The invention relates to medical balloons, and methods of modifying said balloons by forming a void pattern in their exterior surfaces and filling the voids with a material, such as a fiber or a nanomaterial (e.g., nanotubes, such as carbon nanotubes) and a matrix material, e.g., a polymer.

The body includes various passageways such as arteries, other blood vessels, and other body lumens. These passageways, such as a coronary artery, sometimes become constricted or blocked, for example, by plaque or by a tumor. When this occurs, the constricted passageway can be widened in an angioplasty procedure using a balloon catheter, which includes a medical balloon carried by a catheter shaft.
In an angioplasty procedure, the balloon catheter can be used to treat a stenosis, or a narrowing of the body vessel, by collapsing the balloon and delivering it to a region of the vessel that has been narrowed to such a degree that fluid (e.g., blood) flow is restricted. The balloon can be delivered to a target site by passing the catheter shaft over an emplaced guidewire and advancing the catheter to the site. In some cases, the path to the site can be rather tortuous and/or narrow. Upon reaching the site, the balloon is then expanded, for example, by injecting a fluid into the interior of the balloon. Expanding the balloon can expand the stenosis radially so that the vessel can permit an acceptable rate of fluid flow. After use, the balloon is collapsed, and the catheter is withdrawn.


A motor vehicle is provided that has a central front wall arranged between engine compartment and passenger cell and lateral front walls, each of which comprises first contact points for fastening to the central front wall and second contact points for fastening to a lateral sill structure. Of the lateral front walls, multiple models are provided, which differ with respect to the spacing between first and second contact points measured in transverse direction of the motor vehicle body.

From DE 10 2010 013 842 A1 a body structure for a motor vehicle is known, in which a model-specific spring strut mounting module is combined with body structure elements that are identical across models. The modification of the spring strut mounting module makes possible realizing wheel controls and chassis characteristics which differ from model to model. With the different spring strut mounting modules, different axle lengths would also be realizable in principle. Different body widths that are suitable for the axle length however cannot be realized with the known structure.
At least one object is to create a motor vehicle front part that makes possible realizing motor vehicles with different body widths with a low number of model-specific components. In addition, other objects, desirable features and characteristics will become apparent from the subsequent summary and detailed description, and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and this background.


A semiconductor memory device includes first to third data buses, and first and second connection circuits. The first connection circuit inverts and transfers a first output signal on the first data bus read out from a memory onto the second data bus in response to a first selection signal, inverts and transfers a second output signal on the second data bus read out from the memory onto the first data bus in response to a second selection signal, and connects the first and second data buses in response to a reset signal. The second connection circuit inverts and transfers the inverted first output signal on the second data bus onto the third data bus in response to the first selection signal and transfers the second output signal on the second data bus onto the third data bus in response to the second selection signal.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a semiconductor memory device and a method of outputting data signals from the semiconductor memory device.
2. Description of the Related Art
In recent years, a high-speed operation has been required in a semiconductor memory device. As a method of speeding up the operations of the semiconductor memory device such as a read operation and a write operation, it could be considered to control a data bus. In a period of an output operation, a signal level of a power supply voltage VCC or a ground voltage GND is conventionally applied to the data bus. However, this method is insufficient. However, the operation speed tends to delay due to a large parasitic capacitance of the data bus. For this reason, the voltage of (½)VCC is applied to the data bus in an equalizing period. Thus, the data bus is pre-charged and the output operation is sped-up after the equalizing period.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a conventional flash memory as a semiconductor memory device. The flash memory 100 is provided on a semiconductor chip. The flash memory 100 includes an address buffer section 2, a plurality of plates 3-1 to 3-6, an output bus section 116, and an input/output buffer section 6, a control circuit 104, and a boosting circuit 5. Terminals 1-1 to 1-n (n is an integer of one or more) are connected with the address buffer section 2. Terminals 7-1 to 7-n are connected with the input/output buffer section 6. The terminals 7-1 to 7-n are provided for the terminals 1-1 to 1-n, respectively. The output bus section 116 includes output bus units 116-1 to 116-n. The output bus units 116-1 to 116-n are allocated to the terminal 7-1 to 7-n, respectively. The output bus units 116-1 to 116-n are connected with the respective plates 3-1 to 3-6 and the input/output buffer section 6.
An address is supplied from the external of the flash memory 100 to the address buffer section 2 through the terminals 1-j (j=1, 2, . . . , n). The address buffer section 2 outputs an address signal to each of the plates 3-1 to 3-6 in accordance with a signal level of an internal circuit. The plate 3-k (k=1 to 6) outputs data as a data output signal based on the address signal. The data output signals output from the plates 3-k are gathered to the output bus units 116-j and are supplied to the input/output buffer section 6. The input/output buffer section 6 generates output data after adjusting the signal levels of the output data signals in accordance with an external signal level, and outputs the output data outside the flash memory 100 through the terminals 7-j. The control circuit 104 receives control data from the input/output buffer section 6. The control circuit 104 determines an operation of the flash memory 100 based on the control data to generate control signals. The control circuit 104 distributes the control signals to the boosting circuit 5, the plates 3-j, and the output buses 116-j, to control the flash memory 100. The boosting circuit 5 distributes the boosted power supply voltage to the plates 3-j.
The plate 3-k (k=1, 2, . . . 6) is a unit of functional blocks of the flash memory 100, and includes sectors 13-1 to 13-n, a global row decoder 11-k, local row decoders 12-k, a column decoder 9-k, a sense amplifier circuit 15-k, a reference cell section 14-k, and a power supply switching section 8-k. The sense amplifier circuit 15-k includes sense amplifiers 15-k-j (15-k-1 to 15-k-n). The sectors 13-j (j=1 to n) are provided for the sense amplifiers 15-k-j, respectively. The sense amplifiers 15-k-j are provided for the output bus units 116-j, respectively. Each of the sectors 13-j is a minimum unit upon erasing its stored data, and includes a plurality of the memory cells. The power supply switching section 8-k switches the power supply voltage from the boosting circuit 5 in response to the control signal from the control circuit 104, and supplies to the global row decoder 11-k and the column decoder 9-k.
The address signal is distributed to the global row decoder 11-k, the local row decoders 12-k, and the column decoder 9-k in the plate 3-k. A row address of the address signal is decoded by the global row decoder 11-k and the local row decoder 12-k to select one of word lines. A column address of the address signal is decoded by the column decoder 9-k to select one of bit lines. The selected word line and selected bit line specify one of the memory cells, from which data is read out, and into which the data is written. The data read out from the selected memory cell is compared with data read out from the reference cell section 14 by the sense amplifier circuit 15-k. The sense amplifier circuit 15-k outputs the comparison result to the output bus section 116-j as the above-mentioned data output signal.
FIG. 2 shows the control circuit 104 and the output bus unit 116-j of the output bus section 116. As shown in FIG. 2, the control circuit 104 outputs a first selection signal A or a second selection signal B, and a reset signal C alternately to the output bus unit 116-j as the above-mentioned control signals. For instance, the first selection signal A indicates an active state when the signal level is low, and an inactive state when the signal level is high. The second selection signal B indicates an active state when the signal level is low, and an inactive state when the signal level is high. The reset signal C indicates an active state when the signal level is low, and an inactive state when the signal level is high.
The output bus section 116-j includes a data bus 120, a first output section 121 a second output section 122, and a P-channel transistor 123. The input/output buffer section 6 is connected with the data bus 120.
The first output section 121 has inverters 121-1 to 121-3. the input of the inverter 121-1 is connected with the output of the sense amplifier 15-1-j in the plates 3-1, and the input of the inverter 121-2 is connected with the output of the sense amplifier 15-2-j in the plates 3-2. The outputs of the inverters 121-1 to 121-3 are connected with the data bus 120. The inverters 121-1 to 121-3 are connected with and controlled by the control circuit 104. Each of the inverters 121-1 to 121-3 inverts the signal output from the corresponding sense amplifier in response to the first selection signal A of the low level from the control circuit 104, and outputs the inverted signal. The second output section 122 has inverters 122-1 to 122-3. The input of the inverter 122-1 is connected with the output of the sense amplifier circuit 15-4-j in the plate 3-4, and the input of the inverters 122-2 is connected with the output of the sense amplifier circuit 15-5-j in the plate 3-5. The outputs of the inverters 122-1 to 122-3 are connected with the data bus 120. The inverters 122-1 to 122-3 are connected with and controlled by the control circuit 104. Each of the inverters 122-1 to 122-3 inverts a signal output from the corresponding sense amplifier in response to the second selection signal B of the low level from the control circuit 104, and outputs the inverted signal.
The voltage of (½)VCC that is a half of the power supply voltage VCC is supplied to the source of the P-channel transistor 123. The drain of the P-channel transistor 123 is connected with the data bus 120. The gate of the P-channel transistor 123 is connected with the control circuit 104. The reset signal C of the low level from the control circuit 104 is supplied to the gate of the P-channel transistor 123.
FIGS. 3A to 3D are timing charts showing an operation of the output bus section 116-j in the flash memory 100. The control unit 104 controls the P-channel transistor 123 so that an action period ACT and an equalizing period EQC are repeated alternately. The control unit 104 outputs the first selection signal A of the low level or the second selection signal B of the low level to specify the action period ACT. Also, the control unit 104 outputs the reset signal C of the low level to specify the equalizing period EQC.
First, the control circuit 104 determines the operation to be carried out by the flash memory 100 based on the control data from the address buffer section 2. As a result, for instance, it is supposed that the control circuit 104 determines that the sense amplifier circuit 15-1-1 in the plate 3-1 should output the data output signal to the output bus unit 116-1. In this case, the control unit 104 outputs the first selection signal A of the low level to specify the action period ACT.
In the action period ACT, it is supposed that the signal level of the data output signal to be output from the sense amplifier circuit 15-1-1 onto the output bus unit 116-1 indicates a ground voltage GND. The inverter 121-1 of the first output circuit 121 in the output bus unit 116-1 inverts the data output signal from the sense amplifier circuit 15-1-1 in response to the first selection signal A of low level and outputs the inverted signal to the data bus 120. At this time, the inverter 121-1 outputs the data output signal of a power supply voltage VCC. A signal level O applied to the data bus 120 indicates the power supply voltage VCC. In the action period ACT, the input/output buffer section 6 inverts the signal output onto the data bus 120. The input/output buffer section 6 generates output data adjusted to an external signal level based on the ground voltage GND, and then outputs the output data to the external of the flash memory 100 through the terminal 7-1.
Next, the control circuit 104 outputs the reset signal C of the low level to specify the equalizing period EQC. In the equalizing period EQC, the P-channel transistor 123 of the output bus unit 116-1 is turned on in response to the reset signal C of the low level, and applies the Voltage (½)VCC to the data bus 120 compulsorily. In this way, in the equalizing period EQC in the flash memory 100, the Voltage of (½)VCC is applied to the data bus 120. That is, the data bus 120 is pre-charged to the Voltage (½)VCC. Thus, the operation such as a read operation is speeded up in the action period ACT following to the equalizing period EQC. However, the data bus 120 is compulsorily pre-charged to the voltage of (½)VCC in the equalizing period EQC without no relation to the voltage applied to the data bus 120 in the action period ACT. Therefore, the power supply voltage VCC drops possibly. In this case, the flash memory 100 cannot carry out the operation at high speed.
Also, in the flash memory 100, the data bus 120 is compulsorily pre-charged to the voltage of (½)VCC in the equalizing period EQC without any relation to the voltage applied to the data bus 120 in the action period ACT. Therefore, power consumption of the flash memory 100 increases.
In conjunction with the above description, another conventional semiconductor memory device is disclosed in Japanese Laid Open Patent Application (JP-P2000-149565A). the semiconductor memory device in this conventional example includes a data bus driver, an I/O line, and a data bus. The output of a sense amplifier and the output of the data bus driver are connected with the I/O line. The output of the data bus driver is connected with the data bus. An equalizing circuit is connected to the I/O line and the data bus. The signal from the sense amplifier is applied to the I/O line. The data bus driver inverts the signal applied to the I/O line to output the inverted signal to the data bus. The equalizing circuit stores the signal applied to the I/O line in a capacitor. The equalizing circuit generates a signal with a signal level between the voltage level of the capacitor and the voltage level of the data bus in response to an equalized signal. Thus, the equalizing circuit outputs the generated signal to the data bus.

