Provided is a hydraulic circuit, for a construction machine, which drives an actuator by merging pressure oil from a fixed-volume pump into a center bypass oil path from a variable-volume pump to an oil tank, wherein the flow rate of flow from the fixed-volume pump to the center bypass oil path can be controlled in accordance with a requested flow rate of the actuator. A distribution direction-switching valve, which has a first oil path from a fixed-volume pump to an oil tank and a second oil path from the fixed-volume pump to a first center bypass oil path, has a first signal reception unit which causes a spool to slide in a direction in which the first oil path is formed, and a second signal reception unit which causes a spool to slide in a direction in which the second oil path is formed, and determines a distribution ratio of pressure oil flowing to the first oil path and the second oil path in accordance with the difference in size of the signals received by the first signal reception unit and the second signal reception unit, the first signal reception unit receiving a signal based on a negative control signal.

Patent Literature 1 listed below discloses a technique for a hydraulic circuit for a construction machine configured to perform a negative control (hereinafter, also referred to as "neg-con") of a split flow type variable-volume piston pump, in which while the negative control is performed by a lower one of a first neg-con pressure detected in a first open center bypass and a second neg-con pressure detected in a second open center bypass, when the first neg-con pressure is higher than the second neg-con pressure, a discharging flow rate of a pump is reduced by unloading an amount of oil, which corresponds to a pressure difference between the first neg-con pressure and the second neg-con pressure, from a first unload valve provided upstream of the first open center bypass, whereby the flow rate of the first open center bypass is reduced.
Patent Literature 2 listed below discloses a technique for a hydraulic system for a construction machine using an open-centered valve as a flow rate/direction control valve for controlling a flow of a hydraulic oil to be supplied from a variable-volume hydraulic pump and a fixed-volume hydraulic pump to an actuator, in which a bypass switching valve, which forms a bypass oil path leading to an oil tank, is disposed upstream of a center bypass oil path extending from the fixed-volume hydraulic pump to the oil tank, and the bypass switching valve is switched to the bypass oil path leading to the oil tank when the flow rate/direction control valve disposed in the center bypass oil path is neutral, whereby the discharge amount of the fixed-volume hydraulic pump is kept low.

Hydraulic circuit for construction machine, and hydraulic circuit


The invention comprises a method of enhancing the immunogenicity of an envelope virus glycoprotein in a host organism. The method comprises administering to the host a composition comprising the virus envelope glycoprotein and at least one oligopeptide derived from the amino acid sequence of the envelope glycoprotein, wherein the oligopeptide contains or corresponds to virus-neutralization epitopes. The method and compositions are useful for vaccinating against viruses, such as HIV, SIV, HTLV-I, HTLV-II, or any retrovirus capable of inducing AIDS in its natural host.

This invention relates to a vaccination process, which involves the simultaneous or consecutive use of a priming antigen, in this case the glycoprotein from a virus, such as HIV, SIV or any lentivirus capable of inducing AIDS in its natural host, or from an HTLV-I or HTLV-II type retrovirus, and an amplifying composition comprised of synthetic oligopeptides, which are free or bound to a carrier molecule, and in which the oligopeptides correspond to the neutralization epitopes for this same glycoprotein. This invention also relates to a composition for use in the process.
An effective vaccine composition against viruses must produce rapid neutralization of the viruses in order to prevent the viruses from possibly protecting themselves in a latent provirus form within the chromosomes of resting cells or from finding refuge in the cellular or tissue compartments where they would be beyond the reach of the immune system.
From previous experiments conducted with both chimpanzees in the case of HIV and macaques in the case of SIV, it is clear that inoculation of virus envelope glycoprotein alone does not make it possible to obtain a fully protective immune response. In particular, the virus envelope glycoprotein does not produce a sufficient level of neutralizing antibodies in order to provide protection against infection.
Accordingly, there exists a need in the art for a method of inducing a sufficient level of neutralizing antibodies against virus infection in a host susceptible to the infection by the virus. In addition, there exists a need in the art for a pharmaceutical composition for use in the method.

Induction of neutralizing antibody against viral infection by synergy between virus envelope glycoprotein and peptides corresponding to neutralization epitopes of the glycoprotein


The invention relates to an inert ballistic element and to a method for manufacturing it. Said method comprises the steps of: preparing a cylindrical tube, the ratio between the thickness and the outside diameter of said tube being equal or greater than 0.07; heating one end of the tube for a certain length until it is red hot; forging the end on a forging machine to form the tail and a part of the body of the ballistic element; heating the opposite end of the tube; and performing a second forging operation of the opposite part using a forging mould to form the nose of the ballistic element and to give the ballistic element its final shape. The forging operations are carried out with a forging machine equipped with a chuck that grips the tube by the non-heated end and pushes the tube into each nose or tail mould, which is divided into at least two shells that are moved by an opposite reciprocating motion.

This invention relates to a manufacturing process of an inert ballistic element for military training purposes and to an inert ballistic element manufactured by said process.
It is known that the term "ballistic element" in its most general sense is used to denote any object propelled by firearms or released by self-propelled objects such as missiles, rockets or aircrafts.
It is also known that inert ballistic elements, that is to say, without explosive charge, are used during training or testing manoeuvers to simulate attacks on a target in order to study the ballistic behaviour of the ballistic element without having exploding parts.
The description below refers to a specific type of inert ballistic element consisting of an inert bomb body that is used during training manoeuvres and is dropped from aircrafts.
It will, however, be understood that the invention as described herein may be extended to any other type of inert bomb body and, more generally, to any type of inert ballistic element.
As known, current aircraft bombs substantially reproduce four bomb models manufactured to American standards and identified by the abbreviations MK-81-82-83-84, respectively.
These bombs may be active, that is to say, filled with explosive material, for use in military operations, or inert, that is to say, filled with inert material, used in training or testing.
In both cases, aircraft bombs consist of a bomb body with a fin assembly applied to the tail end and a nose applied to the front end.
In prior art, inert bomb bodies, while differing in their specific realization features, all basically consist of a main hollow body with a nose at the front and a tail ring at the back.
Inside the main hollow body an inert ballast is disposed, consisting of a mixture containing mainly cement, whose purpose is to give the bomb body the same ballistic properties as those of active bomb bodies.
In particular, the main hollow body is made in one or more parts by hot forging a metal tubular element.
This machine process gives the main hollow body the tapered shape required by design specifications which guarantees, also through a gradual variation in wall thickness of the main hollow body, required position of the centre of gravity, of required moment of inertia and of the other ballistic properties.
The main hollow body is then filled with a single inert material, usually a mixture of cement, which, once solidified, forms a single block with the body, so that the body itself has the same weight and ballistic properties as the equivalent active bomb bodies used in military operations.
In particular, the main hollow body of the inert bomb bodies is the same as that used for active bomb bodies which are different from the inert bomb bodies exclusively in the explosive nature of filling material.
Once the main hollow body has been filled through the opening at its back, the opening is closed by a flange screwed to the tail ring.
The outside surface of the bomb body also has the housings for the rings by which the bomb body is suspended from the aircraft.
Prior art bomb bodies of the above type have, however, several well-known disadvantages.
A first disadvantage is that used bomb bodies of this kind cannot be recycled because it is impossible to economically separate the main hollow body made of metal from the cement filling material used to give the inert bomb body the same ballistic properties of those of the active bombs.
As a result, once used the inert bomb bodies known cited must be disposed of in suitable landfills or dedicated sites without recycling and reusing the metal material which the main hollow body is made of, thus increasing operating costs and polluting the environment.
Another well-known drawback is the complexity of the construction process and the length of time needed to fill the main hollow body with the inert cement materials.
More specifically, the cement material, after being filled into the main hollow body, must be allowed to stand for a predetermined length of time so that it can set and become solid.
This invention has for its object to overcome the above mentioned disadvantages.

Inert ballistic element and process of manufacture


A computing device to detect a communication protocol between the computing device and a second computing device, to identify operating parameters associated with the communication protocol, and to modify a mode of operation of a processor based on the operating parameter.

When changing a mode of operation of a processor, a user can utilize a keyboard or mouse to access a Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) of a computing device. In one example, the user can overclock the processor by modifying an operating speed of the processor through a setting of the BIOS. In another example, the user can modify an amount of power supplied to the processor through a setting of the BIOS.

Hewlett-Packard Development Company L.P.


Apparatuses and/or equipment that automatically form containers with a reinforced bottom panel (pleats), methods of forming a container with a reinforced bottom panel, and methods of manufacturing an apparatus and/or equipment for making a container with a reinforced bottom panel are disclosed. The pleat(s) provide extra strength to the bottom panel of the container, thereby reducing or eliminating bottom sag. The apparatus and/or equipment is advantageously capable of automatically forming a container with a bottom panel having one or more pleats, while avoiding (1) damage to the containers and/or container blanks being folded, and (2) obstructions or instability in the containers that may result from inadvertent folding of the parts, pleats, flaps, and/or panels in the wrong or an inconsistent direction during the manufacturing process.

Certain containers, such as boxes made from corrugated packaging, can be affected by "bottom sag." Bottom sag occurs when the weight of the product inside the box causes the bottom panel of the container to take on a convex, bowed-out shape, rather than staying flat or straight. This happens to some degree in all containers made from corrugated paper, cardboard, paperboard and combinations thereof, but is especially pronounced when the containers containing the product are stored for relatively long periods of time in a high humidity environment (e.g., a refrigerated room or other cooled storage environment, outdoors in areas with relatively high humidity, etc.).
This "Background" section is provided for background information only. The statements in this "Background" are not an admission that the subject matter disclosed in this "Background" section constitutes prior art to the present disclosure, and no part of this "Background" section may be used as an admission that any part of this application, including this "Background" section, constitutes prior art to the present disclosure.

