A xe2x80x9csnake-in-the-boxxe2x80x9d (SITB) code is used to encode a track identifier (TID) in a servo sector of a disk drive to identify a particular track on the disk surface. The SITB code describes the longest possible vector that can fit into a finite space, and comprises a type of difference-preserving code. When an SITB code is used for the TID, any single bit error in the TID will be detected. The Hamming distance for TIDs of adjacent tracks is 1 with a SITB code, as with a Gray code. However, for TIDs of tracks that are not adjacent, the Hamming distance is at least 2 with a SITB code.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to servo control systems used for positioning read/write transducers in data storage devices, and more particularly, to the use of snake-in-the-box codes for reliable identification of tracks in servo fields of a disk drive.
2. Description of Related Art
It is well known in the art to store data on magnetic or optical disk drives on one or more tracks of predetermined format disposed on a disk-shaped recording media. The data is written to and read from the tracks using one or more transducers, which typically comprise read/write heads. Reading data from a desired one of the tracks on the disk surfaces requires knowledge of the read/write head position relative to the track as the disk rotates and the head is moved across the disk, and requires precise centering of the head over the disk track. Conventionally, the read/write head is mounted on a head positioning assembly that is moved by a servo control loop.
The servo control loop controls movement of the head positioning assembly across the disk surface to move the read/write head from track to track (track seeking) and, once over a selected track, to maintain the read/write head in a path over the centerline of the track (track following). Centering the read/write head over a track permits accurate reading and recording of data in the track.
In most devices, the servo control loop is a closed loop system that utilizes servo information obtained from the disk surface to provide feedback for the track seeking and track following functions. Some devices store servo information on a single, dedicated disk surface (known as a dedicated servo system), while other devices store servo information between the data regions of the disk surface (known as an embedded servo system).
In embedded servo systems, the servo information is stored in a servo sector that is usually comprised of the following fields:
1. an Automatic Gain Control (AGC) field that can be represented a string of ones;
2. a Servo Identification (SID) field that is comprised of a pattern of zeros and ones, combining synchronization properties, error tolerance, and other information, such as index, non-index, odd or even sector, etc.;
3. a Track Identification (TID) field that is usually a Gray-encoded track position value, and may also contain redundant bits for error detection and correction (see U.S. Pat. No. 5,617,536, issued April 1997, to D. A. Freitas, L. J. Serrano and M. Yu, and entitled xe2x80x9cMethod and Apparatus for Servo Control with Error Detection of Gray (Pennington) Code Used for Servo Track ID,xe2x80x9d which patent is incorporated by reference herein); and
4. a position error signal (PES) field that is usually comprised of four different bursts (represented as strings of ones) whose function is setting the head on track through an integration process.
In the prior art, the TID field is Gray encoded because the read/write head is not necessarily on track yet when the TID is read (as stated above, this function is accomplished by the PES field in the servo sector). In a worst case situation, the read/write head may be in the middle of two adjacent tracks. Thus, it is convenient that TIDs for adjacent tracks be as close as possible to each other.
Gray codes accomplish this property, since the (Hamming) distance between Gray-encoded TIDs of adjacent tracks is exactly 1. Any ambiguity with respect to correct track position when the head is positioned between two tracks is resolved by the PES, since the burst configuration changes for even and odd tracks.
However, there are problems with the use of Gray codes for TIDs, in that Gray codes are not immune to bit errors caused by disk defects. As a result, bit errors in a TID, for both on-track as well as off-track situations, may be uncorrected, such that the TID identifies the wrong track.
For example, suppose a set of four tracks A, B, C, and D have the following TIDs:
Suppose a single bit error occurs, and the TID for track A is misread as 10 rather than 00. The disk drive will incorrectly believe that the read/write head is on track C, and not track A, which is two tracks away.
The problem is difficult to resolve when traditional Gray codes are used, since Gray-encoded TIDs for neighboring tracks have a small minimum distance, mainly a distance of 1, while error detection and correction codes try to use a large minimum distance.
Therefore, there is a need in the art for techniques that eliminate such errors. Specifically, there is a need in the art to provide improved error detection and correction capabilities through the use of novel encoding schemes. To this end, the present invention uses xe2x80x9csnake-in-the-boxxe2x80x9d (SITB) codes for TIDs, such that adjacent TIDs are at a distance of exactly 1 (like traditional Gray codes) while non-adjacent TIDs words are at a distance of at least 2.
SITB codes are described in the prior art, such as found in the publication G. Paterson and J. Tuliani, xe2x80x9cSome New Circuit Codes,xe2x80x9d IEEE Transactions on Information Theory, 1305-1309 (1998), which publication is incorporated by reference herein. However, the prior art has not used SITB codes for TIDs in disk drives. In addition, the prior art uses SITB codes that are of a combinatorial type, wherein, given a code of length n, it is desirable to obtain a snake-in-the box code with as many codewords as possible. The present invention, on the other hand, is more interested in simple encoding and decoding logic than in maximizing the number of codewords for a given length.
To minimize the limitations in the prior art described above, and to minimize other limitations that will become apparent upon reading and understanding the present specification, the present invention uses a xe2x80x9csnake-in-the-boxxe2x80x9d (SITB) code to encode a track identifier (TID) in a servo sector of a disk drive to identify a particular track on the disk surface. The SITB code describes the longest possible vector that can fit into a finite space, and comprises a type of difference-preserving code. When an SITB code is used for the TID, any single bit error in the TID will be detected. The Hamming distance for TIDs of adjacent tracks is 1 with a SITB code, as with a Gray code. However, for TIDs of tracks that are not adjacent, the Hamming distance is at least 2 with a SITB code.

Use of snake-in-the-box codes for reliable identification of tracks in servo fields of a disk drive

International Business Machines Corporation


Multiple x-ray images are encoded onto a single storage phosphor screen detector for later scanning, processing, and viewing. The x-ray images are encoded using spatial frequency multiplexing onto high frequency carriers. The encoding process relies only on light with no mechanical motion. The light erases selected portions of the image data but leaves sufficient information to reconstruct the original images. The reconstruction process relies on conventional sampling theory with the additional step of solving a system of equations for the individual x-ray image information.

1. Field of Invention
This invention relates to radiography. In a primary application the invention relates to the encoding of multiple x-ray images on a single storage phosphor screen detector.
2. Discussion of Prior Art
A widely used approach in x-ray imaging is to make multiple images of an object with changed conditions and then to process the image data to enhance the image or to extract more information. For example, in angiography, images are recorded before and after the injection of a radio-opaque contrast agent into the circulatory system. The images are then subtracted photographically to visualize only the blood vessels and eliminate the static anatomical features. Another example is energy selective radiography. Here, images are made using different effective x-ray energy spectra. The data from these images can be processed using the method described by U.S. Pat. No. 4,029,963 (1977) issued to R. E. Alvarez and A. Macovski. In accordance with this method, the data from two images are processed to calculate the photoelectric and Compton scattering components of the attenuation. These components, representing essentially atomic number and density, can be combined to represent different materials such as bone or soft tissue. These applications of multiple images all require spatially registered data, acquired in a short time, with good quantitative accuracy.
X-ray images are most commonly recorded on film. Although widely used, film has substantial problems for multiple image applications. It has excellent spatial resolution but poor quantitative capabilities. The quantitative response is critical because multiple image applications require processing of the image data instead of simply viewing it. With quantitative processing, such as subtraction, inaccuracies introduce errors in the final results. Film's quantitative response is highly nonlinear with a small dynamic range. Furthermore, the response depends critically on the development conditions and varies from film to film. Another problem is that multiple images must be recorded on different films. This makes it difficult to maintain spatial registration between the images on different films. It also requires a mechanical film changer which is made complex by several factors. First, the films are large, typically 35 cm, so it is difficult to move them rapidly. The changer must also use an intensifying screen. In medical radiographs, the x-ray photons do not expose the film directly. Instead, the x-rays are detected by the intensifying screen which produces visible light that, in turn, exposes the film as in a contact print. To avoid blurring the image, the film must be squeezed against the screen. Thus, the mechanical changer not only needs to move the films but to actuate a pressure to maintain screen/film contact. Because of all these factors, the time to change a film is long, one second or more. This is too slow to record rapidly changing structures such as the beating heart.
Some of these problems can be solved by encoding multiple images on a single film. This has the following advantages. Since the images are on one film, they are automatically spatially registered. The rate of image acquisition is multiplied by the number of images encoded. U.S. Pat. No. 4,413,353 (1983) "X-ray Encoding System Using an Optical Grating" issued to Macovski et al. describes an apparatus and method to effect this encoding. The method encodes multiple images by a technique analogous to amplitude modulation of radio waves. In accordance with the patent, the images are modulated by an optical grating placed between the intensifying screen and the film. The grating consists of alternating transparent and opaque stripes. The opaque stripes block visible light produced by the intensifying screen from reaching the film. The optical grating can be used to encode multiple images by making a first exposure, physically moving the grating by one half period, then making a second exposure. An alternative is to use an optical grating light valve whose alternate bars' light transmission can be switched off and on. Energy spectrum information can be encoded by changing the x-ray source spectrum between the exposures. The encoded images can be reconstructed by scanning the film and processing the resultant signal electronically.
The approach of U.S. Pat. No. 4,413,353 is limited to detectors with a separate light emitting intensifying screen and light recording medium. While this is the case with conventional film radiography, film has the quantitative problems mentioned above. The method also requires motion of the optical grating or a complex light valve. The grating must be moved precisely one half period and then pressure applied to maintain contact between the intensifying screen and the film. The light valve must be as large as the x-ray film and may contain thousands of elements.
An alternative to an intensifying screen/film detector with excellent quantitative properties is storage phosphor screens. X-ray imaging systems using these screens are described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,859,527 (1957) issued to G. W. Luckey. Storage phosphor screens function as a re-usable x-ray film. They are used in a cassette, similar to a film cassette, during medical examinations to acquire a an x-ray image. The image is stored as a latent image in the material of the screen. After the examination, the screens are removed from the cassette and scanned in a laser scanner. The scanner reads out the latent image from the screen and converts it to electronic digital signals. The digital signals are processed by a computer, then viewed on photographic film or on a cathode ray tube computer console. After the latent image is read out by the laser scanner, the screen can be erased and re-used. Storage phosphor screens have excellent quantitative properties. They have wide dynamic range (approximately 1000 to 1) and are linear and stable.
Storage phosphor screens, however, combine the functions of the intensifying screen and film in one screen so they can not be used with the approach of U.S. Pat. No. 4,413,353.

