According to one embodiment, a pattern inspection method includes detecting a region of a photomask having a pattern that differs from a corresponding design, acquiring an exposure focus shift information including an exposure focus shift amount of a portion of a substrate corresponding to the detected region of the photomask. The exposure focus shift amount for the detected region is acquired from the exposure focus shift information, and then a pass/fail determination for the detected region is performed based on an estimated pattern to be formed on the substrate.

In recent years, due to increased stacking ("three-dimensionalization") of components of memory devices, a step height difference between a memory cell region and a peripheral circuit region on a semiconductor wafer has become more significant. This difference in heights makes it difficult, from a standpoint of focal position correction functions in an exposure apparatus (photolithography tool), to perform the fabrication processes necessary when a pattern is being exposed on the wafer using a photomask. As such, a yield loss may occur due to pattern transfer failures. Therefore, a measure capable of reducing the yield loss caused by the step height differences on the wafer is desired.

Pattern inspection method and photomask fabrication method


The present invention pertains to a blue pigmented inkjet ink and uses thereof in inkjet ink sets and inkjet printing. More particularly, the present invention pertains to an ink that is blue in color and comprises a mixed pigment colorant.

The present invention pertains to a pigment based inkjet ink and uses thereof in inkjet ink sets and inkjet printing. More particularly, the present invention pertains to an ink that is blue in color and comprises a mixed pigment colorant.
Inkjet printing is a non-impact printing process in which droplets of ink are deposited on a substrate, such as paper, to form the desired image. The droplets are ejected from a printhead in response to electrical signals generated by a microprocessor. Inkjet printers offer low cost, high quality printing and have become a popular alternative to other types of printers. Suitable inks include inks with dye, pigment and mixed dye/pigment colorants.
Color characteristics of pigment-containing inks play an important role in the quality of the printed ink-jet image. Perceived color quality can be characterized using any one of several color-space systems such as CIELAB (CIE No.15.2, Colorimetry, 2nd. Ed., Commission Internationale de I'Eclarage, Vienna, Austria, 1986) or Munsell (Munsell Book of Color, Munsell Color Co., Baltimore, Md., 1929), as is well known in the art. With respect to Munsell color space, a given color is defined using three terms, namely Hue, Value and Chroma. With respect to CIELAB color space, a color is defined using three terms L*, a* and b*. In this system L* defines the lightness of the color and it ranges from 0 (black) to 100 (white). The terms a* and b* together define the hue, where a* ranges from a negative number (green) to a positive number (red) and b* ranges from a negative number (blue) to a positive number (yellow). Additional terms such as hue angle (h°) and chroma (C*) can also be used to describe a given color instead of a* and b* wherein
                              h          o                =                              tan                          -              1                                                      (                                          b                *                                            a                *                                      )                                              Equation                                                  1                                          C          *                =                                            a                              *                2                                      +                          b                              *                2                                                                        Equation                                                  2
To achieve full color images, ink jet printers typically employ a cyan ("C"), magenta ("M") and yellow ("Y") ink. These colors are known as subtractively-mixing primaries, as light is subtracted as it passes through the colorant. When these colors are mixed in pairs they form red, green and blue (so-called "secondaries"), and when all are mixed together they form black. Thus these three-color inks can be used to print the entire range of hues with good chromaticity and/or color saturation.
The range of colors that a given ink set can print is called the color gamut, and can be described in the CIELAB system by the volume in the L*a*b* color space that encompasses a palette of representative colors that can be printed by the ink set on a given substrate. While a CMY ink set can produce all possible color hues, the color gamut does not encompass all the colors that can be perceived by the human eye. Thus there is still a desire to improve the printed image quality and extend the range of colors that can be printed.
Although current ink sets provide desirable images, inks with improved coloristic properties are still advantageous. It is an objective of this invention to provide a pigmented blue ink with improved chroma, optical density and gloss.

Pigmented blue inkjet ink color reproduction


An electrical connector and a method of make the same. The electrical connector includes an insulator housing formed with a plurality of through holes extending from a first surface to a second surface of the insulator housing. A flowable polymeric material is located adjacent at least one retention region in each of the through holes. Contact members are positioned within each of the through holes. Energy and/or pressure is applied to the electrical connector so the flowable polymeric material flows into engagement with retention features on the contact members. The electrical connector is cooled so the flowable polymeric material fuses to the contact members in a retention regions.