Pleat forming apparatuses and/or equipment and related methods


An element including a body including at least one recess forming the pattern cavity for a decoration, the at least one recess being entirely filled by a galvanic deposition in order to form an element inlaid with at least one metallic decoration with improved visual quality. The element includes a device for fixedly securing the at least one metallic decoration communicating with the at least one recess in order to improve the securing of the at least one decoration against said element.

It is known to form watch bezels at least partially made of synthetic sapphire in order to show, through transparency, a deposit plated in a recess underneath the bezel, for example, forming a scale or a brand name. This configuration has the advantage of protecting the deposit from any mechanical degradation by totally covering it with the sapphire part. However, this configuration may make it difficult to read the decoration because of altered transmission of the colouring of the deposit but also because of the lack of difference in shade between the sapphire and the deposit.

Device for fixedly securing a metallic inlay


The present invention is related to the field of protein chemistry. In particular, mixed buffer compositions are formulated that allow an accurate identification of agent-induced changes in protein melting point temperatures. Such buffer compositions provide for methods that determine the specific effects of exogenous agents on protein stability, cryoprotective effects and/or protein quality control (e.g., synthesis and/or extraction purity validations).

The feasibility of a process of describing a proteins' stability and/or performing a protein analysis using heat and a hydrophobic dye has been discussed for decades. Ericsson et al., (2006). "Thermofluor-based high-throughput stability optimization of proteins for structural studies." Analytical Biochemistry 357 (2): 289-298. However, until the present disclosure, those in the art had not solved all the problems known to exist to generate a stable platform that provides consistent and accurate data.
Protein analysis has conventionally been limited to temperature scans where buffer solutions were necessarily different at various temperatures due to the necessity to have buffers with compatible pKa's at each specific temperature. Furthermore, commercially available instrumentation to perform protein melting point temperature scans are limited to a few sources. For example, most of these available instruments are primarily designed to determine protein melting points using only buffer formulations provided with the instruments but are also capable of performing ligand binding studies.
What is lacking in the art are compositions and methods that can be used to derive customized buffer formulations for specific proteins. Using these customized buffer systems, one of skill in the art will be able to develop, purify and store commercial proteins under conditions that maximize stability, cryoprotection and accurately monitor protein quality control.

Designing customized protein-specific buffer system


A device for lubricating and cooling a turbomachine rolling bearing is at least partially annular. The device comprises a first duct and a second duct inclined with respect to the first duct. The first duct is configured to be in thermal contact with an outer ring of the rolling bearing that at least partially surrounds same. The second duct is fluidically connected to the first duct. The first duct is configured to circulate the lubricant for cooling the outer ring, towards a discharge outlet of the lubricant. The second duct is configured to eject the lubricant through a lubrication outlet towards the rolling bearing.

Turbomachine rotating shafts are rotatably supported and guided by bearings.
The outer ring of a bearing of a known structure is attached to a support which is part of the stator of the turbomachine. The bearing is continuously supplied with oil, to lubricate it and to limit its frictional wear.
The flow rate of oil used to cool the bearing is much higher than that which is used to lubricate the bearing. The significant overall flow rate of oil feeding the bearing generates significant energy losses and decreases the bearing efficiency.

Device for lubricating and cooling a turbomachine bearing


A sheet stacking apparatus includes a stage, a driving unit to drive the stage, and a sheet detection device to detect that a sheet exists on the stage. Operation of the sheet stacking apparatus is controlled so that the stage descends in accordance with an amount of sheets to be stacked, and when a job executed in an image forming apparatus is completed, the stage automatically moves to a sheet removing position. The sheet stacking apparatus is controlled so that sheets of a mixing prohibition job are not stacked with sheets of another job, by detecting that a sheet of another job exists on the stage.

The present invention relates to a sheet stacking apparatus to stack a sheet and an image forming system having the sheet stacking apparatus thereof.
In recent years, a copying machine and a printer tend to increase in speed, and a consecutive output of a large amount of printed matters is often carried out. As a system which outputs a large amount of sheets consecutively, for example, there is an image forming system where an image forming apparatus is attached with a sheet stacking apparatus capable of stacking a large amount of sheets.
There are various kinds of sheet stacking apparatuses such as, for example, the sheet stacking apparatus described in Unexamined Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2005-162453. Here, the sheet stacking apparatus of Unexamined Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2005-162453 will be described. The sheet stacking apparatus has a stage to stack the sheets ejected from an image forming apparatus, and the stage descends gradually according to an amount of the sheets stacked. To remove the sheet stacked on the stage after a job executed in the image forming apparatus is completed, the stage is lowered to a predetermined removing position by pressing a sheet removing button and put it on a recovering trolley having caster wheels. Then a door of the sheet stacking apparatus is opened to withdraw the recovering trolley, thereby the sheet stacked on the stage can be brought out. By attaching the above sheet stacking apparatus to the image forming apparatus, a large amount of the sheets can be stacked and the large amount of heavy sheets having been stacked can be readily brought out.
[Patent Document 1] Unexamined Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2005-162453

Sheet stacking apparatus and image forming system with automatically controlled moving stage

Konica Minolta Business Technologies, Inc.


A retaining device for attachment to a screw contains a hollow base element for receiving a clamping part. The hollow base element has a floor having a hole, and an inner surface of the base element on the floor area of the retaining device is implemented as conical to contact the outer surface of the conical body of the clamping part. The clamping part can be moved downward in the direction of the floor by rotating the retaining device around its own axis and biting into a screw which is inserted through the hole and runs through the opening of the clamping part.

In aircraft, cable retainers are used for retaining and guiding electrical line routes, pipes, etc., in different areas. The retainers are preferably made of plastic because of its low intrinsic weight. The retainers are each tailored to the concrete connection conditions to the girders or frames, etc. For this purpose, a screw-nut connection is typically used.
A disadvantage of the known retainers is that in the event of changes of the structural components, costly and time-consuming changes of the retainers are necessary. The changes in injection molding molds are particularly complex and costly.

Clamping part and retention device having a clamping part of this type


A first buckle having a slot therethrough is connected to the garment at a first location. One end portion of a takeup strap is connected to the garment at a spaced second location. A second buckle has a pair of slots formed therethrough with a bar therebetween. The takeup strap extends from the second location through a slot in the second buckle, around the bar, through the other slot in the second buckle, through the slot in the first buckle, and the opposite end portion of the takeup strap is connected to the second buckle.

The present invention relates to a takeup device for tightening a firefighter garment about the waist of a firefighter. The takeup device may be used in combination with a pair of firefighter pants or a firefighter jacket. Each of these garments includes a waist portion which must be adjusted from time to time by tightening the garment about the firefighter's body. Accordingly, takeup devices have been provided for tightening the waist portion of such garments. Such prior art takeup devices have generally proved to be unsatisfactory because of difficulty in operating them in the field, and because many of them are constructed similar to aircraft seat belts with loose and dangling ends which are undesirable during firefighting operations.
Since such takeup devices may be operated while under adverse conditions and while a firefighter is wearing gloves, they must be capable of being operated simply by grasping the device and tugging it forwardly relative to the firefighter. In other words, a pair of takeup devices are connected to the garment at the waist portion thereof adjacent the opposite hips of a firefighter. The takeup at the left hip can be gripped by the right hand, and the takeup at the right hip can be gripped by the left hand and pulled forwardly to tighten the waist portion of the garment about the body of a firefighter.
Accordingly, it is a principal objective of the invention to provide a takeup device which can be readily operated and which eliminates any loose or dangling ends.


A custom made liquid crystal display is formed from a pre-manufactured liquid crystal display by removing an excess region. The driver card is cut along the line X-X and the excess TABs are disconnected from the conductive layer. Optionally, a narrow strip is removed from each of the polarizing substrates between the lines to expose their associated glass plates. A groove is then cut into the exposed surface of each of the glass plates. Each glass plate is then fractured along the base of its groove so that the excess region is detached from the operative region. The cut edges of the glass plates are then sealed by applying a bead of ultra-violet curing adhesive. The processes of removing an excess region by cutting the glass plates with a laser or by freezing the liquid crystal between the glass-plates and machining through the glass plates are also described.

This invention relates to a liquid crystal display, to a method of manufacturing a liquid crystal display, and also to apparatus to aid manufacture of a liquid crystal display.
Generally, displays for reproduction of information have historically been of a cathode ray tube type construction. In an environment where space is limited traditional displays were typically manufactured to be square, or square with rounded corners, in order to make the best use of the limited space available.
Liquid crystal displays are currently considered suitable substitutes for applications previously requiring cathode ray tube technology. The replacement of cathode ray tubes can be either for new applications or for the purpose of upgrading existing technology through retrofit design. When manufactured in large quantities, liquid crystal displays are of modest cost compared with an equivalent cathode ray tube.
JP A 8146444 illustrates a typical method of manufacturing a prior art liquid crystal display. A display panel, which has been swollen by liquid crystal therein, is divided into two parts. The first part is arranged to receive liquid crystal and the second part is arranged to provide an overspill compartment, such that when the panel is pressed and heated, the liquid crystal causing the panel to swell is allowed to enter the second part. The boarder between the first and attached second part is removed to leave only the first part to form a liquid crystal display panel. This method of manufacturing can be used when producing panels in large quantities.
However, when liquid crystal displays need to be custom made in relatively low numbers to suit specific requirements, the cost per unit is very high due to expensive tooling and manufacturing charges. Furthermore, manufacturing yield rates are low, high pixel defect levels have to be tolerated and there are substantial delivery delays.
It is an objective of the present invention to facilitate the production of custom made liquid crystal displays.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.


