An adjustable socket wrench has only two components, namely, a collet driver with movable jaws and a circumscribing adjustable sleeve. Positive detent positioning of the fastener engaging jaws is obtained by rotation of the adjusting sleeve which radially moves the jaws inwardly or outwardly without axial movement of any parts.

I. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to socket wrenches, and, more particularly, this invention relates to adjustable socket wrenches.
II. State of the Art
There are a variety of adjustable socket wrench designs which engage two or more sizes of hex (hexagon shaped) headed nut or bolt fasteners. These adjustable socket wrenches require the use of more than three components and in some cases many complicated components, to effect an axial movement of a cam or cam follower element to radially displace the wrench jaws or operating arms. Usually the rotary motion of an adjusting sleeve is converted to an axial movement of a cam element to effect a radial movement of the jaws. Often there are no positive stop positions for a given size, but the user must relie on the alignment of an index mark with a scale to approximate the desired size. At best these wrenches may offer a positive stop at a fully opened or fully closed position with reliance on a calibration or scale reading for any intermediate sizes. This not only results in inaccuracies in the size setting, but also can allow slippage or opening of the jaws during use.


Systems and methods that enhance a programming language by introducing null unification on a type level in addition to a value level, for static types of both reference and value types T. An operator that adds a level of nullability (and removes such nullability) is introduced without a mention of the actual type, to steer overloading in a precise manner.

As programming approaches and foundations have evolved, application programming interfaces (APIs) and programming schemas have been developed to standardize and unify programming methodologies that were previously multi-variant and relatively incompatible. Modem programming therefore often involves employing APIs and schemas in conjunction with reusable libraries. Such Programming languages continue to evolve to facilitate specification by programmers as well as efficient execution.
Compilers and/or interpreters bear the burden of translating high-level logic into executable machine code. In general, a compilers and/or interpreters are components that receive a program specified in a source programming language (e.g., C, C#, Visual Basic, Java . . . ) and covert the logic provided thereby to machine language that is executable by a hardware device. However, the conversion need not be done verbatim. In fact, conventional compilers and/or interpreters analyze the source code and generate very efficient code. For example, programmers write code that sets forth a logical flow of operations that is intuitive and easy for humans to understand, but is often inefficient for a computer to execute. Compilers and/or interpreters can identify inefficiencies and improve program performance at the hardware level by eliminating unnecessary operations and/or rearranging the execution of instructions while still achieving the intended results. In this manner, programmers can create robust and efficient software programs.
Typically for Common Language Runtime (CLR), data types can be value types or reference types. Reference types are variables that are stored on a heap and referenced by a pointer stored on the stack or inside another object in the heap. Value types are variables that are stored directly on the stack. Consequently, variables that are represented as reference types can be uninitialized (termed "null"), but variables that are represented as value types cannot be established in an uninitialized condition without risking indeterminate or even catastrophic results. Put differently, a value type cannot be null because there is always a value, and cannot be expressed as null.
For example, if statically it is known that    Dim X As Nullable (of Int)=Nothing ("Null")    Dim Y As Nullable (of Int)=5    Dim Z=X+Y
Z has the type Nullable (of Int) and has a value of nothing, e.g. via three—valued, or null-propagating, logic. Yet, and as will be described in detail infra, such can create problems in late bindings.
Moreover, support for nullability across all types, including value types, is essential when interacting with null supported languages, such as database languages (e.g., SQL). A database language can employ a null value to indicate that the actual data value is unknown or missing. By providing null support within a general purpose programming language null-supported languages and programming languages may be integrated (e.g., code in the C# programming language may read, write or interpret nullable fields in a database language). The nullification problem has been previously addressed with many different strategies. Examples of such strategies include tuples, variants, convoluted pointer manipulations, and boxing. However, each of these strategies has one or more drawbacks.
For example, boxing is an implicit conversion of a value type to the type object or to any interface type implemented by this value type. Put differently, a value type that exists on a stack and obtain a pointer to a heap with a reference. Boxing a value of a value allocates an object instance and copies the value into the new object. Likewise, unboxing is an explicit conversion from the type object to a value type or from an interface type to a value type that implements the interface. An unboxing operation typically consists of: checking the object instance to make sure it is a boxed value of the given value type, and copying the value from the instance into the value-type variable.
Now consider the example of boxing a nullable. Typically, the manner a nullable is implemented is via a structure that has a Boolean and value. This is achieved by automatically creating a multi-element structure including an element for the underlying value and a Boolean element representing whether or not the underlying value is null (e.g., flag indicating null or non-null value for the underlying type). If the Boolean element is declared false for example, the underlying type is considered null, whereas if the Boolean element is true for example, the value contained in the underlying value is considered the value of the nullable type variable.
For example, "nothing" has no value, and/or value can be ignored. As explained earlier, "5" of type nullable can be represented by a pair of boolean, which is not null and has a value of "5". As such, the implementation for representing a nullable is via a structure that has a boolean and a value. Moreover, considering a scenario of boxing a value "3", on the heap a reference to the value 3 can be obtained. Likewise, when boxing the value of "true, 5"—it is intuitively expected that there is a pointer to the heap that can contains "true" and 5.
Yet, to box "nothing" and "false", then an inconsistency occurs, because a reference is created to an actual thing, when in fact the starting point was a "nothing". For example, the thing that has been referenced to does not represent "nothing" for a reference type. Put differently, the starting point is an empty set, yet the outcome is a set that contains the empty set, and such represents an incorrect out come.
Moreover, in a heap a distinction can be made between a boxed item and an integer, yet a differentiation between "nothing" and the box "nothing" can be made, which is undesirable. Accordingly, if boxing a nullable type is desired (if it is "true" and has a value), such can be removed and boxed in manner wherein the boxing is aware of nullability.
An additional problem exists now that there is no trace that such previously existed as nullable, as the representation of a boxed nullable (int.) is the same as a representation of a boxed int. Accordingly, one cannot distinguish between nullable (of T) and boxed T.
Put differently, reversal with fidelity when moving from a value type to an object via the boxing and vice versa for nullable types cannot be performed, and a distinction is lost. Such can introduce problems for late binding. Referring to the example of:
Dim A As Object=X
Dim B As object=Y—Such assignments cause boxing to occur from nullable to object.
Considering now the late-bound addition of Dim C=A+B, A can represent the no pointer (nothing) and B can be represented by the boxed 5. Yet, it is not known that A and B are nullables. As such, Visual Basic (VB) late bound addition will interpret nothing as zero and return a result of 5 instead of "nothing", which creates a difference in semantics depending on whether there is an early bound or a late bound. Such inconsistency is problematic and needs to be minimized. Put differently, the overload and compiler can statically resolve the three valued or null propagating logic as the types are known at compile time—yet, for late binding and resolving at runtime the knowledge of nullability is unavailable.
Therefore, there is a need to overcome the aforementioned exemplary deficiencies associated with conventional systems and devices.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.


A workpiece is unloaded from a wafer-receiving container. A first discriminating sensor detects a front surface of the workpiece, and determines either a semiconductor wafer or a spacer is the workpiece. Where the workpiece is a wafer, the first discriminating sensor also determines whether or not a protective tape is on the front surface of the workpiece. Where it is determined that a protective tape is not on the front surface, a second discriminating sensor detects a back surface of the wafer for discriminating the presence or absence of the protective tape.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a semiconductor wafer mounting method and a semiconductor wafer mounting apparatus in which a semiconductor wafer (hereinafter, appropriately referred to as a "wafer") subjected to a back grinding process that is stacked via a spacer such as an inserting paper in a receiving container is unloaded from the container, and then is mounted onto a ring frame via a supporting adhesive tape.
2. Description of the Related Art
A plurality of semiconductor wafers and spacers are alternately stacked in a container for transporting the semiconductor wafers to every process. When the semiconductor wafer is transported out of the container with a front surface thereof being suction-held, the spacer on a back surface side of the semiconductor wafer adheres to a back surface of the semiconductor wafer due to static electricity. Then a spacer retaining mechanism is provided for separating the spacer from the back surface of the semiconductor wafer. See Japanese Patent Publication No. 2009-212430A.
An operator manually houses the semiconductor wafer and the spacer into the container. As a result, the following problem may arise. That is, a given number of semiconductor wafers should be housed, but the number of semiconductor wafers, which differs from the given number, may possibly be housed.
Moreover, the wafer and the spacer should be stacked alternately, but an operator may possibly house the wafer and the spacer without noticing of two or more stacked wafers or spacers. That is because the wafer and the spacer are each thin. In this case, the transport device changes the order of transportation since it transports the wafer and the spacer alternately to a given position. Consequently, the following problems may arise. That is, a wafer is accidentally transported to a spacer-receiving container for spacer and is disposed of, or a ring frame and a spacer are mounted on a supporting adhesive tape.
Furthermore, a wafer may be housed in the container with front and back surfaces thereof being reversed. In this case, there arises a problem that the wafer with the front and back surfaces thereof being reversed may be mounted on the ring frame.