Traditional IC sockets are generally constructed of an injection molded plastic insulator housing that includes stamped and formed copper alloy contact members stitched or inserted into recesses. The assembled IC socket is then generally processed through a reflow oven to attach solder balls to the contact members.
During final assembly the contact pads on the printed circuit board ("PCB") are printed with solder paste or flux and the solder balls on the IC socket are placed in registration with the contact pads. The assembly is then reflowed and the solder balls essentially weld the IC socket to the PCB.
During use, an IC socket receives an IC device, such as a packaged integrated circuit. The contact members electrically couple the terminals on the IC device with the corresponding terminal on the PCB. The terminals on the IC device are typically held against the contact members by applying a load, which is expected to maintain intimate contact and reliable circuit connection throughout the life of the system without a permanent connection. As a result, the IC device can be removed or replaced without the need for reflowing solder connections.
These types of IC sockets and interconnects have been produced in high volume for many years. As IC devices advance to next generation architectures traditional IC sockets have reached mechanical and electrical limitations that require alternate methods.
As processors and systems have evolved, several factors have impacted the design of traditional IC sockets. Increased terminal counts, reductions in the distance between the contacts known as terminal pitch, and signal integrity have been main drivers that impact the socket and contact design. As terminal counts go up, the IC package essentially gets larger due to the additional space needed for the terminals. As the package grows larger, costs go up and the relative flatness of the package and corresponding PCB require compliance between the contact and the terminal pad to accommodate the topography differences and maintain reliable connection.
Package producers tend to drive the terminal pitch smaller so they can reduce the size of the package as well as the flatness effects. As the terminal pitch reduces, the available area to place a contact is also reduced, which limits the space available to locate a spring or contact member which can deflect without touching a neighbor. In order to maximize the length of the spring so that it can deflect the proper amount without damage, the thickness of the insulating walls within the plastic housing is reduced which increases the difficulty of molding as well as the latent stress in the molded housing, resulting in warpage during the heat applied during solder reflow. For mechanical reasons, the contact designs desire to have a long contact that has the proper spring properties. Long contact members tend to reduce the electrical performance of the connection by creating a parasitic effect that impacts the signal as it travels through the contact. Other effects such as contact resistance impact the self-heating effects as current passes through power delivering contacts, and the small space between contacts can cause distortion as a nearby contact influences the neighbor which is known as cross talk. Traditional socket methods are able to meet the mechanical compliance requirements of today's needs, but they have reached an electrical performance limit.
Traditional sockets are manufactured from bulk plastic material that is machined to provide device location features as well as positions for the electrical contacts that can be stamped and formed, blanked, wire electro-discharge machining processed, or constructed from conductive elastomer, coil spring probes, or several variations. The predominant contact type used in sockets is the spring probe, which basically consists of two or more metal members that engage each other to create the electrical path biased by a coil spring that provides normal and return force.
Traditional electrical contacts are press fit into the insulator housing. A polymer in the insulator housing is displaced during insertion to create an interference fit which holds the electrical contact in position. In some cases a flowable elastomeric material is dispensed onto the surface of the insulator, which flows into the insulator housing near the electrical contacts. When cured the flowable material holds the electrical contact in position.
Next generation systems will operate above 5 GHz and beyond and the existing interconnects will not achieve acceptable performance levels without significant revision. A major issue with the use of spring probes in sockets is the electrical performance is degraded by the coil spring which is an inductor, as well as the potential capacitance of the metal members and the relatively high contact resistance due to the various sliding connection point.

Mechanical contact retention within an electrical connector


A one-piece self-draining container and method and apparatus for forming same. The container includes a body and a finish wall extending upwardly from a body opening. The finish wall surrounds a dispensing spout which extends above the top of the wall. A frustoconical web joins the finish wall and the dispensing spout to form a drain apron gutter channel having a relatively steeply inclined cone angle. A drain opening is defined adjacent the channel for draining fluid from the channel into the container body. A removable cap having a depending skirt defining a thread which mates with an internal thread on the container wall to thereby threadably engage and close the container. The method is performed on the type of extrusion-injection blow molding machine as generally disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 2,804,654 as modified in accordance with the invention to form the web wall in situ with a frustoconical configuration of uniform cross sectional thickness.