A process for the manufacture of the antibiotic 7-(D-.alpha.-amino-.alpha.-phenylacetamido)-3-methyl-3-cephem-4-carboxylic acid (cephalexin) and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. It consists of reacting an enamine protected potassium salt of D-(-)-.alpha.-phenyl glycine (Dane salt) with an acid chloride in a twin solvent mixture in the presence of a pyridine derived twin catalytic mixture at -20 to -65.degree. C. The resulting mixed anhydride is condensed with an alkyl guanidinium salt solution of 7-amino desacetoxy cephalosporanic acid (7-ADCA) at -10.degree. C. to -65.degree. C. followed by hydrolytic cleavage of the enamine derivative of the resulting compound with an aqueous mineral acid and precipitation of the antibiotic in the presence of an alcohol as co-solvent. If desired the cephalexin is converted into its pharmaceutically acceptable salts in a known manner.

This invention relates to a process for the manufacture of the antibiotic 7-(D-.alpha.-amino-.alpha.-phenyl acetamido)-3-methyl-3-cephem-4-carboxylic acid (cephalexin) of the formula 1: ##STR1## and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
The antibiotic of the formula 1 is well known as perorally active antibacterial having broad spectrum activity. Several processes for the manufacture of the compound of the formula 1 are reported.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,507,861, 3,671,449, 3,634,416 and 3,676,437 relate to the manufacture of compound of the formula 1 by esterification of 7-amino Desacetoxy Cephalosporanic Acid (7-ADCA) of the formula 2: ##STR2## with reagents containing ester groups such as 2,2,2-trichloromethyl, p-nitrobenzyl or trlmethyl silyl to obtain ester protected 7-ADCA derivative ot the formula 3: ##STR3## wherein Z.sub.1 is ester group such as 2,2,2-trichloromethyl, p-nitrobenzyl or trimethysilyl followed by condeneation with a mixed anhydride of the formula 4: ##STR4## wherein R.sub.1 is methyl or ethyl and R2 is ethyl or tertiary butyl obtained by reacting D-(-)-.alpha. phenyl glycine derivative (Dane salt) of the formula 5: ##STR5## wherein R.sub.1 is as defined above with an acid chloride of the formula R.sub.2 --COCl, wherein R.sub.2 is as defined above. The resulting compound of the formula 6a: ##STR6## wherein R.sub.1 and Z.sub.1 are as defined above is hydrolysed with an aqueous mineral acid to cleave the ester group and obtain the compound of the formula 1. The procedures for isolation and purification of the compound of the formula 1 from the reaction mixture are complicated and difficult due to the ester functionality. Therefore, these processes are difficult and inconvenient to carry out. Besides these processes give the compound of the formula 1 in low yield (50%) and low purity and are not economical and commercially viable.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,518,260 relates to the manufacture of compound of the formula 1 by dissolving 7-ADCA of the formula 2 in water and subsequently condensing with mixed anhydride of the formula 4 obtained by reacting Dane salt of the formula 5 with an acid chloride of the formula R.sub.2 --COCl in acetone. The resulting compound of the formula 6b: ##STR7## wherein R.sub.1 is as defined above and Z.sub.2 is an alkyl amine such as triethyl amine is hydrolyzed with an aqueous mineral acid to cleave the enamine protected group and give the compound of the formula 1. This process suffers from dismal yields as low as 25 to 40% of the compound of the formula 1 and is not economical and commercially viable. Besides, separation and purification of compound of the formula 1 from the reaction mixture is difficult and complicated due to the presence of acetone in the reaction mixture. Therefore, it is very difficult and inconvenient to carry out the process.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,694,437 relates to the manufacture of compound of the formula 1 by conversion of Dane salt of the formula 5 to mixed anhydride of the formula 4 and condensing with silyl derivatives of 7-ADCA of the formula 2 obtained by silylation of 7-ADCA of the formula 2. The resulting compound of the formula 6c: ##STR8## wherein R.sub.1 is as defined above and Z.sub.3 is trimethyl silyl group is hydrolysed with an aqueous mineral acid to cleave the silyl group and give the compound of the formula 1. This process also suffers from poor yields (50%) and low purity of compound of the formula 1 and is, therefore, uneconomical and commercially not viable.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,864,340 relates to the manufacture of compound of the formula 1 by reacting 7-ADCA of the formula 2 with triethlyl amine using alcohol in very large excess (ca 26 volumes) as solvent followed by condensation with a mixed anhydride of the formula 4 prepared from an enamine protected Dane salt of the formula 5. The resulting compound of the formula 6d: ##STR9## wherein R.sub.1 is as defined above and Z.sub.4 is triethyl amine is hydrolyzed with an aqueous mineral acid to remove the triethyl amine group and give compound of the formula 1. The process gives the compound of the formula 1 in very low yields (c.a 35-40%) and low purity and is therefore, uneconomical and commercially not viable. Separation and purification of compound of the formula 1 from the reaction mixture is difficult and cumbersome due to the alcohol emulsion. Therefore, it is difficult and inconvenient to carry out the process.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,299,955 relates to the manufacture of compound of the formula 1 by reacting a mixed anhydride of the formula 4 prepared from Dane salt of the formula 5 with avoid chloride of the formula R.sub.2 COCl in acetone with an aqueous alkyl amine solution of 7-ADCA of the formula 2 and a solvent such as dimethyl sulfoxide, dimethyl acetamide, formamide or dimethyl formamide. The resulting compound of the formula 6e: ##STR10## wherein R.sub.1 is as defined above and Z.sub.5 is triethyl amine is hydrolyzed with an aqueous mineral acid to remove the alkyl group and obtain compound of the formula 1. This process is difficult and inconvenient to carry out due to the separation and purification of compound of the formula 1 from the acetone emulsion is difficult and inconvenient. Also the process has been found to give the compound of the formula 1 in poor yields (20%) and low purity and is, therefore, uneconomical and commercially not viable.
European Patent No 0127541 relates to the preparation of salts of amino-beta-lactamic acids by reacting the amino-beta lactamic acids with stoichiometric amount of alkyl guanidines in a solvent at -50 to +25.degree. C. Experimental example 61 of the above European Patent relates to preparation of compound of the formula 1 by reacting potassium N-(1-ethoxycarbonyl propen-2-yl)-alpha-aminophenylacetate (Dane salt) in methylene chloride with gamma-picoline hydrochloride or pyridine or beta-picoline in the presence of N-methylacetamide followed by pivaloyl chloride. The resulting mixed anhydride is condensed with 7-ADCA in methylene chloride and tetramethylguanidine. The excess mixed anhydride was destroyed with diethyl amine. The resulting compound was hydrolysed with aqueous hydrochloric acid and treated with acetonitrile followed by cleavage of the acetonitrile solvate with water to obtain the compound of the formula 1. This process generates an acetonitrile solvate necessitating subsequent cleavage of the solvate with water. This process also uses the Dane salt in large excess (about 20% in excess of 7-ADCA) necessitating destruction of the excess Dane salt with diethyl amine. This process is, therefore, tedious and difficult to carryout. It also results in large amount of unreacted 7 ADCA in the reaction leading to poor yields and is, therefore, uneconomical.

Process for the manufacture of the antibiotic 7-(D-.alpha.-amino-.alpha.-phenylacetamido)-3-methyl-3-cephem-4-carboxyl ic acid (cephalexin) and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof


An adaptive router anticipates possible future congestion and enables selection of an alternative route before the congestion occurs, thereby avoiding the congestion. The adaptive router may use a primary route until it predicts congestion will occur. The adaptive router measures packet traffic volume, such as flit volume, on a primary network interface to anticipate the congestion. The adaptive router maintains a trailing sum of the number of flits handled by the primary network interface over a trailing time period. If the sum exceeds a threshold value, the adaptive router assumes the route will become congested, and the adaptive router enables considering routing future packets, or at least the current packet, over possible secondary routes.

High-performance computer ("HPC") systems typically include many processors, each with its own local memory. At least some pairs of the processors are interconnected via links to enable each processor to access memory ("non-local memory") of each, or at least some, of the other processors. Some such systems are constructed according to non-uniform memory access ("NUMA") designs, in which access to non-local memory is slower than access to local memory. Because a HPC system may not include a separate link between every pair of processors, some non-local memory accesses are routed through third (or more) processors, thereby traversing multi-hop routes. However, determining routes quickly for each non-local memory access poses problems. Furthermore, congested links or routes retard non-local memory accesses, thereby negatively impacting performance of the affected processor(s).


A tassel is formed from a cord which comprises a plurality of twisted ply yarns or strands. A knot is tied in the cord to separate an end portion from a main length of the cord and the end portion is immersed in liquid to cause the yarns or filaments there to untwist and form a loose tuft. This process is advantageously carried out in hot liquid and by using a hot dye bath the dyeing of the tassel and the formation of its tuft are achieved simultaneously.