Semiconductor memory device with bus driver circuit configured to transfer an output on a common bus onto an output bus with inversion or no inversion


Provided are an apparatus and method for treating a substrate, and more particularly, to a substrate treatment apparatus having a cluster structure and a substrate treatment method using the same. The apparatus for treating the substrate includes a load port on which a container for receiving the substrate is placed, a treatment module for treating the substrate, and a transfer module including a robot for transferring the substrate between the container and the treatment module. The treatment module includes a transfer chamber including a robot for transferring the substrate, a load lock chamber disposed between the transfer chamber and the transfer module, a first treatment chamber disposed spaced from the transfer module around the transfer chamber to perform a first treatment process, and a second treatment chamber disposed around the transfer chamber to perform a second treatment process.

The present invention disclosed herein relates to an apparatus and method for treating a substrate, and more particularly, to a substrate treatment apparatus having a cluster structure and a substrate treatment method using the same.
Semiconductor devices are manufactured by treating a substrate such as a silicon wafer through several processes and forming circuit patterns on the treated substrate.
In general, such a semiconductor device is manufactured through following processes: an oxidation process for forming a thin oxide layer on a substrate, a photoresist process for applying a photoresist, an exposure process for irradiating light corresponding to a circuit pattern onto the substrate, a development process for developing a layer onto which the light is irradiated, an etching process for selectively removing unnecessary portions to form a circuit pattern, an implantation process for implanting impurities into a portion of the substrate connected to the circuit pattern, a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process for depositing a chemical material such as gas on a surface of the substrate to form an insulation layer or a conductive layer, and a metallization process for connecting a wire to the circuit formed on the surface of the substrate. The above-described processes are performed within a chamber.
Recently, as the miniaturization and the high density integration of the semiconductor device are increased, various chambers for performing these complex compresses are required. According to this trend, a layout between chambers in semiconductor manufacturing equipment so as to improve a throughput of the semiconductor device and effectively perform the semiconductor manufacturing processes. For representative example, semiconductor manufacturing equipment having a cluster structure is disclosed in Korean Registration Patent No. 10-0839911.

Apparatus and method for treating substrate


A cache, storing misspelled or otherwise incorrect network addresses from a plurality of users and associated correct network addresses, is maintained at a proxy server or internet service provider. Addresses received from all users are checked against the cache to correct any misspellings or other situations in which the network address might be incorrect. The cache is periodically pruned of entries which aren't frequently used. The collective experience of a group of users can thus be utilized to correct a network address submitted by a user who has never visited a particular network address before.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to information retrieval over a network, and, more specifically, to spell checking of network addresses used to retrieve information.
2. Description of Related Art
In order to access specific networked information such as World-Wide-Web (WWW) pages, users must often enter a network address such as a Universal Resource Locator (URL) which identifies the location of the page on a remote server. However, as network browsers evolved, the focus of the user interface has been to allow users to access remote pages by selecting hypertext links, thus often removing the need to manually enter URLs. Scant attention has been paid to the problems inherent in manual URL entry. Yet, the explosive growth of networked information systems such as the WWW has made it inconvenient to follow a long series of hypertext links to retrieve the page desired by the user. In fact, companies, organizations and individuals often provide their URLs in television advertisements, on printed materials, and verbally. This has led to a growing number of instances when the user needs to manually enter the URL into a browser for retrieval.
A major problem with the manual entry of URLs is the introduction of spelling errors, which are particularly common because of the characteristics of URL syntax and structure. Often long, the URL includes terms, such as "http", "com", "org", "gif", "jpeg", that are not commonly known by users. URLs may also be in a foreign language, especially for users in non-English speaking countries. Additionally, the URL may include odd special characters such as .about., , and @ that are difficult to type and hard to remember. The fact the URLs interpret upper and lower case letters differently is yet another source of user input error. Often the user is often relying on a quickly made note or just his memory from a brief appearance or spoken URL in an advertisement. Additionally, the URL may be misspelled in advertising, email, or even hypertext links and inadvertently point to other WWW pages. All of these factors taken together provide a rich basis for the introduction of spelling errors. A user who tries to follow a misspelled network address will not get the intended information even if the misspelling is a minor one. Since misspelling on the Web frequently occurs in peaks, there is a desire to enhance the efficiency of URL spell checking.
In order to assist the user with URL spelling errors a spelling checker is needed. Spell checking in general is well established in the art, with numerous implementation schemes. The central idea of a spell checker is to take the word in question and compare it to a dictionary of spellings known to be correct to find one or more words that are spelled roughly the same way and to then provide the user the ability to chose the correct word from a list presented by the spelling checking program.
Caching of items that are frequently referenced is known. Various algorithms, including hashing, allow for the quick retrieval of an item stored in a cache.
However, spell checkers of the prior art, are unsuitable for use in a network environment, such as the WWW environment, for several reasons. The dynamic nature of the WWW, where new URLs are constantly being created, precludes the use of a static dictionary. The sheer number of URLs precludes the use of a dynamic dictionary: as of April 1996 there were more than 30 million URLs on the WWW. Additionally, since the WWW operates in a client-server environment, only the server knows what URLs are valid for accessing WWW pages residing on that server. Finally, the prior art provides no mechanism for utilizing knowledge obtained from other user's behavior.
As an example of the state of the prior art, Netscape's Navigator WWW browser performs a simplistic spelling check on manually entered URLs. Specifically, the program tries to identify and correct problems with the protocol and the server's domain name. The program will try adding "http://" to the URL if no protocol is specified, it will also add "www." before and ".com" after the domain name if they are not present in the manually entered URL. These spelling check variations are helpful but not sufficiently robust or extensive to solve the general problem of spelling errors in manually entered URLs.

Spell checking universal resource locator (URL) by comparing the URL against a cache containing entries relating incorrect URLs submitted by users to corresponding correct URLs


A deicer device deices both a splitter nose and inlet guide vanes of an aviation turbine engine. The device includes a splitter nose to split a stream coming from the fan into primary and secondary stream flow channels of annular shape and an inner shroud to which inlet guide vanes are fastened and including a hook that holds the inner shroud axially at its upstream end against the inner annular wall. An outer surface facing of the hook forms an angle of less than 90° with an injection orifice such that the outer surface comes progressively closer to the outer annular wall on going away from the injection orifice. The outer surface of the hook presents a minimum amount of clearance J relative to the outer annular wall such that 0.2≤J/D≤0.6 where D is the hydraulic diameter of an injection orifice.