Semiconductor wafer mounting method and semiconductor wafer mounting apparatus


The present disclosure relates to devices and methods for the detection and/or sorting of nucleic acids. Further disclosed are methods for device fabrication.

Gene detection is of great interest for human health, including genetic disease diagnosis, as well as various applications in fundamental research in genetic engineering. The methods that are available typically require amplification of nucleic acids and require a large amount of DNA, resulting in averaged signals. Furthermore, these methods typically do not determine the location of the target genes on DNA molecules. In addition, confirmation of correct genome editing typically relies on the expression of genes in microorganisms, which can take many weeks or even months. Techniques for the quick and accurate detection of the presence and location of genes on DNA at the single molecule level are desired.
The compounds, compositions, and methods disclosed herein address these and other needs.

Branched nanochannel devices for detection and sorting of nucleic acids

THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA


A subsea fluid connector is disclosed. The body of the connector has a first portion and a connection profile portion, a first port through an outer surface of the first portion, a plurality of openings through an outer surface of the connection profile portion, and a plurality of fluid passages through the body and coupled between the first port and the plurality of openings. The subsea fluid connector may have a first fluid flow path extending through the plurality of fluid passages between the first port through the outer surface of the first portion and the plurality of openings through the outer surface of the connection profile portion, and a second fluid flow path extending through a fluid passage between a second port through the outer surface of the first portion and a third port through the outer surface of the connection profile portion.

In producing oil and gas from offshore wells, a wellhead is employed at the sea floor to regulate and direct the flow of hydrocarbons from the reservoir, through tubular risers, and to the surface where the fluids are collected in a receiving facility located on a platform or other vessel. Normally, the flow of hydrocarbons is controlled via a series of valves installed on the wellhead, the risers, and in the receiving facility at the surface. Other subsea equipment, such as manifolds and pipelines, also assist in directing the produced fluids.
An unmanned submersible vehicle controlled from the surface, or a remotely operated vehicle (ROV), can be used to inspect subsea structures and equipment, and to control or manipulate valves. ROVs mechanically control valves and provide hydraulic pressure to the subsea wellhead or other equipment via "hot stab" connections and panels. A hot stab connection is a device used to move fluid, often hydraulic fluid, from one line in a first device to another line in a second device. Hot stabs can also be used in other subsea fluid connections, for quick, releasable, and flexible fluid connections between various systems.
High fluid flow rates are often needed in subsea equipment. Accordingly, there, remains a need in the art for systems and methods that provide high flows through hot stab connections.


There are disclosed embodiments of a marking clip for marking garments which may be stacked flat on a surface. The marking clip is generally U-shaped with leg portions joined by a bight portion and is preferably molded of flexible, resilient, plastics material and bears repetitive indicia along the outer surface of the leg and bight portions. Two or more marking clips may be coupled to provide selected combinations.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to the field of marking garments.
2. Brief Description of the Prior Art
It is known to mark folded garments in stacks by adhesively adhering size strips, wherein the each size strip is adhesively adhered to the folded garment across the fold line and on both sides of the garment as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,561,932; 5,692,332; and 5,970,641. Some garments are comprised of materials that are adversely affected by the adhesive on the strips, for example suede, leather, corduroy, brushed cotton, spandex-containing fabrics and other delicate fabrics. This makes it practically prohibitive to use such adhesive strips on those types of materials. Other prior art disclosures are found in the following U.S. patents: Des. 192,845; Des. 218,511; 303,755; Des. 382,592; Des. 399,527; Des. 433,899; 835,383; U.S. Pat. Nos. 1,668,109; 1,719,504; 2,857,696; 3,214,813; 3,535,808; 3,797,076; 4,045,899; 5,495,644; 5,992,887; 6,457,218; 6,915,602; 6,948,269; 6,915,602; and Published Application No. 2003/0101551.


Methods of administering wagering games may comprise accepting a first wager from individual players to play against a dealer. A second wager may be accepted from at least two players to play against one another. A portion of the second wager may be placed in a first pot. A remainder of the second wager may be placed in a second pot. Cards may be dealt to each player and to the dealer. The first wager may be resolved for each player against the dealer. The second wager may be resolved for the at least two players against one another. At least a portion of the first pot may be awarded to at least one player at a conclusion of each round of play. At least a portion of the second pot may be awarded to at least one player holding a predetermined winning hand.

In conventional poker games, players play against one another to win a pot, commonly known as "player-banked" games. In such poker games, a casino or other gaming establishment hosting the game may receive its funds by charging a room, table, or seat fee to participants, by charging an hourly rate for participation, or by taking a commission (e.g., a rake) on wagers. Losses from players are redistributed to other players. However, modified poker games and other wagering games, such as blackjack, may pit players against a dealer and are commonly known as "house-banked" games. In such games, a casino or other gaming establishment hosting the game may receive its funds directly from losing wagers made by the players, which may average out to a certain percentage of wagers (i.e., a "house advantage") for the game. Suboptimal play by players may result in additional funds beyond a theoretical house advantage (i.e., the percent of wagers the house is expected to retain assuming that players and dealers engage in optimal strategic play and cheating does not occur) being collected by the house, which may increase house profits.

Methods, systems, and apparatuses for wagering games including player-banked side bets


A method of determining formation density in a cased hole environment using a logging tool having a gamma ray source, a long spacing detector, and a short spacing detector that includes developing one or more cased hole calibration relationships that utilize differences between scattered gamma rays observed by short spacing detectors and scattered gamma rays observed by long spacing detectors to determine corrected formation density values, and using the cased hole calibration relationships and scattered gamma ray measurements obtained by the long spacing detector and the short spacing detector to determine the formation density. An associated article of manufacture and computerized well logging system are also described.