This invention relates to tassels, such as are used with articles of stationery as an element of decoration, or for other decorative purposes, or for handles, ties etc.
Conventionally, a tassel comprises a suitably coloured cord to at least one end of which is knotted a decorative tuft of loose filaments or yarns, usually dyed to the same shade as the cord. In some examples, both ends of the cord are similarly treated, in others the two ends are worked into the knot so that the cord forms a loop knotted to the decorative tuft.


A one-touch fitting type adapter and a filter assembly are provided in which the filter assembly used for machinery, such as a bidet or a refrigerator, is easily assembled with or disassembled from the adapter through a one-touch fitting manner such that the filter assembly is easily adapted for the machinery. A multiple adapter capable of coupling a plurality of adapters in series is provided such that a plurality of filter assemblies used for a water purifier, a water ionizer or a functional water maker are detachably engaged with the multiple adapter through a one-touch fitting manner.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to a filter assembly and a one-touch fitting type adapter detachably engaging the filter assembly, and more particularly to a filter assembly used for a bidet, a water purifier, a water ionizer, a refrigerator or a functional water maker, and a single or a multiple adapter engaging and disengaging the filter assembly in one-touch fitting manner.
2. Description of the Related Art
In general, machinery, such as a bidet, a water purifier, and a water ionizer, may include a filter for filtering or purified water and an adapter for allowing the filter to be adapted for such machinery.
Conventionally, the adapter and the filter assembly are assembled with each other by using a separate coupling unit or by fabricating the adapter and filter in the form of complex male and female clamps, respectively. In addition, the filter assembly is generally disassembled from the adapter through a complex disassembling procedure or by using a separate disassembling unit. Furthermore, a separate source-water inflow cutoff unit is necessary in order to prevent source water from being fed from the machinery when exchanging the filter assembly with a new one.
However, such a conventional structure for the filter assembly and the adapter causes a complex coupling or decoupling procedure when the filter assembly is coupled with or decoupled from the adapter, thereby resulting in a difficulty in filter exchange work. In addition, if the machinery is equipped with a plurality of filter assemblies, such complex filter exchange work must be carried out with respect to the plural filter assemblies, so users must require their products to be serviced at the service center of the manufacturing company or must call a service agent to exchange their filter assemblies with new ones.

One-touch fitting type single or multiple adapter, filter assembly detachably engaged with the same and water purifying system employing these elements


A circuit breaker includes line and load ends and separable contacts electrically disposed between the line and load ends. A movable arm carries a movable contact and includes an elongated body having a first general longitudinal axis and an offset disposed at one end. The offset displaces the movable contact relative to the first general longitudinal axis. A line conductor carries a fixed contact and is electrically connected between the line end and the movable contact. The line conductor includes a bend portion structured to increase a gap between the separable contacts in the open position. The bend portion forms an angle which is substantially greater than 90 degrees and less than 180 degrees between the fixed contact and the second general longitudinal axis, which is generally parallel to the first longitudinal axis in the closed position. An arc chute is disposed proximate the separable contacts.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention pertains generally to electrical switching apparatus and, more particularly, to circuit breakers including a line conductor.
2. Background Information
Circuit breakers for telecommunication systems typically are smaller than circuit breakers associated with power distribution networks. A typical telecommunication system circuit breaker measures 2.5 inches high by 2.0 inches long by 0.75 inch thick, when the circuit breaker is viewed with the operating handle extending horizontally and moving in a vertical arc. While having a reduced size, the telecommunication system circuit breaker must still accommodate the various components and devices (e.g., separable contacts; trip device; operating mechanism) associated with larger circuit breakers. Thus, while the conventional components of a telecommunication system circuit breaker may not be unique, the necessity of having a reduced size requires specialized configurations and robust components that are different than power distribution circuit breakers. This is especially true where the telecommunication system circuit breakers are used in environments wherein the circuit breaker may be expected to operate for over 10,000 operating cycles and 50 tripping cycles; however, the reduced size telecommunication system circuit breakers are typically limited to a current rating of 30 amps.
The telecommunication system circuit breaker is structured to be disposed in a multi-level rack. The rack has multiple telecommunication system circuit breakers on each level. The rack, preferably, has a spacing between the levels of 1.75 inches; however, the current structure of telecommunication system circuit breakers, as noted above, have a height of 2.5 inches. As such, users have been required to adapt the multi-level rack to accommodate the taller telecommunication system circuit breakers.
Circuit breakers disposed on the rack may be coupled to associated circuits. As such, if the current is interrupted in a first circuit, either due to the circuit breaker tripping or due to a user manually interrupting the circuit, it is sometimes desirable to interrupt the current on an associated second circuit. In the prior art, a common trip bar was structured to trip two adjacent circuit breakers. That is, a single trip bar extended across two circuit breakers and, if an over current condition occurred in either circuit, the actuation of the trip device caused the trip bar to rotate thereby tripping both circuit breakers. In smaller circuit breakers which have a low trip force, the use of a common trip bar is not feasible.
Thus, while existing telecommunication system circuit breakers are small, there is still a need for telecommunication system circuit breakers having a reduced height, especially a telecommunication system circuit breaker having a height of about, or less than, 1.75 inches; the preferred spacing between levels on the rack. As the size of the telecommunication system circuit breakers are reduced further, the need for robust, yet small, components which operate in a reduced space is increased.
There remains the need for a circuit breaker, such as a telecommunication system circuit breaker, having a reduced size and an increased operating current range.
There is a further need for improved interruption capability in such a reduced size circuit breaker.
Accordingly, there is room for improvement in circuit breakers.

Circuit breaker including line conductor having bend portion to increase contact gap


A fastening device and a method of using same is provided. The fastening device includes a male member having a projection on a first side and a securing means on a second opposing side. A female member configured to receive the projection detachably secures the female member onto the male member. The female member and the male member comprises a ratchet system to removeably secure the female member onto the male member. The securing means on the second opposing side of the male member is configured to mate with a corresponding securing member mounted on an object. By securing a material such as a shade screen or a tarp on the male member by mating the male member with the female member, the shade screen or tarp may be detachably fastened onto an object.

Covers or tarps are typically used to cover and protect various objects from the elements. For example, tarps or covers may be fastened to a boat so as to protect the cabin or seating area of the boat from the rain and other falling debris. Tarps and covers may also be fastened over truck loads to cover the cargo and inhibit loose debris from dislodging.
Such covers or tarps are typically fastened to the target object by way of male/female securing devices such as snap fasteners, lift-a-dot fasteners, and turnbuckles. In the case of snap fasteners, male screw studs are typically mounted around the perimeter of the object, such as around the perimeter of the seating area of a boat. Female sockets are mounted on the tarp material such that the tarp may be detachably fastened onto the male screw studs. To properly fit the tarp over the seating area of the boat, the position of the female sockets must correspond to the fixed position of the male screw studs. The female sockets are usually permanently mounted on selected locations of the tarp material so as to be engageable with the corresponding male screw studs mounted at fixed positions along the perimeter of the boat.
Typically, the female sockets are permanently mounted to the tarp material by riveting. The proper positioning of the female sockets on the tarp material is accomplished by securing the tarp material over the object and marking areas of the tarp material that correspond to the location of each of the male screw studs. The tarp material is then removed from the object to permanently attach the female sockets onto the marked areas on the tarp material.
The marking of the tarp material for proper positioning of the female sockets is a time consuming process and potentially subject to error. The process of securing the tarp material over the object, for example, by way of clamps, is a laborious process that may require multiple re-adjustments and re-securing of the clamps to properly position the tarp material over the object with the appropriate tension. Furthermore, because the female sockets are permanently secured onto the tarp material, any inaccuracies in marking of the tarp may be a costly and time consuming mistake to correct. For example, if the female socket is incorrectly secured onto the tarp material, removal of the female socket can only be accomplished by destroying the female socket such that it may not be reused again.
Applicant is aware of U.S. Pat. No. 5,095,636 issued on Mar. 17, 1992 to Arnold which describes a fabric cover marking device and method for marking the location on a fabric cover for a female fastener portion engageable with a complementary male fastener portion mounted on a structure to be covered.
Applicant is also aware of U.S. Pat. No. 4,608,734 issued on Sep. 2, 1986 to Schiller which describes a quick release threadless fastener for connecting two pieces of material, the fastener including a male and a female fastener assembly each having a fastener element that are detachably engageable with each other.
Applicant is further aware of U.S. Pat. No. 5,490,309 issued on Feb. 13, 1996 to Velasquez et al. which describes a fastener assembly that is readily attached to fabric material without need of sewing, the fastener assembly including a pair of interlocking male and female members, each for placement on opposite side of the fabric material.
The problem with existing fasteners and fastener assemblies is that none of such devices are operable to mark and fasten onto a material. The device described in Arnold discloses a fabric cover marking device but the device itself may not be fastened to the fabric cover. The devices described in Schiller and Velasquez et al. fail to describe a device that may also function as a marking device.
Furthermore, none of the prior art devices provide for a detachably securable female member which enables re-usability of the male and female member for different applications and/or convenient adjustability of the material at any time so as to suitably position the material on the male member to align the male member with a corresponding securing member. Therefore, an unaddressed need for an improved fastening device exists to overcome the inadequacies and deficiencies in the prior art.

