The present invention provides a reel having an engaging portion that can engage accurately with a braking member. A reel 30 has: a hub 32, an extending portion 36 being formed at a peripheral edge of a lower end portion of the hub 32; an upper flange 38 provided integrally at a peripheral edge of an upper end portion of the hub 32 so as to extend outward; and a lower flange 40 having a floor wall 42 to which a reel plate 46 is fixed, the lower flange 40 being welded to the extending portion 36 of the hub 32. In this reel 30, an engaging portion 48 is formed at the lower flange 40, the engaging portion 48 engaging with a braking member 60 that is held so as to be unable to rotate at the case 12 at times of non-use.

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to a reel on which is wound a recording tape, such as a magnetic tape or the like, which is used as a recording/playback medium mainly of computers or the like.
2. Related Art
There have conventionally been known recording tape cartridges in which a recording tape, such as a magnetic tape or the like which is used as a data recording/playback medium (for data backup) of computers or the like, is wound on a reel formed of a synthetic resin, and the reel is singly accommodated within a case. Such a recording tape cartridge is provided with a braking member so that, when the recording tape cartridge is not in use (is not loaded in a drive device), the reel does not rotate inadvertently.
As a braking member provided at a recording tape cartridge, there is known, for example, a structure which is provided within the hub of a reel and cannot rotate relative to a case, and impedes inadvertent rotation of the reel by meshing with an engaging gear formed at the floor wall of the hub (see, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open (JP-A) No. 2001-118358). Accordingly, a certain level of accuracy is required in order for the braking member to be able to reliably mesh (engage) with the engaging gear (engaging portion).


A simple tibial distraction device includes a simple height-adjustable limb support triangle for positioning a patient's knee during surgery. The triangle includes a slidable support plate for carrying a Steinman pin, as well as a foot support strap to apply traction to the patient's lower leg and/or ankle.

The invention relates to apparatus for positioning a patient's limb for lower extremity surgery and the like.
A limb holding apparatus that mounts to an operating table for distracting the ankle of a patient for surgery and like procedures is found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,025,802 entitled "Surgical Holding Apparatus of Distracting Ankle" and U.S. Pat. No. 5,290,220 entitled "Non-Invasive Distraction System for Ankle Arthroscopy".
A system and related method for ankle arthroscopy distraction is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,063,918 entitled "Multi-Mode Distraction for Ankle Arthroscopy".
Simple multi-functional Knee Positioning Triangles for supporting limbs for lower extremity surgery are obtainable from Innovative Medical Products, inc., Plainville, Conn.
Accordingly, it would be ergonomically advantageous to provide such knee positioning triangles with sufficient functionality to allow lower extremity surgery with the ability to apply traction to the ankle and without having to attach such triangles to the operating table, as here before required with the above-identified prior art.
One purpose of the invention is to describe an adjustable knee-positioning triangle having sufficient functionality to allow tibial and ankle surgery without requiring any such attachment to the operating table and be radiolucent while distracting from the ankle.


An apparatus for reducing the intensity and frequency of arcing in a reactive DC sputtering process when the process uses an arc-suppression system which interrupts or reverses the voltage applied to the sputtering target. A plasma having required properties is introduced into the vicinity of the sputtering target by means of a separate plasma applicator which operates independently of the target.