The present invention relates to the general field of turbine engines. The invention relates more particularly to a system for deicing a splitter nose and inlet guide vanes of the primary passage through the turbine engine.
In an aviation turbine engine of the two-spool bypass type, the primary and secondary streams are split into respective flow passages downstream from the fan by means of a splitter nose. Within the primary passage, at the inlet to the low-pressure compressor (also commonly referred to as a "booster"), there is to be found a set of inlet guide vanes (IGVs).
During certain stages of flight, and also on the ground, the engines may encounter icing atmospheric conditions, in particular when ambient temperature is low enough and when humidity is high. Under such conditions, ice can form on the splitter nose and on the inlet guide vanes. When this phenomenon occurs, it can lead to the primary passage becoming partially or totally obstructed, and to blocks of ice breaking off and being ingested in the primary passage. An obstruction of the primary passage leads to the combustion chamber being fed with insufficient air, which chamber may then flame out, or the engine may be prevented from accelerating. In the event of blocks of ice breaking off, they can damage the compressor situated downstream and they can also lead to the combustion chamber flaming out.
In order to avoid ice forming on the splitter nose, known techniques include bleeding off hot air from a compressor in the primary passage, and injecting that hot air into the inside of the splitter nose. Thereafter, the hot air injected into the splitter nose can run along an inside wall of the nose until it reaches holes or grooves configured to inject the hot air into the primary passage towards the vanes for deicing. Using holes in the inner shroud carrying the guide vanes enables jets of hot air to be formed that can deice the inlet guide vanes, in part. Nevertheless, the holes or grooves in those devices cannot be located far enough upstream from the inlet guide vanes, which leaves little room for the jets to penetrate deeply into the primary passage so as to deice the vanes over a height that is sufficient.
Finally, the flow rate of hot air necessary for deicing the splitter nose and for ensuring that the jets of hot air for deicing the vanes can combat the stream of cold air entering into the primary passage is itself large. Bleeding off hot air in this way can reduce the performance and the operability of the turbine engine. It would therefore be desirable to be able to increase the effectiveness with which the nose and the inlet guide vanes are deiced without that simultaneously increasing the amount of hot air bled off from the compressor.

Device for deicing a splitter nose and inlet guide vanes of an aviation turbine engine


Embodiments include determining, based on component temperature information of a thermal sensor associated with a component, that a temperature of the component of a computer system has surpassed a temperature threshold. A thermal sensor that is downstream from the component is identified, wherein the downstream thermal sensor is downstream from the component as defined by airflow through the computer system. Downstream temperature information as measured by the downstream sensor is determined. The downstream temperature information and the component temperature information are compared.

Embodiments of the inventive subject matter generally relate to the field of computer systems and more particularly, to temperature management in computer systems.
Oftentimes, individual components of a computer system (e.g., processors, memory, boards, cards, etc.) have thermal sensors affixed or located nearby. The thermal sensors report to a central controller. When a thermal sensor communicates to the central controller that the temperature of a component has increased beyond a threshold, the central controller can take action to decrease the temperature of the component. For example, the central controller can increase fan speed, shut down the component, move workload from the overheating component to another component, etc. Unfortunately, thermal sensors can malfunction. For example, a thermal sensor can indicate that the temperature of a processor has exceeded the threshold, although the processor is currently operating within a safe range. When a thermal sensor malfunctions, the central controller may increase fan speed, shut down the processor, etc. unnecessarily, resulting in undesired operating characteristics such as fan noise, decreased performance, etc. Systems also exist which also include redundant thermal sensors on the components (e.g., two thermal sensors on each component), which increases cost.

Electronics enclosure with redundant thermal sensing architecture

International Business Machines Corporation


An electronic component has an integrated protective device which responds in the event of a thermal overload and interrupts a current flow through the component. The protective device has an electrical terminal which may be brought under spring pretension by intrinsic resilience and assumes a mounting position in the pretensioned state and a current interrupting position in the untensioned state.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an electronic component having an integrated protective device which responds in the event of a thermal overload and interrupts a current flow through the component.
2. Description of Related Art
Electronic components of this type are known from the related art. The component is always designed in such a way that it may be operated within a certain temperature range without becoming damaged. The component may heat up due to an electric current which flows through the component or due to another external effect. If the component heats to a temperature above a certain temperature value it may become damaged. This state is referred to as thermal overload. In the event of a thermal overload of this type, a protective device of the component should interrupt the current flow through the component. For example, published German patent application document DE 197 52 781 A1 describes a circuit arrangement for protecting an electrical part in which a protective device is provided. The component which has the protective device includes two external electrical contact points via which the component is electrically connectable to the outside. In a first state, the component is formed in such a way that the two contact points are each electrically connectable in such a way that the current is able to flow through the component. As a result of an inner or outer heat effect, the component housing undergoes mechanical deformation due to a multilayer structure having different coefficients of thermal expansion and assumes a second state in which at least one contact point is not electrically connectable so that no current is able to flow through the component. The protective device operates directly on the basis of the heat effect.


AC power is converted to a low-voltage, high-current DC output by a power supply which contains two stages. The first stage is an AC to DC converter using a full wave bridge rectifier to convert the voltage from the AC source to an intermediate raw DC voltage. The second stage is a DC to DC forward converter using a transformer with its primary winding connected to the intermediate raw DC voltage through a switch which is cycled "on" and "off" at a predetermined frequency. During the switch "on" portions of the cycle a current flows in the primary winding powering the output and charging an inductor which is connected to the secondary winding. When the switch is turned "off", no current flows through the transformer and the load is powered by the energy stored in the inductor. A secondary coil is magnetically coupled to the inductor and has a induced voltage proportional to the output voltage. A controller is used to control the duty cycle of the switch based on the voltage in the secondary coil which determines the power supply output. The duty cycle of the switch is varied in response to variations in the load.

Power conversion deals with converting electrical power from one form to another. In one form of power conversion, an alternating current (AC) input voltage is converted to a direct current (DC) output voltage. Such conversions are necessary to power DC devices (such as solid state devices) from conventional AC power sources such as standard wall outlets and the like. Modern power supplies are preferably small in size, lightweight, low cost and exhibit high power conversion efficiencies. In many applications it is also desirable that the power supply electrically isolate the load from the source to prevent transmission of noise or surges in the source to the load as well as to isolate the end user from the AC line for safety considerations. Such isolation is critical when the load contains sensitive electronics. Along with electrical isolation, the power supply should monitor the output conditions and compensate for changes in the load which result in changes in the output voltage and current of the power supply. The monitoring of the load to compensate for changes in the output voltage must be done while still maintaining the electrical isolation described above, and without significantly affecting power supply efficiency or output.

Dual stage AC to DC switching power supply with high voltage, low current intermediate DC and low voltage, high current regulated DC output


A lead-free solder paste printing method is practiced with use of a metal mask of the invention by placing the metal mask 1 on a circuit board 2 having an electrode 21 formed in a predetermined pattern to join an end portion of a lead member 6, and moving a printing squeegee along the upper surface of the metal mask 1 to thereby print a lead-free solder paste on the surface of the electrode 21 on the circuit board 2. The method produces on the electrode 21 of the circuit board 2 two lead-free solder paste patterns 30a, 30a each circular or elliptical in shape and arranged in a direction in which the lead member 6 is to extend from the electrode.

