Apparatus, methods, systems and computer program products are disclosed that provide enhancements to client-side image maps in HTML based documents. These enhancements provide audio feedback to a user of a HTML capable application as to the hyperlinks associated with an area in an image. These enhancements also provide a visual representation of the areas defined by a client-side image map when the image is not available.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to the field of presenting data streams constructed using a hypertext markup language (HTML). Specifically, this invention is a new and useful method, apparatus, system and computer program product for enhancing the operation of client-side image maps for those who cannot see the displayed image or for those who do not desire to download the image.
2. Background
Because most of the information provided to sighted computer users consists of visual information provided on a computer monitor, the visually impaired or blind computer user works under a significant disadvantage. This same disadvantage applies to users who are remotely operating a computer using a keypad but without a visual display, such as a telephone. For the visually impaired the computer monitor is a featureless expanse of glass or plastic that is unlike paper media that can provide a change in texture so that the blind can tactically read the change in texture (such as Braille). Screen-readers enable computer access to visually impaired users. Screen-readers are well known in the art and convert the text displayed on a computer screen into a sound that mimics spoken language. In other words, the computer reads the displayed text to the user. However, the information presented to the user must be in textual form. These devices work well when textual information is presented on the computer. However, these devices are very limited when graphical information is presented. The technology does not yet exist that allows a computer to describe an image displayed on a monitor. Traditionally this limitation has not significantly affected the visually impaired because, until recently, most information presented on computer monitors has been textual based. However, with the explosion of the World Wide Web (WWW), graphical information is being widely used to carry information content. Thus, visually impaired computer users find it difficult to navigate the WWW.
World Wide Web
The WWW is a massive hypertext system that a user accesses using a WWW browser application executing on a computer--an information access apparatus. The WWW browser apparatus communicates with, and is a client of, information provider apparatus such as server computers each executing server applications capable of communicating with the client browser application. These clients obtain information and services, in the form of web pages, from the server. These web pages are identified by unique universal resource locators (URL) and are usually specified using a markup language--generally a version of the hypertext markup language (HTML). HTML 2.0, is described in RFC1866 and can be found on the WWW at: "http://www.cis.ohio-state.edu/htbin/rfc/rfc1866.html" and is hereby incorporated by reference as illustrative of the prior art. However, HTML is evolving and variants exist. For example, the HTML 3.2 proposal is found at "http://www.w3.org/pub/WWW/MarkUP/Wilbur/features.html", and a proposed HTML extension that describes client-side image maps is found at "http://home.netscape.com/assist/net.sub.-- sites/html.sub.-- extensions.sub.-- 3.html" and by RFC1980 found at "ftp://ds.internic.net/rfc/rfc1980.txt".
The background of the WWW, WWW browser applications, and URLs are well described by reference to the first chapter of Instant HTML Web Pages, by Wayne Ause, Ziff-Davis Press, ISBN 1-56276-363-6, copyright 1995, pages 1-15, hereby incorporated by reference as illustrative of the prior art. The URL specification, also incorporated by reference, is described in RFC1738 and can be found on the WWW at: "http://www.cis.ohio-state.edu/htbin/rfc/rfc1738/html". Briefly, the URL contains a protocol specification and a path specification. The protocol specification notifies the browser of what protocol to use when accessing the remote server. The path specification is generally a hierarchical path that specifies a data server followed by a hypernode (such as a web page) that actually provides the information for the browser.
FIG. 1a illustrates an example client-server information access system implemented using a plurality of computers. An information client system 101 communicates over a network 103 such as the internet 103 to a plurality of information server systems 105. The client system 101 encapsulates requests for services and information within an applicable internet protocol and passes the encapsulated requests to the internet 103 as indicated by an arrow 107. The internet 103 routes these requests to each of the plurality of information server systems 105 addressed within the request as indicated by a plurality of arrows 109. Each of the plurality of addressed information server systems 105 respond to the client system 101 with responses appropriate to the service or information requested by the client system 101. Once the client system 101 receives this information, it is presented to the user by using an application program (for example, a WWW browser) executing on the client computer.
Hypertext documents, composed of HTML data, can be presented to a user by an application. The application processes the HTML data contained within the document to generate an image that can be displayed to a user on a computer display or tangible page. Unlike page description languages, such as PostScript, the "page" layout of HTML documents is dependent on the drawing area used to display the image described by the HTML data. Thus, HTML is used to describe hypertext documents that are portable from one computing platform to another and that do not require WYSIWYG functionality. The HTML concept is that of a scrolling page that can be resized as desired by the user.
FIG 1b illustrates a web page 151 that uses a mapped image to indicate hyperlinks to other information. The web page 151 has a background 153, a first selectable control area (SCA) 155, a second SCA 157 and a third SCA 159. One skilled in the art will understand that the first SCA 155, the second SCA 157 and the third SCA, need not be distinguishable from the background 153, although generally the SCAs 155, 157, 159 are visually distinct.
Sighted users navigate this web page by positioning a cursor over an SCA by manipulating a pointing device and activating the pointing device to invoke the associated web page. This approach to selecting information is difficult for visually impaired users because they cannot see where to position the cursor on the image.
The visually impaired user accesses a web page, such as that in FIG. 1b, by using leap keys to move a cursor. Leap keys are often assigned as the up, down, left and right arrow keys. Often these leap keys have the following functions: the up key causes the parent page of the currently displayed page to be displayed; the down key causes activation of the currently selected URL and typically results in a child page of the current page to be displayed; the left key causes the cursor to backup to the previous SCA on the current page; and the right key causes the cursor to advance to the next SCA on the current page. Each of these leap keys cause an auditory message to be played to the user that provides information as to where the cursor is in the Web Page. The auditory message is often the text displayed by the hyperlink's URL. Thus, if URL was "http://www.sun.com/", the auditory message would be the following spoken words: "H T T P colon slash slash W W W dot Sun dot Com slash".
Another aspect of WWW browser applications is that they often maintain a database of recently accessed hyperlinks. These recently accessed links are displayed in a different color from links that have not been accessed.
Server-side image maps operate by sending the selected coordinates with respect to the displayed image to a process identified by a URL. This process then determines what action is to be associated with the selected coordinate and performs that action. Thus, although a particular image may have multiple selectable areas, the client does not have the information needed to directly invoke an action and does not receive any feedback about the selectivity of an area.
Client-side image maps operate by associating a map of areas to the image map. The map provides facilities for specifying a shape at a given coordinate of the image. This area is also associated with a reference (a URL) that allows the client to directly invoke the reference when the user selects an area. The area also may contain an "ALT" attribute that contains text that describes the containing area. This text is used with text-only WWW browsers (or browsers that do not automatically download images) as a substitute for the areas of the image. The ALT attribute is also used when the prior art cannot display the image. Among others, this condition occurs when the image is not available to the WWW browser, such as when the image-loading facility of the browser is turned off, when the image is unable to be retrieved from the server, or when the user has stopped the image download by invoking the stop download command (usually by activating the browser's stop download SCA).
Users of WWW browser facilities who are connected to the internet through analog phone lines often turn off the image capability of the browser so that the time required to display web pages is reduced (because the data intensive images are not transmitted to the application). This operating mode allows those who do not desire to view the images to more quickly navigate the WWW. A problem with this mode of operation is that the structure of client-side image maps is also not displayed. Thus, a client side image map only displays the ALT attribute in the <AREA> element (if provided) without any spatial information as to the shape, size, and arrangement of the <AREA> elements.
Another problem with client-side image maps is that many users disable the presentation of graphical information when browsing the WWW because these images take significant amounts of time to download. This problem is exacerbated by low speed data links or if too many users share a high-speed digital connection. Thus, users often browse the WWW with image loading disabled until they reach an interesting web page. The problem with this approach to browsing the WWW is that client-side image maps have user selectable control areas (SCAs). Without the image, the position, shape, and structure of the SCAs associated with the image are not apparent even if the hyperlink is displayed
Speech Synthesis and Audio Playback
Speech synthesis systems such as the DECtalk.RTM. and Macintalk.RTM. facilities convert textual strings into sounds that mimic human speech. These facilities are well known in the art. Further, sound reproduction facilities are also well known in the art and are used to play reproduce information stored in digital form into sound.
Thus, there is a need to extend image map capabilities to better operate when the images associated with the image map are not available for viewing.

Method and apparatus for detecting and presenting client side image map attributes including sound attributes using page layout data strings


A pseudo-volumetric display apparatus includes a first inwardly facing image display surface having a continuous geometry, with an open upper end, for presenting an interior panoramic image, and a second upwardly facing image display surface, located at a lower end of the first image display surface, for presenting a second image. The images may be generated optically or electronically. The second image is correlated and synchronized to the first image, and the first image display surface is sized and positioned to facilitate simultaneous viewing of both images from outside of the first surface via the open upper end. The same or coupled information may be simultaneously presented as a continuous Cartesian representation on the first image display surface and as a polar representation on the second image display surface, and content of one representation may be synchronized in accordance with a selected position in the other representation.