The use of gamma ray scattering measurements to measure the density of subsurface formations is well known. A general introduction to this topic can be found in Well Logging for Earth Scientists, by Darwin V. Ellis, Elsevier Science Publishing Co., Inc., 1987, pgs. 201-212, incorporated herein by reference. Gamma ray density measurement logging tools were initially developed for open hole applications and the earliest single detector tools were soon replaced by dual detector tools that allow compensations to be made for the possible intervening presence of mudcake or drilling fluid between the tool and the formation.
While originally developed for open hole logging purposes, it has long been known that these types of gamma ray density tools could also be used to obtain density measurements through casing. See, for instance, U.S. Pat. No. 4,297,575, issued Oct. 27, 1981; "Gas Detection from Formation Density and Compensated Neutron Log in Cased Hole", M. Cigni and M. Magrassi, SPWLA 28th Annual Logging Symposium, 1987; "Reevaluation of Hydrocarbon Reserves Through Case-Hole Interpretation: A New Approach", L. Cosentino and G. Spotti, SPE 22345, 1992; and "Monitoring Contact Movement during Depressurization of the Brent Field", E. Quint, SPE 56951, 1999, each of which is incorporated herein by reference. While conventional open hole gamma ray density tools have occasionally been used to make formation density-related measurements in cased wells, this technique has not become widely used because the relatively weak gamma ray sources (typically a Cesium-137 source emitting gamma rays at 662 keV) and relatively short source/receiver spacings used in conventional open hole gamma ray density tools results in a relatively shallow depth of investigation, often insufficiently deep to make accurate formation density measurements through casing. In addition, the use of conventional open hole gamma ray density measurement data processing methodologies have not sufficiently accounted for the many types of differing conditions encountered while making measurements through casing, such as variations in apparent casing thickness due to corrosion, casing collars, centralizers, etc.; variations in the thickness of the cement between the casing and the formation; the presence of water, drilling mud, or gas filled voids in the cement layer; etc.
There has recently been work done on the development of a gamma ray density tool specifically designed by operate in a cased-hole environment. See for instance, "Computer Simulation of Cased-Hole Density Logging", L. Jacobsen and C. Fu, SPE 19613, December 1990; and "Design of a Cased-Hole-Density Logging Tool Using Laboratory Measurements", G. Moake, SPE 49226, 1998, both incorporated herein by reference. These proposals have primarily focused on the use of a more energetic gamma ray source (such as Cobalt-60) and larger source/receiver spacings to increase the depth of investigation. Although the need for a gamma ray density behind casing measurement is not seriously in doubt, the tool proposed in these papers (or any other tool specifically designed to make gamma ray density measurements behind casing) has never been commercially successful.
Schlumberger, assignee of the present invention, has long been a leader in the measurement of formation density using gamma ray scattering behavior. Early gamma ray density measurement tools are described in commonly-assigned U.S. Pat. No. 3,864,569 to J. Tittman, issued Feb. 4, 1975 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,048,495 to D. Ellis, issued Sep. 13, 1977. Commonly-assigned U.S. Pat. No. 5,390,115 to C. Case and D. Ellis, issued Feb. 14, 1995 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,841,135, to C. Stoller et al., issued Nov. 24, 1998, describe three detector gamma ray density logging tools designed for open hole use that have enhanced abilities to correct for standoff between the tool and the formation. Each of these earlier, commonly assigned patents are incorporated herein by reference.
Schlumberger has successfully introduced a three detector gamma ray density logging tool called the TLD* (* Mark of Schlumberger) as part of the Platform Express* triple combo tool. The TLD* tool has a Cesium-137 source and three detectors, a backscattering detector located less than two inches (5 centimeters) from the source, a short spacing detector located approximately 6-8 inches (15-20 centimeters) from the source, and a long spacing detector located approximately 14-18 inches (36-46 centimeters) from the source. The diameter of the TLD* tool when closed is approximately 4¾ inches (12 centimeters).

Measuring formation density through casing


An optical fiber communications apparatus comprises a housing provided with a motherboard and a plurality of modular cards , each of which is engageable with the motherboard via one of the card receptors. A optical card includes an optical transceiver for communication using a digital, optical communications signal over a single optical fiber link. Each modular card is provided with a plurality of circuit sub-assemblies, each circuit sub-assembly being configured for digital communication with a respective local audio, video or data electronic device via a respective connector using a respective electronic information-carrying signal. Each circuit sub-assembly is configured for communication of an audio, video or data information-carrying signal with the transceiver using the digital, optical communications signal. Additionally, some circuitry assigns time periods for the individual information-carrying signals of the circuit sub-assemblies, and time division multiplexes the communications over the single optical fiber link.

The invention relates to an apparatus and a method for transmission of data over a network, and from point to point. More particularly, it relates to an apparatus and method for configuring a multi-purpose optical transmitter or transceiver for communication of video, audio, and data signals, each with differing protocols, on a fiber optic network capable of utilizing a single optical fiber to communicate any of the differing types of signals and protocols associated with it. Further, a software program is provided to allow users to configure or customize the system using menu-driven graphical interface screens and common configurable components.
With the ever-widening reach of public and private data networks used by the public, and especially by business and government, there continues to be an increase in the flow of electronic data over such networks. Such communications may be from remotely-located differing branches of government offices, or different divisions of a company. Further, such electronic communications may include video, audio or other types of data signals, each with its own communications protocols that must be followed in the transmission and reception of intelligible communications signals.
Additionally, with this rise in electronic traffic between remote locations worldwide, there is an ever-increasing demand for a transmission system that can both transport and accommodate increasing levels of bandwidth consisting of multiple channels of video, audio and/or data over long distances. The optimum solutions for this demand are systems which involve the least number of transmission mediums as possible and that are unaffected by environmental hazards from static and electrical disturbances.
Satellite communications, such as those involving the frequency band of 390 MHz to 2150 MHz (often called the L-band) provide significant bandwidth. Once the L-band signal is received, it is increasingly desirable to use a fiber optic communication network (which provides sufficient bandwidth to accommodate data through-put of the order produced by satellite communications) to transmit that data terrestrially.
In general, fiber optics serve as the best solution to the problem of environmental interference. Transmission of electronic signals for data of all types over fiber optic networks will eliminate EMI radiation, EMI susceptibility and other factors which would otherwise affect copper or other cable. Consequently, this makes fiber the choice for high quality video transmission as well as conventional data transmission.
However, as noted, there are a variety of video, audio and data signals, using protocols specific to the type of signal carried, that a multipurpose fiber optic transmission system may accommodate. Conventionally, for each of these signal types and their respective protocols, a generally unique transmission component is employed to generate the corresponding signal.
Because each user at each transmission and reception site may be employing any or all of the different electronic signals and protocols, it is a complex task to design and manufacture site-specific data transmission systems that will communicate with remote sites and which may be required to accommodate the same or other types of electronic data signals and associated protocols. Such differing types of data stream transmission and reception requirements (even between two remote locations of the same company or government department) can create logistical difficulties. Furthermore, designing a data transmission and reception system which will suit each customer's individualized needs can be complex and time consuming. In the case of satellite-derived transmissions, it may be desirable to transmit the signal across a fiberoptic communications network without changing the corresponding transmission protocol or otherwise changing the signal, together with video, audio or other data.
Currently, such designs may entail computers with multiple types of data transmission cards or components engaged to local and wide area networks. Generally, each type of data will require a corresponding card or component. Of course, each of the differing cards or components may also require software or drivers to allow it to communicate with the controller or computer with which it must send and receive signals according to the proper communications protocol. Further complications arise when signals originate over an Ethernet or satellite network, and must be converted to transmission over a fiber optic network for communication to the remote destination.
Therefore, it can be seen that there is a pressing need for an apparatus, and a corresponding method, that provides a single system to communicate the various data types that might originate in any highly-customized client venue location, and that allows for transmission of those signals to one or more remote locations using a fiber optic network. Such a system should allow for any type of conventionally-employed data protocol to be used by the originator and receiver of the signals, yet still allow the signals to be transmitted over a fiber optic network.
Still further, in a particularly preferred mode of the invention, a configuration of the manufactured system allows for customization by the buyer according to the existing communications streams and protocols being currently used by the buyer. The buyer is able to design a customized component, the component thereby being able to accommodate current communications data streams and protocols and to communicate them to remote locations using a single apparatus providing fiber optic transmission. Such customization, heretofore being hard to achieve if at all, allows users to maintain their current network communications types and protocols, while still being able to take advantage of the benefit of fiber optic network transmission. This eliminates any requirements for the users to upgrade and change all their systems and protocols before taking advantage of the benefit of fiber optic network communications, thereby eliminating the costs and inevitable problems that such an upgrade would entail.
As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception upon which this disclosure is based may readily be utilized as a basis for designing other methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important therefore that the claims be regarded as including equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the scope of the present invention.


A piezoelectrically actuated driving and adjusting apparatus transmits both pure translation movements and rotation movements. The object of the present invention is to provide a piezoelectrically actuated driving and adjusting apparatus having a simple, compact and robust mechanical structure, capable of ensuring long adjustment paths and suitable for various adjustment and drive tasks using the same principle structure. Two parallel stacks of piezoelectric elements are arranged as close as possible to each other. The piezoelectric stacks are supported at first front surfaces on a crossbar by a tiltable coupling. Second front surfaces of the piezoelectric stacks, opposite to the first front surfaces, lie flat on a stiff common member that rigidly interconnects both the piezoelectric stacks. A biasing apparatus is provided to apply a symmetrical, predefinable force on the piezoelectric stacks by acting on the crossbar and the common member. Hinge devices allow opposite groups of components to be deflected, tilted and/or lifted in relation to each other when temporally offset and variable electric voltages are applied to the piezoelectric stacks.