FIG. 6 shows a known reflow soldering method of joining electronic parts, lead members or the like to a circuit board using a conventional tin-lead solder paste (see, for example, JP-A No. 2002-362003).
First, a metal mask 1 is prepared which has openings 11 at portions thereof corresponding to the positions of electrodes 21 on a circuit board 2 as shown in FIG. 6(a). The metal mask 1 is attached to the circuit board 2 as shown in FIG. 6(b), and tin-lead solder paste 3 is placed on the metal mask 1. Subsequently, a printing squeegee 4 is moved on the metal mask 1 from one end thereof toward the other end, whereby the openings 11 are filled with the tin-lead solder paste 3. The metal mask 1 is then peeled off, whereby a tin-lead solder paste pattern 3a is printed on the circuit board 2 over the electrodes 21 thereon as shown in FIG. 6(c). Electronic parts 5, a lead member 6, etc. are thereafter placed on the solder paste pattern 3a printed on the board 2 as shown in FIG. 6(d), and the board 2 is passed through a reflow furnace for soldering.
Urethane, metal or the like is used as the material for the printing squeegee 4. Because the squeegee of urethane, if used, has the problem that the urethane is scraped off by an edge portion of the metal mask to leave fragments on the board or solder paste pattern, a squeegee of metal is generally used.
It is desired that the circuit boards for use in electronic devices exhibit higher performance, have a multiplicity of functions and be compacted, so that many electronic parts must be mounted on the circuit board using reflow soldering techniques. The above-mentioned tin-lead solder paste has heretofore been used generally for reflow soldering.
However, if electronic devices and circuit boards having parts mounted thereon are discarded in the natural environment after use without being suitably disposed of, there arises the problem that lead, which is toxic heavy metal, will flow out in the form of soluble compounds by being exposed to acid rain, not only adversely affecting the global environment but also exerting influence on animals, plants and human bodies by ingressing into underground water or other water systems. For this reason, it is strongly desireable to use lead-free solders.
Accordingly, tin-silver, tin-silver-copper, tin-bismuth, tin-zinc, tin-antimony and like lead-free solders have been developed, and solder pastes containing such lead-free solders are placed into use. Especially tin-silver and tin-silver-copper solders are usable in place of the tin-lead solder with reliability as high as is conventionally available since silver is stable.
The lead-free solver paste is prepared by mixing a lead-free solder powder consisting mainly of tin with a flux. However, whereas the tin-lead solder has a melting point of about 183° C., the tin-silver or tin-silver-copper lead-free solder has a high melting point of about 220° C., so that if the same flux as the one used in the tin-lead solder is used, the flux vaporizes off before the solder of high melting point melts in the reflow soldering process, and it is impossible to perform satisfactory soldering.
Accordingly, the flux generally in use for the tin-silver or tin-silver-copper lead-free solder paste of high melting point is a composition comprising rosin or modified rosin serving as a base, and a solvent, activator, thixotropic agent and other additives added to the base (see, for example, JP-A No. 2003-10996).
In the case where such a tin-silver, tin-silver-copper or like lead-free solder paste of high melting point is to be printed on circuit boards, the lead-free solder paste is filled into rectangular openings 11 formed in a metal mask 1 as shown in FIG. 3, and a printing squeegee 4 of metal is thereafter moved along the metal mask 1 as shown in FIG. 7(a). If the openings 11 are each so large as to exceed 5 mm.sup2 in area, great frictional heat is liable to occur between the printing metal squeegee 4 and edge portions 15 of the opening 11 in the metal mask 1 shown in FIG. 7(b). Further because the opening 11 is rectangular in shape, the lead-free solder paste filled in is low in fluidity and is liable to be heated to a high temperature, especially at the edge portion 15. However, the flux incorporated in the lead-free solder paste has characteristics to undergo a chemical change and deteriorate (oxidize) when exposed to a high temperature, so that the flux markedly deteriorates (oxidizes) as a result of the frictional heat to result in impaired solder wettability. This seriously lowers the bond strength between a lead member or like large part and the circuit board, entailing the problem that the part becomes removed from the circuit board when subjected, for example, to external pressure or stress.
Furthermore, if the opening 11 of the metal mask 1 has an increased size, it becomes difficult to fill the opening 11 with the solder paste uniformly. Further the reflow soldering process wherein a board 2 having a solder paste pattern 3a printed thereon and carrying parts on the pattern as shown in FIG. 6(d) is passed through a reflow furnace to thereby melt the solder paste and solder the parts onto the board 2 has the problem that the parts are moved and become shifted from the specified positions by virtue of a self-alignment effect produced when the solder paste is melted.

Metal mask and method of printing lead-free solder paste using same


The present invention provides a monoclonal antibody recognizing modification after translation of p53 in a manner specific to a modification site, an antibody microarray comprising the antibody immobilized on a substrate, etc. Disclosed is a monoclonal antibody which reacts specifically with a peptide consisting of an amino acid sequence of at least 6 consecutive amino acids containing a predetermined amino acid residue of the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 1, wherein the amino acid residue is phosphorylated or acetylated, or with a peptide having one to several arbitrary amino acids added to the above peptide, but does not react with the above peptide which is not phosphorylated or acetylated.

p53 is a transcription factor that is activated by a variety of cell stresses and binds to a specific DNA sequence of a target gene, to control its transcriptional activity. p53 exhibits various physiological functions such as DNA repair, cell cycle arrest and apoptosis induction through the regulation of expression of a plurality of target genes.
p53 is usually maintained at a low level in a cell, and when the cell receives cellular stresses such as irradiation with radiations, irradiation with ultra violet ray, DNA damage by anticancer agents such as adriamycin, heat shock, osmotic shock and low-oxygen shock, p53 is stabilized and accumulated in the nucleus and activated as a transcription factor. Activated p53 induces the expression of genes such as p21WAF1 involved in checkpoint control, DDB2 and p53R2 involved in DNA repair, and BAX and p53AIP1 involved in apoptosis.
Recently, it has been revealed that modification after translations to p53, such as phosphorylation and acetylation, are profoundly involved in the regulation of expression of these physiological functions.
When minor DNA damage is caused by exposure to X-ray or UV ray, ATM (Ataxia Telangiectasia Mutated) and ATR (Ataxia Telangiectasia Related) are activated to phosphorylate Chk1 and Chk2 downstream therefrom, and Chk1 and Chk2 in turn phosphorylate serine at position 20 (herein after referred to sometimes as "Ser20") in p53 and inhibit association of p53 with MDM2, thereby ubiquitinating p53 to prevent it from being decomposed with proteasomes, thus stabilizing p53. Serine at position 15 (herein after referred to sometimes as "Ser15") in p53 is directly phosphorylated by ATM and ATR, thereby inhibiting the binding of MDM2 protein to p53, thus stabilizing and activating p53. The stabilized and activated p53 binds to a promoter of a G1 arrest period-related gene p21WAF1 or to a promoter of a DNA repair-related gene p53R2, to induce its expression.
When severe DNA damage is caused, Ser46 kinase is activated to phosphorylate serine at position 46 (herein after referred to sometimes as "Ser46") in activated p53. The p53 phosphorylated at Ser46 binds to a promoter of p53AIP1 gene to induce expression of the p53AIP1 gene, thereby activating a p53-dependent apoptosis pathway to kill cells through apoptosis. Further, it is reported that p38MAPK activated by irradiation with ultra violet ray or with an anticancer drug phosphorylates serine at 33 position (herein after referred to sometimes as "Ser33") in p53, thereby participating in p53-dependent apoptosis. It is also reported that both serine at position 376 (herein after referred to sometimes as "Ser376") and serine at position 378 (herein after referred to sometimes as "Ser378") located in the C-terminal region of p53 have been phosphorylated in a usual state in a cell, but when the cell undergoes DNA damage by irradiation with radiations, the phosphorylated state of Ser376 is maintained while Ser378 is dephosphorylated.
The expression of physiological functions of p53 is also controlled by acetylation of p53. p53 controls transcription of its target genes through interaction with transcriptional coactivators (cofactors) among which P300/CBP, PCAF, etc. have a histone acetyltransferase (HAT) activity. p53 interacts with such HATs to promote the histone acetylation of the target genes, while p53 itself is also acetylated by which lysine residues at positions 320, 373 and 382 (herein after referred to sometimes as "Lys320", "Lys373", and "Lys382" respectively) in the C terminal of p53. PCAF/GCN5 specifically acetylates Lys320, and p300/CBP specifically acetylates Lys373 and Lys382. When p53 is acetylated, its ability to specifically bind to DNA is enhanced. An estimated reason for this is that the positive charge of the C-terminal is neutralized by acetylation, which results in a structural change in p53 to cause exposure of a DNA domain of p53. There is also proposed a model in which the N-terminal is phosphorylated upon activation by DNA damage etc., followed by binding HAT such as p300/CBP to the N-terminal and acetylating the C-terminal.
Human p53 protein is composed of 393 amino acid residues and divided roughly into 3 regions, that is, (i) 1 to 100 amino acid residues in a transcriptional activation domain and a proline-enriched domain, (ii) 100 to 300 amino acid residues in a sequence-specific DNA-binding domain, and (iii) 300 to 393 amino acid residues in a tetramer-forming domain and a basicity-regulating domain, and it has been previously revealed that 7 phosphorylated sites (that is, Ser15, Ser20, Ser33, serine at position 37 (herein after referred to sometimes as "Ser37"), Ser46, threonine at position 81 (herein after referred to sometimes as "Thr81"), and serine at position 90 (herein after referred to sometimes as "Ser90")) are present in the N-terminal region containing the transcriptional activation domain and the proline-enriched domain, and also that 5 phosphorylated sites (that is, serine at position 315 (herein after referred to sometimes as "Ser315"), serine at position 371 (herein after referred to sometimes as "Ser371"), Ser376, Ser378 and serine at position 392 (herein after referred to sometimes as "Ser392")) and 3 acetylated sites (that is, Lys320, Lys373, Lys382) are present in the C-terminal region.
In the p53 gene whose mutations are detected most frequently in human cancers, most of the mutations are concentrated in DNA binding regions. This suggests that canceration by p53 mutation is attributable to an abnormality in its expression regulatory system. Accordingly, it is essential to elucidate the mechanism for regulation of expression of physiological functions by the above-mentioned modification after translation of p53, in order to elucidate the mechanism of canceration via p53 mutation, and there is strong demand for development of tools (for example antibodies) and measurement methods capable of detecting or quantifying phosphorylation and/or acetylation in specific sites of p53.
In view of such demand, methods of measuring the enzyme activities of Chk1, Chk2, ATM, ATR, and DNP-PK have been proposed, and p53 modification sites after translation specific polyclonal antibodies used in these methods are known (patent literature 1 to 5 and non-patent literature 1 to 18).
Patent Literature 1: International Publication No. 99/36532
Patent Literature 2: JP-A 2000-325086
Patent Literature 3: JP-A 2001-161398
Patent Literature 4: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open (JP-A) No. 2002-524092
Patent Literature 5: JP-A 2003-93056
Non-Patent Literature 1: Tanaka, H et al.: Nature, 404:42-49, 2000
Non-Patent Literature 2: Oda, K. et al.: Cell 102:849-862, 2000
Non-Patent Literature 3: Chehab, N. H. et al.: Gene Dev., 14:278-288, 2000
Non-Patent Literature 4: Shieh, S. Y. et al.: Gene Dev., 14:289-300, 2000
Non-Patent Literature 5: Banin, S. et al.: Science, 281:1674-1677, 1998
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Non-Patent Literature 10: Waterman, M. J. F. et al.: Nature Genet., 19:175-178, 1998
Non-Patent Literature 11: Gu, W. and Roeder, R. G.: Cell, 90:595-606, 1997
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Monoclonal antibody specifically recognizing modification site after translation of p53 and kit for assaying modification site containing the same

National University Corporation, Hokkaido University


A system-on-chip is provided which includes a data producer; a FIFO buffer which stores data transferred from the data producer at a memory area corresponding to a write pointer; a first consumer which pops data of a memory area corresponding to a first read pointer of the FIFO buffer out; and a second consumer which pops data of a memory area corresponding to a second read pointer of the FIFO buffer out. The FIFO buffer requests a pop-out operation at the second consumer according to the difference between the write pointer and the first read pointer or overwrites data provided from the data producer at a memory area corresponding to the second read pointer.