Various visual display systems are known for simultaneously providing visual information to multiple viewers. Large flat screens are commonly employed to display movies in movie theaters. Large scale panoramic screens have been employed to provide visual imagery to viewers located within a space surrounded by the panoramic screen. The large scale panoramic screens are expensive and time consuming to set up. In such systems, the viewers are immersed in the visual imagery but since their attention is directed outwardly and diffused, there is little opportunity for group interaction and collaboration. U.S. Pat. No. 6,905,218 B2, for example, discloses a panoramic and horizontally immersive image display system adapted to partially receive viewers in the concavity formed by the display screen.
360 degree LED video displays are also known which provide imagery on an outer cylindrical surface for external viewing. When such displays are located at eye level, viewers see different portions of the panoramic imagery but the screen blocks eye contact between the different viewers. 360 degree ring projection screens, typically suspended from a ceiling, have been used to present panoramic imagery on the exterior and interior cylindrical surfaces. These 360 degree ring projection screens are typically sized and positioned for viewing by multiple viewers located below the projection screen. Accordingly, attention is directed upwardly and away from other viewers.
A need thus exists for a new, engaging and interactive visual display system for sharing visual information among multiple simultaneous viewers while facilitating group interaction and collaboration.

Pseudo-volumetric display apparatus and methods


An information handling system includes a display panel, a panel connector, and a source device. The display panel displays images at different resolutions. The enables display data signals to be sent to the display panel. The source device determines whether an auxiliary channel is present between the source device and the panel connector, operates in a first embedded display operation mode if the auxiliary channel is present, otherwise determines if an enable signal has been received, and operates in a second embedded display operation mode when the enable signal has been received. The source device also communicates the display data signals to the display panel through the panel connector via a same set of pins of the source device during both the first embedded display operation mode and the second embedded display operation mode.

As the value and use of information continues to increase, individuals and businesses seek additional ways to process and store information. One option is an information handling system. An information handling system generally processes, compiles, stores, and/or communicates information or data for business, personal, or other purposes. Because technology and information handling needs and requirements can vary between different applications, information handling systems can also vary regarding what information is handled, how the information is handled, how much information is processed, stored, or communicated, and how quickly and efficiently the information can be processed, stored, or communicated. The variations in information handling systems allow for information handling systems to be general or configured for a specific user or specific use such as financial transaction processing, airline reservations, enterprise data storage, or global communications. In addition, information handling systems can include a variety of hardware and software components that can be configured to process, store, and communicate information and can include one or more computer systems, data storage systems, and networking systems.
A mobile device, such as a notebook, tablet, or smart cellular telephone, may comply with different display standards. The display standards can include a mobile industry processor interface (MIPI) display serial interface (DSI) display standard, a low voltage differential signaling (LVDS) display standard, an embedded Display Port (eDP) display standard, a red green blue (RGB) display standard, a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI) display standard, and the like. The mobile device can include a source device, such as System on a Chip (SoC), to provide display data to a display panel in the mobile device. The display interface connectivity of the SoC can be based on different display sizes, resolutions, color depth, refresh rates, display connection topologies, and the like. The SoC can include forty pins dedicated to display interfaces, package size, and power requirement. The SoC design can have separate sets of electrical display interface pins for each of the different display standards. For example, the SoC can have a first set of pins for eDP display panel and a second set of pins for MIPI DSI display panel.
The use of the same reference symbols in different drawings indicates similar or identical items.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

System and method for providing a multi-mode embedded display


A broadband network device is configured, in a broadband network, for dynamically controlling an upstream link bandwidth of a user node configured for downloading content via a downstream link having a prescribed bandwidth and uploading content through the broadband network via an upstream link according to the upstream link bandwidth. The broadband network device sets the upstream link bandwidth to a bandwidth value optimized for minimal-size data (e.g., message-based) transfers and that substantially restricts transfers of media-based (e.g., digital video or audio) data transfers to substantially long time intervals. The broadband network device is configured for dynamically increasing the upstream link bandwidth to an increased bandwidth value optimized for media-based data transfers, based on an identified authorization. The authorization may be supplied externally, for example, by a content provider, or based on a verification supplied by an authorization server that the user node is authorized to redistribute the content. Hence, content distribution can be controlled based on dynamically controlling the upstream link bandwidth according to content authorization, substantially minimizing the occurrences of unauthorized content redistribution.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to controlling network bandwidth of a user node in a broadband network and the protection of protected content, and more particularly to controlling redistribution of protected content such as copyrighted digital music, video, and the like.
2. Description of the Related Art
Broadband networks typically utilize asymmetric bandwidth allocation, where a network link from a user node at a customer premises to a network access server, also referred to an upstream link, has a substantially lower allocated upstream bandwidth than the corresponding downstream link from the network access server to the user node. Broadband networks typically provision bandwidth asymmetrically between the network access server and the user node based on an assumption that the upstream link will typically require less bandwidth than the downstream link. In particular, the upstream link typically will utilize relatively small-sized requests, for example, sending text-based HTTP requests to a web server or e-mail requests to an e-mail server, or sending e-mail messages, having sizes on the order of 10-200 kilobytes. In contrast, the downstream link typically is utilized by the user node for downloading digital content (e.g., application software, encoded audio, and/or video) stored in substantially larger data files, for example 10 megabytes (Mbytes) and above, often exceeding 100 Mbytes. For example, commercial Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL) providers may offer downstream rates up to 8 megabits per second (Mbps), whereas the upstream rate would typically have a maximum rate of 640 kbps.
Hence, any data can be delivered in the downstream link up to the allocated capacity, measured for example in terms of bandwidth. Any data can also be sent from the user node to a destination via the broadband network based on the capacity of the upstream link. In addition, certain protocol enhancements have been proposed to improve the quality of service for broadband content (e.g., broadband video services) by increasing bandwidth and/or minimizing latency. For example, broadband networks deployed using Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) cell streams can partition bandwidth into "virtual circuits" to provide guaranteed quality of service. Broadband networks deployed using Internet Protocol (IP)-based networks may utilize the Resource Reservation Protocol (RSVP), established by the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) Resource Reservation Setup Protocol Working Group as Request for Comments (RFC) 2205, for setting up resource reservations in the Internet. In addition various proposals have been submitted to the IETF in an effort to provide improved Quality of Service in terms of optimizing delivery of broadband content.
A primary concern among service providers deploying broadband networks and content providers offering online media content (e.g., streaming video, video on demand, music on demand, e-books, etc.) involves the unauthorized distribution of content. In particular, data transmitted over the Internet is relatively unrestricted in that any user having access via a user node can distribute any data to any other computer. Hence, users can share files using peer-to-peer resources without providing royalty payments to content owners; such peer-to-peer resources have resulted in substantial enforcement efforts by copyright holders, as illustrated by lawsuits filed against Napster, Inc., Redwood City, Calif. by copyright holders.
Hence, substantial tensions arise between service providers and commercial content providers or content rights holders. In particular, the service providers offer data access services for users that enable the users to download, and potentially redistribute content. The content providers or content rights holders, however, are especially concerned about loss of royalty revenue due to unauthorized redistribution of copyrighted or licensed content after a commercial transaction involving payment by a user for content (e.g., a multi media file, streaming video, etc.). Although the content provider may require the user purchasing the content to agree to refrain from copying or redistributing the content, typically in the form of a licensing agreement, the content provider typically has limited means of enforcing the licensing agreement in a convenient manner. Note, however, that in peer-to-peer distribution models some receivers can elect to become secondary providers, owing a license payment from each redistribution point or receiver to the copyright holder. Such an arrangement, however, still does not guarantee payment of the royalty.
One proposal for limiting redistribution of content involves encryption, for example Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) connections between servers and user devices, to prevent eavesdroppers from obtaining contention information or associated transaction information without the necessary encryption key. The content itself also may be encrypted in the form of an encrypted media file, requiring the user to possess a decryption key which may be provided separately; such an arrangement, however, limits the flexibility of the user to utilize the encrypted content, for example if the user prefers to transfer the encrypted media file to another device within an associated home network. In addition, encrypted files require the ability to find the appropriate small-sized key when the relatively large-sized multimedia content object is used. If the key is lost, the user also loses the ability to access the content until someone determines how to "crack" the encryption cipher.
The restrictions imposed by encrypted media files also may be overcome by using MPEG encoder devices, for example the Replay TV 4000 commercially available from SONICblue, Inc., Santa Clara, Calif. Such MPEG encoder devices can encode and store decrypted content that has been recovered in the form of an the analog video signal for display on a monitor. Hence, decrypted content can be re-encoded for storage and transfer to an unauthorized user via the upstream link.
Use of embedded markers within an analog signal to indicate evidence of ownership and limited permissions-to use, also known as watermarks, can be used to limit redistribution and trace transfers of protected content, assuming the necessary redistribution is in place to detect the markers. However, watermarks can be removed once their existence and form have been determined. Hence, once a watermark has been removed, the formerly protected content can be sent across the Internet without an audit trail that otherwise could be used to trace the protected content.