X-ray image encoding by spatial modulation of a storage phosphor screen


Provided is a construction machine with valves and hoses whose routing operations are simplified. The construction machine includes an upper frame, a control valve assembly, remote control valves, an operation-pattern selector valve, remote control hoses, pilot hoses, and actuator hoses. The upper frame includes a bottom plate and a floor plate, allowing an operation seat to be provided on the upper frame. The control valve assembly and the operation-pattern selector valve are provided in an underfloor space between the bottom plate and the floor plate. A partition wall stands upright on the bottom plate at a rear side of the control valve assembly. The operation-pattern selector valve has a shaft and a handle connected thereto, disposed in such a horizontal posture that the shaft extends horizontally, at a front side of the control valve assembly as viewed from the operation seat.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a construction machine such as a hydraulic excavator, the construction machine including a plurality of control valves, a plurality of remote control valves to operate the control valves respectively, and an operation-pattern selector valve to select one from combinations of the control valves and the remote control valves.
2. Description of the Background Art
The background art of the invention is described by an example of a small hydraulic excavator shown in FIG. 5.
The hydraulic excavator includes: a crawler-type lower travelling body 1; an upper slewing body 2 mounted on the lower travelling body 1 so as to be slewable around an axis X perpendicular to the ground; and a working attachment WA mounted on the front portion of the upper slewing body 2. The working attachment WA includes a boom 3, an arm 4, a bucket 5, and respective hydraulic actuators for operating the boom 3, the arm 4, and the bucket 5, namely, a boom cylinder 6, an arm cylinder 7, and a bucket cylinder 8.
The upper slewing body 2 includes an upper frame 9, on which an operation seat 10, a canopy 11, a control valve assembly 14, various operation devices, an engine, and relevant devices thereof are installed. The upper frame 9 includes a bottom plate 12 and a floor plate 13 as shown in FIG. 6. The floor plate 13 is disposed over the bottom plate 12 with a vertical distance.
The control valve assembly 14 is an assembly of multiple control valves, which are constituted of hydraulically-pilot-operated selector valves configured to individually control respective actuations of the hydraulic actuators, as described in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2012-17553. In the specification, front and rear directions, and left and right directions are directions as viewed from the operator seated on the operation seat 10.
The control valve assembly 14 is mounted on the upper frame bottom plate 12 via a valve mounting member 15. The control valves are operated by the remote control valves 16, respectively. The remote control valves 16 are disposed around the operation seat 10 as shown in FIG. 6 by the two dotted chain line.
The operation-pattern selector valve 17 is a valve for an operator to select an operation pattern which is a pattern of respective combinations of the control valves and the remote control valves 16 in accordance with the operator's intention. The operation-pattern selector valve 17 is constituted of, e.g., a rotary selector valve (typically, called as "multiple valve"), including a tubular body 18, a shaft 19 held in the body 18 rotatably around the axis of the shaft 19, an operation handle 20 extending horizontally from the upper end of the shaft 19. A rotational operation is applied to the handle 20 to select one from a plurality of operation patterns.
As shown in FIG. 6, the operation-pattern selector valve 17 is mounted on the upper-frame bottom plate 12 through a bracket 21, similarly to one disclosed in, e.g., Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2008-31817, in a rear side of the control valve assembly 14 in such a vertical posture that the shaft 19 extends vertically and the handle 20 is located at the upper end of the shaft 19. Similarly, on the upper frame bottom plate 12 is provided a partition wall 22 so as to stand upright. The partition wall 22 partitions the space over the upper frame bottom plate 12 at a rear side of an underfloor space S, i.e., immediately behind the operation-pattern selector valve 17, thereby defining an engine room 23 under the operation seat 10.
There are respective hydraulic interconnections of: each of the remote control valves 16 and the operation-pattern selector valve 17; the operation-pattern selector valve 17 and each of the control valves of the control valve assembly 14; and each of the control valves of the control valve assembly 14 and each of the hydraulic actuators, through respective hoses. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6 by the two dotted chain lines, each of the remote control valves 16 and the operation-pattern selector valve 17 are connected to each other through respective remote control hoses H1; the operation-pattern selector valve 17 and each of the control valves of the control valve assembly 14 are connected to each other through respective pilot hoses H2; and each of the control valves of the control valve assembly 14 and each of the hydraulic actuators are connected to each other by respective actuator hoses H3.
As to this type of arrangement, according to the conventional art disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2008-31817, the operation-pattern selector valve 17 should be disposed in an upright posture at a rear side of the control valve assembly 14 and the handle 20 should be located at an upper position of the control valve assembly 14; the hose routing is therefore cumbersome.
Specifically, the arrangement of the operation-pattern selector valve 17 at a rear side of the control valve assembly 14, for instance, the arrangement of the operation-pattern selector valve 17 at an immediately front side of the partition wall 22 which is the rear limit of the underfloor space S, as shown in FIG. 6, requires for bending the remote control hose H1 suspending from the remote control valve 16 at a substantially right angle in a small clearance between the partition wall 22 and the operation-pattern selector valve 17 and connecting the remote control hose H1 to the operation-pattern selector valve 17 at the bent portion. This may decreases the flexibility in handling the remote control hose H1. Besides, the bending operation of the remote control hose H1 and the connection operation of the remote control hose H1 are cumbersome.
Furthermore, disposition of the operation-pattern selector valve 17 in the upright posture involves circuitously routing the actuator hose H3 as shown in FIG. 6, specifically, connecting one end of the actuator hose H3 to the control valve assembly 14 while guiding the other end thereof to each of the hydraulic actuators passing through the positions near the center of slewing. The actuator hose H3 is, therefore, required to be routed so as to pass through the small clearance between the operation-pattern selector valve 17 and the floor plate 13 while keeping away from the handle 20. In another alternative, the actuator hose H3 could be routed so as to pass not through the above clearance but beside the operation-pattern selector valve 17; however, this may involve interference of the actuator hose H3 with the pilot hose H2.

KOBELCO CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY CO., LTD.


In a method for 3D radius correction in CNC milling, a mill path of an original milling tool producing a surface contour on a workpiece is calculated for an original milling tool based on dimensions of the mill cutter tip, with the positions of the mill cutter tip specified by an NC program. A surface normal of an end face milling surface and a surface normal of a circumferential milling surface are then specified, for each position of the mill cutter tip taking into account dimensional differences between an actually available milling tool and the original milling tool. By specifying along the mill path a spatial orientation of the milling tool axis, a correction vector is specified from the milling tool orientation, dimensional differences and the surface normals, and the workpiece is machined by traversing the mill path with the actual milling tool under consideration of the correction vector.

