. Object detection has several uses such as, but not limited to, advanced driver assistance systems, video surveillance, image retrieval systems, visual search engines, and facial detection. However, in order for object detection to be useful it must have a certain level of accuracy. Furthermore, in order for object detection to be practical it must also have a certain level of efficiency. For example, if an object detection method is highly accurate but is slow and/or requires a vast amount of computer resources it may not be practical to implement. At the same time, if an object detection method is light (i.e. does not require a vast amount of computer resources) but highly inaccurate it may not be useful. Therefore, given the myriad of applications of object detection methods, there is a need for an object detection method and system that is highly accurate but also computationally efficient.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Ventral-dorsal neural networks: object detection via selective attention


A solid sorption heat pump is provided that includes an adsorber/desorber unit including a heat exchanger and a solid sorption material. The adsorber/desorber unit is placed in a common housing, which is sealed against the outside atmosphere, together with a condenser/evaporator unit, and the adsorber/desorber unit and the condenser/evaporator unit are separated from one another by an adsorbant-permeable element. The adsorber/desorber unit includes a thermoconductive absorbent holding body, which is connected in a thermoconductive manner to the heat exchanger. The absorbant holding body holds the sorption material, and provides stability to the adsorber/desorber unit. The interior of the common housing is subjected to the action of a negative pressure. The common housing is provided as a thin-walled sheet metal sheathing that is placed on the absorbent holding body, whereby diverting the collapsing forces generated by the negative pressure to the holding body and/or to the heat exchanger and to the condenser/evaporator unit.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a solid sorption heat pump and a heating system with a solid sorption heat pump.
2. Description of the Related Art
It is known to use thermally driven heat pumps on the basis of solid sorption for heating and cooling purposes. Conventional pairs of working materials (namely sorption material and adsorbate) are zeolite and water for example, with the water as the working gas being operated in the low-pressure range. Adsorption heat pumps with such a pair of working materials have been disclosed for example in DE 199 61 629 and DE 100 38 636.
Pairs of working materials have become known which are operated in the high-pressure range. Examples are salt ammines/ammonia, as are disclosed in the U.S. Pat. No. 4,694,659 for example.
Different technical requirements are placed on solid absorption heat pumps. Especially relevant are the demands for a high heat ratio, a high power density and a simple controllability of the heat emission. The heat ratio of the available heat to the drive heat (also known as COP: Coefficient of Performance) depends essentially on the shares of the sorptive and the sensitive heat transformation during a heat pump cycle. Sorptive transformation shall be understood as the release of the sorption heat arising during the adsorption of the working gas or the absorption of the sorption heat required for desorption, whereas the sensitive heat transformation describes the energy transformation occurring during the heating or cooling of the entire system.
If one assumes ideally that the sensitive heat is negligibly small, the maximum possible heat ratio will be achieved with a certain pair of working materials. For silica gel/water this is typically at approximately 180% for a single-state heat pump. This percentage rate is composed of 100% of available heat which is gained from the drive heat, with simultaneous complete desorption of the adsorbate. The second share of 80% can be emitted in form of available heat, in the subsequent cooling of the adsorber and the adsorption of the adsorbate in the sorption material.
In order to achieve especially high heat ratios, systems were developed which became more and more sophisticated in a thermodynamic respect. The highest possible heat recovery which improves the ratio between sorptive and sensitive transformation is desired especially by arranging a plurality of adsorbers or desorbers which are flowed through successively by the heat transfer medium and are switched in a plurality of cycles. The disadvantageous aspect in these systems are the considerable technical effort, the susceptibility to malfunctions and the high production and maintenance costs.
The published application DE 199 02 695 A1 shows a sorption heat pump in which an adsorber/desorber heat pump is arranged together with an evaporator and a condenser in a common vacuum-tight container, which are all integrated in an evaporator/condenser heat exchanger.


Improvement in luminescence intensity is demanded from a scintillator material. The present invention provides a new scintillator material by adding a specific element selected from thallium and indium to a material having a basic composition represented by an alkali element:copper:a halogen element=3:2:5.