Exemplary embodiments in accordance with principles of inventive concepts relate to a FIFO buffer.
The use of mobile devices, such as smart phones, tablet PCs, digital cameras, and MP3 players, for example, has expanded greatly in recent years. One reason for the explosive increase in use of such devices is that they have all increased greatly in functionality. That increase in functionality is due, in no small measure, to the increased usage of "system-on-chip" (hereinafter referred to as a SoC). AnSoC may include various functional blocks such as: a DMA (Direct Memory Access), an UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter), an RCV (Remocon Receiver), and a display controller, for example. Such functional blocks may transfer data through a FIFO (First-In-First-Out) buffer and a chip, or SoC, may include plural FIFO buffers for various purposes.
In a mobile device, a plurality of consumers (also referred to herein as data-consuming functional blocks, or, simply, as data-users) may exist with respect to the same data to play one content. For example, when image data generated the data may be simultaneously output and backed up. For example, a frame generated when a moving picture is processed may be simultaneously provided to a display controller for playing and a DMA module for a transfer to a backup memory.
Frame data for a transfer to the display controller for playing and frame data for a transfer to the DMA module may be stored in FIFO memories, for example. However, data consumption speeds and patterns of use may be different for different functional blocks. For example, a delay in providing a frame to a display may cause such a critical problem that it is impossible to play contents and, as a result, frame data provided for time-critical (for example, real time), use may be quickly transferred. On the other hand, data provided for backup may experience delays without critically affecting operations and, as a result, data transfer rates for non-real-time operations, such as backup operations, may be lower than that for real-time operations, such as display.
With ever-increasing demands for functionality, there may be a concomitant demand for an increased number of FIFO buffers in an SoC. However, an increase in the number of FIFO buffers could increase power consumption and increase the volume of the SoC. Such potential problems may become particularly acute with the increased use of multimedia data, for example.

System-on-chip and application processor including FIFO buffer and mobile device comprising the same


A device comprising a light transmissive element, a nano-wire light-emitting device, and a light transmissive controller communicating with the nano-wire light-emitting device. The nano-wire light-emitting device, and the light transmissive controller, are supported by the light transmissive element. An article includes two or more of the devices.

1. Technical Field
The invention includes embodiments that relate to a device. The invention includes embodiments that relate to an article. Embodiments of the device and article may emit light.
2. Discussion of Art
An organic light-emitting device (OLED) may be used for flat panel backlight or for illumination. Some devices or models have a fixed color. The color may be an intrinsic color that is emitted by the OLED. Such a color conversion technique may include stacking red, green, and/or blue light-emitting devices, or by using a photoluminescent layer.
For interior/exterior decorations and signage, it may be desirable to obtain a desired color output. It may be desirable to have a device with differing characteristics or properties than those devices that are currently available.


A facsimile apparatus with an audio response function according to this invention includes an interface for closing a telephone line in response to detection of a ring signal, a response message transmitting device for transmitting a response message after the interface closes the telephone line, a communication start signal detecting device for detecting a facsimile communication start signal inputted from the telephone line, a facsimile communication device for performing facsimile communication, and a change circuit for connecting the telephone line to the facsimile communication device when the communication start signal detecting device detects the facsimile communication start signal in the case where the response message transmitting device transmits the response message. According to this structure, when the ring signal is inputted from the telephone line, the interface closes the telephone line and the response message transmitting device transmits the response message. In addition, when the facsimile communication start signal is inputted from the telephone line, this is detected by the communication start signal detecting device and the change circuit connects the telephone line to the facsimile communication device.

A facsimile apparatus with an audio response function has been used heretofore. This has the following design. When a ring signal is inputted from a telephone line, the telephone line is automatically closed and a response message (referred to as an OGM hereinafter) is transmitted. Then, it changes to the operation of receiving facsimile information. In another case, after an OGM is transmitted, it changes to the operation of recording a speech if the signal inputted from the telephone line is the speech (referred to as the ICM hereinafter). It changes to the facsimile operation if the signal inputted from the telephone line is a facsimile communication start signal (referred to as a CNG signal hereinafter) or is soundless.
A prior art facsimile apparatus with an audio response function, which is such as mentioned above, will be described hereinafter with reference to drawings.
FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the structure of a prior art facsimile apparatus with an audio response function. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing its operation. In FIG. 7, 1 is a telephone line, and 2 is an interface circuit connected to the telephone line 1. The numeral 3 is a ring signal detecting circuit for detecting a ring signal coming from the telephone line 1. The numeral 4 is an OGM transmitting circuit 5 such as a tape recorder, 5 is an ICM recording circuit such as a tape recorder, 6 is a facsimile communication circuit, 7 is a speech signal detecting circuit, and 8 is a change circuit. The numeral 9 is a CNG signal detecting circuit for detecting a CNG signal coming from the telephone line 1, and 10 is a control means composed of a microcomputer. The numeral 11 is a timer provided in the control means 10.
Hereinafter, a description will be given of the operation of the facsimile apparatus with the audio response function which is designed as above.
When a ring signal is inputted from the telephone line 1, the ring signal detecting circuit detects this (a step 1) and outputs it to the control means 10. The control means 10 controls the interface circuit 2, closing the telephone line 1 (a step 2). Next, the control means 10 controls the OGM transmitting circuit 4, outputting an OGM to the telephone line 1 (a step 3). When the control means 10 detects an end of the transmission of the OGM (a step 4), it controls the ICM recording circuit 5 to record the signal inputted from the telephone line 1 (a step 5) and operates the timer 11 (a step 6). With respect to the end of the transmission of the OGM, in the case where a medium into which the OGM is recorded is a tape, a beep sound is recorded into a position of the end of the recording of the OGM, and the OGM is ended when the beep sound is detected. In the case where a medium is an IC, there are known methods such as a method in which an address occurring at an end of the recording of the OGM is detected, and the OGM is ended at this address position. A description of the details thereof will be omitted.
Simultaneously with the recording of the ICM, the control means 10 enables the speech signal detecting circuit 7 and the CNG signal detecting circuit 9 to monitor a signal inputted from the telephone line. In the case where the signal inputted from the telephone line 1 is a speech (a step 7), it keeps the operation of recording the ICM as it is. In the case where the signal inputted from the telephone line is a CNG signal (a step 9), the control means 10 changes the change circuit 8 to the facsimile communication circuit 6 (a step 10). In the case where both the above-mentioned signals are not detected, a decision is made as to whether or not the count of the timer 11 is completed (a step 11). When it is not completed, the return to the step 7 occurs. When it is completed, the control means 10 changes the change circuit 8 to the facsimile communication circuit 6 (the step 10).
However, in a structure such as mentioned above, in the case where a CNG signal is inputted from a calling side during the transmission of an OGM, if a signal similar to the CNG signal is accidentally recorded in the OGM, there is a chance that a signal which results from a return of a self-outputted OGM of the OGM via the telephone line is erroneously detected as a CNG signal. Therefore, during the transmission of the OGM, the detection of the CNG signal is not executed. Accordingly, there is a problem that facsimile communication can not be done during the transmission of the OGM. Thus, in the case where the length of the OGM is supposed to be one minute, there is a problem that facsimile communication is not done during one minute after a call incoming.
In the case of a facsimile apparatus, standards prescribe that a calling side should open a telephone line if a time from the moment of the closing of the telephone line by the calling side to the moment of the reception of a signal of a receiving side is equal to or longer than a given time. Thus, there is a problem that facsimile communication can not be done if the OGM is long.

Facsimile apparatus with audio response function

Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.


Estimation algorithms, methods, and systems are provided that estimate the internal temperatures inside of a part being built using powder bed fusion (PBF). Closed-loop state estimation is applied to the problem of monitoring temperature fields within parts during the PBF build process. A simplified linear time-invariant (LTI) model of PBF thermal physics with the properties of stability, controllability and observability is presented. In some aspects, an Ensemble Kalman Filter is applied to the model. Linear time-varying (LTV) systems are also contemplated.