The invention relates to a piezoelectrically actuated drive and adjustment element for transmitting pure translatory movements as well as rotational movements.
Piezoelectric drive and displacement means are known. In its simplest form, a piezoelectric element abuts against a non-displaceable support and pushes against a displaceable element. When an electric voltage is applied across the piezoelectric element it expands, displacing the displaceable element. Such setups are known in a number of varieties and transmit comparatively small variations in length of piezoelectric element by lever arrangements. The variations in length are not greater than 20-30 .mu.m at a maximum permissible excitation voltage even when individual elements are employed to form stacks with an overall height on an order of size of 20 mm. Such arrangements are used as precision drives, for example, in adjustment operations (refer to company brochure of the firm Physik Instruments, Waldbronn, 1994). Such arrangements, particularly when incorporated in devices, are disadvantageous because the piezoelectric element always has to operate against the lever structure and respective reset means and the piezoelectric element itself is subject to length variations due to varying influences of force and temperature. In particular, different thermal coefficients of expansion of the piezoelectric material and the material of a remainder of the device, such as steel, are disadvantageous. To compensate for such effects, the displacement element, when subject to temperature variations, is readjusted or is automatically regulated by means of a sensitive position measuring system which deteriorates displacement ranges available. Such measures also require considerable additional expenditures.
Furthermore, the above arrangements have a low internal rigidity due to the resetting means so that they only work quasi-statically at low response times.
Furthermore, units including piezoelectric elements are known which, by addition of single steps, obtain large displacement ranges (refer to: Muller, F. "Entwicklung eines piezoelektrischen StoBantriebs mit ausgepragter Klemmung", Univ. Diss., Dresden, 1989; Roscher, H. J. "Zur optimalen Gestaltung selbstandiger piezoelektrischen Stellantriebe mit magnetischer Klemmung fur Mikropositioniereinrichtungen". TH Diss. Karl-Marx-Stadt, 1980). In a so-called "inch-worm" device, at least three independently working piezoelectric elements are stacked to form one unit which, depending on the electrical excitation, differently contract or expand so that the unit performs movements or transmits movements to an element to be driven. Apart from a comparatively difficult setup, such units exhibit additional disadvantages. The individual step widths obtainable are comparatively small, about only 20 .mu.m. Furthermore, as concerns temperature variations, such devices do not have inherent compensation means. Although such devices ensure comparatively high clamping forces, a comparatively high operational wear results.
A further known basic modification of driving units which include piezoelectric elements provides the so-called impact drives which are embodied as flexure elements comprising two piezoelectric sheets to which opposite A.C. voltages are applied so that the points of action of these elements perform elliptic movements which act upon a drive means to initiate, for example, rotational movements of the latter. Particularly, when a plurality of such elements are employed, surprisingly high rotational speeds are obtained in some cases, however, only low rotational moments and forces, respectively, can be transmitted. Apart from low resonant frequencies, these elements also show a high wear.
The EP 0 574 945 A1 publication discloses a device for actuating a valve element which obviates the abovementioned problem of self-compensation for temperature variations by employing two piezoelectric stacks, each of which operates an actuation lever of a valve. This arrangement produces tilting movements and/or lifts on both arms connected to the stacks via respective fulcrums. In operation, the piezoelectric stack elements substantially perform free movements wherein rotational and tilting movements superimpose. This construction exhibits poor rigidity with respect to external forces and requires additional supports.

Piezoelectrically actuated driving and adjusting element

marco Systemanalyse und Entwicklung GmbH


An EL driving apparatus is composed of a display portion, a photodiode as changing means for changing a reference voltage for controlling an increased voltage based on ambient brightness and a control portion for controlling the timing of discharging based on the reference voltage. The control portion has a comparator for comparing a specified peak value obtained by reducing the increased voltage generated by voltage increasing means with the reference voltage generated from within. The increased voltage is inputted to the control portion. The increased voltage is reduced to provide a detect voltage that can be inputted to the comparator. The comparator has a positive-phase input terminal for receiving the detect voltage and a negative-phase input terminal for receiving the reference voltage produced at a connection point between a constant current source and a resistor connected in series to each other. The photodiode is connected between the ground and the connection point between the constant current source and the resistor to form a reverse bias.

The present invention relates to electroluminescent driving apparatus and, more particularly, to an electroluminescent driving apparatus capable of controlling the luminance of light emitted from an electroluminescent element based on ambient brightness.
An electroluminescent (hereinafter referred to as EL) element is among conventional elements used in displays of electric-field light-emission type. For example, Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication HEI 8-45661 has disclosed an EL driving apparatus for driving the EL element.
Referring to the drawings, the conventional EL driving apparatus disclosed therein will be described.
FIG. 16 shows a circuit configuration of the conventional EL driving apparatus. As shown in FIG. 16, the EL driving apparatus consists of a display portion 200, a photodetector portion 250, and a control unit 260.
The display portion 200 has: a series circuit composed of a coil 201 and a diode 202 connected in series at a common connection point; a first switch element 203 having a gate connected to the control unit 260, a drain connected to the common connection point, and a source connected to the ground; a power source 204 connected to the terminal of the series circuit closer to the coil 201; a second switch element 205 having a gate connected to the control unit 260, a drain connected to the terminal of the series circuit closer to the diode 202, and a source connected to the ground; and an EL element 206 connected in parallel with the series circuit between the power source 204 and the second switch element 205.
The photodetector portion 250 has: a photodiode 251 as a photodetector element for sensing ambient brightness; an operational amplifier 252 for receiving an output signal from the photodiode 252, amplifying the output signal, and outputting the amplified signal; an A/D converter 253 for receiving the amplified signal, converting the amplified signal to a digital signal, and outputting the digital signal; first and second resistors 254 and 255 connected in series at a common connection point to generate a specified voltage by resistive division; and a third switch 256 having a gate connected to the control unit 260, a drain connected to the terminal of the second resistor 255 on the opposite side of the common connection point, and a source connected to the ground. The terminal of the first resistor 254 on the opposite side of the connection point is connected to the power source 204 of the display portion 200.
The operational amplifier 252 has a positive-phase input terminal connected to the common connection point for the first and second resistors 254 and 255 and to the negative electrode of the photodiode 251 and a negative-phase input terminal connected to the positive electrode of the photodiode 251. The output signal from the operational amplifier 252 is feedbacked thereto via a third resistor 257.
The arrows accompanying the signs of the N-type MOS transistors indicative of the respective switch elements 203, 205, and 256 represent the sources thereof, which similarly applies to the other drawings.
A description will be given to the outline of the operation of the EL driving apparatus thus constituted.
On receiving a pulse signal C1 from the control unit 260, the display portion 200 repeats a sequence of operations of shifting the first switch element 203 from the OFF state to the ON state and returning the first switch element 203 to the OFF state and thereby accumulates charges in the electrode of the EL element 206 closer to the diode 202 by using a counter electromotive force generated at the coil 201, resulting in an increased voltage at the electrode. When the second switch element 205 is in the ON state because of a pulse signal C2 having a period longer than the period of the pulse signal C1 from the control unit 260, the display portion 200 releases the charges accumulated in the electrode of the EL element 206 closer to the diode 202 and thereby causes the EL element 206 to emit light.
The photodiode 251 of the photodetector portion 250 senses ambient brightness and a signal representing the sensed brightness is amplified by the operational amplifier 252 and converted to a digital signal by the A/D converter 253.
The control unit 260 receives the digital signal after conversion and changes the period during which the first switch element 203 is in the ON state based on the digital signal. Specifically, the ON-state period is elongated when the ambient brightness is high to increase the value of the increased voltage applied to the EL element 206 or the ON-state period is shortened when the ambient brightness is low to reduce the value of the increased voltage applied to the EL element 206, whereby the luminance of the EL element 206 is controlled.
If the display portion 200 is provided with a plurality of EL elements 206, however, capacitances vary with the EL elements 206 since the conventional EL driving apparatus controls the luminance of the EL element by changing the frequency of the voltage applied to the EL element 206 based on ambient brightness. This varies voltages applied to the individual EL elements 206 and causes undesired variations in the luminance of the whole display portion 200.
In the case where any of the EL elements 206 is replaced with another or where any of the EL elements 206 is electrically disconnected for some reason or other, the capacitance of the EL element 206 is lost, though it is overwhelmingly larger than the capacitance of each of the transistors composing each of the switch elements. Since capacitance is inversely proportional to voltage, the capacitance of the display portion 200 that has been minimized increases the drain voltage of the transistor to a value exceeding the withstand voltage of the transistor, thus incurring the destruction of the transistor.
In the case where the waveform of the voltage applied to the EL element 206 during discharging has a steep falling-edge portion from the increased voltage to 0 V, if the frequency of the pulse signal C2 for controlling the cycle of charging and discharging is on the order of 400 Hz in the audible range, the steep falling-edge portion gives vibrations to the EL element 206 and causes noise. The suppression of the vibrating sound of the EL element is particularly desired in a mobile communication device such as a portable telephone and other electronic devices, which are seriously affected by noise occurring in service. Therefore, the improvement of the waveform of the voltage applied to the EL element 206 is essential to these devices.