A type of an image detector for radiodiagnosis as currently used is configured to detect an irradiated X rays and thus acquire an X-ray radiograph as a digital signal. This kind of radiation detector can roughly be divided into a direct X-ray detect and/or an indirect X-ray detector. An indirect X-ray detector acquires an image by changing an X ray into visible light by a phosph and/or causing a photoelectric converter such as an amorphous silicon (a-Si) photodiode, single-crystal silicon (c-Si) photodiode, and charge couple device (CCD) to convert the visible light into a charge signal.
When a-Si is used as the photoelectric converter of the indirect X-ray detector, since amorphous silicon has sensitivity in the wavelength band region of 450 nm to 650 nm, the phosphor is required to show luminescence in the wavelength band region of 450 nm to 650 nm. When c-Si is used as the photoelectric converter, since c-Si has sensitivity in the region of a longer wavelength than a-Si, the phosphor is required to show luminescence in the corresponding wavelength band region.
While high luminescence intensity is very important as one of capabilities demanded for a phosphor material, as another aspect, stability for the environment is also an important requirement. More specifically, the stability means characteristics superior in resistivity to deliquescence in which the phosphor material is not dissolved or hardly dissolved by water vapor in the air.
As described in PTL 1, superiority in resistivity to deliquescence of a scintillator material including caesium iodide and copper iodide mixed crystal has been known. PTL 1 describes that the structure represented as Cs3Cu2I5 is verified and the scintillator material including caesium iodide and copper iodide mixed crystal emits light having photon energy of 2.8 eV. The mixed crystal has a different crystal structure from that of caesium iodide.
Also as described in PTL 2, it is known that moisture resistance is improved by using a raw material obtained by adding 0.01 mol % of copper iodide and thallium iodide or more as additives to caesium iodide.

Scintillator material and radiation detector using same


An optical diode. A cholesteric liquid crystal (CLC) layer has a selective reflection wavelength band with a left-handed helical structure, and a phase shifter for changing a phase difference between two intrinsic polarized light components of left-handed circularly polarized light having a wavelength within the selective reflection wavelength band of the CLC layer. When left-handed circularly polarized light having a wavelength within the selective reflection wavelength band of the CLC layer is incident on the phase shifter in the optical diode, the phase shifter turns the left-handed circularly polarized light into right-handed circularly polarized light, which can be transmitted through the CLC layer. When left-handed circularly polarized light having a wavelength within the selective reflection wavelength band of the CLC layer is incident on the CLC layer, it is selectively reflected by the CLC layer.

Optical diodes which change the quantity of transmitted light depending on the direction of light incident thereon have conventionally been known (see, for example, the following Patent Document 1). This document proposes an optical diode consisting of a laminate in which low-refractive-index layers and high-refractive-index layers are alternately laminated, the refractive indexes of the low-refractive-index and high-refractive-index layers gradually increase along the thickness direction of the laminate, and the low-refractive-index or high-refractive-index layers have a nonlinear optical characteristic.
It is supposed that, when laser light having such a high intensity as to cause a nonlinear optical effect in a low-refractive-index or high-refractive-index layer is incident thereon, this optical diode partly transmits the light incident on one side of the laminate but substantially reflects the light incident on the other side.
Patent Document 1: U.S. Pat. No. 5,559,825


For the simple production of a back surface field it is proposed that a boron-containing diffusion source layer (2) be applied to the rear (RS) of a silicon wafer (1) and boron be driven into the wafer to a depth of about 1 to 5 .mu.m at 900 to 1200.degree. C. This is done in an oxygen-containing atmosphere so that an oxide layer (4) is formed on open silicon surfaces, obviating the need to mask the regions not to be doped. After the removal of the oxide and source layer, phosphorus diffusion takes place and the back contact (3) is produced. It contains aluminum and, during the burn-in process, provides good ohmic contact.