This invention relates to plastic containers and more particularly to a plastic container molded in one piece so as to include a drain back spout as molded.
In dispensing liquid from containers wherein only a portion of the contents of the container is used at any one time, as is the case with many products such as liquid detergents and bleaches, the consumer is concerned with the messiness which occurs from drops of the liquid contents draining down the neck and side of the container upon completion of the pouring. Thus, when a bottle having an upper neck is turned from its normal upright storage position to an inverted dispensing position and then back to its upright position, a few drops of such liquid will invariably drain down the outside of the neck of the container. A number of prior art container designs have disclosed various drain back spout (DBS) features for capturing such excess fluid and causing it to drain back into the container rather than drip down the neck and side.
Many of such DBS designs require a multiplicity of pieces which are assembled in a post molding operation, or require a re-shaping operation to re-position the spout. The self-draining containers of U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,989,757 and 5,114,659 overcame such problems encountered with multiple part self-draining containers by providing a one-piece self-draining container and method and apparatus for making the same so that the container can be molded in a single machine while incorporating a drain back spout feature as an integral part of the container, i.e., as part of the finish formed during the container molding operation. Thus, the only other element required for a complete package is a suitable removable closure for sealing the container. Such one-piece containers are much more economical to produce than a container requiring multiple pieces because the container is completed upon molding and hence post-molding operations are not required.
In the various embodiments of one-piece self-draining containers disclosed in the aforementioned ""757 patent, the dispensing spout is equal to or greater in diameter than the neck of the container, regardless of which of the methods and type of machine is employed in making the same. One such ""757 patent container is made by a type of blow molding characterized as injection-extrusion blow molding utilizing a blow molding machine of the type disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 2,804,654 (hereinafter xe2x80x9c""654 machinexe2x80x9d) which is in widespread use by the assignee of the present invention. When so utilizing the ""654 machine to make the container of the ""757 patent, the lower or container-interior-facing-surface of the web member extends radially outwardly from the neck of the narrow-shouldered container body and at right angles to the axis A of the neck, whereas the upper interior surface of the web is slightly inclined in order to promote some limited liquid drainage back to the lowermost portion of the gap in the spout when the container is returned to its upright storage position.
The self-draining container of U.S. Pat. No. 5,114,659 is likewise made by a method performed by the ""654 machine in order to produce a one-piece self-draining container. However, the ""659 patent container differs in configuration from that of the ""757 patent in that the pour spout is smaller in diameter than the neck of the container and hence is better adapted to the broad shoulder type container body shown in the ""659 patent and hence is preferred for many applications.
In addition, the ""659 patent discloses a method of molding which provides internal threads with superior thread definition and lack of distortion by making the thread extend for at least two complete turns, i.e., 720xc2x0, so that at any axial section of the neck wall there will always be at least two thread segments. This overcame the problem of thread distortion when stripping of containers having a thread with less than two full turns that previously resulted in producing containers which, although functionally usable, were less than commercially desirable. This improved stripping action, as will be seen from the ""659 patent, was accomplished with a container neck of smaller diameter than the integral portion of the upper shoulder area of the container body to which the neck is joined, and also, of course, with a pour spout having a smaller diameter than that of the container neck.
However, in the one-piece self-draining container of the ""659 patent, like that of the container of FIG. 3 of the ""757 patent, the bottom or interior surface of the apron web extended radially in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the neck, and hence the upper surface of the web could only be sightly-inclined to thereby somewhat promote the aforementioned gravity drain back. The inclination of the web upper surface relative to the web lower surface is limited as a practical matter because excessive plastic thickness in the web negatively affects the mold cycle time and hence production efficiency. Such asymmetric cross-sectional shape of the web wall also produces some production problems, with respect to side loading of the tooling and tooling alignment.
Due to the foregoing limitations, the ledge formed by the web at the base of the pour spout is nearly flat. Hence with prior art DBS containers made in accordance with the ""659 patent for broad shouldered containers the spillage residue from the product dispensed from the container tends to remain inside the finish area. This remaining residual drain back product can result in a messy package for the consumer when pouring or re-applying the closure. Accordingly, there has existed a need for many years for improving DBS configuration in such one-piece plastic containers to better promote gravity drain back into the container without sacrificing the advantages of the method, apparatus and improved thread definition of the ""659 patent as practiced in ""654 machines and as applied to a broad-shoulder container body.
Accordingly, among the objects of the present invention are to provide a new and novel one-piece self-draining container which can be molded on a single machine, which requires no assembly operations, which has a steep inclination of the web drain wall that better promotes the product to drain away from the container finish back into the container, which enables the container drain web wall to be made of uniform plastic thickness and sufficiently thin so as not to negatively affect production cycle time.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved method and apparatus for making a container of the aforementioned character on a widely used ""654 type machine that is economically retrofitted in accordance with the invention with a minimum of component changes and modifications, that retains the advantages of the method and container of the ""659 patent, which eliminates the problems faced in the past with side loading of the tooling and tooling alignment concerns when fashioning the prior web of non-uniform thickness and non-parallel upper and lower surfaces, and that enables an improved container of the aforementioned character to be made in a rapid, reliable and economical manner with already available production equipment.
In general, and by way of summary description and not by way of limitation, the present invention accomplishes the foregoing objects by providing an improved one-piece self draining container and improved method and improved apparatus for forming the same. The container includes a body and a finish wall extending upwardly from a body opening. The finish wall surrounds a dispensing spout which extends above the top of the wall. A drain back apron web joins the finish wall and the dispensing spout and has a generally frustoconical contour to form a drain apron gutter channel having a relatively steeply inclined cone angle. A drain opening is defined adjacent the gutter channel, preferably in the form of a gap at the rear of the spout, for draining fluid from the channel into the container body. The apron web is preferably constructed and arranged to have generally parallel upper and lower wall surfaces sloping downwardly toward the spout in the container upright position.
The method of the invention for constructing the improved container is performed on a modified conventional ""654 type extrusion/injection blow molding machine that is operated in the conventional manner in a normal cycle so that the container is manufactured by a process in which at least the neck, dispensing spout, annular finish wall, apron web, and the drain gap through which liquids flow are formed in a first mold in one operation and the body is thereafter formed by blow molding, with no post-molding reconfiguring operations required for those portions formed in the first mold in order to provide the final as-molded container configuration. The conventional ""654 molding machine is modified by constructing and arranging the web forming portion of the injection mold cavity tooling to mold form a generally frustoconical upper surface on the web, and constructing and arranging the end surface of the extrusion die head that closes the injection mold cavity so as to mold form a generally frustoconical lower surface on the web. Preferably, this is accomplished by recessing the central surface on the mandrel end that mates with the lower end of the injection mold core pin so that these parts meet in a central abutment zone spaced below the annular extruder outlet formed between the upper end of the mandrel and the bushing that surrounds the mandrel in the extrusion tooling. A frustoconical surface is then formed on the mandrel end so as to encircle the recessed mandrel central surface and to taper upwardly and radially outwardly therefrom to intersect with the plane of the annular extrusion die outlet. Likewise the lower end of the finish insert sleeve of the injection mold tooling is reconfigured complemental to the mandrel end frustoconical surface so that the mold cavity surfaces define therebetween a mold cavity adapted to form the apron web such that it has a generally frustoconical contour.