The present invention relates to a method for 3D radius correction in CNC milling and to a correspondingly constructed milling machine.
The following discussion of related art is provided to assist the reader in understanding the advantages of the invention, and is not to be construed as an admission that this related art is prior art to this invention.
High surface quality, precision and speed without any rework are the main advantages of mold making. Here the typical workflow is the process chain CAD-CAM-PP-CNC. The construction and design of freeform surfaces which are produced as a digital model with a CAD system are typical of mold making. On the basis of the digital model, a CAM station is used to fix the individual machining steps and to calculate machining paths. The machining program is finally generated in a post processor (PP) in a general or standardized language for paths in the machining tools and control commands in the CNC machine. The path is generally output at the tool tip in NC code. In the machine tool environment, paths are therefore generated in the CAD-CAM-PP-CNC process from digital models, said paths then generating a workpiece on a machine tool from an unmachined part if a tool defined in the CAD-CAM process moves along the paths.
Frequently, in reality, the tool defined in the CAD-CAM process may not be available on the machine tool, and only a very similar tool is available. If a milling tool (or mill) with a specific diameter, a specific length and a specific cutting length is defined in the CAD-CAM process, for example, and only one mill with one, albeit only minimally reduced diameter, is available on the machine tool, the workpiece cannot be manufactured or can only be produced by compromising accuracy and surface quality.
In order still to manufacture the desired workpiece true to size, machine tool controllers incorporate a function for 3D radius correction.
Methods for a 3D radius correction for various milling methods are known in the art. For example, the function of the 3D radius correction may compensate, for example, for a smaller tool radius, so that the desired surface can be generated.
With 3D radius correction in face milling, referred to for example by "CUT3DF", the correction direction must additionally also be determined as well as specifying the mill geometry. In the case of face milling from the surface normal, the correction direction is calculated from the tool direction and from the tool geometry.
With 3D radius correction in circumferential milling, referred to for example by "CUT3DC", the correction takes place orthogonally to the path tangent and to the tool direction. The correction direction can therefore be described by the normal vector of the surface at the intervention point of the tool on the workpiece.
Furthermore, the term "CUT3DCC" may specify a tool radius correction with a combined circumferential and face milling. Here the main machining surface is generated using circumferential milling, wherein the surface normal of this circumferential milling surface is always orthogonal to the tool orientation. For 3D radius correction, only the surface normal of the limiting surface, in other words the surface to be machined by way of face milling, is communicated to the machine tool controller by way of the NC program.
If, while milling a workpiece, for example when the mill passes through the programmed path with its mill cutter tip, material is removed both with the face side and with the circumference of the mill, there are simultaneously two machining paths or milling paths on the workpiece: the machining path or milling path of the end face and the machining path or milling path of the circumference of the mill. A 3D radius correction can nevertheless be carried out in each case only for one of the machining paths or milling paths. If a 3D radius correction is to be carried out with both machining paths or milling paths, this must take place individually for each machining path or milling path, the machining must be divided into any order of face and circumferential machining. The workpiece can therefore not be manufactured simultaneously with the desired accuracy on the two machining surfaces with one individually programmed mill path.
It would be desirable and advantageous to obviate prior art shortcomings and to provide an improved method for CNC milling with a 3D radius correction while simultaneously machining with face and circumferential milling.

Method for 3D radius correction in CNC milling and associated milling machine


A apparatus for moving an article that contains a first telescoping tube movably connected to a second telescoping tube, a suction cup connected to said first telescoping tube, and a drive assembly connected to the first telescoping tube.

Until recent years most of the mechanisms used in various dispensing machines relied on fixed pitch spiral or fixed pitch conveyor delivery systems. Individual product selections required an individual mechanism for each product, consisting of a powered spiral or a powered segmented conveyor. Such machines suffer from a number of disadvantages, such as low volumetric efficiency of product density due to the fixed pitch nature of the spiral, physical damage to the products caused by forces induced by the spiral, and physically damage to the product caused by dropping the product to a delivery compartment.
An additional disadvantage to most vending machines is that the machines take a long time to load and must be loaded from the rear of the product tray which is a the furthest distance from the door opening. Fixed pitch type delivery systems require that each individual unit of product be placed into its respective slot or position for delivery, further slowing and complicating the loading process.
It is conventional that most vending machines that have a visible front door to view the product require that the product be placed some distance behind the glass partition of the door, thereby limiting the clarity of the products to be selected by the customer. Machines that are low on product appear unappealing to potential customers.
Most vending machines do not have a way to confirm that the product the customer has selected is the same product delivered to the customer. This is a disadvantage to the customer as well as the vending machine operators. It can lead to accounting errors as well as fraud. For example, some machine operator are subsidized by large corporate brands and are obligated to stock the contractually agreed brands. If the operator substitutes non-branded products for the contracted branded products, this can lead to reduced revenue for the corporate brand as well as a breach of contract.
It is an object of this invention to provide an improved apparatus and process for vending goods.

Article storage and retrieval apparatus and vending machine


The invention relates to a method for obtaining information about a farm animal, wherein a device (a) is attached to the head region of an animal, said device containing at least one acceleration sensor by means of which recurring acceleration data is measured, wherein the acceleration data is evaluated using automatic data processing means, and, as an outcome of the evaluation, is indicative of the activities and/or conditions of the animal. The acquired acceleration data is evaluated in order to detect the swallowing processes carried out by the animal.

The farm animal to which the method is applied can typically be a milk cow; information which is obtained here relates typically to the quantity of feed which is consumed on a daily basis, a information about components of the feed which is consumed, information relating to the milk yield, the time of mating and the optimum insemination time, and information about the rumination activity.
For the execution of the method, an acceleration sensor which measures data repeatedly is attached to the head area of an animal, and wherein the data which is measured by the acceleration sensor on the animal is transmitted to an evaluation station and evaluated in the evaluation station.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,618,861 A has already published the proposal, in 1986, to equip an animal with a movement sensor and to infer on the basis of the automatically observed rate of movements per day whether the animal—typically a cow—is on heat or not. For example, an acceleration-dependent switch suspended from a neck band and which supplies a counting pulse whenever it is accelerated by more than a specific threshold value is proposed as a movement sensor. By means of statistical analysis it is possible to detect a tendency as to whether the animal is likely to be on heat or not likely to be so.
EP 2007192 B1 specifies more wide-ranging ideas with respect to the method known from U.S. Pat. No. 4,618,861 A. By means of sensors which are arranged on the head of an animal, typically a cow, a multiplicity of orientation parameters and movement parameters are measured (acceleration in various directions, distance from the ground etc.) and by evaluation of this primary data it is inferred whether the animal is walking, is standing or is lying down. Characteristic changes in the frequencies of the latter are used to detect the times of the animal being on heat, its fertility and birth. Optionally, further measurements are made, for example about the duration of eating activities, and therefore the inferences are expanded or the accuracy of the inferences is improved.
DE 36 10 960 A1 has already published the idea, in 1987, of equipping an animal in agricultural husbandry with a sensor which repeatedly measures a state variable of the animal and transmits the measurement result to an evaluation point so that the inferences can be made automatically about the state of health of the animal, and for example, the feed can be adapted automatically. The acceleration is mentioned as a possible state variable to be measured; it is integrated over time. The result is interpreted as an average movement of the actual animal. Rumination is not mentioned.
EP 1301068 B1 (priority year 2000) proposes sensing the duration of the rumination of an animal within a relatively long, predetermined time period through noise analysis and drawing inferences about the feed or a state of the animal therefrom. Rumination as such is detected by the difference between the noises of the regurgitation of a bolus and the chewing of a bolus. Disruptive limitations arise owing to the high level of energy consumption due to the long measuring period which is necessary. There is no mention of the measurement of acceleration.
WO2007119070 A1 proposes sensing a multiplicity of different modes of behavior of an animal by means of sensors such as noise sensors, multi-axial acceleration sensors, temperature sensors etc., transmitting these modes of behavior in a wireless fashion to an evaluation unit and inferring a multiplicity of states of the animal by means of evaluation. It is proposed to detect rumination on the basis of the results of noise sensors.
EP 2205146 B1 (priority 2007) proposes attaching a component equipped with a plurality of sensors to the external auditory canal of an animal, said component measuring the temperature at at least two locations and also, in addition, being able to measure other variables such as, for example, noises or accelerations. It is proposed, inter alia, to measure a rumination activity by means of the sensor; however, it is not explained further how the measurement is implemented and which rumination activity this relates to precisely.
DE 601 33 106 T2 (German translation of EP 1 301 068 B1) proposes using a noise sensor and evaluation logic to measure on a ruminant a variable which indicates the activity of rumination and detecting the duration of rumination automatically within a defined time period. The knowledge acquired with this is used to generate information relating to the physiological state of the animal and/or relating to desired changes in the feed in order to optimize the milk yield or to maintain the health of the animal.
In CH 700 494 B1 (priority 2010) it is proposed to equip cattle with a head collar, to the noseband of which a pressure sensor is attached which measures continuously and whose measurement results are recorded by a measuring log. In this way, chewing activity such as, in particular, rumination, can be detected, since in this context the measured pressure profile fluctuates periodically in a characteristic fashion. It is disadvantageous that the head collar has to be fixed very firmly for the pressure measurement to function reliably.
A publication entitled "Goldmedaille for Rumiwatch [Gold medal for Rumiwatch]" dated Nov. 7, 2012 was published, at least on Mar. 15, 2014, at the Internet address http://www.landi.ch/deu/goldmedaille-fuer-quotrumiwatchquot_1250893.shtml. In said publication, the device according to CH 700 494 B1 discussed above is described in combination with further sensors and at least one evaluation unit. For example, monitoring is carried out of how many chewing actions a bolus is chewed during rumination before it is swallowed again. A reduced number of chewing actions per bolus is considered to indicate digestion problems or feeding errors.
In WO 2015041548 A1 which was not published until the priority date of the present application it is proposed to attach different sensors, inter alia also acceleration sensors, to an animal. A type of wellbeing parameter is inferred from analysis of the acceleration data, inter alia by formation of mean values over the individual frequencies determined during a Fourier analysis. Likewise, by using an acceleration frequency the weight of the animal is inferred. It is also proposed to measure the chewing frequency during rumination; however, it is proposed to use noise analyses.