Marking and fastening device and method of using same


External pacemaker systems and methods deliver pacing waveforms that minimize hydrolysis of the electrode gel. Compensating pulses are interleaved with the pacing pulses, with a polarity and duration that balance the net charge at the electrode locations. The compensating pulses are preferably rectangular for continuous pacing, and decay individually for on-demand pacing.

Systems are made for administering to patients pacing pulses externally. Advantageously, external defibrillators may also administer such external pacing. A common electrode used to connect a heart pacer to a patient incorporates an electrically conductive, impedance-decreasing gel disposed between a flexible conductive plate and the patient's skin. The gel ensures good electrical contact between the patient and the conductive plate, and adheres the electrode to the patient's skin. During pacing, pulses are generated by the heart pacer and applied through the electrodes and into the patient. Typical pacing equipment will commonly deliver a pacing pulse having an amplitude of up to 300 volts, and a maximum current of about 0.2 amps. Such a pacing pulse may be applied to a patient up to 170 times a minute, for periods as long as 24 hours.
FIG. 1 is a diagram of a pacing waveform 10 currently used for the transcutaneous pacing of a patient. Pacing waveform 10 is shown on a graph having a horizontal axis of time, and a vertical axis of current (in milliamps) applied to the patient. Prior art pacing waveform 10 comprises a positive stimulating pacing pulse 12 having an amplitude 14 and a duration t1. After application of the positive stimulating pulse, the amplitude of the waveform falls to at or near 0 for duration t2. The period between application of the positive stimulating pulses is the sum of duration t1 and t2.
Application of pacing waveform 10 generates an excess of positive charge flowing through the electrodes. The excess charge causes hydrolysis of the electrode gel, producing hydrogen and oxygen between the electrode and the patient's skin. During long-term transcutaneous pacing, the generation of hydrogen and oxygen causes the electrode impedance to increase and the electrode pH to change.
A problem arises when such transcutaneous pacing is long-term. The changes of an electrode's impedance and pH are dramatic. The hydrogen and oxygen gas, which tend to accumulate between the patient's skin and the flexible conductive plate, and produces two primary undesirable effects. First, the accumulation of the gases generally decreases the conductivity between the electrode and the patient. As the impedance of the electrodes increases, the pacer is forced to compensate by applying a higher voltage to produce a suitable pacing current. Generally, the impedance of the electrodes may reach such a high value that the pacer is unable to generate a sufficient voltage to apply a pacing pulse. At this point, many pacers may stop pacing, and instead generate a "leads off" alarm, on the erroneous determination that the high resistance is caused by one of the electrodes having fallen off the patient.
Second, the gas has a tendency to accumulate in pockets, causing the current density in areas of the electrode to increase. The bubbles tend to insulate the conductive plate from the patient, reducing the surface area of the electrode in contact with the patient. If the density of current flow increases in the areas remaining in contact with the patient, patient discomfort may result. If the current density increases even further, burning of the patient's skin may result. The increasing current density problem is exacerbated with electrodes designed for pediatric use. Pediatric electrodes tend to be smaller and have a smaller conductive surface, yet have current flows comparable to electrodes used for adults.
As hydrolysis occurs during long-term pacing, the pH of the electrode also has a tendency to change. The formation of hydrogen and oxygen bubbles within the electrode cause the gel of one electrode to become more acidic, and the gel of the other electrode to become more basic. For children or patients with sensitive skin, the change in electrode pH can become highly irritating to the dermic layer.
One approach to minimizing the buildup of hydrogen and oxygen gas has been to construct the electrodes in a manner that minimizes the amount of gas that may accumulate. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,456,710 entitled 'VENTED ELECTRODE" discloses an electrode construction that allows hydrogen and oxygen buildup within an electrode to pass through a gas-permeable layer and escape from beneath the electrode. The gas generated by hydrolysis can therefore vent to the environment before accumulating and causing the impedance or pH of the electrode to change.
While the accumulation of hydrogen and oxygen in the electrodes may be prevented by appropriately constructing the electrodes, such a solution is only applicable in limited circumstances. The majority of pacing performed today uses traditional, non-vented conducting pads. For those situations where non-vented electrodes are being used, it would be advantageous to find an alternative technique to minimize the hydrolysis of the electrode gel such that the impedance and pH of the electrodes would remain relatively constant over an extended period of time.

Balanced charge waveform for transcutaneous pacing


The present disclosure belongs to the technical field of engines, and specifically relates to a gas mixing device and a natural gas engine. The gas mixing device includes a housing, a first mixing core, a first measurement assembly, a second mixing core, and a second measurement assembly. An air inlet and a combustion gas inlet respectively communicate with the first mixing core to form a mixed gas in the first mixing core; the first measurement assembly is connected to the first mixing core, the second mixing core is connected in the housing, the EGR exhaust gas inlet and the first mixing core respectively communicate with the second mixing core, and the second measurement assembly is connected to the EGR exhaust gas inlet. In the gas mixing device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the first measurement assembly and the second measurement assembly respectively provide measurement data for obtaining flow rates of the air, combustion gas and EGR exhaust gas. As compared with the speed-density method and the throttle model, the results tend to be more accurate, which facilitates a control of the air-fuel ratio to improve the conversion efficiency of the three-way catalytic converter.

This section provides only background information related to the present disclosure, and therefore is not necessarily the prior art.
The National VI natural gas engine adopts a technical route of equivalent combustion, exhaust gas re-circulation (EGR) and three-way catalytic converter. The three-way catalytic converter refers to an external purification device installed in an automobile exhaust system, which can convert harmful gases such as carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides discharged from the exhaust gas into harmless carbon dioxide, water and nitrogen through oxidation and reduction.
Since three types of harmful emissions need to be treated at the same time, the catalytic efficiency will be relatively high only when the content of the three gases in the exhaust gas after combustion in the automobile is within a certain range, and the air-fuel ratio of the automobile therefore needs to be controlled. If the air-fuel ratio is not controlled accurately, a conversion efficiency of the three-way catalytic converter will be reduced, and the emission will deteriorate. An accurate control of the air-fuel ratio requires an accurate measurement of air flow. The traditional air flow measurement methods are mainly speed-density method and throttle model. In the speed-density method, an intake air flow of the engine is measured based on engine speed, cylinder displacement, intake manifold pressure and temperature, and engine charging efficiency, wherein the charging efficiency is obtained through calibration under steady-state operating conditions, and the measurement of flow under transient operating conditions is not accurate. By taking advantage of a throttling characteristic of air by a throttle valve, the throttle model measures the air flow according to the throttle valve's own flow characteristic curve, the temperature and pressure before the throttle valve and the pressure after the throttle valve. The throttle valve exerts a throttling effect on the air. When a ratio of pressures after and before the throttle valve is 95% or more, that is, in a non-throttle region operating condition, the fluid flowing through the throttle valve has a non-linear relationship with a ratio of pressures after and before the throttle valve. In this case, the measurement of flow is also inaccurate.

Gas mixing device and a natural gas engine


An adjustable display base primarily for use in retail stores such as supermarkets to hold merchandise. The adjustable display base includes four equal frame members, located at the corners of the device, that support the merchandise. The base can expand at least in the x- and y-directions to accommodate merchandise of various sizes. A system of telescoping dowels and legs permits such expansion. Expansion in the z-direction is also possible. A removable center plate, supported by the frame members, provides a flat surface in the horizontal (x-y) plane for supporting merchandise. The display base is mobile, permitting the merchandise to be moved easily without having to remove the merchandise from the base. Casters enable such movement of the display base.

Traditional product displays in retail stores are stationary. This presents a problem when the area below the display needs to be cleaned because the displays are difficult to move without disassembly. Bulk or packaged merchandise is typically stacked on the floor, leaving a ring of dirt in an area when the merchandise is relocated, because the stacks could not be moved when the surrounding area was being cleaned. It is cumbersome to maneuver around the product area.
The field of dollies or carriers for supporting equipment suggests a mobile display. U.S. Pat. No. 5,599,031, for example, discloses a work dolly adjustable in width, length, and height, and which can distribute applied loads through supporting structure and wheeled support to the ground. Thus, the dolly can support loads of substantial weight and of varying configuration. The dolly includes a substantially rectangular frame comprising adjustable end pieces and adjustable side pieces connected together at their opposite ends. A wheeled support is provided at each juncture of the end members and the side members so that a wheeled construction is provided. Adjustable legs are provided at each juncture of the end members and side members so that the height may be adjusted to accommodate a variety of configured loads. Detachable fasteners are used to place the adjusted end members and side members in a discrete, selected location as well as the legs in a discrete, selected height position. The end members and side members are composed of apertured members of square cross-section and are arranged in telescoping relationship between inserted sections so that adjustment can be provided.
Another example of an adjustable mobile base for equipment and machinery is provided by U.S. Pat. No. 5,299,817. The base includes a closed loop frame which has a plurality of angled members and a plurality of tubular connectors interconnecting the angled members. Each of the angled members is formed with a corner and has two tube sections. Each of the tube sections has a pair of opposing side walls formed with a plurality of discrete, spaced first through holes which extend in the direction of a longitudinal axis of the tube section. Each of the angled members further has a triangular support plate secured on the corner for supporting the machine. Each of the tubular connectors has two ends slidably inserted into a respective one of the tube sections of the angled members. Each of the tubular connectors further has a pair of opposing side walls formed with a plurality of discrete, spaced second through holes which are aligned with the first engaging through holes. A plurality of locking bolt units respectively extend through the aligned first and second through holes so as to join the tubular connectors and the angled members. Adjustment of the size of the mobile base is achieved by varying the degree of insertion of the tube connectors in the tube sections of the angled members, thereby permitting the mobile base to fit machines of different sizes.
Such adjustable mobile bases have a number of drawbacks that render them disadvantageous for use as product displays in retail stores such as supermarkets. Two of these drawbacks are highlighted. First, the bases require time consuming and difficult alignment of through holes, as well as insertion and removal of fasteners into and from the aligned through holes, to render the bases adjustable. Second, the frames of the bases define open loops, surrounding a large, central area which does not support the equipment or machinery. This open central area renders the bases unsuitable for stacking many products displayed in retail establishments.
To overcome the shortcomings of traditional supermarket displays, the present invention relates to a new display base. The present invention is lightweight and can support merchandise of varying dimensions and weight. An object of the present invention is to provide an improved base that is easily adjustable in at least four directions. A related object of the invention is a frame that provides suitable support for the merchandise being displayed or transported through a store.
Unlike traditional supermarket display bases fixed in one position, the adjustable display base can be rotationally positioned. It is still another object of the present invention to expand, allowing for repositioning of displays without disassembling them.