The importance of incorporating the most effective arc suppression system into a reactive DC sputtering process stems from the fact that the conditions which cause an increase in the rate of formation of a film, increased power and increased flow of reactive gas into the chamber, are the same as those which increase the severity of arcing. Since the presence of arcing severely degrades any sputtering process, there is a maximum rate of film production that can be achieved at a given level of quality using an arc suppression system having a given effectiveness. An improvement in the arc suppression system therefore results in an increased production rate of a process, with resulting economic benefits.
An arc may take the form of an electrical discharge between the target, which is the cathode of the DC power supply, and some surrounding grounded conductor; for example, the conducting shield that is often located around the perimeter of the target. It may also be a so-called "unipolar" arc in which a discharge from the target to the plasma takes place. Once an arc is formed, it dissipates energy stored in the power supply as well as in the plasma.
It is necessary to control both the frequency and the energy of the arcs that appear during a sputtering process. Methods for doing this which are part of the prior art have involved refinements to the sputtering power supply. The present invention further enhances the arc-suppression performance of the power supply refinements, as will be made clear by the following discussion.
Prior art arc suppression systems may be grouped into those which employ some form of power supply interruption, in which the power supply is shut off for a period of time, or voltage reversal, in which the polarity of the power supply voltage (at reduced magnitude) is changed for a period of time. They may be further divided into groups which cause a periodically occurring interruption or reversal of fixed duration, and those which bring about the reversal or interruption only after the beginning of an arc has been detected.
Early sputtering power supplies were non-periodic voltage interruption devices which used an arc sensor built into the power supply. The power supply was designed to shut down for a period of time upon receipt of a signal from the sensor. For power supplies operating with standard line power, the time required for shutdown to occur is a few milliseconds, and the amount of energy dissipated in the arc during shutdown is the order of 5 to 10 Joules for a power supply that delivers between 5 and 10 kilowatts of power to the target, an amount of energy that can cause severe spattering of target material. The dissipated energy has been reduced in other supplies by converting the line frequency to a higher frequency and then using this higher frequency power supply as a source for the DC supply. The time required for shutoff as well as the dissipated energy are inversely proportional to the ratio of the new frequency to the former frequency, so that improvement by a factor of more than 250 can be achieved by changing from 60 Hz to 30 KHz. Power supplies that operate on line frequency are known as line supplies while those which use a higher frequency are called switching supplies.
A simple type of non-periodic voltage reversal system is one that has a built-in "ringing" response to a disturbance in its output. Such a system has reactive components which cause the output, when driven toward zero by the sudden current demand of the arc, to overshoot zero volts and become negative for a period of time long enough to suppress the arc.
The next level of advancement in sputtering power supplies was the introduction of periodic voltage reversals into the power supply output during the sputtering process. During the recurring period of reversal time, the conditions which cause arc formation are suppressed as follows. When sputtering is underway, the target is charged negatively, so that positive ions are attracted to it, causing the desired sputtering. The flow of ions causes positive charge to be deposited not only on conducting portions of the target but also on certain areas of the target that are covered by an insulating layer of sputtered material. Arcs are initiated by electrical breakdown of this insulating layer. During sputtering, as the outer surface of this layer receives a continual bombardment of positive sputtering gas ions, a buildup of positive charge on this surface occurs. This results in a electric field within the layer that increases with time. When the charge density on the surface becomes great enough to cause a field within the insulating layer that exceeds the electrical breakdown strength of the insulating material, a discharge through the layer occurs. The resulting explosive release of material from the discharge site provides a conducting path for a subsequent arc between the target and a nearby conductor or between the target and the plasma.
When a reversed (positive) voltage is applied to the target, the voltage of the outer surface of the insulator becomes positive with respect to ground, causing electrons to flow from the adjacent plasma to the charged surface. This electron flow neutralizes some of the positive charge so that the field within the insulating layer is reduced. If the period of time of charge buildup is kept short enough to prevent breakdown of the insulator during the sputtering part of the cycle, and if conditions are proper during the period of reversal, the arcing can be greatly curtailed.
A straightforward method for achieving voltage reversal is to superimpose upon the target supply a voltage oscillating at a radio frequency (RF) such as 450 KHz, where the peak-to-peak amplitude of the RF signal is sufficient to cause the voltage on the target to be reversed during part of the positive RF cycle. This method has proven to be effective, but it requires the introduction of high levels of RF power which often is not desirable.
A series of controlled voltage reversal systems for arc suppression has been developed especially for DC reactive sputtering by Advanced Energy Systems of Fort Collins, Colo. They are designed to operate with a switching supply and are identified by the trade name SPARC.TM. or SPARCLE.TM.. These systems, unlike the RF voltage reversal technique do not require that a significant amount of additional power be dissipated in the coating chamber when they are in use.
The SPARC-LE.TM. systems employ a unit which is inserted between the main power supply and the sputtering target. In an externally triggered mode, in which the systems are non-periodic, a sensor located in the additional unit detects the formation of an arc by monitoring the power supply output. When the arc is detected, the current from the main power supply is switched by the new unit into an inductor which has been preloaded with the same current that the power supply had previously been delivering to the target. There is therefore no change in the current demand on the power supply so that disruptive transients on the power supply output are eliminated. At the same time that the power supply current is switched to the inductor, a small positive voltage in the order of 50 Volts, which is generated by the new unit, is switched onto the target and takes the place of the former negative voltage. The reversal of potential combined with the characteristics that have been designed into the SPARC-LE.TM. unit cause the arc to be quenched.
In the self-triggered mode, the above described switching process involving voltage reversals at the sputtering target takes place periodically and does not require that the formation of an arc be sensed. In this mode, the system becomes a periodic reversal system whose principle of operation has been discussed previously; however it incorporates additional refinements. The durations of the periods of negative and positive voltages can be varied to meet the requirements of a particular process. Typically, the cathode is biased at its high negative operating voltage for 45 microseconds and at a low positive voltage for 5 microseconds, so that the process repeats every 50 microseconds. The period of time over which the negative voltage is applied is chosen to be short enough to prevent areas of the target which are covered by insulator from acquiring enough charge to cause breakdown. Therefore arcing is averted. During the voltage reversal, the charged areas are discharged by electrons in the plasma surrounding the target. If conditions are sufficiently benign, the discharge is complete and the cycle continues indefinitely with potential arc sites being alternately charged and discharged without acquiring enough charge to cause an arc.
The SPARC-LE.TM. systems can operate in a self triggered mode and an externally triggered mode simultaneously. During such operation they provide the aforementioned periodic waveform to the sputtering target while monitoring the power supply output to detect the beginning of an arc during the period of negative voltage. If an arc is detected, voltage reversal is instituted and the system behaves as previously described for the externally triggered mode. After the arc is quenched, periodic behavior resumes. By the action described, the SPARC-LE.TM. system greatly reduces the frequency of arcing in many sputtering processes.
Any voltage interruption or reversal arc suppression system utilizes the principle that when the target voltage is reversed (i.e. made positive) or caused to become zero, the plasma adjacent to the target in the sputtering chamber must deposit a negative charge on each potential arc site, which charge at least partially neutralizes the positive charge that was deposited by the ions left during the previous sputtering period. As the sputtering rate of a particular configuration is increased, the rate of charge deposition is increased, and if the rate of arcing is not to increase, the plasma must provide a correspondingly greater flow of neutralizing electrons. The plasma generated by the sputtering target and its power supply is limited in both the rate at which it can supply electrons and the total number of electrons that it can supply. It is therefore necessary, if the rate of arcing is to be held constant and the sputtering rate is to increase, that a means for increasing the rate of electron delivery and the total supply of electrons be provided.
It is therefore the object of this invention to generate an intense plasma in contact with the sputtering target, the plasma having sufficient density, electron temperature and volume to fully discharge potential arc sites on the target during periods of voltage interruption or reversal provided by the sputtering power supply for the purpose of arc suppression, and by means of the action of this plasma to substantially reduce the frequency and energy of arcing of a reactive sputtering process which employs a given arc-suppression system.
It is a further object of this invention to provide a means for enhancing arc suppression in a reactive sputtering process wherein said means which can be controlled separately from the power supply and thereby to gain increased flexibility in choosing operating conditions for a given process.

Apparatus for reducing the intensity and frequency of arcs which occur during a sputtering process


An arrowhead adapter, in an embodiment, includes an interface and a body which defines a bore. The body has an outer surface configured to fit within a gap formed between an inner surface of an arrow shaft and a blade holder to apply a stabilizing force to the blade holder in the assembled state.

Bow hunting has become a very popular sport in North America and around the world. The typical arrowhead includes a blade set and a ferrule or blade holder that holds the blade set. The ferrule screws into the arrow shaft. Archers use arrow shafts of different diameters for various reasons and preferences. For example, an archer may use a standard diameter shaft for certain targets and conditions, and a micro-diameter shaft for other targets and conditions. Conventionally, ferrules of different diameters are used for the differently-sized arrow shafts.
Each arrowhead, including the blade set and the ferrule, has an industry standard weight that is optimal for the selected arrow shaft. Matching the arrow shaft with an arrowhead of proper weight is necessary for optimal performance and accuracy. For example, using a relatively heavy arrowhead on a relatively small, lightweight arrow shaft could cause poor or sub-optimal flight performance of the arrow. To accommodate for the weight differences between the different ferrules, while achieving the desired standard weights, manufacturers must offer one style of blade set for standard arrow shafts and a different style of blade set for micro arrow shafts. This requires archers to buy different styles of blade sets for the different arrow shafts which can create a burdensome cost for archers. Moreover, having to supply different styles of blade sets causes an increase in supply chain, manufacturing and inventory costs for manufacturers.
The foregoing background describes some, but not necessarily all, of the problems, disadvantages and shortcomings related to the use of arrowheads with arrow shafts of different sizes.

Arrowhead adapter and assembly operable with multiple types of arrow shafts


A summing transformer for a star-delta inverter having a separate secondary winding for each primary winding for use in inverting variable frequency AC power into constant frequency AC power, the transformer comprising a plurality of core sections having principal legs on which primary windings are wound and secondary legs extending between adjacent said principal legs establishing shared flux paths.