When attempting to reduce the thickness of silicon solar cells, a decreasing efficiency of the solar cell is observed. This is due, on the one hand, to the no longer complete absorption of sunlight when there is a thinner absorption length. On the other hand, charge carriers are increasingly generated in proximity to the back, with minority charge carriers being able to reach the back electrode as a result of diffusion, thereby reducing the current generated by the majority charge carriers.
A highly doped layer on the back makes it possible to generate a field that counteracts the diffusion of minority charge carriers, a so-called back-surface field. In the case of a solar cell structure having a p-doped solar cell body and an n+ doped emitter on the solar cell's light-incidence or front side, a p+ doping is necessary on the back for this purpose. Aluminum, which is applied as a thin layer for example by vapor deposition on the back and which can be driven in or alloyed by means of an annealing step, is very often suggested in order to generate this p+ doping. It is also possible to generate the p+ doping by applying back contacts that contain aluminum and by correspondingly driving in the aluminum. It is further possible to diffuse aluminum from a solid diffusion source into the solar cell substrate. This nevertheless suffers from the drawback that the solar cell substrate is doped with aluminum on both sides, thus generating a p+pp+ structure.
Boron is also suitable for p-doping generation. A corresponding back-surface field can be generated by gaseous diffusion of a correspondingly volatile or gaseous boron compound, by applying a silicon layer that contains boron on the back or by applying a liquid solution that contains a dopant. Due to the high volatility of the boron compounds, however, an all-over diffusion which has to be prevented by masking those solar cell regions that are not to be doped is constantly observed at the temperatures necessary for driving in the doping.
The p+ doping--which is simple to produce according to the process--with aluminum suffers from the disadvantage of an increased susceptibility to corrosion. Over time, layer regions that contain aluminum may decompose and peel off, which may result in damage to the back contacts and cause a reduction in solar cell performance.
A method of producing a silicon solar cell is known from IEEE PHOTOVOLTAIC SOLAR ENERGY CONFERENCE, Oct. 12-16, 1992, Montreux, Switzerland, pages 164-167; in this method, a boron-doped oxide layer is applied on the back of a silicon wafer and then the boron is diffused into the silicon at a temperature of 940.degree. C. An emitter layer is subsequently generated by means of phosphorus diffusion before contacts are applied by etching.
A method of producing a silicon solar cell which is particularly directed at the production of doped regions is known from PCT reference WO91/19323. An oxide-forming mask layer containing a dopant is applied to part of the surface of a semiconductor substrate, and the substrate is then heated to a temperature sufficient for the diffusion of part of the dopant from the mask layer into the semiconductor layer, with the bare semiconductor substrate surface also being autodoped. The semiconductor substrate's autodoped regions are etched off, while the mask layer represents a protective layer for the doped regions beneath the mask layer.