Method and apparatus for making a plastic container with drain back spout


An AD converter includes an analog data storing unit, a first DA converter for converting an input digital data into a first analog reference voltage which varies within a first voltage range in a range of every possible signal voltage of the input analog data, a second DA converter for converting the input digital data into a second analog reference voltage which varies within a second voltage range in the range of every possible signal voltage of the input analog data, a first comparator for comparing the input analog data with the first reference voltage, a second comparator for comparing the input analog data with the second reference voltage and a digital data storing unit for storing a digital data corresponding to a point of time when a change of state occurs in the comparison results of each of the first and second comparators.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an AD converter for converting an analog signal to a digital signal. In particular, it relates to an AD converter capable of analog-to-digital signal conversion in a short time.
2. Description of Related Art
Music, images and moving pictures, which have been recorded as analog data, are now being recorded as digital data with high quality and enhanced convenience. An AD converter has been used to convert analog data into digital data. For capturing images and moving pictures, image sensors such as a CCD (charge coupled device) and a CMOS sensor have been used and the need for signal processing devices for converting an analog image output signal into a digital signal is increasing. Also in many sensors used for controlling various devices, an analog output signal is converted into a digital signal to facilitate the processing in the control unit. Thus, the range of uses of the AD converter for converting an analog value to a digital value has been increasing.
Although there are various AD converters of different structures, an AD converter of relatively simple structure has been proposed by Japanese Patent No. 3507800, for example. This AD converter generates an analog reference voltage and performs a comparison between the reference voltage and an input signal voltage while gradually changing the reference voltage. Then, the level of the signal voltage is judged from the value of the reference voltage at a point of time when the magnitude relation between the reference voltage and the signal voltage has changed such that the signal voltage is converted into a digital value.
In this AD converter, as shown in FIG. 18, an analog signal of a selected signal line (φs) which is read and stored in a first period T1 is converted into a digital signal in a second period T2. More specifically, an analog signal (Vs) stored in a sample hold circuit is input to one of input terminals of a comparator and a reference voltage (Vc) which increases with time is input into another input terminal of the comparator, while output data (DATA) of a digital counter to which clocks (CLK) are input increases one by one. The output of the comparator (Vcomp) for comparing the analog signal (Vs) with the reference voltage (Vc) causes a change of state at around a point of time when the analog signal (Vs) and the reference voltage (Vc) agree with each other. The output data (DATA) of the digital counter at the point of time when the change of state occurs is latched. The latched output data (DATA) is a digital signal corresponding to the analog signal (Vs).
With the above-described AD converter, however, the comparison between the signal voltage and the reference voltage is performed successively while changing the reference voltage from the minimum value to the maximum value in the range of every possible signal voltage. Therefore, long time has been taken to convert the analog signal to the digital signal. In order to increase the resolution of a digital value by 1 bit, the number of comparisons must be doubled. Therefore, the long conversion time is almost doubled. Thus, the conventional AD converter involves a problem in the conversion of a digital value with a high bit count.
Further, in an AD converter for converting an analog signal of an image sensor or the like into a digital signal, it is desirable to take a difference between an output value of a dark pixel and an output value of a light-exposed pixel as a signal output such that noise components are removed. For that purpose, there are a method of taking the difference between the analog signals before digital conversion and a method of taking the difference after the digital conversion of the analog signals from the dark and light-exposed pixels. In the latter method, however, the digital conversion must be performed twice on the signals from the dark and light-exposed pixels. Therefore, the analog-to-digital signal conversion takes long time.


A receptacle type electrical connector includes a dielectric housing having a mating face and mounting a plurality of female electrical terminals adapted for mating with a plurality of male terminals of an appropriate mating electrical component. One of the terminals is a ground terminal adapted for connection to a ground circuit. An insulative cover is mounted over the mating face of the housing and has apertures aligned with the plurality of female terminals. A conductive electrostatic discharge shield includes a plate portion sandwiched between the cover and the mating face of the housing. The shield includes apertures aligned with the plurality of female terminals. The apertures of the plate portion are dimensioned so that the male terminals will not contact the shield. A connecting portion of the shield extends from the plate portion for electrically engaging the ground terminal.

Generally, all electrical connectors are provided with an interface for electrical connection with a complementary mating connector or other electrical or electronic device or component. Common interfaces may be in a receptacle or socket type connector for receiving a second or plug type connector to complete an electrical connection therebetween. Such connectors often are used in control equipment which incorporate such electronic devices as integrated circuits which cannot withstand an electrostatic shock. In such applications, both receptacle and plug type connectors provide multiple low voltage electrical connections within relatively small areas or envelopes, particularly where numbers of low voltage electrical connections are required. Each individual electrical connector typically includes an electrical contact or terminal providing an electrical connection with a contact or terminal of the complementary connector or other electrical device. When connecting or disconnecting such components, opposite charges at the interface may result in an electrostatic discharge between the two components. In fact, electrostatic discharges can occur simply by a person touching the interface of the connector. If the discharge propagates to a contact or terminal which is electrically associated with certain integrated circuits, such as with a semiconductor or other low power electrical device, the discharge could result in the destruction of the electrical device associated with the contact or terminal to which the discharge propagates.
In order to alleviate the electrostatic discharge problem, some electrical connectors include electrostatic discharge protection. Often, this protection is provided in the form of a shield configured as a plate, bar, rod or the like located generally at the connector interface and coupled to a ground within or without the connector. Unfortunately, the provision of such electrostatic discharge shields add significantly to the costs of these types of electrical connectors. The connector housings must be provided with grooves, channels, passages and the like for mounting the discharge shields, along with similar types of passageways for directing portions of the shield to a separate ground means either incorporated in the connector itself or to an outside ground component. Such structures add significantly to the overall cost of an otherwise relatively simple electrical connector.
On the other hand, most such electrical connectors include, as one of its terminals, a ground terminal which already has means for coupling the ground terminal to an external ground. This invention is directed to a simple solution to the problems identified above, by providing a simple electrostatic discharge shield means which is coupled directly to the ground terminal, itself, and thereby avoiding all of the extraneous structural provisions for grounding the shield as is prevalent with the prior art.

Electrical connector with electrostatic discharge protection


A flavonoid solubilization agent capable of highly solubilizing flavonoids such as isoflavone, baicalin, rutin and naringin whose solubility is generally low; and a method of effecting the above solubilization. Flavonoids can be solubilized by causing a flavonoid and soybean saponin and/or malonyl isoflavone glycoside to be co-present in an aqueous medium.