In a power conversion system such as a variable speed, constant frequency (VSCF) power generating system, a generator converts variable speed motive power supplied by a prime mover into variable frequency AC power. The variable frequency power is rectified and provided over a DC link to a controllable inverter. The inverter, which comprises one or more subinverters and a summing transformer, is operated to produce constant frequency AC power, which is then supplied, over a load bus, to loads requiring such power. In various applications, such as an aircraft jet engine, the size and weight of the summing transformer used in such a system is extremely important.
The physical structure of a summing transformer for use in a VSCF system such as that described above must accommodate the specific electronic system that is intended to be used. One such electronic system is a star-delta system. An example of a star-delta system that may be used in an inverter in a VSCF system may be found in Compoly et al., U.S. Pat. No. 3,775,662. The star-delta system of Compoly includes a 24-step inverter comprised of four subinverters and a summing transformer, and produces a 24-step, three-phase output. Each of the four subinverters is coupled to an associated set of three primary windings, which are carried on the summing transformer. Two of these associated sets of primary windings are connected in wye (or "star") configuration. The other two sets of of primary windings are connected in delta configuration. The three-phase output is developed through magnetic linkage of each of three selected groups of primary windings with three associated series of secondary windings also carried on the transformer. Each of the selected groups of primary windings comprises four windings, one from each of the four sets of primary windings. Each of the series of secondary windings comprises four secondary windings, each one in magnetic linkage with a different one of the associated group of primary windings. The three series of secondary windings are, in turn, connected in wye configuration.
One problem faced by those skilled in the art has been to construct a transformer capable of accommodating an electrical system of the type described in Compoly while meeting the size and weight limitations critical in typical applications, such as in an aircraft jet engine.

Summing transformer core for star-delta inverter having a separate secondary winding for each primary winding


A pharmaceutical composition comprising a crystalline sugar alcohol derived from at least one mono- or polysaccharide having at least one liquid pharmaceutically active compound uniformly dispersed within its crystal matrix is disclosed. Also disclosed is a method of producing such a uniformly dispersed pharmaceutical composition by the controlled crystallization of the molten sugar alcohol having the pharmaceutically active material dispersed therein.

Many active pharmaceutical compounds may only be beneficially employed within very specific dosage ranges, with ineffective or even deleterious effects being encountered if too high or too low a dosage is employed. Accordingly, it is necessary that such compounds be formulated in a uniform manner such that a consistent dosage of such active compound can be readily manufactured and administered.
Particular problems exist with respect to the formulation of actives which are in the form of liquids. One method typically employed involves blending liquid actives with excipients employing wet granulation techniques wherein such ingredients are utilized in the form of a wet paste. The paste is blended with the pharmaceutically active liquid, and the mixture then dried, ground and tableted. However, such wet granulation processes are disfavored by the pharmaceutical industry because they are labor intensive, require special equipment and are highly susceptible to contamination.
Another, more economical, approach which may be employed is to first absorb the liquid active onto an absorbent material and then dry blend the absorbent/active material with powdered excipient and directly form tablets therefrom. However, because of the low levels of the absorbent/active material incorporated and the fine particle size thereof uniform blending is exceptionally difficult, and separation of the absorbent/active material from the excipient mass can occur during the granulation, blending and/or tableting process with the result that the manufactured products do not meet uniform assay requirements.
A third approach which may be employed to minimize the segregation problem, involves encapsulating such actives in gelatin or other film formers. However, such encapsulation may not effectively prevent segregation as in many instances separation may occur upon the grinding or milling of such encapsulates. Moreover, such a process increases the number of formulating steps required and thus involve the incurring of additional expense.
Thus, it would be desirable to possess a pharmaceutical composition which contains a uniform concentration of liquid active material, which composition can be easily and inexpensively manufactured with low risk of contamination.
Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to provide a pharmaceutical composition having a uniform dispersion of liquid active material.
It is a further object of this invention to provide a process for economically preparing a pharmaceutical composition having a uniform dispersion of liquid active material.
The above objects and other additional objects will become more fully apparent from the following description and accompanying Examples.

Crystalline sugar alcohol containing uniformly dispersed liquid pharmaceutical compound


A method enables a rotor assembly for a gas turbine engine to be designed. The method comprises providing a plurality of rotor blades that each include a dovetail that includes a pair of blade pressure faces and a dovetail bottom that extends arcuately between the pair of blade pressure faces, providing at least one of a rotor disk and a rotor spool that includes a circumferential dovetail slot that is sized to receive the plurality of rotor blades therein, and coupling the plurality of rotor blades to the at least one of a rotor disk and a rotor spool using each respective rotor blade dovetail.

This application relates generally to gas turbine engines and, more particularly, to methods and apparatus for assembling gas turbine engine rotor assemblies.
At least some known gas turbine engines include a compressor for compressing air which is mixed with a fuel and channeled to a combustor wherein the mixture is ignited within a combustion chamber for generating hot combustion gases. The hot combustion gases are channeled downstream to a turbine, which extracts energy from the combustion gases for powering the compressor, as well as producing useful work to propel an aircraft in flight or to power a load, such as an electrical generator.
Known compressors include a rotor assembly that includes at least one row of circumferentially spaced rotor blades. Each rotor blade includes an airfoil that includes a pressure side, and a suction side connected together at leading and trailing edges. Each airfoil extends radially outward from a rotor blade platform. Each rotor blade also includes a dovetail that extends radially inward from the platform, and is used to mount the rotor blade within the rotor assembly to a rotor disk or spool. More specifically, at least some known rotor disks include a circumferential dovetail slot that is sized to receive the plurality of rotor blades therein.
Known rotor blade dovetails are generally shaped complementary to the disk dovetail slot to enable the rotor blade dovetails and the rotor disk slot to mate together and form a dovetail assembly. The blade dovetails each include at least one pair of tangs that extend to a substantially planar dovetail bottom extending between the dovetail tangs. The rotor blade dovetail tangs are received within corresponding disk slot tangs.
During operation, the rotor blade dovetails and the chamfered dovetail tangs may be subjected to compressive loading. More specifically, the compressive loading may cause bending stresses to be induced into the rotor blades from the dovetails. To facilitate reducing such bending stresses, at least some known rotor blades are fabricated to have tight tolerances defined between the rotor blade dovetail and the dovetail slot. However, because of space and weight considerations, not all rotor assemblies can be assembled within a respective gas turbine engine using axial dovetail slots.

Methods and apparatus for designing gas turbine engine rotor assemblies


An apparatus is provided for the automated manufacture of heavy concrete objects, which apparatus may incorporate a continuous, rectangular assembly line path having a roller conveyor system for carrying molded concrete castings from a pouring station through a first and a second curing chambers to a stripping station, this roller conveyor system transcribing a closed rectangular layout with four right angle turns therein.