Electroluminescent driving apparatus with photodetector

Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.


An apparatus for facilitating the filling up of a shaft bored into human femoral bone during hip replacement surgery with gelatinous methyl methacrylate bonding cement for receipt of an artificial hip prosthesis so as to maximally prevent loosening of the prosthesis after hardening of the cement consisting of a hollow cylindrically shaped applicator tube, a top end of a hollow first portion thereof which is characterized by the presence of threading threreabouts and a bottom end of which first portion has affixed to it, a top end of a hollow second portion about a centrally located through hole in a base of the first portion with there being affixed to a bottom end of the second portion a circular shaped flexible tip component.

1) Field of the Invention
The instant invention is one of those devices that serves to facilitate the implantation of artificial hip prostheses into the long leg bone of human beings.
Invariably, the primary difficulty with total hip joint replacement procedures as currently performed by orthopaedic surgeons is the tendency of such devices once implanted in human bone to loosen in-situ with the passage of time. For patients who are confronted with such a phenomenon, the choice is simple though unpalatable, namely corrective surgery to be performed in order to alleviate the perambulatory and other problems such as pain and/or discomfort that result from such loosening. It has been demonstrated through studies that there is as much as a 40% loosening rate with respect to such devices per roughly ten year terms of implantation. For reasons that will soon be articulated in more detail, the instant invention serves to markedly militate against such loosening thereby alleviating the eventual need on the part of such patients for such corrective surgery.
Currently, when artificial hip prostheses are implanted into the femoral bones of patients, methyl methacrylate is utilized as a bonding agent in order to bond to the prostheses and at the same time to bond to the bone being implanted to thereby hold the prostheses to such bone. The bonding agent functions to accomplish fixation by way of adherence to an implanted prosthesis and by way of penetration of the interstitial cavitations within such bone structure while in a semi-liquid or gelatinous state such that when it hardens or cures, there is then a basis for such prosthesis fixation to such bone. Briefly stated, the femoral head and top portion of a patient's' femoral bone are surgically excised away from the bone. Then a canal or shaft is bored into the bone, then the canal or shaft is filled with gelatinous methyl methacrylate, then a hip prosthesis with an artificial femoral head of its own is pressed down into the cement filled canal or shaft and found to be relatively firmly in place once said cement hardens. The cement itself is delivered into the shaft under pressure by way of syringe-like gun screwed at its base into a rigid hollow applicator tube. Once the shaft is filled with cement, a spongy tarp is placed over the filled shaft and pressure is applied down on the tarp by the surgeon in an attempt to pack the cement tightly into the shaft and hopefully ultimately into the many small interstitial cavitations lining the boundaries of the shaft.
The primary problem with respect to such loosening as referred to above lies in the bond of cement to bone by way of such cement eventually weakening with the passage of time. The integrity of such bonding is subject to the inevitability of bone growth dynamics. Bone is a living tissue and hence changes its size and shape over time thus actuating the possibility of loosening at the interstitial cavitations into which such cement would have originally been placed change in respect of size and shape. Certain steps have been incorporated into a generally accepted hip replacement surgical protocol in order to combat such a problem. One such step has been the one whereby such cement in its gelatinous state is centrifuged prior to application in order to berid the cement to the greatest possible extent of air vacuoles within it that themselves operate to compromise to no small extent the integrity of the initial bond of such cement to the bone formed by way of such cement's filling of such interstitial cavitations within such bone upon application as such. Moreover, a restrictor cap is placed at the bottom of the shaft prior to filling the shaft in order to prevent the cement from seeping into distal part of the femur at the base of the shaft. Finally tamping down on the bonding cement, as noted above, with a spongy tarp once the shaft is completely filled is yet another precaution taken to hopefully alleviate potential loosening. However, as will be noted with an eye toward the foregoing, notwithstanding such advances in respect of surgical protocol, as matters currently stand in respect of the art of inserting such prostheses into bone, except as respects the success in such regard enjoyed by your inventor with resort to the utilization of his Biomedical Cement Bonding Enhancer as otherwise taught in U.S. Pat. No. 5,468,245 entitled, A Biomedical Cement Bonding Enhancer, no effort in view of the same is now able to be made to markedly minimize such loosening by way of isolating the injected gelatinous cement from air and an inexorable creation of porosity by such air within such cement that adversely affects bonding at the boundaries of the shaft and indeed even within the cement itself in terms of its relative density, also a factor in respect of such loosening until, at last, at least, the above-mentioned spongy tarp is applied.
The instant applicator tube on the other hand, embodies a markedly revolutionary departure from the foregoing art and for reasons that will now be set forth, is indeed, respectfully submitted, new, unique and unquestionably useful. Once a femoral shaft has been bored and a syringe unit is attached to the instant applicator tub after having been filled with gelatinous cement, the instant applicator tube is then inserted into the shaft to a distance of two centimeters or so above a previously inserted resistor cap. The cement is then introduced into the shaft out of the lower end of the instant applicator tube below the level of the circular tip component portion of the instant applicator tube. Such an undertaking causes such injected cement, previously rendered relatively free of air vacuoles and now exposed to virtually no air, to ooze under pressure laterally, much deeper than would have previously been the case with regards to the protocol previously outlined, into the interstitial cavitations within such bone located at the lateral inner boundary of the shaft. Such deeper oozing actuates the potential for much more dependable bonding upon hardening notwithstanding bone growth dynamics over time. Injection into the closed space within the shaft just below the base of the circular shaped flexible tip component of the instant invention to the extent that such tip causes much greater penetration of the interstitial cavitations and hence much greater bone-cement bonding, due to the great increase in local pressure caused by the creation of such a closed space by and in view of the presence of the tip. Greater intra-cement bonding and concomitantly enhanced density absent the potential for the erstwhile creation of air vacuoles, within the cement itself will, once again, be found as well. This much more effective bonding greatly minimizes to a marked degree any potential propensity for eventual loosening. Withdrawal back another two centimeters in distance is followed by more cement being injected into a new enclosed space between the base of the tip and the top surface of the just previously injected cement, and the process is repeated until at last the shaft is filled as tightly as possible with such now relatively air tight gelatinous cement. The applicator tube is removed from the shaft, the spongy tarp is applied to the top layer of the cement, the prosthesis is then firmly inserted into the cement filled shaft and the cement is left to harden thereby resulting in the very firm positioning of a prosthesis so anchored to bone as to most likely markedly minimize any potential propensity for eventual prosthesis loosening.
The means by which the instant device functions so effectively in respect of the foregoing lies in the fact that the circular shaped flexible tip component of the instant applicator tube upon insertion of the tube affixed to the end of a syringe creates a tightly closed shaft space into which cement can be introduced. The tip at its edging adheres firmly to the walling of the shaft thereby creating a succession of airtight subspaces all the while the cement is being injected after successive withdrawals up the shaft. The advantage of the instant invention over the above-mentioned Biomedical Cement Bonding Enhancer, lies in its relative simplicity and concomitantly lower cost of manufacture.
2) Prior Art
Your inventor is not aware of any prior art that anticipates the claims contemplated by the instant invention.