Solar cell with a back-surface field method of production


A fire extinguisher holder provides for the removable retention of a fire extinguisher therein, for use in the home, office, or other immovable structure where the immobility of the structure precludes any requirement for positive clamping or attachment of the extinguisher in the holder. The present holder comprises a back panel, a base for supporting a fire extinguisher thereon, and an encircling element for precluding lateral movement of the extinguisher until it is lifted clear of the encircling element. The present extinguisher holder is constructed as a single, unitary structure and is devoid of any movable extinguisher retaining elements which would otherwise have to be manipulated in order to remove the extinguisher from the holder. The present holder allows a fire extinguisher held therein to be removed quickly and easily, without any requirement for releasing retaining straps and the like. The present extinguisher holder may be constructed of various materials, but is preferably constructed of wood, in order to provide an attractive appearance and encourage installation in the home or office, thereby promoting safety. Other elements of the present holder, such as the concave insets and convex curvature of the upper portion of the back panel, provide functional advantages, such as clearance for grasping the extinguisher and removal of sharp corners, as well as providing an attractive appearance for the device.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to brackets, holders, and mounting structures for various articles, and more specifically to an open holder for a fire extinguisher or the like. The holder includes a solid base with an open upper retainer, allowing the extinguisher to be quickly and easily removed from the holder without need to manipulate or remove any other clamps or other attachments which would otherwise positively hold the extinguisher in place.
2. Description of the Related Art
The need for emergency equipment in the home has been acknowledged for some time, with it being recognized that most accidents occur in and around the home. Many insurance companies have recognized this problem, and accordingly have offered reductions in premiums for households having certain safety equipment (e. g., smoke detectors and fire extinguishers) available and operational in the home.
While smoke detectors are typically permanently mounted to some ceiling structure somewhere in the home, little, if anything, has ever been done to provide a secure, yet easily accessible, mounting or storage means for a hand held fire extinguisher in the home. Most homeowners have merely placed their extinguishers on a countertop or some other easily accessible area. This is generally not particularly suitable, as (1) the extinguisher takes up counter space, and (2) it is generally not particularly well located, generally being placed near the back of the countertop adjacent the wall.
Fire extinguisher holders developed in the past have universally included some means of positively securing the extinguisher within the holder or bracket, requiring a user of the extinguisher to manipulate the clamp or other retainer before being able to remove the extinguisher for use. This is because most such devices were never intended for use in the home, but rather were developed for use in motor vehicles, boats, aircraft, etc., where the positive attachment of an otherwise loose article such as a fire extinguisher is important. As time is generally critical when a fire extinguisher is required, the extra time required to unfasten clamps, straps, or other securing devices from the extinguisher before being able to remove it from its holder, can make a difference as to whether the emergency is successfully met or not. This is particularly true in the case of a younger person, who may have difficulty in understanding how the fire extinguisher retaining means of such a holder is operated. Moreover, such prior art fire extinguisher brackets and mounts have generally had a rather utilitarian appearance, and have not really been suitable for use in the home, as they are not generally compatible with the interior decor of the home.
Accordingly, a need is apparent for a fire extinguisher holder for use in the interior of the home, or other similar area, for holding and securing a fire extinguisher on a wall or other suitable structure where it remains clear of counterspace or other horizontal surfaces. The present holder provides secure retention of a fire extinguisher held therein, but also provides immediate access to the extinguisher without need to remove clamps, straps, or other positive attachment means for the extinguisher prior to use. The present holder responds to this problem, while simultaneously providing an attractive device suitable for display in the home environment.
A discussion of the related art of which the present inventor is aware, and its differences and distinctions from the present invention, is provided below.