This inventon relates to manufacturing apparatus for the automated manufacturing of cast concrete objects and specifically relates to equipment used for the manufacture of large, heavy concrete castings such as concrete pipe, manholes and similar objects.
Concrete structures have for many years been cast on the job, a specific mold having been built-up specifically for each concrete pouring and then stripped-down following the curing of the object. With the standardization of building materials and the application of mass production techniques to the building industry, various processes and apparatus for carrying out these processes have been developed which are directed toward the automated manufacture of poured concrete objects.
Nugey, U.S. Pat. No. 2,575,462, teaches an apparatus for curing building blocks. These building blocks are of typical size and may range in weight up to 20 lbs. or more each. Each block is pressure formed into a semi-hard structure and then entered into an automated curing apparatus. This apparatus transports each block through a curing chamber layed out to meander along parallel lines whereby the path folds upon itself several times. A conveyor belt system operates within the curing chamber. A guide bar structure facilitates the flow of blocks around bends and acts to reduce blockages.
Ludwig et al, U.S. Pat. No. 2,932,874, teach an apparatus for manufacturing concrete pipe. This apparatus includes a continuous transfer mechanism which is built in a circle configuration. This circular transfer mechanism includes a rotating girder-type table structure which operates upon a circular track, similar to train rails or crane rails, and utilizes crane wheels for rolling thereon. A circularly shaped canvas curtain forms a toroidal shaped concrete curing chamber through which the rotating table carries objects to be cured by steam heat.
Lovell, U.S. Pat. No. 3,957,937, like Ludwig et al teaches a carrousel-type apparatus. The Lovell apparatus includes an endless tunnel formed by a circular toroidal housing. A super heated steam and carbon monoxide environment is created in the curing chamber portion of the Lovell apparatus.
What is desired now, however, is a manufacturing apparatus capable of use in the automated manufacture of heavy poured concrete objects, wherein a concrete structure once poured, is cured within a relatively short period thereafter under controlled environmental conditions, this automated curing apparatus being laid out in a compact, space saving configuration within a manufacturing facility.
An objective of this invention is to provide an automated concrete assembly curing apparatus utilizable for the manufacture of large and heavy poured concrete objects.
A second objective of this invention is to provide such an apparatus with a rectangular layout whereby a first pair of opposite end legs of the rectangle may be relatively short, providing for a rather compact and space saving layout for the apparatus.
A third objective of this invention is to provide such an apparatus with a first and a second superheated steam curing chambers, each chamber being positioned along one of said longer legs of said rectangular layout.
A further objective of this invention is to provide such a manufacturing apparatus wherein roller conveyors are utilized to form the assembly layout, the shorter legs of this rectangular layout being comprised of live rollers, these live roller sections being open and readily accessible.
Another objective of this invention is to provide the longer legs of the rectangular assembly layout with undriven roller conveyor sections.
An even further objective of this invention is to provide a right angle roller turn box at each of the four corners of the rectangular layout.