An internal voltage generator of a semiconductor memory device generates an internal voltage sensitive to a change in a temperature. The internal voltage generator includes a reference voltage generator, an internal voltage detecting unit and an internal voltage pumping unit. The reference voltage generator generates a reference voltage which is inversely proportional to the change in the temperature. The internal voltage detecting unit detects a difference between the reference voltage and the internal voltage to output a pumping control signal according to a detecting result, wherein the pumping control signal has an identical temperature characteristic as the reference voltage. The internal voltage pumping unit generates the internal voltage by a pumping operation in response to the pumping control signal.

The present invention relates to an internal voltage generator; more particularly, to an internal voltage generator for generating an internal voltage in response to a change in a temperature.
As a semiconductor memory device has been required to operate at a high speed with a low power voltage, and the semiconductor memory device has been manufactured to be highly integrated, an internal voltage generator has been used inside a dynamic random access memory (DRAM). In order to generate an internal voltage, a reference voltage is generated firstly. Then, the internal voltage is generated based on the reference voltage by using a charge pumping method or a down converting method.
A boosted voltage VPP and a back bias voltage VBB are examples of internal voltages generated by the charge pumping method. On the other hand, a core voltage VCORE is often one of the internal voltages generated by the down converting method.
Generally, the boosted voltage VPP, which is higher than an external supply voltage VDD, is supplied to a gate of a cell transistor in order to prevent cell data from being lost. For the same purpose, the back bias voltage VBB, which is lower than an external ground voltage VSS, is supplied to a bulk of the cell transistor. The core voltage VCORE is generated to maintain a constant voltage level even with fluctuations of the external supply voltage VDD. Therefore, power consumption is reduced and core operation becomes stabilized. The core voltage VCORE, which has a lower level than the level of the external supply voltage VDD, is generated by an amplifier for down converting the external supply voltage VDD. In order to generate the internal voltage, detecting the present level of the internal voltage is required before the charge pumping method or the down converting method.
FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram showing a conventional back bias voltage generator. The back bias voltage generator includes a back bias voltage detecting unit 10 and a back bias voltage pumping unit 20.
The back bias voltage detecting unit 10 receives a back bias voltage VBB, i.e., an output of the back bias voltage pumping unit 20, and outputs a pumping control signal BBEb to control the driving of the back bias voltage pumping unit 20. The back bias voltage pumping unit 20 includes an oscillator, a pump controller, and a pump, for generating the back bias voltage VBB in response to the pumping control signal BBEb.
After the external supply voltage VDD is supplied to the DRAM and reaches a predetermined level for the DRAM to operate, a power up signal is activated. When the power up signal is activated, the DRAM begins to generate an internal voltage by using the charge pumping method. Before this point, the level of the back bias voltage VBB is at the ground voltage level. The back bias voltage detecting unit 10 senses that the back bias voltage VBB is lower than the core voltage VCORE and activates the pumping control signal BBEb. The back bias voltage pumping unit 20 is controlled by the pumping control signal BBEb.
FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic circuit diagram showing the back bias voltage detecting unit 10 depicted in FIG. 1. The back bias voltage detecting unit 10 includes a detector 12, a driver 14 and a level shifter 16.
The detector 12 detects the back bias voltage VBB, which is constant without respect to change in a temperature. The driver 14 drives its output as the core voltage VCORE or the ground voltage VSS in response to an output of the detector 12. The level shifter shifts the level of the output of the driver 14 to the level of the supply voltage VDD or the ground voltage VSS.
The detector 12 includes two PMOS transistors. The first PMOS transistor P1 whose drain and source are respectively coupled to a detecting node DET_NODE and the core voltage VCORE receives the ground voltage VSS through a gate. A bulk of the first PMOS transistor P1 is coupled to the core voltage VCORE. The second PMOS transistor P2 whose drain and source are respectively coupled to the ground voltage VSS and the detecting node DET_NODE receives the back bias voltage VBB through a gate. A bulk of the second PMOS transistor P2 is coupled to the core voltage VCORE.
As the back bias voltage VBB changes, a resistance value of the second PMOS transistor P2 changes. The difference in the resistance values between the first and second transistors P1 and P2 is used to detect the level of the back bias voltage VBB. For example, when the back bias voltage VBB decreases, the resistance value of the second PMOS transistor P2 increases. A voltage level of the detecting node DET_NODE becomes higher than the level of a threshold voltage, i.e., a switching point of the driver 14. Generally, the threshold voltage is a half level of the core voltage VCORE. Therefore, a lower transistor of the driver 14 is turned on and the ground voltage VSS is outputted to a driving node D_NODE.
When the ground voltage VSS is output to the driving node D_NODE, there is no level shifting operation in the level shifter 16. The pumping control signal BBEb is activated in a low logic level and drives the back bias voltage pumping unit 20.
Otherwise, when the back bias voltage VBB increases, the resistance value of the second PMOS transistor P2 decreases. The voltage level of the detecting node DET_NODE becomes lower than the level of the threshold voltage. The core voltage VCORE is output to the driving node D_NODE. When the core voltage VCORE is output to the driving node D_NODE, the level shifter 16 shifts the voltage level of the driving node D_NODE to the level of the supply voltage VDD. The pumping control signal BBEb activated in a high logic level does not drive the back bias voltage pumping unit 20. The back bias voltage VBB is maintained as a constant voltage level according to the operation of the back bias voltage pumping unit 20.
However, the conventional back bias voltage detecting unit 10 is not able to precisely detect the back bias voltage VBB in response to changes in a temperature. Though the back bias voltage VBB changes due to temperature changes, the back bias voltage detecting unit 10 will detect a constant voltage level.
Because voltages Vbs, Vgs and Vds required to operate the first and second PMOS transistors P1 and P2 hardly change within an operation range of the transistors and the first and second PMOS transistors P1 and P2 have similar resistance characteristics for change in the temperature, the back bias voltage detecting unit 10 will detect a constant voltage level without respect to changes in the temperature. Herein, the voltages Vbs, Vgs and Vds are voltages loaded between source and bulk, between gate and source and between drain and source of a transistor, respectively.


A cathode current collector is made from a composite material including a first metallic layer made of a first metal and a second metallic layer made of a second metal different from the first metal. The first metallic layer is cladded with the second metallic layer. The first metallic layer is configured to form a conductive oxide corrosion layer in the presence of oxygen, molten carbonate electrolyte, or a combination thereof. The second metallic layer is corrosion resistant.

The present disclosure relates to a fuel cell. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a cladded metallic cathode current collector that exhibits enhanced corrosion protection.
A fuel cell is a device that directly converts chemical energy stored in hydrocarbon fuel into electrical energy by means of an electrochemical reaction. High temperature fuel cells, such as solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) or molten carbonate fuel cells (MCFCs), comprise an ion-conducting electrolyte sandwiched between a cathode and an anode. Fuel cells operate by passing a reactant fuel gas through the anode, while passing oxidizing gas through the cathode. Oxygen combines with electrons at the cathode to form oxygen or carbonate ions, which are conducted through the ion-conducting electrolyte to the anode. At the anode, oxygen or carbonate ions combine with hydrogen and carbon monoxide to form water and carbon dioxide, thereby liberating electrons. The fuel cells are stacked and interleaved with bipolar plates that distribute gases to the electrode surfaces. A "bipolar plate" is a term commonly used for an assembly that includes a separator plate along with a cathode interconnect and anode interconnect positioned on opposite sides of the separator plate. In order to produce a desired power level, a number of individual fuel cells may be stacked in series with a bipolar plate between each cell. For reference, one example of a fuel cell is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,855,451.
In conventional systems, a cathode current collector is disposed between and in direct contact with an electrolyte-containing cathode and a bipolar plate. The presence of the electrolyte induces corrosion of the cathode current collector. In some cases, the corrosion is too severe for the fuel cell to operate beyond seven years.
Several solutions have been proposed in an attempt to address the corrosion problems. For example in MCFC, others have proposed increasing the thickness of the cathode current collector material, but this does not address the corrosion-associated electrolyte loss. Others have also proposed replacing the cathode current collector material with a more corrosion-resistant stainless steel alloy, for example, a Type 310 austenitic stainless steel (Fe-base, 24-26 wt % Cr, 19-22 wt % Ni). However, this generally results in the formation of an oxide corrosion layer with insufficient conductivity. A less-conductive oxide corrosion layer can contribute to a higher cell ohmic resistance and a lower power output. In addition, others have proposed providing an aluminum coating protection layer on the cathode current collector (see, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,117,580). However, an aluminum coating process generally requires high-cost capital investment for the coating chamber, an additional sanding process is required to remove the aluminum coating at the cathode-contact surface or a high contact resistance due to aluminum oxide formation can occur. Moreover, others have proposed using conductive oxide coatings (see, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,919,214 and 7,919,946). However, the conductive oxide coating process requires an expensive coating bath and subsequent heat-treating steps.
A need exists for improved technology, including technology related to a cathode current collector that exhibits enhanced corrosion protection, while maintaining a low cathode current collector to cathode contact resistance.