Arrangement for controlling content distribution by dynamically controlling bandwidth for transfer of the content based on content authorization


Dialkyl maleates can be hydrogenated with hydrogen in a catalytic liquid-phase hydrogenation to give dialkyl succinates, wherein the hydrogenation is carried out continuously at a pressure of from 50 to 400 bar and a reaction temperature of from 30 to 160.degree. C. over a fixed bed of oxygen-free and support-free shaped bodies comprising pressed powders of the elements of the iron subgroup of transition group VIII of the Periodic Table of the Elements (Mendeleev) or their alloys or mixtures with one another with additions of elements of transition groups IV and/or V; hydrogenation-inert elements can additionally be present. The shaped bodies have a compressive strength of from 20 to 220N and an internal surface area of from 10 to 100 m.sup.2 /g.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an inexpensive, continuous process for preparing dialkyl succinates in particularly high yields from dialkyl maleates, in which only very small amounts of the 1,4-butanediol usually produced in the hydrogenation of maleic esters and no monocarboxylic and no hydroxycarboxylic acids having <4 carbon atoms are formed.
Dialkyl sbuccinates are important, readily biodegradable solvents for surface coatings and plasticizers for thermoplastic polyesters having particular mechanical and chemical properties.
2. Description of the Related Art
It is known that dialkyl succinates can be prepared by esterification of succinic acid or succinic anhydride with the corresponding monoalcohols, with acid components frequently being used as esterification catalysts and high alcohol excesses being employed. It is also known that dialkyl maleates can be hydrogenated batchwise with hydrogen in a suspension process using a pulverulent Pd/Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 catalyst to give the corresponding dialkyl succinates (EP 190 424). The course of the reaction can be shown by the following reaction scheme: ##STR1##
Here, R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 can be identical or different n- or iso-alkyl radicals having from 1 to 12 carbon atoms or cyclic alkyl radicals having from 3 to 6 carbon atoms.
Batchwise processes have the disadvantage that their capacity relative to the reaction volume is very small and thus large reaction apparatuses and storage tanks are needed. Energy consumption and personnel requirements are relatively high. Continuous powder catalyst processes which employ a plurality of hydrogenation reactors connected in a cascade avoid some of these disadvantages.
However, it is still necessary for the pulverulent catalysts to be repeatedly and precisely metered in, pumped around and quantitatively filtered off from the reaction product. The catalyst slurry pumps are subject to high mechanical wear. The quantitative removal of the pulverulent catalysts from the reaction product is costly. Furthermore, there is a great danger of the catalyst activity being reduced relatively quickly by the additional operations, so that high catalyst consumptions have to be expected. It is therefore advantageous to allow the reaction to proceed over fixed-bed catalysts. Such catalysts have to have a high activity which must not decrease over a prolonged period of time because frequent catalyst replacements in fixed-bed reactions are likewise costly. In addition, there is always a desire to achieve particularly high catalyst conversions (g of dialkyt maleate/l of catalyst * h).

Process for preparing dialkyl succinates


The present invention provides a memory system which contributes to improvement in efficiency of a data process accompanying a memory access. A memory system has a rewritable nonvolatile memory, a buffer memory, and a controller. The controller controls, in response to an access request from an external apparatus, first data transfer between the controller and the external apparatus, second data transfer between the controller and the nonvolatile memory, and third data transfer between the controller and the buffer memory, controls transfer from the controller to the buffer memory in the third data transfer and transfer from the buffer memory to the controller in a time sharing manner, and enables the first data transfer or the second data transfer to be performed in parallel with the transfer carried out in the time sharing manner.

The present invention relates to a technique of buffering access data in a memory system for performing access control between an external interface and a nonvolatile memory in response to an access request from the outside and, for example, to a technique effectively applied to a flash memory card.
A flash memory card has a flash memory and a controller. Since the operation speed, particularly, writing or rewriting operation speed of the flash memory is lower than operation speed of a host connected to the flash memory card, the controller has a buffer memory in order to absorb the difference between the operation speeds. In response to a write request from the outside, the controller controls to input write data from the outside to the buffer memory and write the input data into the flash memory. In response to a read request from the outside, the controller temporarily stores data read out from the flash memory into the buffer memory and outputs the stored data to the outside. As a conventional buffer memory, an SRAM (Static Random Access Memory) of a relatively small capacity, a static latch, or the like is often employed.

Memory system with improved efficiency of data transfer between host, buffer, and nonvolatile memory


An injection device of a die casting machine including an injecting cylinder, in which a piston connecting to a piston rod is slidably thrust into a cylinder body and in which pressurized oil is fed to the side of the piston from a pressurized oil source and flows out from the side of the piston rod, and a servo valve controlling an injection speed of the injection cylinder device by controlling the amount of flow of pressurized oil that flows out from the injecting cylinder. The servo valve is directly attached to the cylinder body of the injecting cylinder and a flow channel connecting the injecting cylinder and servo valve is shortened.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to an injection device of a die casting machine, which includes an injecting cylinder operated with pressurized oil fed from a hydraulic source and a servo valve controlling the injection speed and pressure of the injecting cylinder by controlling flow of the pressurized oil that flows from the injecting cylinder.
2. Description of the Related Art
A die casting machine includes an injection device in order to inject molten material into a cavity of a mold. The injection device includes an injecting cylinder in which a piston, being coupled to a piston rod having an injection plunger at the end of the piston rod, is slidably thrust into the cylinder body.
The injection speed of the injecting cylinder is controlled by controlling the flow of the pressurized oil that flows from the injecting cylinder by using a servo valve.
The conventional injection device of the die casting machine is adopted with a mode in which the pressurized oil is controlled at the entrance side, and further, as cited in Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. Hei 6-39516, the servo valve is far away from the injecting cylinder, with the result that a long channel connecting the servo valve and the injecting cylinder is formed.
In consequence, the conventional injection device of the die casting machine has a disadvantage in that resistance in the channel is large, which is caused by the long formed channel connecting the servo valve and the injecting cylinder, having a large distance between each other.
Naturally, the pressurized oil cannot flow into the servo valve in large quantities, whereby the conventional injection device has a poor quality of response and is not amenable to change the injection high speed control from the feedback control by either extremely low speed injection or an injection low speed.
An automaker or the like has expected product parts with reduced weight, in order to produce the product, however, the quick, accurate quality of response of the injection device is required, whereby the conventional injection device has limitations for filling the need for reducing weight.
It is an object of the present invention to provide the injection device of the die casting machine, which has a lower resistance in the channel and a quick, accurate quality of response.

Injection device of a die casting machine


An information storage medium containing subtitles and a subtitle processing apparatus, where the information storage medium includes: audio-visual (AV) data; and subtitle data in which at least one subtitle text data and output style information designating an output form of the subtitle texts are stored with a text format. With this, output times of subtitle texts included in the text subtitle data can be overlapped, a subtitle file can be easily produced, and subtitles for an AV stream can be output with various forms.

1. Field of the Invention
The presentation information 120 includes style information used to render the subtitle texts and comprises a plurality of style groups. A style group is a bundle of styles in which the style information is recorded. A style includes information used to render and display a subtitle text. This information includes, for example, one or more of a style name, a font, a text color, a background color, a text size, a line-height, a text output region, a text output start position, an output direction, or an alignment method.
2. Description of the Related Art
A conventional subtitle is a bitmap image that is included in an audio-visual (AV) stream. Therefore, it is inconvenient to produce such a subtitle, and there is no choice but to merely read the subtitle in its present form without modification since a user cannot select various attributes of the subtitle defined by a subtitle producer. That is, since the attributes, such as font, character size, and character color, are predetermined and included in the AV stream as a bitmap image, the user cannot change the attributes at will.
Also, since the subtitle is compressed and encoded in the AV stream, an output start time and an output end time of the subtitle are clearly designated to correspond to the AV stream, and reproduction times when subtitles are output should not overlap. That is, only one subtitle should be output at a certain time.
However, since an output start time and an output end time of a subtitle are designated by a subtitle producer and recorded on an information storage medium separately from the AV stream, the output start times and output end times of a plurality of subtitles may overlap one another. In other words, since more than two subtitles may be output in a certain time period, a method of solving this problem is necessary.

Information storage medium containing subtitles and processing apparatus therefor


An electrical connector includes a housing having a receptacle, and an electrically conductive insert held by the housing within the receptacle. The electrically conductive insert includes a plurality of module openings. The electrically conductive insert includes electrically conductive segments that extend between adjacent module openings. A plurality of signal modules are held by the electrically conductive insert. Each signal module has two differential pairs of electrical contacts. The signal modules are held by the electrically conductive insert such that the electrical contacts of each signal module extend within a corresponding module opening. The electrically conducive segments of the electrically conductive insert extend between adjacent signal modules to electrically isolate the electrical contacts of the adjacent signal modules from each other.

The subject matter described and/or illustrated herein relates generally to electrical connectors.
Electrical connectors are commonly used to interconnect a wide variety of electrical components. Presently, the demand for higher performance electrical systems continues to increase. For example, electrical connectors are being tasked with being capable of accommodating ever increasing signal data rates between the electrical components of an electrical system. Examples of such an increased signal data rate include Gigabit Ethernet (GbE) and 10 GbE. But, the signal contacts of at least some existing connectors may be incapable of handling such increased signal data rates. For example, the signal contacts may suffer from unwanted electromagnetic interference when grouped too closely together, which may limit the number of signal contacts contained by the electrical connector and thereby limit the performance of the connector.


An anti-fungal treatment, for use on skin, comprising an anti-fungal component and a skin treating component. The skin treating component either absorbs moisture on the skin to make an undesirable environment for the fungus, or treats the skin to allow the anti-fungal component to penetrate, allow the skin to heal, and to create an unpleasant, oily environment for the fungus. The anti-fungal component is a combination of goldenseal root powder with ipe roxo powder and poke root powder. The skin treating component is either a skin softening mixture, such as D-alpha tocopherol and olive oil, or is a dehydrator, such as arrowroot and ball clay. A further combined anti-fungal and aromatic component preferably comprises lavender oil, and may also comprise teatree oil.