Apparatus for the automated manufacture of heavy concrete objects


A grooved slider forming part of an electrode for use with a resectoscope is shown. The electrode includes an electrode lead member having an elongated conductor member. The elongated conductor member has a first end and a second end with an insulative cover extended therebetween. The first end has a protruding electrode adapted to be electrically connected to an electrosurgical generator and the second end terminates in an active member. An electrode support member is operatively connected to the active member. The electrode support member has an elongated semi-rigid bifurcated arm terminating in a conductive core spaced a predetermined distance from the active member. The bifurcated arm is covered with an insulative material except at the distal end where the grooved slider is located. The electrode support member has a grooved slider having at least one sloping leading edge surface and protrusions forming areas of increased current densities fixedly mounting the grooved slider on an electrode support member. A method for treating and vaporizing tissue, such as prostate tissue, using the grooved slider electrode for a resectoscope is also shown.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates generally to an electrode having a slider element adapted for use with an endoscope for tissue ablation and more particularly relates to an electrode having a grooved slider for use in performing procedures, such as, for example, in the genitourinary tract on soft tissue, including bladder and prostrate, for hemostasis, incision, excision and ablation or in performing gynecological procedures such as endometrial ablation.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Use of resectoscopes to treat tissue in the genitourinary tract is well known. Typical of such resectoscopes are the devices disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,151,101 and 4,955,884.
Resectoscopes used for transurethral resection of the prostrate (TURP) have four elements, a resectoscope sheath, sometimes referred to as a sheath or an outer sheath, a working element, an electrode and a telescope. The electrodes are operatively connected to a working element and a telescope is slideably inserted through the working element and into position along side of the electrode. Certain electrodes include an electrode stabilizer which is adapted to receive the telescope. The so assembled working element, telescope and electrode are removable inserted into the sheath to perform a procedure.
In a typical urological procedure, the outer sheath, having an obturator and telescope inserted therein, is visually passed through the urethra to the vicinity of the prostrate and/or bladder neck. The electrode, which is also known as a resectoscope electrode, is typically in the form of a cutting loop located at the distal end of an electrode lead member.
An electrosurgical current, which may be either a coagulation current, a cutting current or some blend thereof is applied to the cutting loop. The energized cutting loop is moved across and cuts the tissue being treated. The cutting loop can also be used to coagulate the wound. In urological procedures, the peak voltage of the electrosurgical cutting currents are typically in the range of 225 volts to about 250 volts at a power level of between about 120 watts to about 200 watts.
A resectoscope electrode having a stabilized cutting loop for a resectoscope is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,917,082.
The resectoscope electrode described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,917,082 is adapted for use with a urological endoscope or resectoscope. The electrode comprises an electrode lead, an electrode end and an electrode stabilizer. U.S. Pat. No. 4,917,082 discloses that the electrode may take the form of a coagulating electrode, knife electrode, retrograde knife electrode, punctate electrode or roller electrode having a smooth exterior surface.
Continuous flow resectoscopes which utilize a cutting loop electrode for urological procedures are well known in the art and an example of a continuous flow resectoscope is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,835,842.
An article entitled "THE USE OF THE RESECTOSCOPE IN GYNECOLOGY" by Richard A. Auhll which appeared at pages 91 through 99 of the Oct. 11, 1990 issue of Biomedical Business International (the "Auhll Reference") disclosed the use of a uterine resectoscope system in the form of a continuous flow resectoscope using an electrosurgical electrode for performing intrauterine procedures.
The Auhll Reference discussed three electrode structures, namely: (1) an electrosurgical cutting loop to treat fibroid tissues; (2) a roller ball having a smooth exterior surface for endometrial ablation (which is cauterization of the endometrium); and (3) electrosurgical needle to cut through and destroy tissue producing intrauterine synechia. In gynecological procedures, the voltage of the electrosurgical cutting currents are typically in the range of 225 volts to about 250 volts at a power level of between 60 watts and 100 watts.
In order to increase the efficiency of treatment of the prostrate tissue generally, and the treatment of benign hypertrophy of the prostrate (BPH) in particular, several new procedures and devices have been developed. These procedures and devices include the use of a Nd:YAG laser for the coagulation and vaporization of prostate tissue generally referred to as abdominal tissue. In order to use Nd:YAG lasers for treatment of BPH, optical fibers capable of deflecting a Nd:YAG laser energy beam about 70.degree. to about 90.degree. to the axis of the optical fiber (generally known as side-firing fibers) have been developed.
Use of a direct contact laser fiber is discussed in an article entitled "TRANSURETHRAL EVAPORATION OF PROSTATE (TUEP) WITH ND:YAG LASER USING A CONTACT FREE BEAM TECHNIQUE: RESULTS IN 61 PATIENTS WITH BENIGN PROSTATIC HYPERPLASIA" by Perinchery Narayan, M.D., George Fournier, M.D., R. Indudhara, M.D., R. Leidich, M.D., K. Shinohara, M.D. and Alex Ingermann, M.D. which appeared at pages 813 through 820, in the June, 1994, Volume 43, Number 6, Issue of Urology (the "Narayan et al. Reference"). The Narayan et al. Reference discusses the use of laser surgery for BPH as a promising alternative to traditional TURP. The Narayan et al Reference discloses that in prostate surgery tissue evaporation referred to as Transurethral Evaporation of Prostate Tissue ("TUEP") was achieved by holding the laser fiber in contact with the area to be treated. The TUEP was performed using an Ultraline Laser Fiber manufactured by Heraeus LaserSonics, Milpitas, Calif. The Ultraline Laser Fiber uses a 600 .mu.m internal reflector fiber covered by a quartz glass cap that reflects the Nd:YAG beam at 80 degrees to the fiber axis. This fiber transmits a high-power density beam (spot size of 700 .mu.m and divergence of 17 degrees, giving a power density at 60 watts to 80 watts of 15,600 to 21,231 W/cm.sup.2) 1 mm from the fiber tip. A 23 French cystoscope (CIRCON ACMI, Stamford, Conn.) equipped with an 8 French laser bridge and a continuous flow system was used for the procedure.
The results as state in the Narayan et al. Reference was as follows:
" . . . Tissue evaporation was achieved by holding the laser fiber in contact with the area to be treated, and by dragging at a rate of 1 cm/20 seconds of laser energy delivery. At the beginning of each furrow dragging was commenced one bulling was seen indicating tissue evaporation. Dragging the fiber at a rate of 1 cm/20 seconds resulted in a furrow 5 to 7 mm deep with a 3 to 4 mm rim of coagulated tissue immediately next to it." PA1 "T.U.D (transurethral desiccation of the prostate) was first described in 1874 by Bottini. Since 1966 we have used this visually controlled exact vaporization of the prostate in over 500 men with benign hypertrophy, cancer and bladder neck disease. PA1 In the present method (T.V.P., transurethral vaporization of the prostate) a grooved ball electrode and pure electrosurgical cutting current is used to sculpt out the prostatic bed. T.V.P. has the advantage that it causes little or not bleeding, fluid absorption or electrolyte imbalance. Since the residual desiccated tissue (adequate for pathologic review) is removed at the end of the procedure, there is no slough or delayed bleeding (open vessels are closed without retraction). The patient can leave the hospital, voiding (76%) within the 23 hour observation time in most instances. A new improved scored ball loop (A.C.M.I.) to be used with a continuous flow resectoscope has become available. PA1 T.V.P. is a short procedure without sphincter damage which preserves antegrade ejaculation and has a low (2-3%) subsequent procedure rate. Our experience with the last 100 consecutive patients will be detailed." PA1 "With the wide interest shown in the relief of prostatic encroachment by the intravesical route, we offer this apparatus as the only present day means for actuating some of the electrodes used for this purpose. The splendid action of this current in a liquid medium has eliminated the hazard of failure at the current source. PA1 The method advocated by Dr. Joseph F. McCarthy, for whom this apparatus was designed, permits great flexibility and with proper technique, the entire prostatic urethra can be remodeled. PA1 The Stern Resectoscope under the able guidance of Dr. T. M. Davis has been modified for greater durability and effectiveness. Other surgical methods that have required the use of high frequency currents have been spurred to new activity. PA1 Here again the requirements have been fully and adequately met and an excess of power provided that will encourage continued research. Those engaged in this specialty are freed of the limitations imposed by generators hitherto available. PA1 In the practice of urology the McCarthy Unit provides every modality. Every purpose which requires the use of high frequency current is served; fulguration of cysts, papillomata, tumors, etc., coagulation control of bleeding, resection and treatment. PA1 The current supplied by the type 504-A unit although very efficacious in resection, shows no effect on delicate insulating materials, greatly prolonging the useful life of urological instruments and electrodes. The selective foot switch permits hemorrhage control with the same electrode used for resection, without the necessity of changing the controls on the apparatus." PA1 "The unit generates by one type of current, and the controls merely provide the means for adjusting its intensity. It has been established that the same current that shows such admirable cutting characteristics is also the most effective for coagulation. By virtue of its penetrating quality the time necessary for coagulating tumor masses or malignancies has been greatly reduced. Sections of coagulated areas show a tapering off into unaffected tissue that practically eliminates the possibility of secondary hemorrhage. Tumor masses show a remarkable shrinkage during application, proportional to their fluid content. PA1 The technique used in coagulation with this type of current is the same as used for tissue destruction and for hemorrhage control. The electrode must be placed in contact with the area to be treated before the current is turned on. After treatment the current must be off before the electrode is removed. No attempt should be made to ply the area with sparks. In following this technique there is no possibility of carbonization, and no tissue can adhere to the electrode."
Another known prior art device for treatment of prostate tissue was presented at a poster session at the Society of Minimal Invasive Therapy ("SMIT") on Nov. 5, 1993. The poster session was entitled "TRANSURETHRAL VAPORIZATION OF THE PROSTATE (T.V.P.): NEW HORIZONS" by Irving M. Bush, M.D., Edward Malters, M.D. and Jan Bush, R.N. (the "Bush et al. Reference") disclosed the use of an improved scored ball loop produced by CIRCON ACMI Division of Circon Corporation, assignee of the present patent application, with a continuous flow resectoscope for providing transurethral desiccation (vaporization) of the prostrate.
The Bush et al Reference states as follows:
For purposes of background in electrosurgical treatment of tissue, there are three basic electrosurgical modes: (a) cutting (dissecting) where tissue is severed by a cutting electrode having a radio frequency ("R.F.") cutting current applied to the cutting electrode and the wounded tissue has a layer of coagulation of about 0.5 mm to about 1 mm beyond the cutting area; (b) fulguration where a ball electrode is positioned above the tissue to be treated and an R.F. arc coagulating current flashes from the ball electrode to the tissue to be treated coagulating the tissue; and (c) desiccation where a smooth ball electrode is held in direct contact with the tissue to be treated and a coagulating current of a selected magnitude is applied to the ball electrode vaporizing the tissue.
The first use of electrosurgical generator for prostatic resection using only an R.F. cutting current was in 1931, and the electrosurgical generator was a McCarthy Surgical Unit Type 504A sold by the Complex Oscillator Corporation (the "McCarthy Surgical Unit"). The McCarthy Surgical Unit was a highly efficient vacuum tube generator producing sustained oscillation of high frequency.
The McCarthy Surgical Unit was capable of being used for numerous procedures including prostatic resection. The McCarthy Surgical Unit manual states the following with respect to prostatic resection:
The McCarthy Surgical Unit manual states that the McCarthy Surgical Unit can be used for coagulation as follows:
The McCarthy Surgical Unit utilized for coagulation and dissection a smooth ball shaped electrode having a 3/16 inch (4 mm) diameter.
The McCarthy Surgical Unit utilized a control panel having two dials. The first dial was referred to as the Range Selector (R.S.) having three ranges, a low, medium and high, each representing one third of the current output. The second dial was referred as the Current Intensity Control (C.I.C.) and provided smooth linear adjustment over each range. Thus, the Range Selector was a course adjustment and the Current Intensity Control was a fine adjustment. The only current produced by the McCarthy Surgical Unit was a cutting current. The maximum current was in the order of 2,600 milliamperes.
In the McCarthy Surgical Unit, for all operative work, dissection, coagulation, bladder fulguration, prostatic resection and the like, a plate electrode was placed under the patient and connected to an indifferent, terminal which is usually a ground terminal, to ground the patient.
In using the McCarthy Surgical Unit for prostatic resection, bleeding resulting from the removal and vaporization of tissue using high intensity cutting current was controlled by passing the same electrode over the same treated tissue area using a low intensity cutting current for providing coagulation of the treated tissue.
Typically, the resulting coagulation layer of the heated tissue had a thickness in the order of 0.5 mm to about 1 mm which appeared sufficient to stop bleeding.