Biomedical cement bonding enhancement tube


A shoe cleat comprises a fan-like array of dynamic traction elements that, under the weight of a wearer of a shoe, resiliently deflect toward the cleat hub and are compressed against an adjacent traction element and/or the hub to trap interposed grass blades.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention pertains generally to cleats for use with athletic shoes worn on turf and other surfaces. In particular, the present invention pertains to improvements in the golf cleat disclosed in my prior U.S. Pat. No. 6,023,860 (referred to herein as "my '860 patent").
2. Discussion of the Related Art
In my aforesaid '860 patent there is disclosed a removable cleat for use with an athletic shoe for providing traction to a user on a turf surface without damaging the turf surface, and also providing traction on hard surfaces, carpeting and other flooring without damaging that flooring. That removable cleat comprises a hub having a first or upper side facing the shoe sole and a second or bottom side facing away from the shoe sole. A hub attachment means extends from the first side for attaching the hub to one of the plural attachment means located on or in the shoe sole. Plural traction elements extend outward and downward in cantilevered fashion from the hub periphery, each traction element having a turf-engaging portion projecting away from the bottom side of the hub for engagement with turf blades to provide traction without puncturing turf. The traction element is resiliently deflectably attached to the hub so that the turf-engaging portion deflects upward toward the shoe sole at a location beyond the hub periphery when it encounters a hard surface under load, thereby minimizing wear of the turf-engaging portion of the traction element by the hard surface. The relatively broad and substantially flat outward surface of the traction element tends to trap grass blades against the sole of the shoe to enhance traction. Although effective to provide traction, the spreading out of the traction elements results in a relatively large area of the shoe sole being dedicated to a single cleat. In addition, the spreading action places the traction element under tension which limits the life of the element since the tension forces tend to try to tear the element at its root.
Thus, where the traction elements of the cleat of my aforesaid '860 patent spread open under load, beyond the hub periphery, the traction elements of the present invention close or fold over onto or toward one another in gripping grass blades between them, or against the hub, to effect the desired traction. In addition, the traction elements of the present invention are compressed under load, rather than being placed under tension, thereby minimizing the tendency of the element to rip or tear during use.

Footwear cleat with blade-like traction elements


An antenna apparatus for determining the position of a radio-frequency transponder is provided, comprising a phased array of antennas enabled to transmit and receive power at a given frequency for communicating with a radio frequency (RF) transponder, the phased array being movable; and a phase shifter for providing a phase shift to at least one antenna of the phased array to provide a minima in a main radiated lobe of the phased array, such that when the phased array is moved from a first position, for detecting the RF transponder via the main radiated lobe, to a second position, where a signal from the RF transponder is minimized, a position of the RF transponder determined to be along an axis of the minima in the second position.

Information from radio-frequency (RF) transponders, such as RFID tags, are detected and read using antennas. However, antenna radiation patterns tend to be uniform such that the position of detected RF transponders is ambiguous. For example, RFID detectors simply read any RFID tags within a given range, but there is no directivity information, because the antenna radiated pattern of an RFID detector is large. Hence, for example, when an RFID detector detects an RFID tag, there is no information provided on where the RFID tag might be located. Hence, in warehousing situations for example, an operator trying to locate a given RFID tag (e.g. attached to a pallet), currently is provided with no indication as to where the given RFID might be located, which is highly inconvenient when trying to locate items.

Antenna apparatus for determining the position of a radio-frequency transponder


A valve assembly having a position control characteristic that is represented by an N-th order polynomial equation includes a valve housing a valve element, and a valve characterization circuit. The valve housing has at least a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, and a flow passage between the fluid inlet and fluid outlet. The valve element is mounted on the valve housing, is disposed at least partially within the valve housing flow passage, and is movable between a closed position and an open position. The valve characteristic circuit is mounted on the valve housing, and includes a plurality of resistors. Each resistor has a resistance value representative of at least one digit in the N-th order polynomial equation.

Typical gas turbine engine fuel supply systems include a fuel source, such as a fuel tank, one or more pumps, and a main fuel supply line. The pumps draw fuel from the tank and deliver pressurized fuel to the fuel manifolds in the engine combustor via the main supply line. The main supply line may include one or more valves in flow series between the pumps and the fuel manifolds. These valves generally include at least a fuel metering valve and a pressurizing-and-shutoff valve downstream of the main metering valve. In addition to the main supply line, many fuel supply systems also include a bypass flow line connected upstream of the fuel metering valve that bypasses a portion of the fuel flowing in the main supply line back to the inlet of the one or more pumps, via a bypass valve. The position of the bypass valve, if included, may be controlled to maintain a substantially fixed differential pressure across the fuel metering valve.
A redundant channel engine controller such as, for example, a Full Authority Digital Engine Controller (FADEC), controls the operation of the engine and the fuel supply system. In particular, each of the redundant channels in the engine controller receives input parameters from the engine and aircraft and a thrust setting from the pilot. In response to these inputs, the engine controller modulates the position of at least the fuel metering valve to control the fuel flow rate to the engine fuel manifolds to maintain the desired thrust. In many instances, the position of the fuel metering valve, and thus fuel flow, is controlled based on a nominal fuel flow calibration curve that may be built into, or programmed into, the engine controller.
Although the above-described system and method for controlling fuel flow is generally safe, reliable, and robust, it does suffer certain drawbacks. For example, the fuel metering accuracy is presently limited to the mechanical tolerances of the fuel metering valves. Although accuracy could be enhanced by storing individual fuel metering valve fuel control calibration data directly on the fuel metering valves it is presently not possible to do so using a conventional electronic storage device, such as an EEPROM. This is because the fuel metering valve typically reaches temperatures during engine operations that are too high for such conventional electronic storage devices to operate.
Hence, there is a need for a circuit and method of increasing the fuel metering accuracy of gas turbine engine fuel metering valves, as well as the position control accuracy of various other valves, without further reliance on mechanical tolerances and by using calibration data that is stored on the valve. The present invention addresses at least these needs.

Enhanced accuracy fuel metering system and method


A thin film transistor (TFT) includes an N-type oxide semiconductor layer on a substrate, a gate electrode spaced apart from the N-type oxide semiconductor layer by a gate dielectric layer, a source electrode contacting a first portion of the N-type oxide semiconductor layer, and a drain electrode contacting a second portion of the N-type oxide semiconductor layer. The first and second portions each have a doped region containing ions of at least one Group 1 element, and the ions of the at least one Group 1 element in the doped region may have a work function that is less than that of an N-type oxide semiconductor material included in the semiconductor layer.

1. Field of the Invention
Embodiments relate to a thin film transistor, a light emitting display device having the same and associated methods.
2. Description of the Related Art
A semiconductor layer using amorphous silicon or polysilicon has recently been developed for use in a thin film transistor (TFT) for light emitting display devices such as organic light emitting display devices, which use organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs) to emit light.
When the semiconductor layer is formed of amorphous silicon, the semiconductor layer may exhibit low mobility, and it may be difficult to use such a low mobility layer as a drive circuit of a display panel that requires a fast response time. Polysilicon may provide high mobility, but the threshold voltage of the TFT may not be uniform. Additionally, leakage current may occur in the amorphous silicon or polysilicon semiconductor layer when it is irradiated by light, e.g., light from a backlight unit.
A zinc oxide (ZnO)-based semiconductor may exhibit a band gap of 3.4 eV, which is higher than the light energy in a visible light region. Accordingly, a ZnO-based semiconductor may exhibit little or no leakage current resulting from visible light absorption. However, contact resistance (Rc) may be increased when using such a semiconductor, since a Schottky barrier may be formed due to differences in work function between the ZnO-based semiconductor and a material used to form source and drain electrodes in contact therewith. Accordingly, there is a need for a TFT in which a contact resistance between a ZnO-based semiconductor and a source/drain electrode material is reduced.