The invention relates to an anti-fungal composition. More particularly, the invention relates to an improved topical anti-fungal composition, produced in either powder or cream form, which is comprised of and utilizes the natural anti-fungal and anti-viral properties of an unobvious combination of various herbs and vitamins.
Many people suffer from discomfort and unease caused from infections of their feet. This can prove to be quite debilitating considering the amount of time people normally spend on their feet. One of the more common infections that feet are prone to is known as Athlete""s Foot. This condition often causes itching, burning and blisters between the toes. Besides being extremely uncomfortable, this infection can lead to more serious infections if not properly treated in time. Furthermore, it is quite contagious.
Many of the commercially available remedies sold in drug stores consist of a powder based substance. These remedies are typically sprinkled in one""s shoes or socks and have a deodorizing effect. A major disadvantage of these formulations is the drying action of the powder upon the foot, leading to a cracking or hardening of the skin. In fact, tough dry skin can actually prevent anti-fungal agents from reaching and killing the fungus. A subsequent disadvantage of these treatments is that they,are not intended to actually cure an infection; rather, their primary purpose is to deodorize the feet.
Furthermore, anti-fungal compositions found heretofore in the prior art have utilized one or more of the anti-fungal and anti-viral herbs which comprises the composition of the instant invention. None of said prior compositions has, however, combined all of the various herbs, vitamins and oils contemplated by the instant invention. Furthermore, none of said prior compositions found in the art have been as aggressive and effective at battling and eliminating dermal fungal/viral infections.
While these compositions disclosed in the prior art may be suitable for the particular purpose employed, or for general use, they would not be as suitable for the purposes of the present invention as disclosed hereafter.
It is an object of the invention to produce an improved anti-fungal composition which effectively combats fungus, creates an environment on the skin which is hot conducive to fungus growth, and which promotes healing of the skin.
It is another object of the invention to produce an improved topical anti-fungal composition which, through the combination of various substances such as goldenseal root powder, ipe roxo powder, arrowroot, lavender oil, tea tree oil and poke root powder, attacks a dermal fungus or virus and deters the proliferation of said fungus or virus beyond the affected area.
It is a further object of the invention to produce an improved topical anti-fungal composition which can be produced in either cream or powder form.
It is a still further object of the invention to produce an improved topical anti-fungal composition in a cream form which, through the use of one or more vitamins such as d-alpha tocopherol and one or more oils such as olive oil or tea tree oil, can soften skin tissue so as to allow the antifungal components to penetrate, promote healing of the skin, and prevent the formation of scar tissue thereupon.
It is another object of the instant invention to produce an improved topical anti-fungal composition in a powder form which can be applied when application of the cream would be inconvenient, and to dehydrate the affected area so as to inhibit the growth of fungus thereat.
The invention is a anti-fungal treatment, for use on skin, comprising an anti-fungal component and a skin treating component. The skin treating component either absorbs moisture on the skin to make an undesirable environment for the fungus, or treats the skin to allow the anti-fungal component to penetrate, allow the skin to heal, and to create an unpleasant, oily environment for the fungus. The anti-fungal component is a combination of goldenseal root powder with ipe roxo powder and poke root powder. The skin treating component is either a skin softening mixture, such as D-alpha tocopherol and olive oil, or is a dehydrators such as arrow root and ball clay. A further combined anti-fungal and aromatic component preferably comprises lavender oil, and may also comprise teatree oil.
To the accomplishment of the above and related objects the invention may be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Attention is called to the fact, however, that the drawings are illustrative only. Variations are contemplated as being part of the invention, limited only by the scope of the claims.


An apparatus and method of performing a minimally invasive posterior spine fusion. More specifically an apparatus with a handle and a forked head on the distal end of the handle is used to grasp implant material and introduce the material to an implant site. The shaft of the apparatus is shaped so as to allow the affixation of a drill guide and drill while simultaneously holding the implant material in the implant site. After removal of the boring tools and assembly of the fusing element, the apparatus can be selectively removed from the implant site. A method of achieving facet joint fusion with near simultaneous fixation is also disclosed.

Individuals who suffer degenerative disc disease, natural spine deformations, a herniated disc, spine injuries or other spine disorders may require surgery on the affected region to relieve the individual from pain and prevent further injury to the spine and nerves. Spinal surgery may involve removal of damaged joint tissue, insertion of a tissue implant and/or fixation of two or more adjacent vertebral bodies. The surgical procedure will vary depending on the nature and extent of the injury.
For patients with varying degrees of degenerative disc disease and/or nerve compression with associated lower back pain, spinal fusion surgery, or lumbar arthrodesis ("fusion") is an effective method and commonly used to treat the degenerative disease. Fusion commonly involves distracting and/or decompressing one or more intervertebral spaces, followed by removing any associated facet joints or discs, and then joining or "fusing" two or more adjacent vertebra together. This fusion typically occurs with the assistance of an autograft or allograft bone graft. In certain operations, the fusion may also be assisted by a particular spinal implant or one or more bioactive materials.
Fusion of vertebral bodies involves fixation of two or more adjacent vertebrae. This procedure may be performed through introduction of rods or plates, and screws or other devices into a vertebral joint to join various portions of a vertebra to a corresponding portion on an adjacent vertebra. Fusion may occur in the lumbar, interbody or cervical spine region of a patient. A fusion is designed to stop and/or eliminate all motion in the spinal segment by destruction of some or all of the joints in that segment, and further utilizing bone graft material and/or rigid implantable fixation devices for securing the adjacent vertebrae. By eliminating movement, back pain and further degenerative disc disease may be reduced or avoided. Fusion requires tools for accessing the vertebrae and implanting the desired implant, bioactive material, etc. Such procedures often require introduction of additional tools to prepare a site for implantation. These tools may include drills, drill guides, debridement tools, irrigation devices, vises, clamps, cannulae, and other insertion/retraction tools.
Generally, there are five main types of lumbar fusion, including: posterior lumbar fusion ("PLF"), posterior lumbar interbody fusion ("PLIF"), anterior lumbar interbody fusion ("ALIF"), circumferential 360 fusion, and transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion ("TLIF"). A posterior approach is one that accesses the surgical site from the patient's back, and an anterior approach is one that accesses the surgical site from the patient's front or chest. There are similar approaches for fusion in the interbody or cervical spine regions.
Certain procedures are designed to achieve fixation of vertebral bodies, for example, in the cervical spine region, through an anterior cervical approach. The main risks of the anterior approach are vascular injury, injury to the superior laryngeal nerve leading to hoarseness, injury to the esophagus and spinal cord injury. Interbody bone grafts or cages have been designed to fit between the vertebrae at the intervertebral space and are often secured in position by anterior plating systems. The anterior approach has been the mainstay for treatment of the majority of cervical spine degenerative conditions, trauma or neurological compression conditions related to disk herniation. The anterior approach is extensile and allows exposure of the front part of the cervical spine from C2-T1. The limitations of this approach are that posterior-based pathology cannot be treated without fusion and that revision anterior surgery can be highly morbid because of damage to the vascular and neurological structures described. Since the esophagus is directly in front of the vertebral body involved in an anterior fusion, it is particularly vulnerable to revision anterior surgery. Unrecognized injury to the esophagus can lead to mediastinitis, which has an attendant mortality rate of 80%. The more levels the surgeon attempts to fuse together, the greater the risk for a failure to fuse or pseudoarthrosis. The risk for at least one level of a three level anterior fusion not healing is 50%.
Alternatively, a posterior approach to the cervical spine may be used to decompress the spinal canal or to allow for fusion. Posterior cervical fusions are performed in a fashion distinct from the anterior interbody technique. The process involves decorticating the facet joint and its attendant cartilage followed by application of bone graft between the leaves of the facet joint. Traditionally, posterior element wiring stabilized the motion segment. Lateral mass screws and plates or rods have supplanted this technique. Posterior approaches suffer the same disadvantages as posterior surgery in other areas of the spine with increased morbidity associated with bleeding, infection, damage to normal tissues and unsightly scars—issues which are not substantial concerns with anterior neck operations. Posterior cervical operations are much more painful than the anterior approach and in and of themselves necessitate longer hospital stays and longer postoperative recovery. The most common indication for posterior cervical approaches are failure of the anterior fusion to heal. Other disadvantages of traditional posterior cervical fusion include, for example, the increased length of the procedure, the complexity and over-engineered implants used to carry out the procedure, and the possible requirement of a second procedure to remove the implantation device.
Posterior cervical spinal fusion techniques have not kept pace with minimally invasive techniques available for the posterior lumbar spine and this has led to its underutilization, particularly in instances of patients at high risk for pseudoarthrosis—cigarette smokers, patients with multiple level fusions anteriorly or patients with hypothyroidism. The reason for this underutilization has to do with the difference in the anatomy of the neck which make application of the lumbar designs impractical and dangerous. A truly novel approach and instrumentation system is necessary in this scenario; it is not a simple matter of "miniaturizing" the lumbar designs. Posterior cervical fusion systems are maximally invasive leading to substantial perioperative morbidity. They are over-engineered in terms of strength and do not take advantage of the mechanical stability afforded by anterior instrumentation applied at the same time (or before in the instance of pseudoarthrosis). Posterior systems can be much smaller and less restrictive and still accomplish the goals of fusion. For example, simple wiring of the posterior elements in the face of an anterior pseudoarthrosis leads to successful athrodesis in 80% of cases. Unfortunately, posterior wiring has the unfortunate requirement of a formal posterior exposure with its attendant morbidity. Finally, the minimally invasive approach to the posterior cervical spine fusion needs to account for the unique anatomic concerns of the neurovascular and digestive anatomy as well as take advantage of the stability gained from the more easily performed anterior cervical fusion. These and other considerations are addressed by the present disclosure in more detail in the Summary and Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments, and the appended Claims.