Patent Document 1: JP 04-27823 B
Patent Document 2: JP 03-27293 A
Patent Document 3: JP 3060227 B2
Patent Document 4: JP 05-176786 A
Patent Document 5: JP 07-107972 A
Patent Document 6: JP 10-101705 A
Patent Document 7: JP 09-309902 A
Patent Document 8: JP 10-298175 A
Patent Document 9: JP 2003-195 A
Non-Patent Document 1: Planta Med, 67 (1), 49-54, 2001
Flavonoids are aromatic compounds whose basic structure is a phenyl chroman skeleton (C6-C3-C6/A ring-C ring-B ring), and are classified into flavones, flavonols, flavanones, flavanonols, isoflavones, anthocyanins, flavanols, chalcones, aurones and the like in accordance with the difference in the C ring moieties. In recent years, as the elucidation of a variety of functionalities of natural components proceeds, the physiological functions of flavonoids have been noted of. However, many of flavonoids are slightly soluble in water, in food products, particularly in drinks and the like, the problems such as cloudiness, sedimentation and the like are caused during the production and storage, and this makes their industrial utilization difficult.
Hitherto, as known methods of solubilizing flavonoids, there are a method of converting isoflavone, rutin, hesperidin or the like into α-glycosyl isoflavonoid, α-glycosyl rutin, α-glycosyl hesperidin or the like by reacting α-glycosyl transferase with it (see Patent Documents 1-3), a method of obtaining catechin glycosides by reacting sucrose phosphorylase with a mixture of catechins and glycose-1-phosphoric acid or sucrose (Patent Document 4), a method of forming glycosides by solubilizing flavonoids in an alkali region of pH 8 or more and/or by addition of a cyclodextrin, and subjecting the solubilized product to glycotransfer with a cyclodextrin synthetic enzyme (Patent Document 5), a method of dissolving flavonoids in strong alkali solution and adding the resultant to a thickening polysaccharide solution (see Patent Document 6), a method of forming an inclusion product of isoflavone with cyclodextrin (Patent Documents 7 and 8) and the like are known.
However, any of the above-described methods is that for solubilizing a specific flavonoid, or that for enhancing the solubility of a specific flavonoid by structure conversion, and is not to provide a method for solubilizing flavonoids in general existing in nature as a basic technology. This is a problem from the viewpoint of versatility. In the methods of Patent Documents 7 and 8, since the solubility of cyclodextrin itself is not so high, the amount to be added is limited, and if a large amount is added, the cyclodextrin forms an inclusion compound with a flavoring agent, etc., and therefore the product design such as flavoring of foods, etc. are hindered.
On the other hand, isoflavones exist mainly in the form of glycosides in legumes and irises. Specifically, there are daidzin, genistin, glycitin, their malonyl glycosides such as 6″-O-malonyl daidzin, 6″-O-malonyl genistin and 6″-O-malonyl glycitin, their acetyl glycosides such as 6″-O-acetyl daidzin, 6″-O-acetyl genistin, 6″-O-acetyl glycitin, their aglycons such as daidzein, genistein and glycitein, and the like. While isoflavones are also in general slightly soluble in water, among them, the malonyl glycosides are known to have relatively soluble nature in water because they have dissociation groups on their side chains. However, it has not been known so far that the malonyl glycosides have an activity of solubilizing isoflavones, much less other flavonoids.
Saponins are classified mainly into steroid saponins and triterpenoid saponins from the viewpoint of their chemical structures. Quillaia saponin, soybean saponin, and enju saponin which are triterpenoid saponins are known to be natural emulsifiers for foods. Patent Document 9 discloses a technology for solubilizing a ginkgo leaf extract containing quercetin, etc. by using saponins together with glycerin, saccharides, etc., and teaches that quillaia saponin is preferred because quillaia saponin is particularly excellent in a surfactant capability. However, since there is a report that saponins are weak in an activity for solublizing a slightly soluble compound in water such as rutin, etc., and in general, should not be used as solubilizing agents (Non-Patent Document 1), it is unknown whether or not saponins have a high activity for solubilizing flavonoids and high versatility, even if their surfactant capability is high.

Flavonoid solubilizion agent and method of solubilizing flavonoid


A fuse 15 includes a housing 2 of an insulative resin having a lid 13 and a housing body 11, and a fuse body 1 having a melting portion formed between a pair of press-connecting terminals 4 and 5 arranged in a staggered manner, the fuse body being received in the housing 2. A sheathed wire is press-connected to and retained by the press-connecting terminals 4 and 5 of the fuse body 1, a portion of the sheathed wire, mounted between the press-connecting terminals 4 and 5, being cut, to thereby provide a fuse which has a simple construction, and can be easily mounted at an existing circuit, and also to provide a method of mounting such a fuse.

This invention relates to a fuse incorporated in an electric circuit in an automobile or the like so as to prevent an excess current from continuing to flow in the event of an abnormal condition such as a short-circuit, and the invention also relates to a method of mounting such a fuse.
Conventionally, a fuse, incorporated in an electric circuit, has a capacity corresponding to an allowable current of a load, and when the user adds a new load, or exchanges the load with a different load, it is necessary to add a new fuse so as to protect the circuit.
For example, in an electric system of an automobile, electric loads, such as a radio, a television set, a car navigation device and a clock, are connected in a parallel manner to a power source via a junction box containing fuses. The maker uses appropriate fuses corresponding to these loads associated with the electric system of the automobile.
When the user adds a new electric part, or exchanges the electric part with a new electric part of a smaller load, it is necessary to mount another fuse at its electric circuit. For example, when exchanging the electric part with a new electric part having a better performance and a smaller load, a wire of a circuit to be taken out is branched by the use of a branch wire excess current protection device as disclosed in Japanese Utility Model Unexamined Publication No. 1-134935, and by doing so, the new electric part of a smaller load can be easily connected to this branch circuit.
However, when exchanging the electric part with the new electric part by the use of the above branch wire excess current protection device, the existing circuit, from which the new circuit branches off, becomes useless. If the existing circuit is used, a new fuse must be mounted at an intermediate portion of the existing circuit.
When the user adds a new electric part, another fuse must be mounted at the circuit.
However, in order to mount the fuse at an intermediate portion of the existing circuit, there is required an operation in which a wire is cut or severed, and its sheath is peeled, and a metal terminal is clamped to a conductor of the wire, and then this terminal is connected to a fuse body within a fuse holder. The fuse-mounting operation is cumbersome, and the conventional fuse holder is inferior in the efficiency of the operation.