U.S. Pat. No. 2,278,232 issued on Mar. 31, 1942 to Peter A. Anderson, titled "Gas Installation Housing," describes a bracket and hinged cover for securing a gas cylinder to another structure. The cover serves to cover any valves, regulators, etc. extending from the top of the cylinder, and is locked in place to preclude access to the cylinder. Accordingly, the cylinder cannot be removed from the housing and structure to which the housing is attached, without the appropriate key. This arrangement is totally unsuitable for a fire extinguisher, where immediate access is essential. Moreover, Anderson does not disclose any underlying support structure, other than the existing shelf. The present holder does not make use of any existing horizontal surfaces.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,921,950 issued on Nov. 25, 1975 to Victor E. Sentinella, titled "Extinguisher Mountings," describes several embodiments of over center lever latching mechanisms for securing a fire extinguisher in a holder or bracket therefor. One embodiment of the holder is an open, generally rectangular frame providing access to the extinguisher from only one side even when the over center latch bar has been released. Other embodiments are more open, but nevertheless preclude removal of an extinguisher from the sides of the holders due to at least partially surrounding components communicating with the over center latch mechanisms. In contrast, the present fire extinguisher holder is devoid of all moving, clamping, and latching components and the like, enabling an extinguisher held therein to be lifted directly from the present holder without need to manipulate any other components first.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,023,761 issued on May 17, 1977 to John Molis, titled "Adjustable Bracket To Stabilize Upright Compressed Gas Containers Against Displacement On Mobile Vehicles And ShipBoard Installations And Maintenance Shops," describes a continuously encircling clamp which is removably attachable to an existing wall bracket (angle iron or the like) . The clamp positively attaches about the cylinder by means of a threaded bolt, which clamps a pair of opposed shoes to opposite sides of the cylinder. Molis relies upon the existing underlying structure to support the cylinder. The Molis clamp is not adapted for providing ready access to a fire extinguisher, but rather for securely holding gas cylinders and the like in a vehicle for transport.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,482,123 issued on Nov. 13, 1984 to Romain Corbeil et al., titled "Support Device For A Fire Extinguisher," describes a hook with a tab which is spring loaded to close the mouth of the hook to preclude rehanging the extinguisher after it has been removed. The tab must be moved to open the hook again, using a special key. The Corbeil et al. hook provides ready access to an extinguisher, but the extinguisher requires a hanging ring for support by the hook, as the hook does not provide any underlying support of the extinguisher. Most extinguishers are provided with a pull ring attached to a safety pin through the actuating handle, but it is not desirable to hang an extinguisher from this pin, as it may pull out and allow the extinguisher to fall and discharge. The present holder provides an attractive device for securely holding and supporting a fire extinguisher from beneath, while still providing ready access.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,025,935 issued on Jun. 25, 1991 to Josh L. Hadachek, titled "Portable Upright Scuba Cylinder Retention Rack," describes a rack having a bottom and a top portion secured together by a telescoping tube. The two portions are wedged between the upper rail and floor of a pickup truck or the like by the compressive force of a spring within the tube. A bungee cord or the like wraps around the two tanks carried by the device, to secure them therein. In contrast, the present holder provides a permanent, rigid retaining structure about a single cylinder, and allows the cylinder to be lifted therefrom without need for removal of other components.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,195,595 issued on Mar. 23, 1993 to Henry Nakagawa, titled "Fire Extinguisher Mounting Apparatus," describes an enclosed, transparent plastic box for completely enclosing a fire extinguisher therein. The box has a front opening panel thereon, permanently secured to the remaining structure by hinges at the bottom and temporarily secured at the top by a pair of frangible pins. The pins must be replaced each time the box is opened. The present fire extinguisher holder does not enclose a fire extinguisher therein, but rather supports the extinguisher below its base and about its circumference. The present extinguisher holder has no moving components, and needs no reassembly or replacement of parts after a fire extinguisher is removed therefrom and replaced.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,423,508 issued on Jun. 13, 1995 to Steven R. Isenga et al., titled "Foldable Support For Beverage Container," describes a device having an upwardly folding bottom support and laterally adjustable arms for removably holding a beverage cup or the like therein. The Isenga et al. support is formed of relatively thin and flexible materials, and is not suitable for supporting a much larger and heavier article, such as a fire extinguisher, even if scaled up in size. The present fire extinguisher holder is a rigid structure and does not contain any moving parts, thus providing a much more solid and sturdy means of holding a fire extinguisher. The surrounding support of the present extinguisher holder completely encircles the extinguisher, unlike the open arms of the Isenga et al. device.
Finally, U.S. Pat. No. D-252,121 issued on Jun. 19, 1979 to James E. Rutherford, titled "Fire Extinguisher Wall Mounted Cabinet," illustrates a design for a generally rectangular box structure having one open side providing access to a fire extinguisher contained therein. The open side has a strap which is extended thereacross to hold the extinguisher securely within the box. Again, the present fire extinguisher holder is devoid of such clamps, straps, and other positive attachment components, thus allowing a fire extinguisher held therein to be removed for use quickly and easily. Moreover, the depth of the Rutherford design would require that the adjacent wall be cut out so the box could be installed with its forward flange flush with the surface of the wall. The present holder utilizes a flat panel for securing to a wall surface.
None of the above inventions and patents, either singly or in combination, is seen to describe the instant invention as claimed.