Apparatus and method of spinal implant and fusion


An axial multi-chamber angioplasty balloon assembly for insertion into a blood vessel comprises a primary elongated, elastic, inflatable balloon having a first Young's Modulus, a distal portion, a proximal portion and an intermediate portion having a first diameter therebetween, defining a first chamber; a secondary elongated, elastic, inflatable balloon having a second Young's modulus, a distal portion, a proximal portion and an intermediate portion having a second diameter therebetween, defining a second chamber; the intermediate portions of the primary and the secondary balloons being attached in common; wherein the first and the second chambers define a variable dilation device for dilating an anatomical stricture having a first diameter-pressure characteristic curve defined by the primary balloon's Young's modulus, a second diameter-pressure characteristic curve defined by the secondary balloon's Young's modulus and a third diameter-pressure characteristic curve defined by the combined Young's modulus of the primary and secondary balloons.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to dilatation balloon assemblies and particularly to a novel improvement in axial multi-chamber angioplasty balloon assemblies.
2. Description of the related art including information disclosed under 37 CFR .sctn..sctn.1.97-1.99
Heretofore various angioplasty balloon assemblies have been proposed. Examples of such assemblies are disclosed in the following U.S. Patents:
______________________________________ U.S. Pat. No. Patentee ______________________________________ 3,045,677 F. J. Wallace 4,994,033 Shockey, et al ______________________________________
The Wallace U.S. Pat. No. 3,045,677, discloses a balloon catheter 10 adapted for insertion into a body cavity, such as a bladder, that includes two balloon portions integral with a catheter and having a tube 25 extending over the balloon portions and cemented at opposite ends 25A and 25B to a shaft 11 of the catheter 10.
The Shockey U.S. Pat. No. 4,994,033, discloses an intravascular drug delivery dilatation catheter including an inner expander member 30 and an outer expander member 22 having micropores 28 therethrough.

Axial multi-chamber angioplasty balloon assembly


An earth working apparatus includes a first machine component and a second machine component which is movable relative to the first machine component. The apparatus also includes a motor for moving the second machine component relative to the first machine component, wherein the motor includes a motor shaft. The apparatus also includes a housing secured to the first machine component, the housing having a chamber defined therein. The apparatus further includes a sensor positioned within the chamber of the housing, wherein (1) the sensor includes a sensor body and a sensor shaft, (2) the sensor body is fixed in relation to the housing, and (3) the sensor shaft is movable in relation to the housing. The apparatus also includes a linkage assembly which mechanically couples the motor shaft to the sensor shaft.

The present invention relates generally to an earth working apparatus, and more particularly to an earth working apparatus having a sensor assembly attached thereto which detects relative position between various components of the earth working apparatus.
Earth working apparatus, such as excavators, typically have a frame, a first machine component, a second machine component and an articulating arm. The first machine component typically includes a track assembly. The second machine component typically includes a body assembly. The body assembly generally includes a cab and an engine enclosure. The frame is mounted on the track assembly. The body assembly is rotatably mounted on the frame. One end of the articulating arm is secured to the body assembly.
A motor is mechanically coupled to the body assembly such that an operator of the earth working apparatus can control rotation of the body assembly relative to the track assembly. For example, the operator can control rotation of the body assembly so as to position the articulating arm in a desired location for performing a digging function.
The motor for rotating the body assembly relative to the track assembly may be controlled by a computer located on the earth working apparatus. This computer must receive information relating to the spatial relationship between the body assembly and the track assembly in order to appropriately control rotation of the body assembly. One approach for providing the above described information to the computer is to attach sensors to the earth working apparatus which generate data regarding the spatial relationship between the body assembly and the track assembly. The data generated by the sensors is input into the computer so that the computer can appropriately position the body assembly relative to the track assembly in order to perform a work function such as digging. However, a problem with this approach is that such sensors are typically sensitive to adverse environmental conditions often found at excavation sites (e.g. moist or dusty environmental conditions). These sensors are also susceptible to damage from vibrations generated by the earth working apparatus. In addition, these sensors are prone to being struck and damaged by an object such as a rock.
It would therefore be desirable to provide an earth working apparatus having a sensor assembly attached thereto which better protects a sensor contained in the assembly from adverse environmental conditions. It would also be desirable to provide an earth working apparatus having a sensor assembly attached thereto which better protects a sensor contained in the assembly from vibrations generated by the earth working apparatus. It would further be desirable to provide an earth working apparatus having a sensor assembly attached thereto which better protects a sensor contained in the assembly from being struck and damaged by an object such as a rock.

Earth working apparatus having a sensor assembly attached thereto and associated method


A device for concentrating solar radiation (4) with longitudinal mirrors (7) and a longitudinal receiver (1), has mirrors with a circular cross-section with a radius of curvature that is twice the transverse distance from the center (35) of each mirror to the central point (3) of the receiver. The width of the receiver is 1% of the transverse distance from the central point to the center (89) of the furthest mirror (32). The width of each mirror is determined according to the drift of the rays reflected when the mirror focuses the sun, prescribing an equal width for all mirrors, which is: equal to the width of the active face (2) of the receiver when mounted according to the meridian; and triple the width of the active face (2) of the receiver when mounted according to the parallel of latitude. The mirrors are installed in a contiguous manner and the receiver is installed at a height on columns (8).

There are many background documents relating to fields of mirrors that can be oriented, but specifically relating to the longitudinal horizontal planar case, international application WO 99/42765 is mentioned, in which the receiver is a longitudinal tube similar to that used in parabolic trough collectors like that described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,243,019 and several others. Other background documents worth mentioning include the following: WO 2009/029277 A2 disclosing a conventional Fresnel reflection configuration with multi-tube receiver, and a number of configuration variants, though without numerical assembly requirements and with very generic claims; using planar mirrors in FIGS. 3 and 4 and concave mirrors, without further specification, in FIG. 12, also discussing the configuration of hydraulic circuits in the multi-tube receiver, without taking into account the natural aperture of sunlight; WO 2009/023063 A2 discloses a receiver inclined with respect to the ground with an asymmetric structure to favor collecting radiation; WO 2006/000834 A1 proposes mirrors with multiple planar facets, and it further relates to mechanisms for suitably focusing the planar mirrors on the receiver; WO 02/12799 A2 discloses a bi-parabolic concentrator around the receiver tube which mentions, without geometric specifications, "flat rotating mirrors" in the field of mirrors in claims 9 and 10; WO 02/02995 A2 relates to a basic Fresnel reflection system with a novel modality for supporting the tube; EP 2 161 516 A1 relates to a classic Fresnel reflection system in which propagation of the beam with the concentration characteristic of concave mirrors is envisaged, though it does not claim any requirement on the shape of such mirrors; BE 1 013 565 A3 discloses an absolutely basic Fresnel reflection, cited as a background in some of the aforementioned patents and using mirrors with multiple planar facets; BE 1 013 566 A3 also discloses Fresnel reflection, in this case with concave mirrors to concentrate the radiation on the tube receiver, though without specifying equations for defining the profiles of the mirrors or submitting illustrative drawings on the problem with concentration of solar radiation due to its natural aperture.

Device for concentrating solar radiation with longitudinal mirrors and a longitudinal receiver

Universidad Nacional de Educacion a Distancia


A conveyor apparatus which allows a workpiece to be carried in and out of a desired process and lends itself to easy maintenance as well is provided. A conveyor apparatus (13) includes a first conveyance mechanism (13A) capable of carrying a board (7) into a desired process and a second conveyance mechanism (13B) capable of carrying the board (7) out of the desired process. The first conveyance mechanism (13A) includes a first conveying rod (18) adapted to reciprocate, a first pusher piece (19) fixed to the first conveying rod (18) and configured to protrude from the rod, and a switching mechanism adapted to switch the first pusher piece (19), by turning the first conveying rod (18) a predetermined angle, between an engaged position where the first pusher piece (19) engages with the board (7) and a retracted position where the pusher piece (19) is separated from the board (7), and the second conveyance mechanism (13B) includes a second conveying rod (32) adapted to reciprocate, a pusher piece (19) fixed to the second conveying rod (32) and configured to protrude from the rod, and a switching mechanism adapted to switch the second pusher piece (19), by turning the second conveying rod (32) a predetermined angle, between an engaged position where the pusher piece (19) engages with the board (7) and a retracted position where the pusher piece (19) is separated from the board.