Fuse with press-connecting terminals and wire cutter


Disclosed herein is a washing machine. A stator is mounted at the inside surface of a tub, a spider is mounted at a drum, a rotor is mounted at the spider such that the rotor is rotated by the stator, and a support shaft is mounted at the spider for supporting the drum, the rotor, and the spider. Consequently, the capacities of the drum and the tub are increased as compared with the case that the stator and the rotor are mounted at the rear of the tub, and therefore, washing capacity of the washing machine is greatly increased.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a washing machine, and, more particularly, to a washing machine having a motor disposed inside a tub, whereby washing capacity of the washing machine is greatly increased.
2. Description of the Related Art
FIG. 1 is a side view, in section, showing a conventional washing machine.
As shown in FIG. 1, the conventional washing machine comprises: a cabinet 2 forming the external appearance of the washing machine, the cabinet 2 having a laundry inlet/outlet hole formed at the front surface thereof for allowing laundry m to be put into or removed from the cabinet 2; a door 4 hingedly mounted at the front surface of the cabinet 2 for opening and closing the laundry inlet/outlet hole; a tub 6 mounted in the cabinet 2 in a shock absorbing fashion; a water supply unit 10 for supplying detergent or wash water w into the tub 6; a water draining unit 12 for draining the wash water w in the tub 6 out of the cabinet 2; a drum 20 rotatably disposed in the tub 6 for receiving the laundry m; and a motor 30 for rotating the drum 20.
The tub 6 has an opening hole 7, which is disposed at the rear of the laundry inlet/outlet hole of the cabinet 2 such that the laundry m can be put into or removed from the drum 20. Through the center of the rear surface of the tub 6 is inserted a drive shaft 32 of the motor 30.
The drum 20 has an opening hole 7, which is also disposed at the rear of the laundry inlet/outlet hole of the cabinet 2 such that the laundry m can be put into or removed from the drum 20. The drum 20 is disposed such that the lower part of the drum 20 is submerged in the wash water received in the tub 6. The drum 20 is provided at the circumferential surface and the rear surface thereof with a plurality of through-holes 22.
At the inner circumferential surface of the drum 20 are mounted lifters 26 for lifting the laundry m received in the drum 20 to the inner upper part of the drum 20 such that the lifted laundry m falls due to gravity.
At the rear surface of the drum 20 is mounted a spider 28, to which the drive shaft 32 of the motor 30 is securely connected.
The motor 30 is mounted at the rear of the tub 6. The motor 30 is horizontally or nearly horizontally disposed such that the drive shaft 32 is connected to the center of the rear surface of the drum 20 through the center of the rear surface of the tub 6.
The motor 30 comprises: the above-described drive shaft 32; a motor frame 36 fixed to the rear surface of the tub 6, the motor frame 36 having a through-hole, through which the drive shaft 32 is inserted; a stator 40 fixed to the motor frame 36; and a rotor 44 fixed to the drive shaft 32 for performing rotation by an electromagnetic force generated between the stator 40 and the rotor 44.
The drive shaft 32 has one end fixed to the spider 28 of the drum 20 and the other end protruding toward the rear of the tub 6 such that the drive shaft 32 is inserted through the tub 6 and the motor frame 36.
The motor frame 36 is bent such that the edge of the motor frame 36 protrudes in the circumferential direction, and the motor frame 36 is fixed to the rear surface of the tub by means of fixing bolts 37.
The stator 40 is formed in the shape of a hollow cylinder. The stator 40 is fixed to the rear surface of the motor frame 36 by means of fixing bolts 41b.
The rotor 44 comprises: a cup-shaped rotor frame 45; and a magnet 46 fixed to the inner circumferential surface of the rotor frame 45 while being spaced apart from the stator 36.
Unexamined reference numeral 49 indicates a gasket disposed between the laundry inlet/outlet hole of the cabinet 2 and the opening hole 7 of the tub 6.
Now, the operation of the conventional washing machine with the above-stated construction will be described.
When a user puts laundry m into the drum 20, closes the door 4, and operates the washing machine, wash water w containing detergent dissolved therein, which is supplied from the water supply unit 10, is gathered in the inner lower part of the tub 6, the lower part of the drum 20 is submerged in the wash water w containing detergent dissolved therein, and the laundry m received in the drum 20 is wetted by the wash water w containing detergent dissolved therein, which is introduced into the drum 20 through the through-holes 22 of the drum 20.
When electric voltage is applied to a coil 43 of the motor 30, an electromagnetic force is generated between the coil 43 and the magnet 46, and therefore, the magnet 46 is rotated. The rotating force of the magnet 46 is transmitted to the drive shaft 32 through the rotor frame 45, and the drum 20 is rotated by the drive shaft 32.
While the drum 20 is rotated, the laundry m is lifted by the lifters 26, and then falls from the lifters 26. At this time, contaminants are separated from the laundry m by the actions of the detergent and the wash water w. After the above-described washing operation is completed, the contaminated wash water in the tub 6 is drained out of the washing machine through the water draining unit 12.
Subsequently, clean water w containing no detergent is supplied to the tub 6 through the water supply unit 10. When electric voltage is applied to the coil 43 of the motor 30 as in the washing operation, the drum 20 is rotated by the drive shaft 32. As a result, the laundry m is lifted by the lifters 26, and then falls from the lifters 26. At this time, bubbles are removed from the laundry m, and the contaminated water is drained out of the washing machine through the water draining unit 12.
Thereafter, electric voltage, which is higher than that used in the washing operation or the rinsing operation, is applied to the coil 43 of the motor 30, and therefore, the drum 20 is rotated at high speed by the drive shaft 32. As a result, moisture is centrifugally separated from the laundry m. The separated moisture is collected in the tub 6 through the through-holes 22 of the drum 20, and is then drained out of the washing machine through the water draining unit 12.
In the conventional washing machine with the above-stated construction and operation, however, the motor 30 is mounted outside the tub 20 at the rear of the tub 20. As a result, washing capacity of the washing machine is decreased, and vibration and noise generated from the motor are increased. Furthermore, the rotor 44 may collide with the cabinet 2, and therefore, noise due to the collision may be generated. In addition, safety of the washing machine is lowered.