Corrosion resistant current collector for high-temperature fuel cell


An automatic set bi-directional apparatus for jarring an object in a well bore is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a tubular member having a portion defining an upper and lower striking shoulder, said tubular member having one end connected to a work string capable of creating a longitudinal force. A mandrel is connected to the object and the mandrel is concentrically disposed within said tubular member. The apparatus further includes a plurality of elongated members and an upper and lower ring members which serve as latch means. The mandrel further comprises a first and second grooved portion which are used for releasing the tubular member in order to deliver either an upward or downward jarring impact upon a stationary anvil.

This invention relates to jars utilized in well bores. More particularly, but not by way of limitation, this invention relates to an auto set hi-directional jar that provides both an upward and downward jarring action to a mass in a well bore. After permitting the jarring of the mass, the apparatus of the present invention will be automatically positioned to provide a reciprocating jarring action.
In the drilling, completion or re-completion of a well, many times the operating string becomes lodged in the well bore. Once the string is lodged, or stuck as is commonly referred to those of ordinary skill in the art, the operator will require that the lodged object be freed. This process of freeing the stuck object is known as fishing.
Many different types of prior art devices have been utilized in the industry. Generally, these jars employ a moving mass impacting a stationary anvil. One of the first jarring devices can be seen in U. S. Pat. No. 2,122,751 to Kennedy. Another jar of the type utilizing a moving mass impacting an anvil can be seen in U. S. Pat. No. 2,122,751 to Phipps. Yet another jar is seen in U. S. Pat. No. 4,333,542 to Taylor. In U. S. Pat. No. 4,688,649 to Buck, the invention discloses a latching device utilized with a down hole jar.
In U. S. Pat. No. 5,139,086 by Griffith, the specification discloses a combined accelerator and jar for sudden release of accumulated energy, for delivering an up or down jarring impact. In this patent to Griffith, one of the problems solved by the invention over the prior art was the allowing of a jarring impact in either an upward or downward direction. Nevertheless, the operator must still "re-set" the jar in order to place the jar in a position to jar. All of the prior art jars share this difficulty of having to re-set the jar in order to impact the hammer on the anvil. This invention solves this problem by having a self-operating re-set design such that the jar, after firing, is automatically re-set.


A method for generating a velocity command for an actuator assembly is provided. The actuator assembly includes an actuator arm, which is to move over a plurality of surfaces. The method begins by providing a compensation torque for each of the plurality of surfaces. A position of the actuator arm is determined so that it may be mapped to one of the plurality of surfaces, which is the present surface over which the actuator arm is moving. A target velocity is then provided for the actuator arm and input to a controller, which generates a velocity command from the target velocity and a selected compensation torque, which is the compensation torque of the present surface.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to providing velocity feedback in an actuator assembly. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method and apparatus for providing velocity feedback to compensate for disturbance torque.
2. Description of the Related Art
Nearly all servers and computers use disc drives to store mass quantities of digital information. Generally, a disc drive includes a disc (often referred to as a platter) and a read/write device. The disc is commonly a hard disc, but also may be a soft or flexible disc. Typically, the disc includes a surface of magnetic film to store data and is supported and spun by a spindle motor. During disc drive operation, the data on the disc is accessed by the read/write device, which is commonly referred to as a head.
To enable the head to access different sections, the disc is rotated under the head, which is supported and manipulated by an actuator assembly. The rotation of the disc creates a curtain of air, commonly referred to as an air bearing, which supports the head and prevents physical contact with the disc surface. When the disc drive is not in use, the head is unloaded from the disc and moved across a ramp assembly to be safely stored. When the drive is started, the actuator assembly moves the head back across the ramp to load it onto the disc.
Because of the growing popularity and demand for portable and wireless devices, one area of disc drive technology that has become extremely important is the reduction of size or form factor of the drive. For designers of small form factor disc drives, one of the most difficult challenges is to adapt the drives for use in applications, in which an external power supply is absent. In contrast to typical desktop systems, in which disc drives are usually operating and spinning constantly, disc drives are preferably turned off when not in use to minimize power consumption in portable devices.
Unfortunately, increasing the number of times that a disc drive is turned on and off necessarily increases both the number of loading and unloading operations and the chance that the head assembly will be damaged. During disc drive operation, the actuator assembly must withstand and compensate for a variety of changing forces or torques acting on the actuator arm to prevent such a collision. In particular, during unloading and loading, it is critical that the velocity of the actuator arm must be as smooth as possible.
A conventional method of velocity control is accomplished by obtaining velocity feedback from the actuator arm. The method measures a back electromagnetic force (BEMF) that is generated by a voice coil motor (VCM) of the actuator arm. The BEMF provides velocity information for the actuator arm and is feedback to a controller, which adjusts a velocity command signal output to the actuator arm to move the arm at the desired speed.
Because the margin of error for controlling the speed of the actuator arm to prevent damage to the disc drive shrinks as the form factor of disc drives decreases, ramp load and unload technology must continue to improve to keep the velocity of the actuator arm as smooth as possible and prevent damage to the disc drive. In view of the foregoing, it is desirable to have a method and apparatus for providing velocity feedback that compensates for external torque disturbances.

Velocity control system for an actuator assembly


The present invention relates to compounds of general formula (1) that are inhibitors of Janus Kinase (JAK), a family of tyrosine kinases that are involved in inflammatory conditions, autoimmune diseases, proliferative diseases, allergy, transplant rejection, diseases involving impairment of cartilage turnover, congenital cartilage malformations, and/or diseases associated with hypersecretion of IL6 or interferons. In particular, the compound of the invention inhibits JAK1 and/or JAK2 and/or JAK3 sub families. The present invention also provides methods for the production of the compounds of the invention, pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds of the invention, their tautomeric forms, and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts

Protein kinases (PKs) regulate diverse biological processes including cell growth, survival, differentiation, organ formation, morphogenesis, neovascularization, tissue repair, and regeneration. Protein kinases also play specialized roles in a host of human diseases like transplant rejection, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and multiple sclerosis as well as in solid and hematologic malignancies such as leukemias and lymphomas. Cytokines influence cell differentiation, proliferation and activation, and can modulate both pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory responses to allow the host to react appropriately to pathogens. Cytokine-stimulated immune and inflammatory responses contribute to pathogenesis of diseases: pathologies such as severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) arise from suppression of the immune system, while a hyperactive or inappropriate immune/inflammatory response contributes to the pathology of autoimmune diseases (e.g., asthma, systemic lupus erythematosus, thyroiditis, myocarditis), and illnesses such as scleroderma and osteoarthritis (Ortmann, R. A., T. Cheng, et al. (2000) Arthritis Res 2(1): 16-32) Signaling of a wide range of cytokines involves the Janus kinase family (JAKs) of protein tyrosine kinases and Signal Transducers and Activators of Transcription (STATs). Janus kinase (JAK) is a family of intracellular non-receptor tyrosine kinases, ranging from 120-140 kDa, that transduce cytokine-mediated signals via the JAK-STAT pathway. The JAK family plays a role in the cytokine-dependent regulation of proliferation and function of cells involved in immune response. Currently, there are four known mammalian JAK family members: JAK 1, JAK 2, JAK 3 and TYK 2. JAK 1, JAK 2 and TYK 2 are ubiquitously expressed whereas JAK 3 is expressed in the myeloid and lymphoid lineages.
Vandeghinste et al. (WO 2005/124342) discovered JAK1 as a target whose inhibition might have therapeutic relevance for several diseases including OA. Knockout of the JAK1 gene in mice demonstrated that JAK1 plays essential and non-redundant roles during development.
JAK2 is a cytoplasmic protein-tyrosine kinase that catalyzes the transfer of the gamma-phosphate group of adenosine triphosphate to the hydroxyl groups of specific tyrosine residues in signal transduction molecules. JAK2 mediates signaling downstream of cytokine receptors after ligand-induced autophosphorylation of both receptor and enzyme. The main downstream effectors of JAK2 are a family of transcription factors known as signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT) proteins. Studies have disclosed an association between an activating JAK2 mutation (JAK2V617F) and myleoproliferative disorders. The myeloproliferative disorders, a subgroup of myeloid malignancies, are clonal stem cell diseases characterized by an expansion of morphologically mature granulocyte, erythroid, megakaryocyte, or monocyte lineage cells. Myeloproliferative disorders (MPD) include polycythemia vera (PV), essential thrombocythemia (ET), myeloid metaplasia with myelofibrosis (MMM), chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML), chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML), hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES), juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia (JMML) and systemic mast cell disease (SMCD). It has been suggested that abnormalities in signal transduction mechanisms, including constitutive activation of protein tyrosine kinases, initiate MPD. Jak2−/− mouse embryos are anemic and die around day 12.5 postcoitum due to the absence of definitive erythropoiesis.
JAK3 associates with the common gamma chain of the extracellular receptors for the following interleukins: IL-2, IL-4, IL-7, IL-9 and IL-15. A JAK3 deficiency is associated with an immune compromised (SCID) phenotype in both rodents and humans. The SCID phenotype of JAK3 (−/−) mammals and the lymphoid cell specific expression of JAK3 are two favorable attributes of a target for an immune suppressant. Data suggests that inhibitors of JAK3 could impede T-cell activation and prevent rejection of grafts following transplant surgery, or to provide therapeutic benefit to patients suffering autoimmune disorders. An important feature of JAK3 is that it specifically associates with the common cytokine receptor gamma chain which is a shared component of the receptors for IL-2, IL-4, IL-7, IL-9, and IL-15. Unlike the other JAK family members that are more widely expressed in many mammalian tissues, JAK3 expression seems to be mainly limited to the endoplasmic membranes of hematopoietic cells. JAK3 is validated by mouse and human genetics as an immune-suppression target (O'Shea J. et al. (2004)). JAK3 inhibitors were successfully taken into clinical development, initially for organ transplant rejection but later also in other immuno-inflammatory indications such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriasis and Crohn's disease.
Blocking signal transduction at the level of the JAK kinases holds promise for developing treatments for human cancers and arthritis. Inhibition of the JAK kinases is also envisioned to have therapeutic benefits in patients suffering from skin immune disorders such as psoriasis, and skin sensitization. In view of numerous conditions that are contemplated to benefit by treatment involving modulation of JAK pathways it is immediately apparent that new compounds that modulate JAK pathways and method of using these compounds should provide substantial therapeutic benefit to a wide variety of patients.
Patent applications from Portola (WO 2010/129802, WO 2009/145856, WO 2009/136995 etc.) discloses pyrimidine class of compounds as Spleen Tyrosine Kinases (SYK) or JAK inhibitors.