The reflow soldering apparatus solders, for example, a printed circuit board on which electronic components have been mounted using cream solder, solder paste, or the like while conveying the board on a conveyor, inside a furnace having a preheating process, a reflow process, and a cooling process in sequence (See Patent Document 1).
Patent Document 2 discloses a method for conveying a board in a reflow furnace. A conveyor system disclosed in Patent Document 2 includes a main endless conveyor belt configured to extend from an inlet to an outlet of a reflow furnace and operated at a constant speed. A board conveyance path is formed to convey boards from the inlet to the outlet of the reflow furnace on the main endless conveyor belt. On the board conveyance path, plural pushers are placed, being spaced away from each other in a workpiece conveyance direction, and each of the pushers reciprocates in directions the same as and opposite to the workpiece conveyance direction. The pusher can push the board on the main endless conveyor belt upward and convey the board in the workpiece conveyance direction at a controlled speed. An endless belt has been adopted to reciprocate the pushers attached to the endless belt. When the endless belt rotates in a forward direction, the pusher moves in the workpiece conveyance direction, and when the endless belt rotates in a reverse direction, the pusher moves in the direction opposite to the workpiece conveyance direction.
A first pusher included in the plural pushers is used to send a board into a reflow process of the reflow furnace. A second pusher is used to send the board out of the reflow process and convey the board from the reflow process to a cooling process. The first and second pushers are controlled to move independently of the main endless conveyor belt at a speed faster than that of the main endless conveyor belt.
In soldering using a reflow furnace, preferably a degassing process is applied in advance to avoid foaming in accompanying with heating. For example, in the reflow soldering apparatus shown in Patent Document 1, when a decompression chamber capable of reducing ambient pressure is installed on a board conveyance path such that a soldered portion formed on the board and molten by heating will be degassed in the decompression chamber, a single conveyor (main endless conveyor belt) cannot be installed over the entire board conveyance path including the decompression chamber because the decompression chamber needs to be enclosed hermetically during decompression. Therefore, separate conveyors are installed in the decompression chamber and in conveyance paths in processes preceding and succeeding the decompression chamber. In this case, if a conveyor is installed in the decompression chamber, there is a problem in that mechanical components of the conveyor become expensive to withstand a decompressed atmosphere and that maintenance frequency is increased.
With the board conveyance method described in Patent Document 2, air cylinders are used to move the pushers up and down, resulting in increased maintenance frequency. Also, the air cylinders themselves need to be moved in the conveyance direction.
Patent Document 1
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-188467
Patent Document 2
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-40941


The present invention relates to an adjuster for adjusting drink temperature, including a base, a container arranged on the base, a stay bar seating fixed on the base and extending into the container from the base of the container and secured to the container, a stay bar device arranged in the stay bar seating and formed as a muff coupling with the stay bar seating without liquid leakage, one end of thereof extending out of the stay bar seating and the other end forming the driving end, and an actuating device cooperating with the driving end of the stay bar device to drive the stay bar device.

People are used to drink, especially in the holidays. Drinks can add attraction to the festival. Also, people are used to drink daintily. For example, wine requires lower temperature to improve the taste, thus, people usually cool down the wine in ice water when they are drinking; for some other wines, people prefer to drink warmly in the winter, so that they warm up the wines in warm water.
In the prior arts, there are some apparatus such as icing drink apparatus and warming drink apparatus. For example, for the icing drink apparatus, such as an ice bucket, ice and water are put in the bucket, then the wine or beer is put in ice water; another example is an ice cup, in which the water is filled between the inner layer and the outer layer of the cup, and the water is frozen to be ice, then the drinks are filled in the cup and become iced drink. As an example of a drink warming apparatus, there is a warm bottle disclosed in Chinese Patent No. 02244887.X, in which the warm water is filled in the outer bottle, and drinks are filled in the inner bottle, and then the inner bottle is put inside the outer bottle. As another example, in a drink warming device disclosed in Chinese Patent No. 98203364.8, an electric heater unit is set in the base of the device, and the temperature is controlled in a desired range by a temperature control unit, and so on.
In such an apparatus, bottles are affixed in respect to the apparatus, thus, it looks stiffly, vapidly and without fun; at the same time, in such apparatus, water or ice is used as heat carrier and the heat is transferred via the bottle. Although the medium is liquid, the liquid is in relatively static state, so that the efficiency of icing drink or warming drink is relatively low, especially using water and ice together as the medium.

Adjuster for adjusting drink temperature


The present invention provides a method and apparatus for limiting residue build-up by lining with a ceramic material the exhaust plenun and exhaust manifold of a processing chamber. In another aspect of the invention, the inventors have used an air gap between the ceramic liner and the processing chamber walls to increase the dielectric value of the ceramic liner, and further inhibit the build-up of residues. In another aspect, the ceramic liner has been found to retain sufficient heat to allow the elimination of heaters typically used to heat the aluminum walls during a clean operation, if the clean operation is commenced immediately after a process step so that the ceramic retains the necessary heat from the previous processing step. The provision of an air gap aids in this heating, preventing the ceramic heat from being drawn off by direct contact with the aluminum walls. In a preferred embodiment, the ceramic liners are attached to the chamber walls with TEFLON.RTM. (polytetrafluoroethylene) screws.

The present invention relates to the field of semiconductor processing equipment and more specifically to a method and apparatus for reducing residues inside a semiconductor processing chamber.
During chemical vapor deposition (CVD) processing, deposition gas molecules are deposited on the surface of a substrate. Some of these molecules also come in contact with areas of the chamber, such as the aluminum walls, resulting in the unwanted deposition of material and residues. When the build-up of surface deposits on the inside of the processing chamber becomes thick, flakes or particles of the deposited material can break off from the surface of the chamber onto the substrate being processed, potentially causing a defect. Surface deposits also adversely effect other processing conditions such as deposition uniformity, deposition rate, film strength and the like.
To avoid this problem, the inside surfaces of processing chambers are periodically cleaned to remove the material deposited by the deposition gases. Various techniques have been used or proposed for cleaning residues from interior surfaces of a processing chamber. One conventional cleaning technique involves physically cleaning the interior surfaces of the processing chamber by way of rinse water and clean wipes. A limitation with this technique is that the processing apparatus often operates no more than 1000 to 2000 runs before substantial residues build up on its interior surfaces. To remove these deposits with a rinse water and clean wipe requires that the processing apparatus be taken down to clean its interior surfaces. A further limitation is that this conventional cleaning process often takes several hours or more to perform. Taking a machine down for hours at a time clearly impacts wafer throughput in the fabrication plant.
Another technique suggests the use of etching gases, such as fluorine, for removing deposited material and residues from the chamber walls in a plasma process. Detailed descriptions may be found, for instance, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,960,488, U.S. Pat. No. 5,124,958 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,158,644. The plasma enhanced etching gases can be used periodically after a group of N wafers has been processed or after every wafer. The etching gases react with the deposited material so as to remove it from the surfaces of the processing chamber. Such techniques, however, often cannot remove all the aluminum and organic residues from the chamber walls without other detrimental effects. In fact, the etchant gases can increase the amount of particles into the processing chamber from precipitates derived from the etching gases and the like. Examples of precipitates include aluminum oxide, aluminum fluoride, aluminum oxy-fluoride, and others. The precipitates increase the particle count in the processing chamber, which is clearly an undesirable result. Moreover, the use of such etchant gases in a clean step requires additional processing time thereby decreasing wafer throughput.
The physical cleaning techniques described above are often used in conjunction with etching gases to periodically clean the residues and precipitates which remain after a chamber clean. However, as described above, the physical clean process results in further down time of the processing machine and lower wafer throughput.
Thus, it is desirable to keep processing chambers clean and substantially free from particles to prevent contaminating semiconductor integrated circuits being processed and to minimize down or cleaning time so as to increase wafer throughput as much as possible. From the above it is seen that an apparatus for processing semiconductor wafers that requires less periodic cleaning is desirable.
One approach to eliminate residues left over from a chamber clean has been utilized in a plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) silicon nitride processing chamber as shown in cross section in FIG. 1. The chamber is cylindrical in shape. The chamber includes a heated pedestal 10 for supporting a substrate or wafer 12 for processing and a shower head 14 for dispersing process gases above the wafer under plasma conditions. The plasma is formed between shower head 14 and substrate 12 by using an RF source 16 to apply a potential to the shower head, with the pedestal 10 being grounded. In addition, chamber walls 18 are also grounded. The chamber walls are insulated from the voltage applied to the shower head by RF insulators 20. Since this is a cross section, RF insulator 20 is a ring around the circular shower head 14.
The process gases are applied through shower head 14 to wafer 12. An exhaust channel 22 is formed in the chamber wall, as an annular ring. At one point, there is a port 24 connected to a vacuum pump to draw out the exhaust gases.
In one example, a plasma enhanced CVD film of silicon nitride is deposited on wafer 12 using a recipe requiring silane, N.sub.2 O and ammonia or a similar recipe. The deposited nitride film forms on the surface of wafer 12. Unfortunately, films can also deposit on the chamber itself, forming an undesirable residue which could contaminate subsequent process steps. The primary area of deposits are on the chamber walls adjacent the exhaust channel 22. Because gas is being forced through the gas distribution manifold, less of the reactant will form on the gas distribution manifold itself, since it is directed away by the incoming gas. In addition, the gas distribution manifold is hotter than other parts of the chamber, since it is in contact with generated plasma, and the heat reduces residue build-up. With respect to the pedestal, most of this is covered by the wafer substrate, and thus there is less formation of residue there. With respect to the lower parts of the chamber walls, in one implementation, a purge gas is forced up along the sides of pedestal 10 between it and the chamber walls 18 along a path 26. The purpose of the purge gas is to avoid deposits at undesirable locations and prevent deposits on the wafer edges. Accordingly, this is one method of protecting the lower parts of the chamber wall from undesirable residue buildup. Since the vacuum pump draws the exhaust gases, this is a primary area where residue will build up on the chamber walls. RF insulator 20 is not connected to ground, and thus less of the plasma forms between it and the shower head, reducing the amount of residue buildup.
An in-situ plasma clean is typically used to clean these deposits. Typically, the in-situ clean contains a fluorine species such as CF.sub.4 and an oxide such as O.sub.2 which are ignited under plasma conditions. The clean typically removes material deposited during the nitride deposition step, but leaves its own residue as described above. The etched away material is pumped by a pumping system, not shown, through exhaust port 24.
The residue left over from the chamber clean is made up of particles from some or all of a combination of oxygen, nitrogen, silicon, fluorine and similar elements. Heaters 28 heat walls 18 of the processing chamber during the clean step to above 100 degrees C. Such an elevated temperature deters deposition of the process and exhaust gases that may otherwise form on the chamber walls. The inclusion of heaters 28 adds to the complexity and cost of the processing chamber and requires energy during operation which further increases processing costs. Without the heater, the aluminum chamber walls are typically around 70.degree.-80.degree. C. due to water cooling during processing.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,366,585, assigned to the same assignee as the present application, discloses the use of a free-standing ceramic liner around portions of the chamber wall exposed to the processing plasma. The ceramic was found to act as an insulator, reducing the build-up of residue on the electrically conductive aluminum chamber walls. It was disclosed that the ceramic barrier material need not shield the entire inner surface of the process reactor chamber, but it should protect reactor chamber surfaces surrounding the area in which plasma will be generated. The liner was preferably 130 micrometers to 6.4 millimeters thick, and made of a non-porous, homogeneous material, such as ceramic alumina.