Grooved slider electrode for a resectoscope


An electrically controlled strike including a strike frame; a keeper carried by the strike frame for movement when released allowing door opening and adapted to receive and resist door opening prior to keeper movement, an electrically powered solenoid carried by the frame, and a lock arm assembly operatively connected between the solenoid and the keeper for causing the keeper to assume a fail-safe condition allowing keeper movement when the solenoid is unpowered or alternatively a fail-secure condition preventing keeper movement when the solenoid is unpowered, the two conditions being selected by re-positioning an actuator.

This invention relates generally to the field of door security systems. More specifically, this invention relates to an improved electrically energizable, solenoid operated, door-strike mechanism that is easily switchable, to either of two different selected modes of operation. In one mode of operation the mechanism is in a fail-safe mode, wherein, if power to the solenoid fails, a keeper moves to allow a door to be safely opened. The other mode is called fail-secure, wherein, if power to the solenoid fails, the keeper secures the door against opening.
Electric strikes for securing hinged or swinging doors are well-known in the field of door security systems. The electric strikes are employed with doors having projectable deadbolts or latch bolts that engage the electric strike. The electric strike can be configured to secure the door alone, or in combination with other conventional security systems. The electric strike typically is mounted to the door frame and defines an opening in the jam face of the door frame for receiving the latch bolt and/or deadbolt from the lockset mounted to the door. The electric strike further defines an opening in the frame face contiguous with the opening in the jam face of the door frame. A pivotal keeper on the electric strike selectively closes the opening in the frame face. A bolt, projecting from the edge of the door, engages the electric strike through the opening in the jam face. Actuation of the electric strike locks or unlocks the keeper. The keeper is pivotable to uncover or open the frame face opening to allow the bolt to swing there through, and thereby allow opening of the door. The keeper is pivoted by the door being pushed, whereby the bolt engages the keeper of the strike.
The lock assembly of a conventional electric strike is commonly operated by a solenoid. The solenoid is typically configured to be spring-biased so that energization of the solenoid overcomes the biasing force of the spring to either lock or unlock the electric strike. In a first configuration the power must be continuously supplied to the solenoid in order to maintain the electric strike in a locked condition. This configuration requires a relatively high and continuous input of energy and therefore, typically requires electrical wiring to the doorway from an electric line source.
Similarly, electric strikes that are configured to unlock upon energization can also require a continuous supply of energy in order to maintain the lock in unlocked condition.
There is a need for electrically-controlled strike mechanisms of simple, compact, construction for securing doors against opening (fail-secure mode), and also for allowing door opening (fail-safe mode), in the case of power failure. Most mechanisms permitting these two functions require two different strike devices, each device permitting only one of these functions. Current mechanisms which embody the two functions in a single mechanism require complicated disassembly and reassembly in order to accommodate both modes of operation. This invention permits alternating between fail-safe and fail-secure operation by simply turning a single part, an actuator, 180xc2x0.
Briefly stated, the electric strike in the preferred form employs a solenoid to transform the electric strike between the locked and unlocked states. The solenoid allows for the use of an on-board power source, such as batteries, or an exterior power source to energize the electric strike. In the event that the power source is terminated, for example, because of power failure, it may be desired that the electric strike automatically engages in a fail-safe or alternatively a fail-secure mode. The electric strike includes a means operatively connected between the solenoid and the keeper for causing the keeper to assume a fail-safe condition allowing the keeper to pivot when the solenoid is in either position, or alternatively a fail-secure condition preventing the keeper from pivoting when the solenoid is in either position. In the present invention, the means connecting the solenoid to the keeper can be configured in either mode by simply opening the strike, removing a solenoid assembly and actuators, turning the actuator over and reinserting the removed parts. This permits easy selection of either mode by an unskilled human operator, in the field, in a short period of time, without complicated disassembly and reassembly of the strike mechanism.
The actuator is a simple, unique, mechanical connection between a solenoid assembly and a lock link that permits or prevents the keeper from unlocking. The actuator is designed to operate in either of two positions. With one side up, the actuator is spring-biased to push the lock link into a fail-safe mode if the solenoid is unpowered. The actuator can be removed and reinserted with the other side or opposite side up. In this second position, the actuator is spring-biased to push the lock link into a fail-secure mode if the solenoid is unpowered.
It is an object of the invention to provide an improved and relatively compact electric door strike for controlling access through a doorway with a mechanism that permits alternatively selecting a fail-safe condition or alternatively fail-secure condition with a simple easy mechanical reconfiguration that can be accomplished quickly in the field.
It is another object of the invention to provide an electric strike mechanism that can be selectively configured in a fail-safe or fail-secure mode without a special operator, special tools or the addition of external devices.
These and other objects of the invention will become apparent from a review of the specification and the drawings.

Electric strike field-selectable fail-safe/fail-secure mechanism


A player at a casino is provided the opportunity to wager an additional bet to win an additional reward in which several types of games and a plurality of tables of each set vie for the same reward. Each gaming table has a playing surface suitable for use by a game, and all the game tables participating in the universal non-progressive reward have the same predetermined number of play stations, or a multiple of that number. Each play station also has an identification number or symbol which is one of a set of identification numbers, with each number in the set occurring the same number of times at each table. The game includes an additional reward token purchasable by a player which is displayed on the play surface to designate that the player is wagering in the game. Each type of casino game has a set of winning conditions under which a player positioned at a given play station is entitled to win a portion of the additional reward.