Method for obtaining information about a farm animal


An apparatus for improving the tomographic image quality by preventing the tomographic image contrast from degrading and preventing artifact from occurring even if many scattered radiations occur. An X-ray detection array obtains first detection data using the X-ray detection elements corresponding to an area not shielded by a collimator. Further, the X-ray detection array obtains second detection data using the X-ray detection elements corresponding to an area shielded by the collimator. A central processing unit corrects the first detection data based on the detection data including the first and second detection data. Finally, the central processing unit generates a tomographic image for an imaging area of the imaging object.

The present invention relates to a radiation tomography apparatus. More specifically, the present invention relates to a radiation tomography apparatus for generating multislice tomographic images.
There is known an X-ray CT (Computed Tomography) apparatus as a radiation tomography apparatus to generate sectional images of an imaging object using radiations such as X-ray. The X-ray CT apparatus is applied to human bodies and solid bodies as imaging objects and is used for a wide range of purposes including medical and industrial purposes.
The X-ray CT apparatus scans around an imaging object using its body axis direction as an axis and irradiates X-ray to the imaging object from an X-ray tube. A collimator shields to shape the X-ray irradiated from the X-ray tube and adjusts an irradiation range of the X-ray so that the X-ray is irradiated to an imaging area of the imaging object. An X-ray detection element of an X-ray detection array detects the X-ray penetrating the imaging object via the collimator. Based on detection data according to the detected X-ray, the X-ray CT apparatus generates a tomographic image for the imaging area of the imaging object.
The X-ray CT apparatus is subject to diversification with respect to locations of imaging objects and purposes of imaging. The X-ray CT apparatus needs to improve image quality such as resolutions and speed up imaging. To satisfy these demands, the X-ray CT apparatus is provided with an X-ray detection array. The X-ray detection array comprises a plurality of X-ray detection elements for X-ray detection that are disposed in an array form along a channel direction and a body axis direction. Available X-ray scanning systems include helical scanning and axial scanning. The axial scanning system irradiates X-ray around an imaging object for each section of an imaging area for the imaging object. The helical scanning system irradiates X-ray around the imaging object helically along the body axis direction.
FIG. 11 illustrates how an X-ray CT apparatus performs a scan according to the helical scanning system. The X-ray CT apparatus is provided with an X-ray detection array 123 comprising a plurality of X-ray detection elements 123a in an array form along the channel direction x and the body axis direction z. In FIG. 11, a plurality of X-ray detection elements 123a is disposed along the channel direction. The X-ray detection elements 123a comprise eight columns from A to H along the body axis direction z. In FIG. 11, FIG. 11(A) shows the start of scanning. FIG 11(B) shows scanning in process. FIG. 11(C) shows the end of scanning. As shown in FIG. 11, the helical scanning system irradiates X-ray around an imaging object helically along the body axis direction z.
As shown in FIG. 11 (A), the scan starts by aligning the irradiation center of an X-ray tube 120 and the center of the X-ray detection array 123 along the body axis direction with one end S of an imaging area R on an imaging object. At this time, the collimator 122 shapes an X-ray 105 from the X-ray tube 120 so that the X-ray forms a pyramid which is symmetrical about the irradiation center and has a specified thickness along the body axis direction z. The X-ray detection array 123 detects the X-ray 105 penetrating the imaging object via the collimator 122 using the X-ray detection elements 123a from columns E to H corresponding to the imaging area R of the imaging object.
During scanning as shown in FIG. 11(B), the X-ray tube 120 helically scans around the imaging object. For example, the X-ray tube 120 irradiates the pyramidal X-ray 105 symmetrical about the irradiation center from a direction opposite to the irradiation direction at the start of scanning. All columns from A to H of the X-ray detection elements 123a detect the X-ray 105 penetrating the imaging object via the collimator 122.
At the end of scanning as shown in FIG. 11 (C), the X-ray tube 120 helically scans around the imaging object. The X-ray tube 120 irradiates the pyramidal X-ray 105 symmetrical about the irradiation center from a direction similar to the irradiation direction at the start of scanning. The X-ray detection array 123 detects the X-ray 105 penetrating the imaging object via the collimator 122, using the X-ray detection elements 123a from columns A to D corresponding to the imaging area R on the imaging object. The scan ends by aligning the center of the X-ray detection array 123 along the body axis direction and the irradiation center of an X-ray tube 120 with the other end E of the imaging area R on the imaging object.
As mentioned above, an X-ray 105R is detected to generate a tomographic image at the start and the end of scanning. This is because the X-ray 105R corresponds to an area belonging to the imaging area R on the imaging object. However, X-rays 105S and 105E are not detected because they correspond to areas SS and SE outside the imaging area R and are not used for tomographic image generation. That is, at the start and the end of scanning, the X-rays 105S and 105E of the X-ray 105 irradiated from the X-ray tube 120 are incident outside the imaging area R from the center of the X-ray detection array 123. Consequently, the X-rays 105S and 105E are not used, and the X-ray 105 irradiated to the imaging object is not used efficiently.
Conventionally, various methods have been proposed to shield the X-rays 105S and 105E that belong to the X-ray 105 irradiated from the X-ray tube 102 and are incident opposite to the imaging area R of the center of the X-ray detection array 123 (e.g., see JP-A No. 234197/1997).
However, the conventional system uses the pyramidal X-ray 105 spreading along the body axis direction z in order to generate a tomographic image having a specified slice thickness. The system not only directly detects the X-ray through the imaging object from the X-ray tube 120, but also detects X-rays as scattered radiations resulting when the original X-ray penetrates the imaging object. This caused to decrease the tomographic image contrast and to generate an artifact. In particular, increasing a pyramid angle of the pyramidal X-ray causes many scattered radiations on the imaging object. For example, the imaging object's abdomen easily causes artifact due to ribs. Not only the helical scanning system, but also the axial scanning system has been subject to this problem.

GE Medical Systems Global Technology Company, LLC


An ultrawideband radio frequency pulse is generated by shaping a carrier signal having a selected frequency with a window function. The shaped carrier is gated to produce the ultrawideband pulse. In further embodiments, the window function comprises a sinusoidal function, and the ultrawideband pulse is formed via a mixer and a CMOS radio frequency switch.

Electric signals used for wireless communication typically include a carrier signal that exists independent of the data being conveyed, and a modulation signal that is applied to the carrier signal to embed the conveyed data into the carrier. The modulated carrier signal is then conveyed as radio frequency electromagnetic waves to a receiver, which extracts the modulation signal data from the carrier frequency and so recovers the data.
Carrier signals are typically designed to have one or more narrow, carefully controlled frequencies, ensuring that radiated power is controlled to be within specified guidelines and is used to the greatest benefit of the transmitting device. But, some systems have adapted wireless communications methods having a seemingly inconsistent approach, which is to spread the signal frequency out over a very wide range, resulting in a low fraction of total transmitted power at any one specific frequency. Such signals are often called ultrawideband signals, and are being explored for short-range communications systems, such as wireless networks, as well as for some special functions like radar in which the bandwidth makes such a signal difficult to jam. But, generation of an ultrawideband signal is not a trivial task, and requires methods and circuits different from those traditionally used to produce narrow carrier signals.
A system for producing ultrawideband signals is therefore desired.

Pulse shaping signals for ultrawideband communication


The present disclosure provides a femtosecond laser docking apparatus that includes a suction cone, with an upper frusto-conical portion and lower spherical portion, and a suction ring, with a mechanical stop and at least one contact and sealing surface. The mechanical stop engages the spherical portion of the suction cone to prevent it from being lowered further toward an eye, in a z-direction, beyond the mechanical stop. This disclosure provides a system for femtosecond laser ophthalmic surgery that includes a suction cone, with an upper frusto-conical portion and lower spherical portion, and a suction ring. This disclosure further provides a method for docking a femtosecond laser that includes positioning a suction ring on an eye, lowering a suction cone toward the eye until it engages the mechanical stop of the suction ring, and applying suction to seal the suction cone to the suction ring by a contact and sealing surface.