Thin film transistor, light-emitting display device having the same and associated methods


A suspension ECU 13 calculates a target characteristic changing coefficient a_new for changing a target characteristic, which is represented by a quadratic function, by use of the maximum actual roll angle Φ_max generated in a vehicle body during the current turning state and a turning pitch angle Θ_fy_max which is a fraction of an actual pitch angle Θ generated as a result of turning, and changes the target characteristic by use of the coefficient a_new. Subsequently, the suspension ECU 13 calculates the difference ΔΘ between the actual pitch angle Θ and a target pitch angle Θh corresponding to the actual roll angle Φ on the basis of the changed target characteristic, and calculates a total demanded damping force F to be cooperatively generated by the shock absorbers so as to reduce the difference ΔΘ to zero. Furthermore, in proportion to the magnitude of a lateral acceleration Gl, the suspension ECU 13 distributes the total demanded damping force F into a demanded damping force Fi on the turning-locus inner side and a demanded damping force Fo on the turning-locus outer side.

Conventionally, there have been actively proposed apparatuses and methods for changing and controlling damping forces of shock absorbers disposed between a vehicle body and wheels. For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open (kokai) No. 2007-8373 discloses a suspension characteristic computation method which provides a guideline for designing suspensions in consideration of a correlation between roll and pitch generated in the vehicle body. In this suspension characteristic computation method, a vertical force on a front-wheel side is computed from the product of a geometry proportionality coefficient on the front-wheel side and the square of a tire lateral force, and a vertical force on a rear-wheel side is computed from the product of a geometry proportionality coefficient on the rear-wheel side and the square of a tire lateral force. The sum of the two vertical forces is computed as a pitch moment attributable to the geometry of suspensions. Meanwhile, a pitch moment attributable to damping forces of the suspensions is computed from the product of a damping force proportionality coefficient and a roll rate. Subsequently, a pitch angle is computed from the product of the sum of the computed two pitch moments and the gain and phase delay of the pitch angle in relation to the pitch moment. The phase difference between the pitch angle and the roll angle is then computed from the computed pitch angle.
In the case where suspensions are designed in accordance with such a suspension characteristic computation method, timings at which a roll and a pitch are generated, respectively, can be synchronized, by means of, for example, properly setting an extension difference or a contraction difference between shock absorbers provided on the front-wheel side and those provided on the rear-wheel side. As a result, maneuvering stability can be improved.
Further, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open (kokai) No. H6-99714 discloses a vehicular suspension apparatus which can perform active roll suppression control in accordance with the roll direction of the vehicle body by use of only a steering sensor. In this vehicular suspension apparatus, when a steering angle detected by a steering sensor exceeds a predetermined neutral threshold value, the control state of shock absorbers is switched to a roll control state in which left and right shock absorbers are controlled to produce larger damping forces in the expansion or contraction direction in accordance with the roll direction of the vehicle body determined from the sign of a steering angular speed. Subsequently, when the sign of the steering angular speed is reversed due to reverse steering, the left and right shock absorbers are controlled such that the shock absorbers produce larger damping forces in directions opposite the directions in which they have produced larger damping forces in the above-described roll control state.
Furthermore, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open (kokai) No. H6-48147 discloses a vehicular suspension apparatus which suppresses rolling due to abrupt steering and prevents riding quality from deteriorating at the time of steering. In this vehicular suspension apparatus, a control signal is calculated from a bounce rate based on sprung-portion ascending/descending speed, a pitch rate detected from a difference in sprung-portion ascending/descending speed between the front and rear sides of the vehicle body, and a roll rate detected from a difference in sprung-portion ascending/descending speed between the left and right sides of the vehicle body. When the control signal is equal to or greater than a predetermined large threshold, the damping forces of shock absorbers on the expansion side (on the side toward a steering direction) are increased, and the damping forces of shock absorbers on the contraction side (on the side opposite the steering direction) are decreased. When the control signal is equal to or less than a predetermined small threshold, the damping forces of shock absorbers on the expansion side are decreased, and the damping forces of shock absorbers on the contraction side are increased.
Furthermore, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open (kokai) No. H11-245641 discloses a roll control apparatus for a vehicle which prevents riding quality from deteriorating during high speed turning because of roll control. This roll control apparatus detects a lateral gravitational acceleration which acts on the vehicle during traveling, and switches and controls shock absorbers to produce damping forces in a direction for suppressing rolling of the vehicle, when the lateral gravitational acceleration exceeds a previously set threshold value.


A mass filter apparatus for filtering a beam of ions is described. The apparatus comprises an ion beam source and first and second mass filter stages in series to receive the ion beam. A vacuum system maintains the first and second filter stages at substantially the same operating pressure, below 10−3 torr. The first mass filter stage transmits only ions having a sub-range of mass-to-charge ratios including a selected mass-to-charge ratio. The second filter transmits only ions of the selected mass-to-charge ratio.

Quadrupole, or multipole mass filters are known in the mass spectroscopy art and operate to transmit ions having a mass/charge ratio which lie within a stable operating region. The size of the stable operating region is governed by the geometry of quadrupole rods, and the magnitudes of DC and RF voltages (including the RF voltage's frequency) applied to the rods, amongst other factors. Thus, the transmitted ions can have a range of mass/charge ratios depending on the size of the stable operating region. The transmission characteristics of the filter, and hence the range of mass/charge ratios within the transmitted, or filtered ion beam, can be reduced by reducing the stable operating region's size. Rejected ions are not transmitted to the spectrometer's output or detector.
A substantial proportion of the rejected ions strike the quadrupole rods sputtering material from, and/or depositing dielectric material onto the rods. A large amount of deposition can occur over time, particularly when a spectrometer is used to analyse masses of particles within relatively intense ion beams. Deposited material can result in areas of the rod's surface becoming partially or completely insulating, or having a different electrical work function. Thus, the material deposited on the rods affects the characteristics of the electric field associated with the voltages applied to the rods. Ultimately, the deposited material changes the electric field strength near the surface of the rods.
A further problem, known as the space charge effect, occurs when analysing relatively intense ion beams. As the intense ion beam enters the quadrupole mass filter the electric field associated with the voltages applied to the quadrupole rods is distorted. This distortion of the field is due to the presence of the charged particles in the ion beam. The electric field distortions occur in the vicinity of the ions in the beam.
Quadrupole mass filters are seriously affected by these problems, particularly when a spectrometer comprising such filters operates at a high mass resolution. Very onerous demands on the precision with which the electric field is maintained are required for high resolution mass spectrometry. Furthermore, at high resolving powers, the stable trajectories of ions through the filter pass very close to the rods for relatively long distances in the filter. Therefore, the trajectories pass very close to the deposited dielectric material, and hence within a region of the electric field suffering from distortions.
Also, the resolving power of a spectrometer is approximately proportional to the square of time spent in the filter by the ions. Thus, a desired resolution may only be achieved if the ions spend sufficient time in the filter; the longer the ions spend in the filter, the greater the resolution obtained. It is usual to decelerate the ions to very low energies (typically 2 ev) to maximise time spent in the filter, and hence increase resolving power of the spectrometer. The space charge effect is high for such a slow ion beam, and this exacerbates the problems associated with distorted electrical fields caused by the space charge effect. Thus, presently there is a compromise between the space charge effect, ion beam energy and spectrometer mass resolution.
A mass filter having a distorted electric field caused by the problems described above can have a considerably reduced mass resolving power or transmission. In the worst case, the spectrometer is rendered useless. The problems are exacerbated over time as more dielectric material is deposited on the rods. The accumulation of material tends to be uneven with more material deposited close to the entrance of the filter since most ions are rejected on entry into the filter. When the spectrometer's performance falls below a tolerable level it is necessary to replace or refurbish the mass filter at considerable cost.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,129,327 discloses auxiliary electrode rods which are driven only by AC voltages to improve transmission into a second set of rods which act as a mass filter; the auxiliary electrodes act as an ion guide.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,963,736 discloses a rod set operating with substantially no DC voltage and at an elevated pressure. Thus, the filter act as a pressurised ion guide which has high transmission properties due to collision focussing.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,140,638 discloses a mass filter comprising a first filter operating as a collision/reaction cell and at an elevated gas pressure with respect to a second filter. The apparatus disclosed aims to reduce isobaric interferences by transmitting ions through a collision cell to reject intermediate ions which would otherwise cause isobaric interferences.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,340,814 discloses a spectrometer comprising two filters operating with similar mass resolution to improve the resolution of the whole device. When the two filters are coupled to one another, a higher resolution is achieved compared to the resolving power of each filter separately.
EP1114437 discloses a method and apparatus for removing ions from an ion beam to reduce the gas load on the collision cell which serves to minimise the formation, or reformation, of unwanted artefact ions in the collision cell.
None of these systems propose a solution to the problems described above.