Additive Manufacturing (AM) processes are a diverse set of automated manufacturing processes which build three-dimensional components in a layer-by-layer fashion though the selective addition of material. This forming strategy allows for fabricating features such as internal channels or fine lattice works that would be impractical or impossible to produce with traditional manufacturing processes, as well as eliminating most overhead costs associated with production. Furthermore, components fabricated by AM typically exhibit mechanical properties that meet or exceed those found in traditionally-manufactured components.
A class of AM processes is known as powder bed fusion (PBF). PBF is a type of AM technology that builds parts in a layer-by-layer fashion out of a bed of metal powder via the selective melting action of a laser or electron beam heat source. The PBF process performs the layer-wise AM fabrication of components in three stages: 1) sweeping a thin (20-100 micron) layer of powder over a base of metal feedstock or previously applied powder, 2) selectively melting a pattern of desired geometry into the powder by application of a high-powered laser or electron beam, and 3) lowering the build platform in the z direction to accommodate a fresh layer of powder.
The PBF process is not without flaws. It is well-known that components manufactured with PBF display high levels of residual stresses, porosity, and anisotropy in material properties. These defects are a direct consequence of the temperature throughout the component, which is manifested by cooling rates within the component interior and which could theoretically be used as a basis for process monitoring and control. For example, temperature history influences metallurgic phase formation which in turn influences mechanical properties and corrosion resistance; a complete temperature history would enable one to predict phases composition at all locations in a part. However, commercial PBF machines typically operate in the absence of advanced process monitoring tools or feedback control based on these internal cooling rates because the operation of these tools is contingent on adequate sensing. Cooling rates are inferred from temperature measurements at the part surface, if the PBF system is equipped with the correct sensor, or not inferred at all; direct internal temperature measurements is not possible during the PBF process. Temperature sensing must be remote as a thermocouple cannot be placed on the surface being built. Most commercial systems have a thermocouple built in to the built plate for chamber temperature regulation, but the temperature at the melting plane is hundreds of degrees Kelvin higher than at the build plate. Some research-grade PBF tools and some commercial systems, such as the Concept Laser M2, monitor the melt pool using a digital camera based pyrometer with an optical path that is concentric with the laser beam using sophisticated optics. Other commercial systems and a multitude of research PBF tools have used global-view digital camera based pyrometers to thermally image the top surface. Regardless of temperature sensing mode, thermal sensing is remote and, at present, there are no ways to measure temperature past the top layer being built; the sensing limitation is simple, fused metal is opaque to infrared transmission.
The application of thermal model-based process monitoring and control techniques could help detect and mitigate defects in the PBF process. Process monitoring suites offered by commercial PBF systems typically assess the presence of defects based on exhaustive calibrations that "train" the model to accept certain measured values as defect-free. Predictive model-based process monitoring with a minimum of necessary calibration remains elusive. Moreover, the demand is growing for closed loop process monitoring and control in PBF systems to replace the open loop architectures that exist today.
It is with respect to these and other considerations that the various aspects and embodiments of the present disclosure are presented.

Estimating internal temperature distributions within parts being manufactured via the powder bed fusion process


Methods for failure recovery in a cardiac rhythm management system and apparatus capable of carrying out the methods. The methods include applying a first pacing therapy using one or more leads. The methods further include detecting a failure condition on one or more of the leads, wherein the failure condition prohibits or frustrates application of the first pacing therapy. The methods still further include applying a second pacing therapy using one or more of the leads subsequent to detecting the failure condition. The second pacing therapy is preferably chosen such that the detected failure does not interfere with the second pacing therapy. The second pacing therapy may be applied for only one cardiac cycle. The second pacing therapy may further be applied continuously until the failure condition is resolved, or it may be latched such that physician intervention is required to resume the first pacing therapy.

The invention relates generally to cardiac rhythm management systems, and particularly, but not by way of limitation, to a system providing, among other things, reversionary behavior in multi-chamber pacing therapy.
When functioning properly, the human heart maintains its own intrinsic rhythm, and is capable of pumping adequate blood throughout the body""s circulatory system. However, some people have irregular cardiac rhythms, referred to as cardiac arrhythmias. Such arrhythmias result in diminished blood circulation. One mode of treating cardiac arrhythmias includes the use of a cardiac rhythm management system. Such systems are often implanted in the patient and deliver therapy to the heart.
Cardiac rhythm management systems include, among other things, pacemakers, also referred to as pacers. Pacers deliver timed sequences of low energy electrical stimuli, called pace pulses, to the heart, such as via an intravascular lead (referred to as a xe2x80x9cleadxe2x80x9d) having one or more electrodes disposed in or about the heart. Heart contractions are initiated in response to such pace pulses (this is referred to as xe2x80x9ccapturingxe2x80x9d the heart). By properly timing the delivery of pace pulses, the heart can be induced to contract in proper rhythm, greatly improving its efficiency as a pump. Pacers are often used to treat patients with bradyarrhythmias, that is, hearts that beat too slowly, or irregularly.
Cardiac rhythm management systems also include cardioverters or defibrillators that are capable of delivering higher energy electrical stimuli to the heart. Defibrillators are often used to treat patients with tachyarrhythmias, that is, hearts that beat too quickly. Such too-fast heart rhythms also cause diminished blood circulation because the heart isn""t allowed sufficient time to fill with blood before contracting to expel the blood. Such pumping by the heart is inefficient. A defibrillator is capable of delivering a high energy electrical stimulus that is sometimes referred to as a defibrillation countershock. The countershock interrupts the tachyarrhythmia, allowing the heart to reestablish a normal rhythm for the efficient pumping of blood. In addition to pacers, cardiac rhythm management systems also include, among other things, pacer/defibrillators that combine the functions of pacers and defibrillators, drug delivery devices, and any other implantable or external systems or devices for diagnosing or treating cardiac arrhythmias.
One problem faced by cardiac rhythm management systems is the treatment of congestive heart failure (also referred to as xe2x80x9cCHFxe2x80x9d). In some forms, congestive heart failure can be treated by biventricular coordination therapy that provides pacing pulses to both right and left ventricles, by biatrial coordination therapy that provides pacing pulses to both the right and left atrium, or other multichamber coordination therapy. Biventricular and biatrial coordination therapy each rely on multiple leads and multielectrode leads to carry out the coordination therapy of multiple chambers of the heart. In the event of a failure in one or more of these leads, or their associated circuity, the ability to perform coordination therapy is generally lost.
As will be seen from the above concerns, there exists a need for improved failure recovery mechanisms in cardiac rhythm management systems used in biventricular and/or biatrial coordination therapy. The above-mentioned problems with failure recovery and other problems are addressed by the various embodiments of the invention and will be understood by reading and studying the following specification.
The various embodiments of the invention include methods for failure recovery in a cardiac rhythm management system and apparatus capable of carrying out the methods. The methods include applying a first pacing therapy using one or more leads and/or electrodes. The methods further include detecting a failure condition on one or more of the leads and/or electrodes, wherein the failure condition prohibits or frustrates application of the first pacing therapy. The methods still further include subsequently applying a second pacing therapy using a new combination of one or more of the leads and/or electrodes. The second pacing therapy is preferably chosen such that the detected failure does not interfere with the second pacing therapy. The second pacing therapy may be applied for only one cardiac cycle. The second pacing therapy may further be applied continuously until the failure condition is resolved, or it may be latched such that physician intervention is required to resume the first pacing therapy.
One embodiment includes a method of delivering pacing therapy to a heart. The method includes delivering a first therapy to a first and second electrode coupled to the heart, detecting a failure associated with the first electrode, discontinuing the first therapy during a period of the failure associated with the first electrode, and delivering a second therapy to the second electrode during the period of the failure associated with the first electrode.
Another embodiment includes a method of delivering pacing therapy to a heart. The method includes delivering a first therapy to a first and second electrode of a lead adapted for implantation on or about the heart. The lead includes a main lead body adapted to carry signals to and from the heart, a first electrode associated with the main lead body, and a second electrode associated with the main lead body. The first and second electrodes are routed through the coronary sinus upon implantation. The method further includes detecting a failure associated with the first electrode, discontinuing the first therapy during a period of the failure associated with the first electrode, and delivering a second therapy to the second electrode during the period of the failure associated with the first electrode.
A further embodiment includes a cardiac rhythm management system. The system includes a first electrode adapted to couple to a first chamber of a heart, a second electrode adapted to couple to a second chamber of the heart, a signal generator for producing pulses to apply to the heart, wherein the signal generator is coupled to the first electrode and the second electrode for applying the pulses, and a processor coupled to the signal generator. The processor is adapted to cause the signal generator to deliver a first therapy to the first electrode in the absence of a failure detection associated with the first electrode, and to deliver a second therapy to the second electrode in the presence of a failure detection associated with the first electrode.
A still further embodiment includes a cardiac rhythm management system. The system includes a signal generator for producing pulses to apply to the heart and a lead adapted for implantation on or about the heart and for connection to the signal generator, wherein the lead includes a main lead body adapted to carry signals to and from the heart, a first electrode associated with the main lead body and a second electrode associated with the main lead body, the first and second electrodes being routed through the coronary sinus upon implantation. The system further includes a processor coupled to the signal generator, wherein the processor is adapted to cause the signal generator to deliver a first therapy to at least the first electrode in the absence of a failure associated with the first electrode, and to deliver a second therapy to the second electrode in the presence of a failure associated with the first electrode.
An additional embodiment of the cardiac rhythm management system includes both a first and a second lead, where both leads have at least one electrode to sense cardiac signals and to deliver pulses to the heart. The system further includes a processor coupled to a signal generator, were the signal generator produces pulses to apply through the electrode(s) on the first and second leads. The processor is adapted to cause the signal generator to deliver a first therapy through the at least one electrode of the first lead and to deliver a second therapy through the at least one electrode of the second lead in the presence of a failure detection associated with the first lead.
Other embodiments include methods and apparatus of varying scope.