In ophthalmology, ophthalmic surgery is performed on the eye and accessory visual structures to save and improve the vision of tens of thousands of patients every year. However, given the sensitivity of vision to even small changes in the eye and the minute and delicate nature of many eye structures, ophthalmic surgery is difficult to perform and the reduction of even minor or uncommon surgical errors or modest improvements in accuracy of surgical techniques can make a tremendous difference in the patient's vision after the surgery.
One type of ophthalmic surgery, refractive eye surgery, is used to correct a variety of vision problems. One common such refractive surgery is known as LASIK (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis) and is used to correct myopia and hyperopia, astigmatism, or more complex refractive errors. Other ophthalmic surgeries may correct corneal defects or other problems. For instance, phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK) may be used to remove diseased corneal tissue or corneal irregularities either alone or in combination with LASIK. Another common ophthalmic surgery is the removal of cataracts.
During LASIK, PTK, cataract surgery, and other ophthalmic surgeries, corrective procedures are commonly performed on interior parts of the eye, such as the corneal stroma or the lens, rather than on the eye surface. This practice tends to improve surgical outcomes by allowing the corrective procedure to be targeted to the most effective part of the eye, by keeping the outer, protective parts of the cornea largely intact, and for other reasons.
The interior part of the eye may be accessed in a variety of manners, but frequently access involves cutting a flap in the cornea or otherwise cutting the cornea. Corneal cutting is often performed by a femtosecond laser that creates focused ultrashort pulses, eliminating collateral damage of surrounding tissues associated with slower lasers and complications associated with mechanical cutting instruments, such as blades. Femtosecond lasers can therefore be used to dissect tissue on a microscopic level.
Femtosecond laser ophthalmic surgery typically includes docking, imaging, analysis, and laser treatment.
Generally, during docking, a suction ring is first positioned on a patient's eye and a suction cone is vertically lowered onto the suction ring. The lower portion of the suction cone contacts internal surfaces of the suction ring, and also the patient's eye. By contacting the patient's eye, the suction cone provides pressure to flatten the patient's cornea (known as applanation) and hold it in position for the laser treatment. Docking is a sensitive process, and proper placement of the suction cone is important for successful femtosecond laser ophthalmic surgery. However, correct placement of the suction cone is currently typically guided through visual inspection by the user, relying on experience and perception.


Testing apparatuses, and methods for using such apparatuses to calibrate and test an antenna, include a chamber that includes a lining, the lining being made from a material that is absorptive to radiation at a test wavelength. An adjustable platform is positioned at a first side of the chamber, the adjustable platform being rotatable to change an orientation of a device under test. A probe is positioned at a second side of the chamber, opposite to the first side of the chamber, that measures electromagnetic radiation from the device under test. A vector network analyzer communicates with the device under test and the probe to determine calibration information for the device under test.

The present invention relates to phased array antennas, and, more particularly, to testing and calibration of phased array antennas.
Near-field testing of phased array antennas can be performed by moving a probe from one antenna element to the next, performing measurements at each position. Amplitude and phase may be measured for each element, but the movement of the probe causes substantial delays for each element, consuming significant amounts of time for large arrays of elements.
Far-field testing can be performed with a probe that is far from the antenna. However, phase information is difficult to measure accurately in far-field arrangements, and it can be difficult to obtain per-element information. Even if one element is tested at a time, the large distance from the antenna array produces phase and amplitude measurement inaccuracies. Additionally, large testing chambers are needed to provide far-field measurements for many frequency ranges, making them expensive and unsuitable for calibration in the field.

Testing and calibration of phased array antennas


A pair of chopsticks includes two elongate bodies facing each other, and a connector pivotally connected with and between the two elongate bodies. The elongate bodies respectively have a hollow near an upper end. The connector has a plate spring, which has one end pivotally connected to the hollow of each elongate body. Thus the connector connects the two elongate bodies together so that the lower end sections of the two elongate bodies may be closed by pushing the two bodies inward to each other for picking up food, and opened by letting loose a hand clamping the two bodies for next round of picking up food.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a pair of chopsticks, particularly to one automatically expanded out after clamped together for use with convenience.
2. Description of the Prior Art
A pair of chopsticks is an indispensable tool used for picking up food in a meal in the Orient, generally composed of two elongate sticks of the same size and shape, and users have to be dexterous to expand or shrink together the two sticks for picking up food, so those such as the old or the small or some handicapped people or foreigners rarely using them may not be good at using chopsticks in taking a meal. So food may easily be dropped off chopsticks, impossible to be picked up smoothly for users to feel very embarrassed.


A watercraft support platform casing for a floating dry dock for light weight watercrafts is described. The support platform casing has integrally formed floatation chambers and an elongated central ramp is formed in the top surface of the casing to support the hull of a watercraft positioned thereon. The ramp has a trough-like upper surface with a sloped forward entry way formed integral therewith and terminates in a lower forward projecting edge. The support platform is provided with connectors on opposed side walls thereof for a rigid connection with a plurality of floatation casings to support the platform casing on a water surface with the entry way positioned to receive the bow of a watercraft in movement whereby the watercraft can project itself on the central ramp above the water surface.

It is known to construct drive-on dry docks whereby a watercraft can enter an entry way of a floatation flexible dock and lodge itself into a channel or on smaller float casings of the dock. Such drive-on dry docks are for example described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,431,106, 6,526,902, 5,947,050, and 5,931,113. These dry docks comprise a plurality of floatation casings forming a dock surface on which a person can walk and an entry way in which a watercraft can enter when in motion. There are several problems associated with such flexible docks, one of them being that when the watercraft enters the entry way, it can damage the floatation casings which are disposed in the entry way and usually disposed lower than the surface of the floatation casings to the sides of the entry way. Because these floatation casings are formed of rigid plastic material, repetitive impact by the hull of a watercraft causes wear and tear, and the casings can become punctured and fill with water, causing the dock to sink in the forward entry way, thereby necessitating repair. The repair consists in removing the damaged casing from adjacent casings and because there are several connectors, one at each corner of the casings, this is a time consuming job and often the connectors fall into the water and become lost.
Another disadvantage of these drive-on dry docks is that an open entrance way is formed in the dock to receive a watercraft and because the casings are pivotally secured to one another, they flex with respect to one another, and make it hazardous to a person walking on the dock in the vicinity of the entrance way. Furthermore, these docks are constructed to support only a single watercraft and some of these watercrafts are only partly supported on the dock with the outboard engine in the rear end of the watercraft remaining in the water at the end of the dock. Therefore, the watercraft is still partly submerged. In an attempt to resolve this type of a problem, the outer casing sections of these docks may be provided with large inflatable pontoons whereby to lift the watercraft completely out of the water. See for example U.S. Pat. No. 6,526,902 referred to hereinabove. Accordingly, it is necessary to pump air into the pontoons and to remove it therefore, whereby the outermost section is only buoyant enough to support itself, whereby it can be downwardly inclined when a watercraft enters the dry dock. This is a time consuming process for docking watercrafts, particularly when a watercraft is docked several times in a single day. Furthermore, the bow ridge of the watercraft impacts onto smaller floatation casings disposed along a center line of the dock, and is subjected to damage, as mentioned above.


The present invention relates to human PGF polypeptides and DNA (RNA) encoding such polypeptides. Also provided is a procedure for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques, and antibodies and antagonist/inhibitors against such polypeptides. Also provided are methods of using such polypeptides therapeutically for treating prostate cancer, to promote tissue regeneration and to facilitate wound healing. Also provided is a diagnostic assay to detect prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia.