Method of reducing residue accumulation in CVD chamber using ceramic lining


An overmolded pressure sensor package is provided. The pressure sensor die (Pcell) is capped so that the Pcell has enhanced rigidity to withstand stress effects produced by the molding encapsulant. The Pcell cap includes a hole located away from the Pcell diaphragm, so that external gas pressure can be experienced by the Pcell, while at the same time directing moisture away from the diaphragm. Gel does not need to be used, and instead a soft film can be deposited on the Pcell to protect the Pcell diaphragm from excess moisture, if needed. The Pcell cap can take the form of, for example, a dummy silicon wafer or a functional ASIC.

1. Field
This disclosure relates generally to sensor packaging, and more specifically, to providing a capacitive pressure sensor in an overmolded package.
2. Related Art
Typical pressure sensor packaging involves placing the pressure sensor die (a "Pcell") in a cavity-type package. The cavity package reduces, or eliminates, stresses on the Pcell, which can alter the performance of the Pcell in an indeterminable manner. In order to protect the Pcell and electrical contacts leading from the Pcell to other components in the package, a silicone gel is used. The gel prevents the Pcell and the electrical contacts from being exposed to moisture and other elements of the environment external to the package.
A drawback of the present design is that the gel typically used is relatively costly and a significant amount of gel is required to fill the cavity space. In addition, during a rapid decompression of the environment being sensed, bubbles can form in the gel which affect the capacitive signals in the package as well as modify the density of the gel in an indeterminable manner.
Other types of semiconductor device packages use encapsulant overmolding techniques to produce the package and protect the package components. But traditional overmolded packages can negatively affect performance of the Pcell by producing stresses on the surface of the Pcell. These stresses can alter the deformability characteristics of the Pcell diaphragm in an unpredictable manner and therefore impact the ability to use the Pcell to measure pressures.
It is therefore desirable to provide a modified pressure sensor package that reduces or eliminates the need for protective gel, while protecting the Pcell from stresses that unpredictably affect the ability to measure pressure.
The use of the same reference symbols in different drawings indicates identical items unless otherwise noted. The figures are not necessarily drawn to scale.

Capacitive pressure sensor in an overmolded package


A remote operator station for controlling an operation of a machine is disclosed. The remote operator station comprises a display device, a plurality of control devices, and a controller communicably coupled to the display device and the control devices. The controller is configured to display a list of types of machines capable of being operated remotely. The controller receives an input indicative of a machine selected from the list. The controller determines a plurality of functionalities associated with the operation of the selected machine. The controller maps the determined functionalities to the plurality of control devices and further displays the mapped functionalities associated with the control devices.

Some machines are capable of being operated in a remote control mode or an autonomous mode. An operator may control these machines from an operator station located at a remote location. However, there are different remote operator stations for different types of machines. For example, the remote operator station may be configured to have controls specific to a single type of machine, such as, for example, a motor grader, a dozer, and the like. This approach proves to be expensive since the remote operator station provides support only for a single type of machine.
United States Publication Number 2005/0060066 describes a device that connects a mother vehicle to a child vehicle. The mother vehicle then controls the operation of the child vehicle. The mother vehicle may be switched from a driving mode to a remote controller mode for the child vehicle. The known solution discloses the mother vehicle which can be used to operate a unique child vehicle.
Therefore, there is a need for an improved remote operator station which provides a cost effective solution.


A transmission for rotatably coupling an input shaft with an output shaft about a longitudinal axis is disclosed, which may include a continuous variable transmission and an output torque sensing control mechanism. The continuous variable transmission may be a toroidal disc continuous variable transmission. The output torque sensing control mechanism may include a spring and an intermediary output shaft rotatably connected with an output rotating member of the continuous variable transmission, and the output shaft may be externally threaded and matable with an internally threaded portion of the intermediary output shaft.

Downhole technology, such as systems and methods for drilling oil wells and other subterranean holes or shafts, has historically relied on mechanical gearboxes for regulating output shaft speed. These mechanical gearboxes typically have a fixed gear ratio, which results in a fixed operating envelope whereby the drilling system is designed to produce a maximum torque. Typical gearboxes can thus deliver a maximum torque as needed, but this conversely results in slower overall drive shaft angular speed due to elevated gearbox ratios that may be required. With fixed gear ratios, either angular speed or torque may need to be sacrificed. This is particularly problematic in attempting to maintain peak power of an electric driving motor. Ideally, the torque and angular speed would respond such that the peak power and premium performance of the motor is maintained. In a peak power phase, the drive motor is operating at its highest possible efficiency.
Continuous Variable Transmissions (CVT) have been known for a long time and refer to the general class of gearbox transmissions that can automatically and continuously adjust between a minimum and a maximum gear ratio. A variety of CVTs have been developed and utilized in various industries, particularly the automobile industry in order to optimize engine performance and improve fuel economy. CVTs have the benefit of allowing the input shaft to maintain a constant angular velocity over a range of output velocities. Several types of CVTs include: hydrostatic, toroidal, variable-diameter pulley, magnetic, infinitely variable, ratcheting, nautical incremental, cone, radial roller, and planetary transmission systems.
In the context of downhole applications, some conceptualizations of CVT's have been disclosed, however. For instance, U.S. Pat. No. 7,481,281 to Schuaf, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference, generally discloses a hollow disc toroidal CVT in FIG. 16 and a ball toroidal CVT in FIG. 17 of Schuaf. These toroidal CVT's may be utilized in connection with a hydraulic, or fluidic, turbine assembly, illustrated in FIG. 21 of Schuaf. In view of Schuaf, a problem remains with downhole applications in that designed CVTs are still too large for some downhole applications, are limited in their ability to accommodate extremely high or sudden rotation resistance differences between the input and output shafts, as may be experienced from material resistance in downhole applications, and are limited to usage with hydraulic drive motors. As such, a more efficient and adaptable transmission system is needed. Moreover, Schuaf does not allow for automatic transmission ratio adjustment as a function of output torque.