Site reversion in cardiac rhythm management


An embodiment is directed to an optical element arrangement including at least one optical element. A first optical element includes a fiber and a curved surface. The fiber emits light beams during oscillation at different angular positions relative to a system axis of the first optical element. The curved surface includes an array of lenslets. Each of the lenslets in the array of lenslets is configured to receive light beams from the fiber that are emitted within a particular range of the first curved surface and to collimate the light beams received by the lenslet at a lenslet-specific field angle relative to the system axis. In other embodiments, one or more additional optical elements with respective fibers can be deployed as part of the optical element arrangement, and any of the optical elements in the optical element arrangement may include multiple curved surfaces with respective lenslet arrays.

1. Field of the Disclosure
Embodiments relate to collimating light emitted by a fiber via an array of lenslets on a curved surface.
2. Description of the Related Art
Some object detection systems (e.g., collimating optical systems such as the Hyperion lidar project) rely upon the emission of a scanning optical probe beam by a scanning device. When this probe beam strikes an object within a threshold distance (e.g., 100 m) from the fiber that emits the scanning optical probe beam away), light is scattered from the object back to a receiver unit at the scanning device that records the presence of the object and calculates the object's x,y,z position, whereby x and y are determined based on an emission direction of the scanning optical probe beam and z via time of flight technology (e.g., based on a propagation speed of the scanning optical probe beam along with a time differential between emission of the scanning optical probe beam and detection of the scattered light detected at the receiver unit).
FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an object detection system 100. Referring to FIG. 1, a scanning device 105 includes a fiber 110 and a receiver unit 115. The fiber 110 emits a scanning optical probe beam 120, which makes contact with a car 125 that is within a threshold distance (e.g., 100 m). When the scanning optical probe beam 120 contacts the car 125, the scanning optical probe beam 120 is scattered in numerous directions as depicted with respect to scattered light beams 130-155. Some of the scattered light beams (e.g., scattered light beam 145) reach and are detect by the receiver unit 115 at the scanning device 105, after which the scanning device 105 can calculate the x,y,z position of the car 125.
Achieving desired scanning optical probe beam properties is challenging for various reasons. For example, a scanning optical probe beam should range over a wide field of view (FOV) with little divergence; i.e. a high degree of collimation. An example FOV requirement for an object detection system is +/−60 degrees with a beam divergence of 0.1 degree over the entire FOV. Furthermore, the lens system producing this collimation may be configured with a small format (˜10×10×10 mm).
FIG. 2 illustrates an arrangement of the fiber 110 within the scanning device 105 in more detail. With respect to FIG. 2, the fiber 110, which is a single or multi-mode optical fiber, is the light source of the scanning device 105. More specifically, the light source is the end of the fiber 110 into which light has been injected. To vary the angular direction of the fiber 110, a piezoelectric cylinder 200 rotates/vibrates the fiber 110 (running through a center of the piezoelectric cylinder), through a wide variety of angles. Exciting the cantilever (i.e., the fiber 100) with resonant frequency via the piezoelectric cylinder 200 will induce oscillations at the tip of the cantilever with an amplitude that is 100-200 times of the base of the cantilever. An example of the fiber 110 (or cantilever) in motion is depicted with respect to 205, whereby the fiber 110 is being vibrated resulting in angular rotation of +/−45 degrees in orthogonal planes, resulting in scanning optical probe beam 210. More specifically, the scanning optical probe beam 210 illustrates a view of the light emitted from the fiber 110 from in front of the fiber 110, or alternatively a few of the light that is beamed onto the target object (e.g., the car 125), which is then scattered. This fiber tip path is approximately spherical for small angular motion, but becomes elliptical for larger angular motions as the fiber 110 begins to bend, which complicates the design of a collimating optical system.
Light refracted through a lens system at large angles (e.g., with respect to an optical axis or lens axis of symmetry) is typically subject to larger aberrations relative to light that is refracted through smaller angles. This means that the degree of collimation is reduced for light propagating at the larger angles. Typically, beam divergence increases 3× to 10× times at the largest field angles (e.g., 30 degrees, 60 degrees, etc.). This tendency is exaggerated for a lidar system where the fiber tip source is not constrained to travel in a plane but rather travels on a spherical or elliptical surface.

Collimating light emitted by a fiber via an array of lenslets on a curved surface


A steering control apparatus is provided for a vehicle having a steering wheel for steering steered wheels of the vehicle, a power source for generating power, and drive shafts for transferring the power to the steered wheels, to be served as driving wheels of the vehicle. The apparatus comprises an accelerating operation detection device for detecting accelerating operation amount by a vehicle driver, and a steering torque control device for controlling steering torque created by the steering wheel, and applying torque steer reducing torque to the steering wheel. The steering torque control device is adapted to reduce torque steer, which is transiently created on the steering wheel due to characteristics of the drive shafts, when the accelerating operation amount detected by the accelerating operation detection device becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

The present invention relates to a steering control apparatus for a vehicle, and particularly relates to a steering control apparatus for reducing steady-state and transient torque steer resulted from layouts and characteristics of drive shafts of a vehicle.
In general, in a steering apparatus for a vehicle with steered wheels thereof being served as its driving wheels, such a phenomenon that steering effort or steer-holding force shall vary in response to variation of driving force, is called as torque steer, which is desired to be restrained. For example, Japanese Patent Laid-open Publication No. 11-129927, which corresponds to U.S. Pat. No. 6,154,696, discloses a vehicle equipped with an electric power steering device and a torque split arrangement for individually controlling (or, distributing) traction and/or braking force between right and left wheels), to improve its maneuverability and stability. In the U.S. Pat. No. 6,154,696, there is disclosed a steering control system for controlling torque steer in a vehicle equipped with an electric power steering device and a torque split arrangement for individually controlling traction and/or braking force of right and left wheels, which comprises a torque difference input unit for receiving a torque difference signal corresponding to a difference in traction and/or braking force between the right and left wheels, a torque steer canceling steering torque determining unit for producing a torque steer canceling steering torque signal that is required to cancel a steering torque arising from the difference in traction and/or braking force between the right and left wheels, and a drive circuit for supplying a drive current to the electric power steering device according to the torque steer canceling steering torque signal.
Furthermore, according to Japanese Patent Laid-open Publication No. 2005-170116, an apparatus is proposed to solve such a problem in the prior art as described above that the torque steer cancelling control is performed only when the difference in force was caused between the right and left wheels, i.e., difference in rotation was caused between the right and left wheels. That is, there is proposed a steering control apparatus, wherein, instead of the difference in rotation between the right and left wheels, by watching a difference in transferring torque between right and left driving axles, which might cause the torque steer, detecting or estimating engine torque to cancel the torque steer, and obtaining an estimated value of torque steer by a memory circuit which memorizes a relationship of the difference in transferring torque between the right and left driving axles against the engine torque, to cancel the torque steer created by the difference in transferring torque between the right and left driving axles. With respect to the vehicle with steered wheels thereof being served as its driving wheels, according to Japanese Patent Laid-open Publication No. 5-77653, a driving force distribution apparatus is proposed for distributing the driving force to right and left wheels of a vehicle of four-wheel drive system, or the like.
However, it is still difficult to sufficiently reduce a transient torque steer as described later, according to compensation based on the relationship of the difference in transferring torque between the right and left driving axles against the engine torque, as described in Japanese Patent Laid-open Publication No. 2005-170116.
Hereinafter, the cause for creating the torque steer will be analyzed. The torque steer is meant by a phenomenon, wherein according to a front engine front drive vehicle (so called FF vehicle) or four-wheel drive vehicle with the steered wheels thereof being served as its driving wheels, the steering wheel is steered by the steered wheels, when the vehicle is accelerated, i.e., the phenomenon with the steered wheels provided for steering the steering wheel. As for the cause for creating the torque steer, mainly raised are "bent angle of a constant speed universal joint for drive shafts" and "difference in driving force between right and left wheels, when a kingpin offset is provided."
At the outset, will be explained "torque steer caused by bent angle of a constant speed universal joint for drive shafts", as (1). With respect to the relationship between the drive shafts and wheels, supposing that the bent angle θ of the constant speed universal joint for the drive shafts is provided, as shown in FIG. 17, if the driving torque transferred by the drive shafts is indicated by "Tdrv", secondary couple moment (Mz) is created for steering the wheels, according to the following equation (1);Mz=Tdrv·tan(θ/2)  (1)
In FIG. 18, according to the vehicle with the steered wheels thereof being served as its driving wheels, a part of it including its steering apparatus is disclosed to clarify the corresponding relationship between its front view and plan view. That is, in FIG. 18, according to the vehicle with an engine EG and a transmission TR arranged in a transverse direction to the vehicle moving direction, to obtain a space efficiency in an engine compartment, length and arrangement of the drive shafts (maybe called as drive axles) DS1 and DS2 are not provided symmetrically in the transverse direction. Therefore, in the case where the joint bent angles for the drive shafts connected to the driving wheels are different between the right and left wheels WH1 and WH2, a moment (Mz) for steering the wheels, or called as a steered torque, will be caused to provide its difference between the right and left wheels WH1 and WH2, to create the torque steer for steering the steering wheel SW by the steered wheels when the vehicle is accelerated. Thus, the torque steer caused by the bent angle of the constant speed universal joint for the drive shafts is called as the steady-state torque steer.
Next will be explained "torque steer caused by the difference in driving force between the right and left wheels, when the kingpin offset is provided", as (2). As shown in FIG. 18, the steered wheels WH1 and WH2 are provided with kingpins KP1 and KP2 to be capable of being steered, and the position of the steered center TC, i.e., intersection of the kingpin axis and road surface, does not correspond to the position of force applied point DP of the driving force, so that there exists a distance between those two points, i.e., kingpin offset (KPo), whereas (KPc) in FIG. 18 designates a wheel center kingpin offset. In the case where there exists the kingpin offset (KPo), when the vehicle is accelerated to apply the driving force to the steered wheels WH1 and WH2, the torque for steering the steered wheel, i.e., steered torque, is created, which can be obtained by [driving force]×[kingpin offset]. If the driving force is equal to each other between the right and left wheels WH1 and WH2, the steered torque will be cancelled, so that no torque steer will be caused. If the driving force is different from each other between the right and left wheels WH1 and WH2, however, "torque steer for steering the steering wheel by means of the steered wheel (right and left wheels)" will be caused.
As for the case where the driving force is different from each other between the right and left wheels as described in (2), the following three cases may be considered:    (2-a) "driving force difference between right and left wheels due to characteristics of drive shafts"In the case where there exists a difference in characteristic between the drive shafts DS1 and DS2, a transient (dynamic) difference will be caused in transferring the torque. Even in the case where the drive shafts DS1 and DS2 are made of the same material, and formed with the same cross sectional area, if their lengths are different from each other, torsional rigidity of them shall be different from each other. Therefore, when the vehicle is accelerated rapidly, the driving force applied to the wheel connected with the drive shaft, which is relatively short to provide relatively high torsional rigidity, will be increased rapidly with a slight delay. On the contrary, the driving force applied to the wheel connected with the drive shaft, which is relatively long to provide relatively low torsional rigidity, will be increased gradually. Therefore, the difference in transient driving force will be caused between the right and left wheels, thereby to create the torque steer, which is called as the transient torque steer.    (2-b) "driving force difference between right and left wheels due to a traction control"If braking torque is applied to one wheel according to a traction control, the driving force applied to the other one wheel corresponding to the braking torque will be increased. Particularly, in the case where the traction control is performed on a so-called μ-split road with different coefficients of friction provided between the right and left wheels, the driving force difference between the right and left wheels will be caused largely.    (2-c) "driving force difference between right and left wheels due to a driving force distribution device"In the case where a driving force distribution device is provided between the right and left wheels, the difference in driving force between the right and left wheels will be caused. As for the driving force distribution device, there are known the one controlled electronically, and the one for limiting their differential mechanically, e.g., viscous coupling or the like, as disclosed in the aforementioned Japanese Patent Laid-open Publication No. 5-77653, for example.