Approaches for ensuring the privacy of a controller of a device from a host operating system. A host operating system is prevented from inspecting or modifying data received by a controller of a hardware device. Control of the controller is withdrawn from the host operating system and granted to a hypervisor. A replacement controller for the hardware device is provided to the host operating system. Upon the hypervisor receiving data via the controller, the hypervisor forwards the data to a relevant virtual machine responsible for processing the data. Although the host operating system may operate as if it possessed control of the controller of the hardware device, any malicious code inadvertently residing within the host operating system will be unable to inspect or modify any data received by or sent from the actual controller of the hardware device.

A hypervisor is a software component that enables multiple operating systems (termed "guest operating systems") to run on a single device. Each guest operating system is executed within a separate virtual machine.
There are two widely recognized types of hypervisors, termed Type 1 and Type 2. A Type 1 hypervisor (also known as a native, bare metal hypervisor) executes directly upon the hardware of the device. With a Type 1 hypervisor, a guest operating system runs on a level above the hypervisor. Since a Type 1 hypervisor executes directly upon the hardware, a Type 1 hypervisor is the most privileged software component within the system.
A Type 2 hypervisor (also known as a hosted hypervisor) executes within a conventional operating system (termed the "host operating system" in this context). A Type 2 hypervisor instantiates guest operating systems using the memory and resources allocated to the hypervisor by the host operating system. As with a Type 1 hypervisor, guest operating systems run at a lower privilege level than the hypervisor. However, unlike a Type 1 hypervisor, a Type 2 hypervisor is not the most privileged component within the system. Instead, in a system employing a Type 2 hypervisor, the host operating system is at the same privilege level as the Type 2 hypervisor, and hence, the host operating system can interfere with the Type 2 hypervisor.
If malicious code infects a host operating system that employs a Type 2 hypervisor, then the malicious could potentially compromise the Type 2 hypervisor, since processes executing within the host operating system kernel are running at the same privilege level as the Type 2 hypervisor. It is desirable to prevent a Type 2 hypervisor (and by extension guest virtual machines) from being compromised from any malicious code executing within the host operating system.

Preventing host operating system from inspecting or modifying data received by hardware controller by moving host operating system into a virtual machine after boot up


A water purifier which produces ultrapure water from a variety of feed sources. The feed source water may be potable tap, distilled, deionized, or water treated by reverse osmosis. The water is passed through a first purification media (30) and then through a chamber (34) where it is exposed to ultraviolet light in the presence of titanium dioxide. The water is then passed through a second purification media (38) to a dispensing valve (40). Operating the dispensing valve (40) provides ultrapure water from the purifier having a specific resistance of at least 18.0 megohm-cm and a TOC count of less than one ppb.

With the increasing sophistication of scientific testing and analysis, the requirements for uncontaminated water for laboratory use has likewise increased. The purity of water is graded according to various standards, and generally accepted standards are published in the Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Water and Environmental Technology, Standard Specifications for Reagent Water, Vol. 11.01, 1996. Of current interest is the ASTM Type 1 Reagent Grade Water Standard which specifies the highest purity water which is used for high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), gas chromatography, trace metal analysis by atomic absorption spectrometry, tissue culture, etc.
The majority of impurities in potable water are in the form of disassociated ionized inorganic mineral salts which carry an electrical charge; therefore, the presence of ionic contaminants in water is directly related to the electrical conductivity or resistivity of the water. Conductivity and its reciprocal, resistivity, are therefore standard variables by which the ionic purity of water is measured. Specific resistance is measured in units of ohm-cm at a compensated reference temperature of 25.degree. C. Absolutely pure water has a theoretical specific resistance of 18.17 megohm-cm. (As will be appreciated, most resistivity meters read to 18.3 megohm-cm as an artifact of earlier theoretical R-25 calculations.)
Organic contaminants do not typically contain an ionic charge. Therefore, they cannot be detected by specific resistance measurements. To determine the organic content of water and other materials, TOC, HPLC, GC and GC/MS and other special instruments are used to detect the presence of low levels of specific organic compounds. Consequently, water used in these analyses should contain no more than a few ppb of total organic compounds.
Therefore, there is a continuing need to provide reagent grade water suitable for the most demanding laboratory protocols requiring low TOC reagents. Reagent grade water with lower TOC are or will be required to meet the increasingly lower detection level demands for HPLC, gas chromatography with mass spectrometry detection (GC-MS), TOC analysis and other emerging analytical instrument technologies. There is a further need for water particularly suited for reagent use in EPA test methods for detection of volatile organic compounds (VOC) in drinking water, as well as water suitable for routine inorganic laboratory protocols.