Casinos have a number of games which appeal to a person""s temptation to take a risk, with the hope and expectation that the risk taken at the right time and under the right circumstances will result in a return which far exceeds the investment. A typical casino provides many games to a prospective customer including blackjack, poker, baccarat, roulette, craps and slots.
Recently, progressive games have been introduced into casino play. The progressive game includes a jackpot and participants who wish to wager on the progressive game contributing a fixed wagering amount by token or cash into a jackpot, and if the participant does not win, a portion of his contribution is added to the jackpot. Accordingly the jackpot becomes progressively larger with each unsuccessful bet until a winner is determined.
Jones, U.S. Pat. No. 4,861,041 taught a method whereby a progressive game could be offered as a side bet to a game of poker. In our prior U.S. Pat. No. 5,573,248 we taught a method whereby a progressive game could be offered as a side bet to a game of craps. In our prior U.S. Pat. No. 5,876,285 we also taught a method whereby a progressive game could be offered as a side bet to a game of baccarat.
Casinos have found that progressive games facilitate in the attraction of players into games, the retention of players who have already engaged in a game, and on the whole, increase table or slot profitability. Casinos are, therefore, seeking to incorporate a supplemental game with each type of game played within the casino.
There are however certain draw backs to incorporating a progressive game into the play at the tables of a casino. First, such games require the programming of a computer to receive impute from all the participating tables and the modification of the gaming tables to receive the associated hardware. Once installed a progressive game will attract participation from players after a sizeable jackpot has been built up, but it will draw little interest for a lengthy period of time during which the jackpot is small following a xe2x80x9cwin.xe2x80x9d Also, the mechanical equipment needed to operate existing progressive games are subject to declaring a false winner or may overlook a legitimate winner. It would be desirable therefore to provide a supplemental reward to the players of a gaming table which would attract participation by players immediately after a xe2x80x9cwin,xe2x80x9d which would not be subject to declaring a false winner or overlooking a true winner, and would not require the modification of gaming tables to receive necessary hardware.
It would also be desirable to provide a non-progressive reward which would interact with a number of different games in the casino. It would also be desirable to have a reward whereby a player at a black jack table could participate and win a portion of a reward jackpot in the event of the occurrence of a given winning combination in a poker hand at a distant table in the casino.
Briefly, the present invention is embodied in a universal non-progressive additional reward wherein a player at a casino is provided the opportunity to wager an additional bet to win the additional reward where there are several types of games with each type game played on a plurality of tables. In accordance with the invention, each gaming table has a playing surface suitable for use by the game for which the playing surface is intended, and all the game tables participating in the universal non-progressive reward have the same predetermined number of play stations, or a multiple of the predetermined number with each play station suitable for use by one player. Each play station also has an identification number or symbol which is one of a set of identification numbers equal in number to the predetermined number, with each number in the set occurring the same number of times at each table.
The game includes an additional reward token or other negotiable item purchasable by a player in advance of play at one of the play tables, the token to be displayed on the play surface at the commencement of the play of a game at a table to designate that the player is wagering in the game for the additional reward.
Each type of casino game has a set of winning conditions under which a player positioned at a given play station is entitled to win a portion of the additional reward. A player at play station number 4 of a blackjack table, for example, would win a portion of the additional reward if he deposits an additional reward token on the table before the commencement of a hand and he was dealt a pair of fours, and the dealer was likewise dealt a pair of fours on both of their first two cards. The set of conditions under which a player at a numbered play station of a blackjack table, therefore, has a winning combination if the cards dealt to both the dealer and the player are identical to the number of his play station.
For roulette, a player at a play station bearing a given number who deposits an additional reward token on the table to participate in the game would win if the player bets on a number associated with his play station, the ball comes to rest in the hole for that number, and the rotating portion of the wheel stops with the ball against a section of the surrounding race which bears the same number as the player""s play position.
A player at a play station of a poker table who has deposited an additional reward token on the table has a winning combination when the dealer has a completed hand of four of a kind and the four cards correspond to the number of his play position.
A player at a slot machine would win if he deposits the maximum number of coins in the machine, including one for the additional reward, and the top award combination occurs on the reels after the handle has been pulled, and the top award includes a number corresponding to the number of the player""s play station.
In accordance with one embodiment of the invention there is but one winner of an additional reward for each play. In accordance with an alternate embodiment of the invention, when the selected set of conditions for winning a reward occurs for a first player at a first play station having a given first number, a portion of the jackpot is paid to a second player positioned at a second play station for which an additional reward token has been deposited on the table and the number for the play station of the second player is identical to that of the first play station. In this embodiment the first player becomes a primary winner and the second player is a secondary winner, both of whom share in the reward. Any of a number of formulas may be used for apportioning the reward between the first and second players.
The invention further envisions a proxy additional reward wherein a player may wager on the possibility that the additional reward will be won at a play station identified by a number different from the player""s own play station number. The proxy additional reward game may be played by requiring the player to deposit an additional reward token on one or more of the six numbered locations on a betting zone having locations marked for receiving tokes, one location for each of the six play stations.
In our U.S. Pat. No. 5,573,248 we disclosed a craps game and table having six play stations for receiving six players at the game and a progressive game employing a first pair of dice for playing a conventional craps game and a third die for playing the progressive part of the game. Substantially the same rules apply to the game for the non-progressive reward. In the parent to the present application we also disclosed a baccarat game in which a player at a play station with a given number will win a progressive game if the first two cards in the player""s hand and the first two cards in the banker""s hand all bear numbers identical to the number of the play station. Those rules are also useable in playing for a non-progressive reward.
In accordance with the present invention, the players at any combination of a number of types of casino games can vie for the same additional reward. To integrate a number of types of games to compete for a single additional reward, the number of play stations on each game table suitable for vying for the additional reward must be the same for all tables, or a multiple of that number. In the preferred embodiment the play tables of all games will have six play stations to accommodate six players or twelve stations to accommodate twelve players. A gaming table for craps was disclosed in our prior U.S. Pat. No. 5,573,248 would accommodate six players. The table disclosed by Jones U.S. Pat. No. 4,861,041 can be adapted to accept six players and in like manner all of the game tables of each type of game in the casino vying for the additional reward would have six play stations, each of which is numbered one through six, or twelve play stations in two sets of six numbered locations.
The game can be configured such that there is only one winner when a winning combination arises. Alternately, when a first player at a first play station receives a winning combination, the rules can provide that a second player at a second table at a play station having a number identical to that of the first play station will share in the universal additional reward if he has deposited an additional reward token on the table.

Universal non-progressive reward for live casino games


A plurality of bits is output if more of the plurality of bits are of a first logical value than a second logical value, and the plurality of bits inverted is output if more of the plurality of bits are of the second logical value than the first logical value. An indicator also is provided as to whether the plurality of bits or the plurality of bits inverted are output. Thus, for example, if more of the bits are of the logical value that causes high current consumption, the output bits are inverted so that the bits can be output with reduced current consumption. Upon receipt, the plurality of bits and the indicator are received. The plurality of bits is retained if the indicator is of a first value and the plurality of bits is inverted if the indicator is of a second value. Thus, the power consumption of the data input-output circuits may be reduced.