Rigel has filed a number of patent applications (WO 2011/017178, WO 2010/085684, WO 2010/078369, WO 2010/075558 and WO 2010/039518 etc.) claiming pyrimidine class of compounds as useful modulators of JAK pathways or as inhibitors of JAK kinases particularly JAK-2, JAK-3 or both.

Avila Therapeutics reported pyrimidine class of compounds as protein kinase inhibitors (WO 2010123870, WO 2009/158571, WO 2009/051822 and WO 2008/151183).

Cytopia Research Pvt. Ltd reported phenyl amino pyrimidine class of compounds as protein kinase inhibitors including JAK (WO 2008109943, WO 2009029998).

Cytopia reported following two compounds in their patent application WO 2008109943. The reported in vitro JAK 2 and JAK-3 inhibition for compounds 2 is less than 1 μM and less than 20 μM respectively.

However, none of these compounds have reached the market and keeping in mind the huge unmet potential for such molecules, there is a need to develop compounds which modulate the JAK enzymes in a therapeutically effective way. We herein below disclose such novel molecules.

N-cyanomethylamides as inhibitors of janus kinase


An integrated circuit (10) provides analog and digital circuitry on a common substrate (12). A first digital circuit (14) operates in combination with an analog circuit (18) to perform a useful function. A second duplicate digital circuit (26) is disposed adjacent to the first digital circuit and operates out-of-phase with respect to the first digital circuit. The second duplicate digital circuit introduces voltage spikes equal and opposite to the voltage spikes introduced into the substrate by the first digital circuit. The equal and opposite voltage spikes tend to cancel and thereby minimize cross-talk between the digital and analog circuits. A guard ring (16,28) surrounds each of the first and second digital circuits and the analog circuit to reduce voltage spikes into the substrates. By minimizing cross-talk, the analog circuit operates without interference from the digital circuits.

The present invention relates in general to integrated circuit design and, more particularly, to reducing cross-talk between circuits disposed on a common integrated circuit substrate.
Electronic circuits commonly use digital and analog functions in the same design. In the past, the analog functions were typically placed on one integrated circuit (IC) die while the digital functions were placed on a second IC die. With ICs becoming highly compact and miniaturized, say in the 0.5 micron range, many functions may be integrated onto a single IC die. In order to save space and reduce overall costs a common trend is to integrate the digital and analog functions onto the same IC substrate.
One significant problem associated with the digital and analog integration to a common IC die is the associated cross-talk between the digital and analog circuitry. The digital circuitry operating at say 100.0 megahertz with sharp edges of say one nanosecond rise and fall times creates significant dv/dt induced voltage spikes in the substrate of the IC. These voltage spikes travel through the conductive substrate and interfere with the analog circuitry located in other areas of the IC substrate. The voltage spikes can cause variation in the power supply and ground busses as well as interfering with input signals to the analog circuitry. Basically the voltage spikes induced by digital switching interferes with the fundamental operation of the analog circuitry.
One known solution to help minimize the digital cross-talk is to place guard rings around the digital circuit and the analog circuit. For example in a p-type substrate a heavily doped p+ region surrounds the digital circuit and is connected to ground potential. The heavily doped region tends to absorb the cross-talk emanating from the digital circuit. Guard rings are effective only up to a certain frequency of operation of the digital circuit. To increase the effectiveness of the guard rings it is necessary to widen the p+ region. It is impractical in many applications to dedicate large areas of the IC die to guard ring protection.
Hence, a need exists to reduce cross-talk between digital and analog circuits that are disposed on a common IC substrate.

Circuit and method of reducing cross-talk in an integrated circuit substrate


A case assembly for a turbine section has a structural outer case structurally connected to a gas generator upstream of the outer case and to an exhaust case downstream of the outer case. The assembly further comprises a containment ring mounted within the outer case and surrounding a plurality of axially spaced-apart turbine stages. An inner surface of the containment ring defines a plurality of shroud receiving portions. An annular plenum is defined between the outer case and the containment ring. The plenum has an inlet connected to a source of pressurized coolant. Outlets are circumferentially and axially distributed and defined through the containment ring. The outlets provides flow communication between the annular plenum and the plurality of axially spaced-apart turbine stages.

Typically, a plurality external pipes are used to individually bring coolant to each turbine stage of a gas turbine engine. Each turbine stage is generally fed by an appropriate number of circumferentially spaced apart external pipes. Such an arrangement of multiple external pipes around the engine housing not only increases part count but also increase the risk of cooling air leakage. Also, since the containment case surrounding the turbine blades is not cooled on the outside, the case must be made thicker to withstand the high temperatures to which the turbine sections are exposed during engine operation. This results in additional weight.

Cooled containment case using internal plenum


A composite semiconductor device includes a plurality of semiconductor thin films and a substrate on which the semiconductor thin films are attached. Each semiconductor thin film includes a plurality of semiconductor elements. Each semiconductor element includes a first contact region and a second contact region. The first contact region is connected to a first electrode, and the second contact region is connected to a second electrode. The semiconductor thin film is attached to a substrate such that the plurality of semiconductor elements are aligned in a row, and such that the first contact region and the second contact region are in the row of light emitting elements.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a composite semiconductor device in which arrays such as light-emitting diode (LED) arrays are combined with driver circuits, a light-emitting diode (LED) print head that employs the composite semiconductor device, and an image forming apparatus that employs the LED print head.
2. Description of the Related Art
Among conventional electrophotographic printers is one that incorporates a light-emitting diode (LED) exposing unit. An LED exposing unit incorporates a plurality of LED array chips each of which includes a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs).
Many printers of late are capable of printing not only characters but also images. Printing images with high resolution places great demands on printers, leading to increasing number of LEDs used in an exposing unit. This increases the number of LED array chips and driver chips incorporated in the exposing unit.
Japanese patent Laid-Open No. 2004-179641 discloses one way of meeting these demands. Driver circuits are formed on a semiconductor substrate, and LED array chips are bonded on unused areas on the semiconductor substrate, thereby manufacturing a composite semiconductor device. The composite semiconductor devices are mounted on a printed circuit board instead of mounting individual LED arrays and driver circuits on the printed circuit board, thereby reducing the number of chips mounted on the circuit board. The LEDs on the LED array chips are electrically connected to corresponding driver circuits through electrodes formed on the bottom surface of the LED array chips.
In order to drive a plurality of LEDs formed on a single LED array chip on a time shared basis, each LED includes two electrodes, i.e., a p-side electrode and an n-side electrode wired independently of other LEDs. The two electrodes of each LED are formed on the front surface of the LED array chip, and are electrically connected to the driver circuit. The electrodes closer to light emitting regions are aligned in parallel to the row of the LEDs, and the electrodes farther from the light emitting regions are aligned beside the row of the LEDs substantially in parallel to the row of the LEDs.
Because the electrodes are formed in two parallel rows, the aforementioned LED array chip cannot be small in its widthwise direction, i.e., a direction perpendicular to a direction in which the LEDs are aligned. Therefore, the overall area of the LED array chip is difficult to make small. A thin film LED array chip is first fabricated on, for example, a GaAs substrate, and is then released from the GaAs substrate by etching. Consequently, an LED array chip having a large surface area requires a longer etching time.

Composite semiconductor device, LED print head that employs the composite semiconductor device, and image forming apparatus that employs the LED print head