Controllable mechanical transmission for downhole applications


A remote, a communications system, and a method in which the remote communicates with another remote via a repeater and also communicates with a hub. The remote includes a transceiver configured to receive a signal from the another remote, a measuring unit configured to measure a first offset, and a calculation unit configured to calculate a frequency offset for the signal based on (i) the first offset measured at the measuring unit, and (ii) a second offset measured at the hub.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention is related in general to the field of communications and specifically to frequency offset in a satellite network.
2. Discussion of the Background
Satellite communication systems are capable of providing telephone and broadband data communications over a large geographical area. A satellite may be used to form a network so that two or more remote terminals can communicate with each other by relaying the information over the satellite. Two common types of satellite networks are star networks and mesh networks.
FIG. 1 shows an exemplary form of a star satellite network. A star network usually has a central terminal, such as hub 110. In a star network, remote terminals, such as terminals 111 and 112, can communicate with the hub 110 through the satellite 100. In order for one remote terminal, to communicate with another remote terminal, the data must first pass through the hub 110, requiring two relays (or "hops") through the satellite 100.
FIG. 2 shows an exemplary form of a mesh satellite network. In a mesh network, remote terminals, for example remote terminals 111 and 112, are capable of communicating directly with other remote terminals via the satellite 100.
In order for a communications receiver to demodulate the information from a received signal, it is often helpful for the receiver to have an accurate estimate of the signal frequency. When a receiver is tuned to a frequency that is not the same as the frequency of the received signal, a frequency offset error can exist. If this offset is too large, it may not be possible to reliably recover data from the signal. A manner of providing a more accurate frequency estimate may reduce the need for further frequency tracking or estimation by a receiver, potentially reducing the cost and complexity of the receiver. Additionally, a more accurate frequency estimate could allow for the performance of the receiver to be improved.
Satellite systems often have significant sources of frequency offset error that can degrade communications performance or increase the cost of a satellite network. Many components of the satellite network, such as upconversion equipment, downconversion equipment and the satellite transponder, can translate the frequency of a signal to accommodate various physical and regulatory requirements. When each component that translates the signal does not utilize same frequency reference source, each translation may produce a frequency offset that contributes to an overall frequency offset error between the receiver's tuned frequency and the actual received signal frequency. Frequency offset errors may also be caused by temperature fluctuations of electrical equipment or environmental conditions.
In star networks, the hub can be used to simplify network operation and lower cost of the network. The hub may assist each terminal in communicating with the hub by providing the terminals with network control and status information. This information may include a time reference, a frequency reference, measured frequency offset information, measured time offset information, and other information that can improve the performance and lower the cost of the terminals.
Mesh networks, however, which require only one satellite hop for remote to remote communication, may operate with only approximately half of the transmission delay found in remote to remote transmissions of star networks. Transmission delay can have an adverse effect on telephony and other applications using the satellite network. Additionally, mesh networks can reduce the cost of satellite access because the information only passes through the satellite once.
Mesh networks, however, may have terminals operating using different time and frequency reference sources. This may result in time offsets and frequency offsets that can degrade the performance of the network and make it difficult for remote terminals to communicate with one another.

Method to eliminate frequency offset introduced in a network


A backlight assembly capable of reducing a frame size, and a liquid crystal display (LCD) apparatus having the backlight assembly is provided. The backlight assembly includes a bottom chassis having a receiving space, a lamp unit disposed at an edge portion of the receiving space, a light-guide plate disposed on the receiving space and an optical sheet. The lamp unit includes a light-emitting lamp a lamp cover covering a portion of the lamp and a sheet-fixing part that protrudes in an upward direction. The light-guide plate guides light from the lamp unit toward an upward direction. The optical sheet includes a fixing hole in which the sheet-fixing part is be inserted.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a backlight assembly and a liquid crystal display apparatus having the backlight assembly. More particularly, the present invention relates to a display apparatus capable of reducing a frame size of the backlight assembly and a liquid crystal display apparatus having the backlight assembly.
2. Description of the Related Art
In general, a liquid crystal display (LCD) apparatus displays images by using liquid crystal having optical and electrical properties, such as an anisotropic refractive index, an anisotropic dielectric constant, etc. The LCD apparatus has various advantages, such as relatively thinner thickness, relatively lighter weight, relatively lower power consumption, relatively lower driving voltage, etc., in comparison with other types of display apparatuses, such as a cathode ray tube (CRT), a plasma display panel (PDP) and so on. Therefore, the LCD device is used in various fields.
The LCD apparatus includes an LCD panel. The LCD panel includes a thin-film transistor (TFT) substrate, a color filter substrate facing the TFT substrate and a liquid crystal layer disposed between the TFT substrate and the color filter substrate. When electric fields are applied to the liquid crystal layer, an arrangement of the liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer is altered to change optical transmissivity. As a result, images are displayed.
Also, an LCD apparatus requires a backlight assembly that provides the LCD panel with light, since the LCD panel of the LCD apparatus is not self-emissive.
The backlight assembly includes a lamp unit, a light-guide plate and at least one optical sheet. The lamp unit includes a lamp that generates light and a lamp cover that covers the lamp to protect the lamp. The light-guide plate receives light generated by the lamp to guide the light toward the LCD panel. The optical sheet is disposed over the light-guide plate, and the optical sheet enhances the optical properties of the light. The backlight assembly further includes a bottom chassis and a middle frame to receive the lamp unit, the light-guide plate and the optical sheet.
According to a conventional LCD apparatus, the LCD panel is disposed on the backlight assembly, and a top chassis is combined with the LCD panel, to protect the LCD panel.
Accordingly, there are three layers including a bottom chassis, a middle frame and a top chassis on the lateral side portions of the LCD apparatus. As a result, the frame size is increased. The frame size is further increased by an additional fixing member to fix the optical sheet to the bottom chassis.

Backlight assembly and liquid crystal display apparatus having the same


This invention relates to a novel process for the preparation of tertiary carbinamines by double addition of organolanthanide reagents, especially organocerium reagents, to nitriles. It further relates to the preparation of such amines by the addition of organolanthanide reagents to imines.

Tertiary carbinamines (amines wherein one bond from nitrogen is to a tertiary carbon atom) are usually prepared by the addition of carbocations to nitriles [the Ritter reaction: Krimen and Cota, Org. React. 17, 213 (1969)]. This reaction requires strongly acidic conditions. In addition, the resulting acyl derivatives of the tertiary carbinamines are often difficult to hydrolyze, necessitating strongly basic conditions. The Ritter reaction is thus limited to substrates that can tolerate both strongly acidic and strongly basic conditions. Reaction of diarylketoximes with sodium in liquid nitrogen followed by alkylation gives tertiary carbinamines but the reaction is limited in scope [Gautier et al., Bull. Soc. Chim. France, 1968, 2916].
Addition of organometallic reagents, such as organolithium compounds or Grignard reagents, to nitriles usually gives imines [Layer, Chem. Rev. 63, 489 (1963); "Chemistry of the Carbon-Nitrogen Double Bond," S. Patai, Ed. Interscience, New York, N.Y., 1970, chapters 6-8]. Double addition of these reagents to nitriles to give tertiary carbinamines has been reported in only a few isolated and special cases. Thus some Grignard reagents add twice to nitriles in refluxing toluene, but imines are usually the major products and the reaction fails with benzonitrile and phenylacetonitrile [Alvernhe and Laurent, Tetrahedron Lett. 1973, 1037]. Allylmagnesium halides add twice to nitriles [Henze et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc., 65, 87, 1422 (1943); 73, 4915 (1951)], as do Grignard reagents to .alpha.-alkoxynitriles [Henze et al J. Am. Chem. Soc. 61, 1790 (1939); 73, 4915 (1951); Chastrette et al., Tetrahedron Lett. 1977, 23; Synthesis, 1980, 889; Amouroux and Axiotis, Synthesis 1981, 270], 2-hydroxybenzonitrile [Neuvonen and Pihlaja, J. Chem. Soc. Perkin 1 1988, 461] and cyanogen [Woodburn and Lathroum, J. Org. Chem. 19, 285 (1954)]. .alpha.,.alpha.-Dibutylbenzylamine is formed in low yield in the reaction of benzonitrile with n-butyllithium at room temperature [Pornet and Miginiac, Bull. Soc. Chim. France, 1975, 841].
Organometallic reagents such as organolithium compounds and Grignard reagents, do not normally add to unsubstituted imines (R.sub.2 C.dbd.NH). Tertiary carbinamines have been prepared by replacing the hydrogen atom in these imines with functionalities such as arylsulfenyl [Davis and Mancinelli, J. Org. Chem., 42, 398 (1977)] or acyl [Lipshutz et al., Tetrahedron Lett. 27, 4241 (1986)], but it is often difficult to remove these functionalities. The imine salts obtained on addition of Grignard reagents to .alpha.-alkoxynitriles react with alkyl or aryllithium reagents to give tertiary carbinamines [Gauthier et al. J. Organomet. Chem. 140, 245 1977)], but the reaction fails with other nitriles. The products obtained on addition of methyl or ethylmagnesium iodide to benzoylacetonitrile, C.sub.6 H.sub.5 COCH.sub.2 CMe(Et).dbd.NH, react with allylmagnesium bromide to give the corresponding tertiary carbinamines [Rehberg and Henze, J. Am. Chem. Soc., 63, 2785 (1941)].
The preparation of tertiary carbinamines by addition of organocerium reagents to nitriles or N-unsubstituted imines is new. The reaction of 4-cyanoacetophenone with the reagent prepared from anhydrous cerium chloride and n-butyllithium is reported to give, after 3 hours at -65.degree., only the adduct to the carbonyl group [2-(4-cyanophenyl)-2-hexanol] in 48% yield [Imamoto et al., J. Org. Chem., 49, 3904 (1984)]. The reagent prepared from n-butylmagnesium chloride and anhydrous cerium chloride adds to phenylacetonitrile only once to give the imine in low yield [Imamoto et al. J. Am. Chem. Soc., 111, 4392 (1989)]. Derivatives of secondary carbinamines have been prepared by addition of organocerium reagents to N-benzylaldimines [Reetz et al. Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. Engl., 30, 103 (1991)], N,N-disubstituted hydrazones [Denmark et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc., 109, 2224 (1987); Synlett 1989, 20], and oxime ethers [Fujioka et al., Chem. Pharm. Bull., 37, 602 (1989); Ukaji et al., Chemistry Lett., 1991, 173].

Process for the preparation of tertiary carbinamines

The Du Pont Merck Pharmaceutical Company