Mass spectrometer and mass filters therefor

Abstract: The second mass filter can achieve high accuracy detection without being subjected to problems such as build-up of material on quadrupole rods, resulting in a distorted electric field close to the rods. The first mass filter acts as a coarse filter, typically transmitting 1% of ions received from the ion source. Thus, the detection accuracy and lifetime of mass spectrometers embodying this invention are greatly improved.


An integrated fluorescence detector for detecting fluorescent particles is described. An example integrated fluorescence detector comprises a substrate, the substrate comprising an integrated detection element for detecting fluorescence radiation from fluorescent particles upon excitation of the particles with incident excitation radiation. The integrated fluorescence detector also comprises a sensing layer adapted for accommodating fluorescent particles to be sensed. The integrated fluorescence detector further comprises a photonics crystal layer arranged in between the sensing layer and the substrate, the photonics crystal layer comprising an absorption material designed such that the photonics crystal layer is configured for diffracting incident excitation radiation into a lateral direction in which the photonics crystal layer extends for incident excitation radiation having a wavelength within at least 10 nm of the predetermined excitation wavelength.

Fluorescence is a wide-spread technique in biology to investigate several problems, ranging from cellular and in vivo imaging to molecular diagnostics. The technique is based on labelling particles of interest with fluorophores and on detecting the labelled particles by irradiating them with an excitation source and detecting the fluorescent emission. In molecular diagnostics, fluorescence is often used to determine the concentration of an analyte, i.e., the particles of interest. Although this is a very sensitive technique, it usually requires expensive and bulky free-space optics.
Several efforts have been made to miniaturize fluorescence detection setups. Miniaturisation has been obtained by integrating the detector into the sensing element. Fluorescence is generated by optical excitation of fluorescent particles that typically are immobilized on the surface of the sensing element. The subsequent emission of fluorescence by these particles is then detected by a detector integrated in the sensing element. In order to efficiently excite the fluorescent particles, this involves typically a strong radiation source (usually a laser source), that has a shorter wavelength than the wavelength of the fluorescence emission. The optical power in the excitation source is orders of magnitude larger than the emission from the molecules. Therefore, the excitation wavelength has to be strongly rejected, in order not to obscure the emitted radiation or even in order not to prevent detection from being possible, e.g. through saturation of the detector.
In existing, free-space, fluorescence setups, this is accomplished by making use of free-space optical elements such as a dichroic mirror and interference filters. Such elements are readily available and have proven efficiency. Nevertheless, when the detector is integrated in the sensing element, such filters need to be integrated in the device. For an integrated solution, such a filter needs to be introduced between the sensor surface, where the fluorescence particles are immobilized and excited, and the detector where the fluorescence detection needs to be detected. For very low emission detection, e.g., for the detection of very low concentrations, the rejection has to be very strong. Rejection ratios of 6 to 8 orders of magnitude, thus corresponding with optical density OD6-OD8, may be required, which sets very large constraints on the excitation radiation filter.
Some solutions have already been investigated. In one solution, interference filters were used as rejection filter for rejecting excitation radiation from the detector. Nevertheless, for reaching rejection ratios in the order of OD6 to OD8 rejection, the amount of layers in the interference filter need to be high and the thicknesses of the layers to be used is very small. Manufacturing of such interference filters is typically e complex and/or time consuming.
Another solution is the use of absorption based filters. Nevertheless, such filters typically suffer from heat generation in the filter, which may result in deterioration of the rejection properties as well as on the overall sensing quality of the sensor. Furthermore, it may be difficult to find an appropriate absorption material that absorbs at the proper excitation wavelength and that is transparent for the emission of the fluorescence particles of the most commonly used dyes.

Katholicke Universiteit Leuven, KU LEUVEN R&D


A form for creating a pattern in uncured concrete during a vertical column casting process includes an end wall and at least one side wall, extending from an edge of the end wall with the side wall and end wall cooperatively defining a corner therebetween. A pliable liner is attached to the end wall and the side wall and operably joins the side wall to the edge of the end wall to define a mold cavity. At least one patterned surface is formed on or in the pliable liner and is operable to form a corresponding pattern into concrete disposed in an uncured form in the old cavity. A notch is formed in the pliable liner and extends along the corner and forms a pivotable joint between the end wall and the side wall to facilitate removal of the form device from about the concrete after the concrete has at least partially cured.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to a system for vertically forming concrete columns for use in erecting concrete fences, walls and related structure.
2. Related Art
Vertically oriented concrete walls have been used for many years in applications including highway, residential and commercial enclosures. Concrete panels and columns are often poured and cured in a central manufacturing area and shipped fully formed and cured to a job site, where the panels and columns can be assembled into a fence or similar structure. It is often desirable to apply a textured, decorative finish to the concrete panels and columns to enhance the appearance of the fence. Decorative finishes such as pseudo-brick finishes, pseudo-rock wall finishes, etc., give the concrete panels and columns a more aesthetically pleasing appearance, and in some cases, such as in sound wall applications, can increase the effectiveness of the concrete wall or fence.
Due to the difficulties inherent in horizontally forming concrete columns from uncured concrete, conventional column casting processes generally utilize a vertical mold system into which uncured concrete is poured to form concrete columns which will later be used to erect a concrete wall or fence. Such vertical mold systems generally include a plurality of panels that are assembled into a substantially rectangular form to receive the uncured concrete. Panels used in such a manner often include a decorative pattern applied thereto, which forms a corresponding or inverse decorative pattern in the concrete column poured within the panels. Due to the significant weight of the uncured concrete disposed within the column mold system, and the fact that uncured concrete tends to flow through any cracks or holes in a form system, assembling a vertical column mold system that is capable of forming structurally sound, aesthetically pleasing columns has proved difficult.
For example, attempts have been made to secure individual form panels (or sheets of material) into a rectangular form structure by securing, by either internal or external means, the panels at 90° to one another to form 90° corners of the mold. However, such attempts have often resulted in uncured concrete seeping or flowing at least partially between the areas where the panels meet. The concrete that seeps or flows through the cracks must, after curing, be ground, chipped or otherwise removed from the cured concrete column. To address this problem, attempts have been made to create a form with two or more panels rigidly coupled together into a 90° angle to prevent uncured concrete from seeping or flowing out of the corner structure of the mold.
While such attempts have at least partially addressed the problem of seepage of uncured concrete from forms during the casting process, this solution has resulted in further problems. For example, after the concrete has cured, the "corner" mold structure must be pulled from the column without damaging either the cured concrete or the corner mold structure. That is, once the concrete has cured, the panels coupled into a 90° angle must be forcibly spread apart or expanded to an angle greater than 90° before the panels can be removed. This problem is exacerbated when attempts have been made to couple two "corner" panels into one U-shape mold form. In this scenario, each of the two arms of the U-shaped mold must be peeled away from the cured concrete, which results in great stress being applied to the components of the U-shaped mold.
These problems are made worse when a decorative pattern is formed on the concrete column that was formed, as the concrete generally cures within the indentations of the decorative pattern, and the corner panel structure must be "spread" to an even greater degree to remove the corner panel structure from the cured column. While it may be possible to spread corner panel structures one or two times to reuse the corner panels, repeated cycling of the corner panel structure can result in the panel structure becoming unusable after time. As the cost to prepare typically polymer-lined forms for this purpose can be relatively expensive, frequently replacing form panels due to premature failure can significantly increase the costs associated with forming the concrete columns.

Vertical concrete column form and method of forming same