Steering control apparatus for a vehicle


A laser bore sight with arbor system is disclosed which includes a bore sight with a housing, a laser and an activation switch. The system also includes a plurality of arbors, each arbor having a sleeve with an interior channel configured to be received the bore sight. Each arbor is configured to fit within the bore and/or breach of a firearm. The exterior configuration of each arbor is different and specifically configured to fit a specific caliber of firearm. The sleeve has a rear end to which is coupled an end cap having and opening through which the bore sight activation switch extends.

It has been well known to provide rifles or pistols with sights to guide the operator in aiming the firearms. High power scopes are often utilized to provide an accurate sight at most ranges. The scope is mounted on the top of the firearm to provide a magnified view of the potential target when sighted. Cross hairs within the scope are used to sight the target, with the intersection of the cross hairs being placed exactly on the intended target. Limitations of the high powered scope include the problem that the scope must be "calibrated" to assure accuracy. Typically, adjusting screws are provided which can be used to adjust the scope so that the cross hairs are accurately marking the target. If a rifle, for example, was mounted on a stand and the target sighted in the cross hairs of the scope, minor adjustments of the scope may be necessary to assure accuracy. Adjustments are made by firing a round of ammunition and noting where the round strikes with respect to the target. Mechanical adjustment of the scope can then be made to align the cross hairs of the scope with the actual point at which the round of ammunition struck the target. It may take several attempts of this trial and error firing of the rifle and adjusting the scope to bring the cross hairs in line with the actual striking point of the ammunition round. As can be expected, this procedure, even when performed by a skilled marksman, is time consuming and inherently imprecise.
Designers have adapted lasers to aid in the sighting process of a firearm. Some lasers have been designed to be mounted to the top of the barrel. However, the path of the ammunition round does not follow the exact path of the laser's light. As such, even when one finally aligns the scope with the laser beam the scope is still misaligned with the round's path. To alleviate this problem, lasers have been designed to be mounted within the barrel of a rifle to more accurately depict the path of the round. Some of these lasers have been positioned within the end of the barrel. These lasers however do not always align with the ammunition's path of travel. To provide more accuracy, bore sight lasers have been designed to include a housing configured to be mounted within the breech or chamber of the barrel. With the laser positioned within this area the light from the laser generally follows the bore of the barrel and thus the initial path of the ammunition. Of course, the laser diode within the housing may have to be adjusted so that the light does indeed travel along the bore of the barrel.
A problem with bore sights is that the outer housing is configured to fit a specific rifle bore and breach relating to the caliber. As such, the bore sight configured to fit one specific caliber of firearm does not properly fit within the bore or breach of a different caliber of firearm. Therefore, for a gun owner having more than one firearm, the gun owner must purchase several bore sights, one for each caliber of gun the owner wishes to sight with a bore sight.
Some bore sight manufacturers have made arbors or sleeves which fit about a bore sight. The arbors provide an outer shape or configuration which can be varied between arbors to provide its use with different calibers of firearms. The problem with these arbors is that the bore sight is typically slid into the rear opening of arbor. This type of arbor has proven to cause difficulties between the bore sight may move slightly within the arbor, wherein even slight movements may cause inaccuracies in sighting a firearm. Additionally, the bore sight may slide out of the arbor, causing damage to the bore sight and an inconvenience to the user.
Accordingly, it is seen that a need remains for a laser bore sight which may be used in different calibers of firearms, but maintains security and accuracy. It is to the provision of such therefore that the present invention is primarily directed.


A dental apparatus for achieving molar distalization, comprising a bracket for mounting on opposing molar teeth of a dental arch, and a dental arch wire. One end of the arch wire passes through one of a first bracket and the other end of the arch wire passes through the other of a second bracket. A worm gear adjustably fixes the position of each end of the arch wire within the bracket.

Malocclusion of the teeth is a common occurrence, which, in severe cases, is often treated with orthodontics (i.e. braces) in order to correct the problem and properly align the teeth. The components of a typical set of braces include brackets bonded to the teeth, arch wire running through each bracket, metal bands mounted on the molar teeth for securing the ends of the arch wire brackets mounted to the bands. Commonly, hooks extend from the brackets to support rubber bands, and headgear tubes mounted on the bands extend therefrom for securing headgear thereto.
When treating malocclusion with braces, the initial stage requires the leveling of the teeth in order to ensure that the arch wire runs essentially straight through the braces. Following the leveling, one technique that is used by orthodontic practitioners is known as, "molar distalization", whereby the molars are moved from class 2 (malocclusion) to class 1 (normal occlusion). By moving the molars in a distal direction a space is created, which allows the other teeth to be repositioned in the mouth. In some cases, known as class 3 (mesiocclusion) the upper teeth must be moved in the mesial direction in order to achieve a class 1 occlusion.
Traditionally, in order to accomplish molar distalization, a metal band is mounted on both second molars of the upper arch (or lower arch). A plate and external headgear are connected to the bands via springs and/or rubber bands, which, over time provide the force necessary to distally shift the molars and thereby create a space between the adjacent teeth in order to correct the malocclusion.
The headgear and other custom made appliances, such as a plate, are typically used, which can require fitting and sending molds to a laboratory for fabrication. These components are unsightly for the patient and can increase the waiting time that is necessary prior to commencing treatment. Moreover, successful treatment is dependent on patient cooperation, which, particularly with younger patients, might not be readily provided.

Apparatus for achieving molar distalization


The present invention relates to a fuel injector configuration that treats a dielectric fluid such as gasoline fuel with strong electric and, optionally, magnetic fields to form a homogeneous charged fuel or fuel/air mixture for combustion in an internal combustion engine. The electric field is supplied by a triboelectric dipole and the magnetic field is supplied by permanent magnets. Small charged fuel particles are produced and combust more readily than untreated particles. Fuel efficiency is increased and emissions are reduced.

Much work has been done with a goal of creating small fuel particles that create a homogeneous mixture that is more readily combusted in an internal combustion engine. One area that is being actively investigated is that of Radical Activated Combustion (RAC). In this configuration, fuel free radicals are introduced into the combustion chamber to enhance combustion. Successful demonstration of such a condition in a two cycle engine has been demonstrated. The two cycle cylinder retains free radicals from the previous combustion cycle and combustion occurs without a spark plug as an ignition source. The cylinder is in effect full of many thousands of "spark plugs" that initiate combustion in the cylinder.
Another engine type is referred to as a Homogeneous Charge Compression Ignition Engine (HCCI). The engine attempts to create a diesel like configuration with a similar homogeneous gasoline mixture. The means of initiating combustion throughout the complete range of driving conditions from low load to high load remains a problem with this engine.
Soot formation in a diesel engine primarily occurs at the first stage of introduction of fuel into the hot compressed air in the cylinder. Diesel engine development activities to eliminate soot formation have been centered on producing small fuel particles by increasing fuel injector pressure to extremely high pressure. The resulting fuel supply system in the modern diesel engine can be as high as 33% of the total cost of the engine proper. Only incremental results have been achieved and modern "clean" diesels require a particulate trap and an oxide of nitrogen trap that require regeneration. Government mandated emission requirements continue to be increasingly more stringent.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.