A handle for an endoscopic or laparoscopic surgical instrument including a flexible member positioned within a tubular body member extending from the handle. The flexible member is secured about a rotatable flywheel spool in said handle and extends to a tool mechanism at a distal end of the instrument. The flexible member is wound about the flywheel spool and is extended or withdrawn upon movement of the handle.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to the field of laparoscopic or endoscopic instrumentation and surgery, and more particularly to a handle mechanism of an instrument for manipulating a surgical tool carried on the instrument.
2. Discussion of the Prior Art
A surgeon, when performing an operation on a patient, is often obstructed in his efforts to excise diseased or damaged tissues and organs by surrounding tissues or other organs. Retractor mechanisms have typically been utilized during surgery to retract and retain organs and tissues to clear the surgical site to allow access for the surgeon. In the past, it has generally been the case, when performing gastro intestinal surgery, i.e. surgery within the abdominal cavity, to make a large cut in the abdomen wall to produce a suitable opening to allow access to the interior organs. This cut was generally large enough to allow the use of human hands, either those of the surgeon or those of a member of the surgical team, as a retractor. Surgical personnel would thus be required to insert their hands or a retractor tool member through the incision into the abdominal cavity to push and hold organs and obstructing tissue away from the surgical objective.
Recently, as a result of developments in endoscopic and laparoscopic surgery, instruments have become smaller and are constructed with greater precision. In these procedures, small incisions are made through the surface of the skin in the vicinity of the surgical objective by trocar assemblies which provide a path to the surgical site. Through these incisions, miniaturized surgical instruments such as scissors, forceps, clamps, retractors, video equipment and scalpels may be inserted to perform various surgical procedures. The retractors provide a means for pushing tissue and organs which obstruct the surgical objective, to allow the surgeon access to surgical site.
While endoscopic instruments such as retractors are known in the art, many are operable only between a fully deployed position and a fully retracted position. Those that do provide for controlled opening do so with handle mechanisms which are difficult to operate and require greater dexterity on the part of the surgeon, than the use of other instruments.
Accordingly, a need exists for an endoscopic or laparoscopic retractor mechanism which allows for controlled opening and closing of the blades of the retractor, while the operation of the device is smooth and easy to manipulate. The present invention provides such a device.

Endoscopic instrument including a handle having a flywheel mechanism


Disclosed are devices, systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable storage media for displaying useful countdown timers on a media capture device. A media capture device can increase contrast between countdown timer and the video of a scene to be captured by a media capture device and adjust the position and size of a counter displayed on the device based on whether the object is determined to be closer or further than a predetermined threshold distance. Countdown timers can be triggered by detection of objects and gestures.

1. Technical Field
The present disclosure relates to media capture and more specifically to displaying a media capture countdown timer.
2. Introduction
Existing camera timers are insufficient. Standard point-and-shoot cameras as well as sophisticated digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) and top-quality video cameras do not include adequate ways to deliver robust information to the subjects of a scene to be captured concerning when image/video capture will begin.
Additionally, the introduction of front-facing cameras has created new challenges for alerting people that an image is about to be captured. Front-facing camera allow subjects framed in a scene to be captured to see themselves before image/video capture begins. However, there is presently no adequate solution for presenting a countdown timer to the subjects. For example, simple timers are inadequate because they are hard to read from far away and it is hard to see countdown timers if there isn't enough contrast between them and the video of the scene to be captured.