This invention relates to newly identified polynucleotides, polypeptides encoded by such polynucleotides, the use of such polynucleotides and polypeptides, as well as the production of such polynucleotides and polypeptides. More particularly, the polypeptide of the present invention is a prostatic growth factor which is sometimes hereinafter referred to as xe2x80x9cPGFxe2x80x9d.
This invention relates to a polynucleotide and polypeptide molecules which are structurally and functionally related to TGF-xcex2. The transforming growth factor-beta family of peptide growth factors includes five members, termed TGF-xcex21 through TGF-xcex25, all of which form homo-dimers of approximately 25 kd. The TGF-xcex2 family belongs to a larger, extended super family of peptide signaling molecules that includes the Muellerian inhibiting substance (Cate, R. L. et al., Cell, 45:685-698 (1986)), decapentaplegic (Padgett, R. W. et al., Nature, 325:81-84 (1987)), bone morphogenic factors (Wozney, J. M. et al., Science, 242:1528-1534 (1988)), vg1 (Weeks, D. L., and Melton, D. A., Cell, 51:861-867 (1987)), activins (Vale, W. et al., Nature, 321:776-779 (1986)), and inhibins (Mason, A. J. et al., Nature, 318:659-663 (1985)). These factors are similar to TGF-xcex2 in overall structure, but share only approximately 25% amino acid identity with the TGF-xcex2 proteins and with each other. All of these molecules are thought to play an important roles in modulating growth, development and differentiation. The protein of the present invention, PGF, retains the seven cysteine residues conserved in the C-terminal, active domain of TGF-xcex2.
TGF-xcex2 was originally described as a factor that induced normal rat kidney fibroblasts to proliferate in soft agar in the presence of epidermal growth factor (Roberts, A. B. et al., PNAS USA, 78:5339-5343 (1981)). TGF-xcex2 has subsequently been shown to exert a number of different effects in a variety of cells. For example, TGF-xcex2 can inhibit the differentiation of certain cells of mesodermal origin (Florini, J. R. et al., J.Biol.Chem., 261:1659-16513 (1986)), induced the differentiation of others (Seyedine, S. M. et al., PNAS USA, 82:2267-2271 (1985)), and potently inhibit proliferation of various types of epithelial cells, (Tucker, R. F., Science, 226:705-707 (1984)). This last activity has lead to the speculation that one important physiologic role for TGF-xcex2 is to maintain the repressed growth state of many types of cells. Accordingly, cells that lose the ability to respond to TGF-xcex2 are more likely to exhibit uncontrolled growth and to become tumorigenic. Indeed, the cells lack certain tumors such as retinoblastomas lack detectable TGF-xcex2 receptors at their cell surface and fail to respond to TGF-xcex2, while their normal counterparts express self-surface receptors in their growth is potently inhibited by TGF-xcex2 (Kim Chi, A. et al., Science, 240:196-198 (1988)).
More specifically, TGF-xcex21 stimulates the anchorage-independent growth of normal rat kidney fibroblasts (Robert et al., PNAS USA, 78:5339-5343 (1981)). Since then it has been shown to be a multi-functional regulator of cell growth and differentiation (Sporn et al., Science, 233:532-534 (1986)) being capable of such diverse effects of inhibiting the growth of several human cancer cell lines (Roberts et al., PNAS-USA, 82:119-123 (1985)), mouse keratinocytes, (Coffey et al., Cancer RES., 48:1596-1602 (1988)), and T and B lymphocytes (Kehrl et al., J.Exp.Med., 163:1037-1050 (1986)). It also inhibits early hematopoietic progenitor cell proliferation (Goey et al., J.Immunol., 143:877-880 (1989)), stimulates the induction of differentiation of rat, muscle mesenchymal cells and subsequent production of cartilage-specific macro molecules (Seyedine et al., J.Biol.Chem., 262:1946-1949 (1986)), causes increased synthesis and secretion of collagen (Ignotz et al., J.Biol.Chem., 261:4337-4345 (1986)), stimulates bone formation (Noda et al., Endocrinology, 124;2991-2995 (1989)), and accelerates the healing of incision wounds (Mustoe et al., Science, 237:1333-1335 (1987)).
Further, TGF-xcex21 stimulates formation of extracellular matrix molecules in the liver and lung. When levels of TGF-xcex21 are higher than normal, formation of fiber occurs in the extracellular matrix of the liver and lung which can be fatal. High levels of TGF-xcex21 occur due to chemotherapy and bone marrow transplant as an attempt to treat cancers, eg. breast cancer.
A second protein termed TGF-xcex22 was isolated from several sources including demineralized bone, a human prostatic adenocarcinoma cell line (Ikeda et al., Bio.Chem., 26:2406-2410 (1987)). TGF-xcex22 shared several functional similarities with TGF-xcex21. These proteins are now known to be members of a family of related growth modulatory proteins including TGF-xcex23 (Ten-Dijke et al., PNAS-USA, 85:471-4719 (1988)), Muellerian inhibitory substance and the inhibins. Due to amino acid sequence homology, it is thought that the PGF polypeptide of the present invention is also a member of this family of related growth modulatory proteins. However, to date, this polypeptide has only been found by the inventors to be present in the prostate.
In accordance with one aspect of the present inventions there is provided a novel mature polypeptide which is PGF, as well as biologically active and diagnostically or therapeutically useful fragments, analogs and derivatives thereof. The polypeptide of the present invention is of human origin.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there are provided isolated nucleic acid molecules encoding human PGF, including mRNAs, DNAS, cDNAs, genomic DNAs as well as analogs and biologically active and diagnostically or therapeutically useful fragments and derivatives thereof.
In accordance with yet a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a process for producing such polypeptide by recombinant techniques comprising culturing recombinant prokaryotic and/or eukaryotic host cells, containing a human PGF nucleic acid sequence, under conditions promoting expression of said protein and subsequent recovery of said protein.
In accordance with yet a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a process for utilizing such polypeptide, or polynucleotide encoding such polypeptide for therapeutic purposes, for example, to inhibit prostate cancer, stimulate tissue regeneration and to promote wound healing.
In accordance with yet a further aspect of the present invention, there are provided antibodies against such polypeptides.
In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, there are provided antagonists to such polypeptides, which may be used to inhibit the action of such polypeptides, for example, in the treatment of PGF-dependent tumors.
In accordance with yet a further aspect of the present invention, there are also provided nucleic acid probes comprising nucleic acid molecules of sufficient length to specifically hybridize to human PGF sequences.
In accordance with still another aspect of the present invention, there are provided diagnostic assays for detecting diseases related to the under-expression and over-expression of the PGF polypeptide and mutations in the nucleic acid sequences encoding such polypeptide.
In accordance with yet a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a process for utilizing such polypeptides, or polynucleotides encoding such polypeptides, for in vitro purposes related to scientific research, synthesis of DNA and manufacture of DNA vectors.
These and other aspects of the present invention should be apparent to those skilled in the art from the teachings herein.


A process for treating a semiconductor substrate, comprising a prior surface-treatment step using a plasma at medium or low pressure, preferably having an electron concentration N.sub.e .gtoreq.10.sup.11 cm.sup.-3 and preferably producing a small potential difference V.sub.p -V.sub.f <20 V, wherein the surface energy of the treated surface is determined so as optionally to have fast feedback on the control of the process in order to optimize the plasma treatment, and the prior surface treatment step may be followed by a deposition step with a view to filling or planarizing the treated surface or to improving morphological, physical, or electrical characteristics of materials deposited on the treated surface.

The increase in the integration density and the speed of integrated circuits is leading to a continuous reduction in the size of the elementary transistors of which they are composed. Indeed, the development of fabrication technologies is, in particular, characterized by a reduction in the lateral dimensions which is taking place more quickly over time than that of the vertical dimensions (for example the minimum widths of the photolithographically etched patterns are being reduced at a faster rate than the typical thicknesses of the deposited layers). In certain cases, this results in a significant increase in the form factors (depth/width ratio of a pattern) in comparison with previous-generation technologies, and therefore in a tortuous relief.
Furthermore, deposits made on non-planar surfaces of this type are involved in certain fabrication steps for integrated circuits. Among these, mention may be made of the side insulation techniques which require the deposition of one or more dielectric layers in trenches etched into the silicon, as well as intermetallic insulation techniques.
On account of the tortuous relief of the surface which receives the deposit, morphological defects may appear in these deposited layers. Mention may, principally, be made of cavity effects, crackling effects and wave effects (periodic or pseudo-periodic variations in the thickness over large distances).
It is therefore expedient to find deposition processes which overcome these drawbacks that are connected, in particular, with the geometry of the underlying patterns and the inherent physical characteristics of the materials that are deposited.

Process for treating a semiconductor substrate comprising a surface-treatment step


A patient transfer device includes a top sheet inclined in a head end portion such that a patient's torso is elevated with respect to the feet. The mattress may include relatively narrow chambers in an intermediate portion for increased strength and stability. The mattress may also include a leg separator in a foot end portion, preferably tapered and including one or more inflatable chambers. The mattress may also include a pump mounted directly to the mattress. The transfer device may include a torso and head support accessory having independently inflatable torso and head chambers and inlet and exhaust tubes connected to each chamber. A distribution manifold includes valves connected to each of the inlet and exhaust tubes for controlled inflation and deflation of the chambers. The device may include a control unit connected to the manifold and mountable to an intubation tube for actuation by a user's thumb.

Patient transfer mattresses have an inflatable plenum and discharge air through a plurality of holes in a bottom sheet to create a cushion of air beneath the mattress. The air cushion lifts and facilitates movement of the mattress with respect to a bed or other support surface. Some contemporary examples of patient transfer mattresses are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,067,189 (Weedling et al), reissued as U.S. Pat. No. Re. 35,299, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,561,873 (Weedling).
Patients, particularly those that are morbidly obese, often have coexisting physical conditions that make it unhealthy for the patient to lay in a flat supine condition for extended lengths of time. Obesity can contribute to respiratory difficulty as the lungs are compressed by the heavy chest wall making it difficult for the lungs to lift and expand to inhale. This breathing difficulty can aggravate other conditions such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and Congestive Heart Failure (CHF).
For these reasons obese patients, particularly those with COPD or CHF, can have a stressful time while lying flat during diagnostic procedures or while being transferred from one rest surface to another. Arterial blood gas levels for obese patients maintained in a supine condition can increase to a level that impairs proper circulation of oxygen. For patients with CHF, the heart may not be able to adequately pump blood throughout the body, and blood may accumulate in the lungs, causing shortness of breath, fatigue, and edema of the extremities. When the lungs become congested with fluid, the resulting shortness of breath frequently causes CHF patients to experience sleep interruptions.
Patient treatment often requires endotracheal intubation. Direct visualization of the larynx using a rigid laryngoscope constitutes the primary procedure of achieving endotracheal intubation, and the procedure is called laryngoscopy. Successful laryngoscopy is contingent upon alignment of the oral, pharyngeal and laryngeal axes. In this position, sometimes referred to as the "sniffing position", the patient's head is slightly extended and the occiput is elevated. Placing a patient in the proper intubation position by manual manipulation is somewhat difficult, however, and the difficulty increases when the patient is obese.
Consequently, others have developed body support devices to facilitate endotracheal intubation. U.S. Pat. No. 4,259,757 (Watson) discloses a cushion that can be used to position a patient's head and neck to facilitate endotracheal intubation. The cushion, however, supports only the head and neck and does not support the torso of the patient to provide a full support system for achieving the sniffing position. U.S. Pat. No. 5,528,783 discloses a wedge-shaped head and torso support including an inflatable bladder. The bladder is adjustable to provide for partial inflation as well as full inflation. The support includes only one bladder and, therefore, is incapable of providing elevation of the head independently from that of the torso.