The present invention relates to integrated circuit devices and more particularly to data input-output circuits and methods for integrated circuit devices.
Integrated circuit devices, such as memory devices, are widely used in commercial and consumer applications. As integrated circuit devices continue to advance, high speed and high integration are generally desired. For such high-speed operation, the integrated circuit device may have an output unit with an open-drain structure.
An output unit with the open-drain structure has an output transistor where the drain port is floating. Either an NMOS or PMOS transistor can be used as the output transistor. When an NMOS transistor is used, the source port is connected to ground voltage (VSS) and the gate port receives real data to be output. In the open drain structure, the drain port of the output transistor is connected to a terminal voltage (Vterm) via a resistor. It will be understood that although an open-drain structure having an NMOS-type output transistor is described herein, PMOS devices also may be used.
Thus, when the real data is xe2x80x9c0xe2x80x9d, the output transistor is turned off. The voltage level of the output signal at the drain port of the output transistor becomes the terminal voltage (Vterm). When the real data is xe2x80x9c1xe2x80x9d, the output transistor is turned on. Thus, the voltage level of the output signal at the drain port of the output transistor is a value obtained by subtracting the voltage drop value across the resistor from the terminal voltage (Vterm). Thus, the output data of the open-drain output unit is defined only as logic xe2x80x9c1xe2x80x9d which is a state of consuming current, or as logic xe2x80x9c0xe2x80x9d which is a state of non-consuming current.
The open-drain output unit has a predetermined swing width to produce the data output of xe2x80x9c1xe2x80x9d or xe2x80x9c0xe2x80x9d. Thus, a predetermined positive current flows through the resistor, so that when the output data is xe2x80x9c1xe2x80x9d, a great amount of current may be consumed.
For example, when the resistance value of the resistor is 20xcexa9, approximately 50 mA of current flows from the terminal voltage (Vterm) to the ground voltage (VSS) to produce a swing width of about 1V. Thus, when 8 bits of output data having a data value of xe2x80x9c1xe2x80x9d are output, the open-drain output unit consumes a current of about 400 mA (=50 mA per bit). Unfortunately, such an increase in the amount of consumed current may decrease the efficiency and/or may shorten the life of the integrated circuit device.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide improved data input-output circuits and methods for integrated circuit devices.
It is another object of the present invention to provide data input-output circuits and methods that can reduce power consumption compared to conventional input-output circuits and methods.
These and other objects are provided, according to the present invention by outputting a plurality of bits if more of the plurality of bits are of a first logical value than a second logical value, and outputting the plurality of bits inverted if more of the plurality of bits are of the second logical value than the first logical value. An indicator also preferably is provided as to whether the plurality of bits or the plurality of bits inverted are output. Thus, for example, if more of the bits are of the logical value that causes high current consumption, the output bits are inverted so that the bits can be output with reduced current consumption. Upon receipt, the plurality of bits and the indicator are received. The plurality of bits is retained if the indicator is of a first value and the plurality of bits is inverted if the indicator is of a second value. Thus, the power consumption of the data input-output circuits may be reduced.
According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an output circuit for simultaneously outputting a plurality of data values A causing a current consumption of a, or B causing a current consumption of b which is more than the amount a. A plurality of data output units detect a plurality of real data values and generate temporary data corresponding to the respective real data in response to a control signal. A control unit generates the control signal which is activated according to the magnitude relation between the number of real data values A and the number of real data values B. The temporary data is the inverted real data when the number of real data values A is less than the number of real data values B, and the non-inverted real data when the number of real data values A is greater than the number of real data values B.
Preferably, the control unit includes a non-inversion detecting unit that detects the non-inverted data values of the real data and that generates a non-inversion detecting signal driven by the non-inverted data having the data values of B. An inversion detecting unit detects the inverted data values of the real data and generates an inversion detecting signal driven by the inverted data having the data values of A. A comparator compares the voltage level of the non-inversion detecting signal to the voltage level of the inversion detecting signal, and generates the control signal.
According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an input-output system for simultaneously inputting and outputting a plurality of real data having data values of A causing a current consumption of a, or B causing a current consumption of b which is more than the amount a. The input-output system includes an output device that detects the data values of the real data and provides transmission data corresponding to the real data, and an indication signal (indicator) to indicate the relationship between the real data and the transmission data. An input device receives the transmission data and the indication signal and provides input data, whose relationship with the transmission data is determined by the indication signal, to an internal circuit. The transmission data is the inverted real data when the number of real data values having the data value of A is less than the number of real data values having the data value of B, and the non-inverted real data when the number of real data values having the data value of A is greater than the number of real data values having the data value of B. The input data has the same data value as the real data.
According to still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an output device for simultaneously outputting a plurality of data. The output device includes a data storage unit that stores predetermined real data and provides a plurality of real data in an output mode. An output circuit receives the real data and generates temporary data according to the data values of the real data. The temporary data is the inverted real data when the number of real data values having a data value of A causing a current consumption of a is less than the number of real data values having a data value of B causing a current consumption of b that is more than the current amount a, and the non-inverted real data when the number of real data values having the data value of A is greater than the number of real data values having the data value of B.
According to method aspects of the present invention, there is provided a method of simultaneously outputting a plurality of data having a data value of A consuming a current amount of a, or B consuming a current amount of b which is more than the amount of a. This method comprises the steps of sensing the data values of a plurality of real data; comparing the number (m) of real data having the data value of A to the number (n) of real data having the data value of B; generating temporary data by inverting the real data when the number (m) is greater than the number (n), and by non-inverting the real data when the number (m) is less than the number (n); and generating an indication signal for indicating the correlation between the temporary data and the real data.
According to other method aspects of the present invention, there is provided a data input and output method having an input and output system having an input/output device for simultaneously inputting/outputting a plurality of data having a data value of A consuming a current amount of a, or B consuming a current amount of b which is more than the amount of a. This method preferably comprises the steps of detecting the data values of a plurality of real data; comparing the number (m) of real data having the data value of A to the number (n) of real data having the data value of B; generating temporary data by inverting the real data when the number (m) is less than the number (n), and by non-inverting the real data when the number (m) is greater than or equal to the number (n); generating a control signal for indicating the correlation between the temporary data and the real data; and generating predetermined input data whose correlation with the temporary data is determined in response to the control signal. The input data has the same data value as the real data.
According to the present invention, when the number of data values causing large consumption of current is more than the number of data values causing a small consumption of current, the values of output data are inverted and output. The amount of current consumed therefore may be reduced. The reduction of the amount of current consumed can provide an increase in the efficiency and/or the life of an integrated circuit using the present invention.

Data input-output circuits that selectively invert bits