A method and apparatus for separating a mixture of particles of various sizes in a capillary tube into groups by size using multiple forces of controlled amplitude. Ultrasonic radiation at a first selected frequency is applied to set up a standing pressure wave in the capillary tube, resulting in a first aggregating force which causes particles of all sizes to aggregate at positions within the capillary tube which correspond to nodes or anti-nodes of the standing wave. Transverse vibrations are also applied to the capillary tube. The frequency of the ultrasonic radiation is adjusted to reduce the magnitude of the first aggregating force. Inertial forces resulting from the transverse vibrations then cause the particles to separate by size. The apparatus and method allows a mixture of particles to be separated by size quickly, without requiring the use of high voltages.

Many fluids and other materials used in science and industry, especially biological materials, contain particles having various sizes. For example, blood contains red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and other components which can be distinguished by their size. Further, a wide variety of biological materials, such as cells, proteins, antibodies, and DNA, can be bound to polystyrene and latex beads of various sizes. For example, antibodies immobilized on beads of various sizes are used in integrated protein bioassays, an accepted tool of clinical medicine. Thus, a system that can separate particles by size can enable red blood cell counts, bead-based assays, and other measurements useful in medicine, and in other applications in science and industry.
A variety of techniques have been developed to separate particles by size, such as electro-osmotic flow, magnetic separations, dielectrophoretic separations, electrophoretic separations, diffusion-based separations, cantilever-binding mass-sensing assays, and acceleration techniques. However, the practical value of these prior techniques may be limited by real-world considerations such as cost, power or voltage requirements, sample volume requirements, difficulty of manufacture, complex construction, moving parts, measurement quality, reliability, and response time.
For example, a typical electro-osmotic microfluidic assay system for separating particles of varying sizes utilizes the differential mobility of the differently-sized particles in a high electric field, but this technique may require a conducting medium and high voltages. Magnetic bead separation may require the use of high currents for sufficient magnetic field production, or physical movement of external magnetic components, which may be more costly, more difficult to manufacture, and less reliable than techniques which do not require moving parts. Dielectrophoretic and electrophoretic separations both may require electrical connections to the fluid as well as a non-conducting medium and high voltages. Binding to a cantilever and detecting the resulting mass or strain change may require coating of the cantilevers with specific binding molecules, making the test instrument specific to a particular test. Thus, each of the prior art techniques for separating particles of differing sizes may have disadvantages that limit practical utility.
Particle manipulation with a projected acoustic field has been investigated by many researchers. Acoustic radiation forces generated by concave transducers have been used to concentrate particles at pressure nodes. See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,332,541 to Coakley et al., which discloses an apparatus for separating particles from a fluid. However, separation of particles by size using acoustic radiation force has not been demonstrated.

Method and apparatus for separating particles by size


An exemplary emission treatment system for reducing gases from the exhaust of an engine includes an exhaust passage for transporting the exhaust from the engine. A selective catalytic reduction (SCR) catalyst is disposed within the passage, and an oxidation catalyst is disposed in the passage upstream of the SCR catalyst. The oxidation catalyst has noble metal, with at least 90 wt. % of the metal comprising palladium (Pd).

1. Technical Field
One or more of the embodiments of the present invention relate to an emission treatment system for removal of regulated combustion components from the exhaust of a combustion process, such as an internal combustion engine.
2. Background Art
Exhaust from a combustion engine typically contains a variety of combustion components or gases such as unburned hydrocarbon (HC), carbon monoxide (CO), particulate matter (PM), nitric oxide (NO), and nitrogen dioxide (NO2), with NO and NO2, collectively referred to as nitrogen oxide or NOx.
Exhaust emission control or treatment systems have used Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) catalysts with NH3 for NOx control on engines, such as lean-burn gasoline engines and diesel engines. SCR catalysts use base metals to promote the reaction between NOx and NH3 to produce N2 under lean conditions. Moreover, exhaust emission control systems have employed oxidation catalysts, such as a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC), to reduce the amount of HC and CO in the exhaust gas.
Base metal/zeolite SCR catalysts are among the leading candidates for treatment of NOx emissions for North American diesel applications using urea as a reducing agent. It is known that these SCR catalysts are sensitive to sulfur poisoning, especially the copper-zeolite formulations. Even with the use of ultra low sulfur fuel, sulfur poisoning is still a durability issue that impacts on SCR catalyst activity.
Sulfur is usually present as SO2 in the feed gas. Insofar as diesel oxidation catalysts (DOCs) will be employed upstream of the SCR catalysts for most applications, it is likely that a portion of the SO2 will be oxidized into SO3. Recently, it was observed that SCR activity was significantly reduced for Cu/zeolite SCR catalysts poisoned by SO3 vs. those poisoned by SO2 as shown in FIG. 1.
There is thus a continuing need to provide an emission treatment system that provides a relatively high NOx reduction efficiency while minimizing system complexity and substantially avoiding the effects of SO3 aging. Such a system can reduce SO3 generation and thus minimize catalyst deactivation by SO3 aging.