Patient transfer device having inclined upper surface


A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device, comprising: providing a substrate; forming a first trough structure, which comprises at least a first sidewall, on the substrate; forming a first doping layer on the first sidewall; covering the first doping layer and a part of a surface of the substrate by a photoresist; forming a second trough structure, which comprises at least a second sidewall, on a part of the substrate which is not covered by the photoresist; removing the photoresist; forming an insulation layer on the substrate, the first trough structure, and the second trough structure; forming a conductive layer on the substrate, the first trough structure, and the second trough structure; and removing parts of the insulation layer and the conductive layer outside the first trough structure and the second trough structure to expose a surface of the first doping layer at the opening of the first trough structure.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a semiconductor device and method of manufacturing the semiconductor device, especially to a semiconductor device and the associated manufacturing method that utilize a 3D (three-dimensional) structural semiconductor device to implement an ESD (electrostatic discharge) protection circuit, so as to reduce circuit areas.
2. Description of Related Art
ESD protection is significant in the semiconductor field. In particular, when the semiconductor manufacturing process is more compact and the line width becomes thinner, the integrated circuits are exposed to higher threats of all kinds of ESDs, such as HBM (Human-Body Model) ESD, MM (Machine Model) ESD, and CDM (Charged-Device Model) ESD. Please refer to FIG. 1, illustrating a conventional ESD protection circuit. The main circuit 150 inside an IC chip uses an input pad 130 and an output pad 140 to communicate with circuits outside the IC chip. The input pad 130 and the output pad 140 are connected respectively to an ESD protection circuit 110 and an ESD protection circuit 120. The ESD protection circuit 110 is composed of a PMOS 112 and an NMOS 114, which are connected in series, and the ESD protection circuit 120 is composed of a PMOS 122 and an NMOS 124, which are connected in series. This ESD protection circuit has a disadvantage that the PMOS/NMOS occupies too much area. Another ESD protection circuit composed of diodes has the same problem.

Semiconductor device and method of manufacturing same


A method for scale adjustment of touch-based measurement equipment has steps of providing a touch-based screen with a waveform area; determining if a first-direction gesture or a second-direction gesture is present on the waveform area; when the first-direction gesture is present, determining if an object touches one of two portions of the waveform area divided along a second direction of the waveform area and incrementing or decrementing a first scale when positive; and when the second-direction gesture is present, determining if an object touches one of two portions of the waveform area divided along a first direction of the waveform area and incrementing or decrementing a second scale. Scale adjustment on touch-based measurement equipment using one finger can be implemented with the foregoing method.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a method for changing scale of touch-based measurement equipment, and more particularly to a method capable of realizing stepwise scale adjustment of touch-based measurement equipment with one single finger.
2. Description of the Related Art
Measurement equipment, such as oscilloscope, spectrum analyzer and the like, serves to display waveforms of testing signals. Given the oscilloscope as an example, the values of a displayed waveform on the oscilloscope in vertical and horizontal axes respectively represent magnitude and time of the waveform. To precisely acquire the values in the vertical and horizontal axes or prevent the displayed waveform from going out of bound vertically or horizontally, frequently adjusting stepwise scales, such as 1×, 10×, 100×, 1000× and the like, becomes essential. The most traditional way of adjusting scale is to adjust scale through a knob. After a touch screen is applied to the foregoing measurement equipment, touch-based scale adjustment is also supported and can be classified into two types as follows.
One type of touch-based scale adjustment is performed by using two-finger pinch gesture and is advantageous in its intuitive operation. However, a distance between the two fingers in the pinch gesture is hard to be controlled precisely such that stepwise scale adjustment is not easy to be implemented.
The other type of touch-based scale adjustment is performed by touching virtual buttons on the touch screen. With reference to FIG. 9, a conventional touch screen 70 of an oscilloscope has a waveform area 71 for displaying a waveform of a testing signal. The waveform area 71 has multiple virtual buttons 72, 73 located on a lower portion below the waveform area 71. When one of the virtual buttons 72 is touched, a popup window for horizontal scale adjustment 720 is displayed on the waveform area 71 as shown in FIG. 10. The popup window for horizontal scale adjustment 720 has a track bar 721 that is horizontally movable for users to perform a stepwise scale adjustment in the horizontal direction (time) upon pressing and dragging it to the right or to the left. When the other virtual button 73 is touched, a popup window for vertical scale adjustment 730 is displayed on the waveform area 71 as shown in FIG. 11. The popup window for vertical scale adjustment 730 has at least one track bar 731 that is vertically movable for users to perform a stepwise scale adjustment in the vertical direction (magnitude) upon pressing and dragging it to the top or to the bottom.
Although the foregoing virtual buttons 72, 73 can be used for scale adjustment, the issue of operational inconvenience still exists. To ensure better view for observing the waveform area 71, the virtual buttons 72, 73 below the waveform area 71 and the popup windows 720, 730 should be reduced in size as much as possible. Due to the size reduction, the virtual buttons 72, 73 and the track bars 721, 731 in the popup windows 720, 730 that are relatively smaller give rise to difficulty in operation and an unfriendly users' interface for scale adjustment.

Method for scale adjustment of touch-based measurement equipment


A method of controlling an uplink transmission in a wireless communications system, and a user equipment therefore are discussed. The method according to one embodiment includes configuring the user equipment with multiple component carriers; receiving first configuration information for allocating one or more component carrier sets; receiving second configuration information for periodically transmitting an uplink signal; receiving control information for configuring states of component carriers, by which a downlink component carrier and an uplink component carrier are controlled to be in a same state; and performing a procedure for periodically transmitting the uplink signal on an uplink component carrier in use of the first configuration information, the second configuration information and the control information. When the uplink component carrier is in the active state, a transmission of the uplink signal is performed. When the uplink component carrier is in the non-active state, the transmission of the uplink signal is skipped.

Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a wireless (or radio) communication system. And, more particularly, the present invention relates to a communication method using a carrier aggregation and apparatus therefore.
Discussion of the Related Art
Wireless communication systems are being broadly developed in order to provide various types of communication services, such as voice or data services. Generally, a wireless communication system corresponds to a multiple access system that may support communication with multiple users by sharing available system resources (bandwidth, transmission power, etc.). Examples of a multiple access system include a CDMA (code division multiple access) system, an FDMA (frequency division multiple access) system, a TDMA (time division multiple access) system, an OFDMA (orthogonal frequency division multiple access) system, an SC-FDMA (single carrier frequency division multiple access) system, an MC-FDMA (multi carrier frequency division multiple access) system, and so on.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Communication method using a carrier aggregation and apparatus therefore


Temperature resistant multilayer composites, methods for making same, and articles made therefrom. The method can include extruding one or more polyolefin polymers having a MFR from less than 90 dg/min through at least one die having a plurality of nozzles to form a plurality of continuous fibers, at least one die operating at a melt pressure from greater than 500 psi (3447 kPa) to form at least one elastic meltblown layer; adhering the at least one elastic meltblown layer to at least one extensible layer to form a multilayer composite; and at least partially crosslinking the elastic meltblown layer or the extensible layer or both.

Elastomers are useful as elastic nonwovens or films in applications ranging from waistbands, side panels, closure systems, and chasses for baby diapers, adult incontinence and personal hygiene garments, as well as other applications. Most of these elastic closures are constructed with facing layers that include a nonwoven substrate that is plastic in properties and provides aesthetic attributes such as touch and feel. Examples of such include those disclosed in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2008/0045917 and its counterparts. The plastic facing layers sandwich the elastic (core) layer, which is inherently elastomeric and possesses a rubbery feel that is not desirable for skin contact.
More recently, highly elastic, breathable, nonwoven fabric with the necessary aesthetic qualities that require no form of mechanical activation have been desired. Existing products are complex laminates of an elastic film, and are typically a styrenic block copolymer ("SBC") or polyurethane as the elastic film that can have polyolefin skins coextruded onto the film to prevent blocking, and nonwovens in order to provide the correct aesthetic (a soft, fluffy, cushion-like texture) and in certain constructions a hot melt glue layer to bond the nonwoven to either side of the elastic film. These types of constructions, once formed, are often not elastic due to the constraining influence of the inelastic components such as the polyolefin skin layers, adhesive, and nonwoven facing layers.
In order to remove the constraining influence of non-elastic elements, many composites require a mechanical stretching or activation process in order to stretch or break the non-elastic components. The mechanical stretching removes the constraints and creates an elastic composite controlled by the SBC film. Furthermore, such composites require the film to be apertured or perforated to make these laminates breathable. This process involves the controlled puncturing/tearing of the film with the associated concerns for film failure and increased scrap rates.
Work in this area has been discussed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,272,003; 5,366,782; 6,075,179; 6,342,565; 7,026,404; U.S. Patent Publication Nos. 2008/0199673; 2008/0182116; 2008/0182940; 2008/0182468; 2006/0172647; 2005/0130544; 2005/0106978; and PCT International Publication No. WO 2008/094337. There is still a need, however, for new fabrics and methods for making the same that can provide different performance attributes in a single fabric without activation processes being essential for product performance.

Method for producing temperature resistant nonwovens


A camera device including first and second cameras, focal position information of the first camera and focal position information of the second camera are matched with each other. Also, the accuracy of the current focal position of the first camera is determined based on the phase difference of images obtained by the first camera when the first camera is auto-focused. Subsequently, when the accuracy of the current focal position of the first camera is low, an accurate focal position of the first camera is tracked by using the matched focal position information of the second camera. When an auto-focusing function of the first camera is activated, focal position movements are tracked by using the focal position information of the second camera as well as zoom tracking of the first camera, and thus, the accuracy can be improved.

Portable devices such as smartphones, tablet PCs, and laptops have built-in camera modules, and these camera modules have an auto focus (AF) function that automatically adjusts a distance between an image sensor and a lens to align a focal length of the lens.
Recently, camera modules have a zooming function of zooming up or zooming out, which increases or decreases the magnification of a distant subject through a zoom lens. The camera module includes a zoom lens and a focus lens, a zoom actuator for moving the zoom lens, a focus actuator for movement of the focus lens, a driver for controlling the zoom actuator and the focus actuator, and a storage for storing location information of the zoom lens and the focus lens.
The camera module having the zooming function as described above should automatically focus according to the change of the zoom magnification. However, when the zoom magnification of the zoom lens increases, strokes of the zoom actuator and the focus actuator lengthens, and accordingly, there is a problem in that the speed of auto focus is slowed.
Accordingly, recently, calibration data is stored in the storage as described above, and the zoom lens and focus lens of the camera module are moved using the calibration data to speed up the auto focus.
At this time, in order to provide the above function, calibration data corresponding to a focus range according to all zoom arrangements must be stored in the storage. However, the focus range is classified according to the distance to the object (eg, Macro and Infinity). Accordingly, in the related art, it is necessary to store both the position value of the zoom lens and the data of the position value of the focus lens according to all distances as described above in the storage, and accordingly, there is a problem that the manufacturing cost increases due to an increase in memory size.
In addition, in the manufacturing process of the camera module, there is a limitation in measuring and storing data according to all magnifications, and accordingly, there is a problem that data accuracy is deteriorated.
In addition, the actuator for moving the zoom lens and the focus lens includes a spring or a ball. In addition, the spring-based or ball-based actuator has a characteristic such as force (or elasticity) that varies depending on the number of uses, and thus, there is a problem in that lens movement accuracy is deteriorated.

Camera device having first and second cameras, and method of operating same


A focal plane detector adapted to be calibrated using an image of part of the human body. Further, a method of calibrating a focal plane detector having a plurality of detector elements, comprising the steps of presenting a first and a second image to the focal plane detector array, measuring the output from each detector during each first and second image, analysing the outputs and compensating for errors in the output of each detector element such that the outputs from the detector elements are substantially equal when illuminated with electromagnetic radiation of a given intensity. The first and second images have substantially no discernible features therein, and one of the first and second images comprises an image of part of the human body. The apparatus and method are particularly applicable to focal plane detectors sensitive to infrared radiation.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for calibrating focal plane arrays. The invention has particular relevance to infrared focal plane detectors.
2. Discussion of Prior Art
Conventional focal plane detectors typically comprise an array of optoelectronic sensor elements arranged to detect electromagnetic radiation incident on the sensors within the array. Generally, the optoelectronic sensors provide an output (for example a voltage, a current, a resistance, a capacitance or a charge) which varies as a function of the intensity of the electromagnetic radiation incident on the sensors. When used in conjunction with focusing means, for example a lens, the sensor outputs from such a focal plane array may be used to reconstruct an image of objects within a scene. The output from each sensor element within the array generally corresponds to a picture element (pixel) within such an image.
Sensor elements within a focal plane array are not identical, and as a result individual sensors within the focal plane array exhibit different responsivities to electromagnetic radiation incident on the array. The variations in responsivity between individual sensor elements generate undesirable noise (generally known as fixed pattern noise) in the output from the array which has to be calibrated out.
Any DC offset in the output from the sensor elements can be corrected for by presenting a bland defocused image to the focal plane array and mapping the response of each sensor element in the array. The slope of the response (linearity) of the sensor elements may also be measured by changing the intensity of the electromagnetic radiation incident on the array and re-measuring the response of each sensor element in the array. This is achievable by using a second bland defocused image, the second image being arranged to illuminate the array with a different intensity of electromagnetic radiation to the first image.
With this information, a focal plane detector array can be fully calibrated, and a clean image produced.
However, as the array ages, and as the intensity of electromagnetic radiation incident on the array varies (as a function of operating environment and with different scenes), it is possible that the array will need to be re-calibrated periodically.
Variable optics may be used to re-calibrate the array using the foregoing method of presenting bland defocused images to the array and characterising the response therefrom. However, variable optics increase the complexity and hence the cost of the focal plane detector.
Furthermore, this method is not optimised for re-calibrating infrared focal plane detectors (for example thermal imagers) due to a lack of bland defocused images having different temperatures. The accuracy of any adjustments to the linearity of the array will be dependent on the temperature separation of the first and second bland defocused images. Accordingly, a variable infrared source may be required as part of the re-calibration process.
Periodic re-calibration using flags or shutters placed into the optical path of the array are known. For example, in amorphous silicon cameras re-calibration occurs approximately once every minute or so (such devices are not very linear). These cameras insert a flag into the optical path to allow measurement of pixel variations and make a correction on that basis.
However, such devices increase the complexity and hence the cost of the focal plane detector. Furthermore, the shutter obscures the image from the scene during the re-calibration operation and this may be a nuisance if the re-calibration occurs automatically.
It is an object of the present invention to mitigate at least some of the disadvantages of the prior art. It is a further object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and method for re-calibrating periodically a focal plane array.

Human body standard calibration apparatus and method for calibrating focal plane detector


A shutter opening mechanism in a data recording/reproducing device engages a shutter of a disk cartridge which is being inserted into the data recording/reproducing device to open the shutter as the disk cartridge is inserted. The opening mechanism includes a pin and a roller provided at an end of an arm. The pin is formed as a hollow cylinder that includes a slit along a length of the pin, and the roller is provided with a hole. During assembly, the pin is compressed to narrow the slit for insertion into the hole so that the roller is resiliently secured to the pin. Over time, the pin expands and ensures that the roller remains secured to the pin.

The present invention relates to a shutter opening mechanism of a data recording/reproducing device and, more specifically, to a shutter opening mechanism used for opening a shutter of an optical disk which is inserted into the data recording/reproducing device.
A conventional data recording/reproducing device includes a cartridge holder that holds a disk cartridge and that is driven to load and unload the disk cartridge from the data recording/reproducing device.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a disk cartridge 11. The disk cartridge 11 includes a shutter 12, a head access window 13, and a motor access window 14. The shutter 12 includes a slot 15 and is biased by a spring (not shown) in a direction B. The disk cartridge 11 houses an optical disk 8 supported on a hub 9.
The cartridge holder conventionally includes an arm that engages with the slot 15 in order to open the shutter 12 as the disk cartridge 11 is loaded into the disk drive.
FIG. 1 is an exploded view of an end of a conventional arm 245. The end of the arm 245 includes a circular hole 245A. Two rollers 248A abut either side of the hole 245A. Each roller 248A also includes a circular hole 248B coaxially aligned with the hole 245A but having a radius that is slightly smaller than that of the hole 245A. A pin 249 is inserted through the holes 248B and the hole 245A. The pin 249 has a cylindrical shape with a radius that is smaller than the radius of the hole 245A, but marginally larger than that of the holes 248B. Accordingly, the pin 249 is forced into the holes 248B such that, after insertion, the rollers 248A remain in a fixed position in relation to the pin 249, but the pin 249 rotates in the hole 245A.
However, since the pin 249 is inserted into the holes 248B by force, the radius of the holes 248B may increase due to residual stress and friction during rotation of the pin 249 and rollers 248A. Consequently, the pin 249 may be released, such that the pin 249 and rollers 248A may fall off of the arm 245.

Shutter opening mechanism of data recording/reproducing device