A method of processing signals received from an electronic device (106, 202) in a cellular network (100, 200) that utilizes variable rate vocoding comprising receiving a first series of low rate frames (318) at the cellular network; receiving a high rate frame (320) that has at least one bit error at the cellular network after receiving the first series of low rate frames, wherein the rate of the high rate frame can be determined; and sending a request (310) to the electronic device to retransmit the high rate frame.

Wireless communication systems are widely used for many different purposes. More and more people every day purchase cellular telephones or other wireless communication devices, including but not limited to pagers, computers, and Personal Digital Assistants (PDA's). These electronic devices and others are capable of receiving and transmitting information using a communication system such as a cellular network.
Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) communication systems, such as, CDMA IS95, CDMA2000 and WCDMA, have different transmission rates on the reverse link (i.e., from a mobile station to a Base Station Transceiver (BTS)). For example, there are full rate frames, half rate frames, quarter rate frames and eighth rate frames. The different rates are used depending upon the data being transmitted by a mobile station. During a series of eighth rate frames, the reverse power control in the cellular network will step down the power transmission Outer Loop Threshold (OLT) causing the transmission power of the mobile station to reduce to the minimal energy required to meet a desired frame error rate (FER) target.
When the transmission power is very low there are times when the mobile station will transmit a full rate frame (for example, when sending a Pilot Strength Measurement Message (PSMM)). Because the transmission power of the mobile station has been stepped down, it is very likely that the BTS will not be able to properly decode the full rate frame. When the full rate frame is a PSMM this can lead to a call being dropped. If the full rate frame is voice data, there will be poor voice quality. One current solution to this problem, that is not very effective, is to arbitrarily increase the OLT after a certain number of consecutive eighth rate frames (for example, after 50 eighth rate frames).
Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding components throughout the several views of the drawings. Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions, sizing, and/or relative placement of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of various embodiments of the present invention. Also, common but well-understood elements that are useful or necessary in a commercially feasible embodiment are often not depicted in order to facilitate a less obstructed view of these various embodiments of the present invention. It will also be understood that the terms and expressions used herein have the ordinary meaning as is usually accorded to such terms and expressions by those skilled in the corresponding respective areas of inquiry and study except where other specific meanings have otherwise been set forth herein.

Method and apparatus for full rate erasure handling in CDMA


A network sanitization technology for enforcing a network edge and enforcing particular communication functions for untrusted dedicated-function devices such as Internet Protocol (IP) cameras. An untrusted network device is isolated from a network by a network sanitization system such that it cannot communicate with the network. Communications from the untrusted device are intercepted by the system and only allowed communications are used. Allowed communications are used to create new communications according to an allowed framework. Sanitization device may be in small two-port package with visual indicia indicating the untrusted device and the network side. The device may use and provide Power over Ethernet (PoE) to device. Abstract is not to be considered limiting.

This section is intended to provide the background for understanding the detailed description that follows. It is not intended to enlarge the scope of admitted prior art beyond what a skilled person would have beheld before reading the present description. While the background comprises prior art, it may also comprise the inventors' observations, discoveries, identification of heretofore unappreciated deficiencies or problems and insight into solving them. As such, this section may comprise description of inventive elements that is not prior art and that is not is admitted as such.
Modem security systems often employ IP cameras for surveillance. In this context, the term IP cameras is meant to encompass network-enabled cameras or more generally cameras that can provide video over a data network such as the Model M1014 from Axis Communications™. IP cameras may vary in sophistication, but are generally network elements in a particular network that have a certain level of access within that network. Their function may range from very basic video broadcasting to more complex functions such as two-way communication and network optimization. This opens the possibility for malware or clandestine functions to be incorporated within IP cameras to the detriment of and/or unbeknownst to the operator of the camera. IP cameras may also have analytics capabilities (e.g. to detect camera tampering, do object detection or detect line crossing or area penetration), perform motion detection, edge recording, software dewarping and control Pan-Tilt-Zoom (PTZ) angles.
FIG. 1 illustrates a typical surveillance system 100 in which a local area network (LAN) 105 comprises several routers 110 connecting various network elements in the LAN 105. For simplicity only some of the network elements and interconnections are illustrated; network architecture can vary. A set of IP cameras 115 are connected to the LAN 105 by connections to network elements within the LAN 105, in this example routers 110. As shown, the IP cameras 115 are network elements connected to the LAN 105 and may therefore be considered within the LAN 105. A typical surveillance system may include at least one surveillance server 120 which performs surveillance functions such as managing storage and display of camera feeds.
A typical surveillance system may also include one or more storage repository for storing camera feeds such as a local storage repository 125 accessed directly by the surveillance server 120. A surveillance system may also include a networked storage repository 130 for storing and accessing surveillance data over the LAN 105. A surveillance system may also employ cloud-based storage using a cloud-based storage repository 135 for storing data over the internet.
A typical LAN 105 will have at least one external connection 145 to connect to an external network 150 such as the internet.
Typically a surveillance network such as the LAN 105 is a private network and steps are taken to protect the network from intrusions from external sources, e.g. over connection 145. The surveillance data which may be stored in the LAN 105 may be extremely sensitive and its integrity and confidentiality is typically important for security. Moreover, a network that serves as a surveillance network like the LAN 105 may also serve for other purposes an may include various servers 140 and workstations 155 which must not be compromised.

Network sanitization for dedicated communication function and edge enforcement


A device has an electrical connector, a radiation generator, and a flexible carrier with circuitry that is operatively coupled between the connector and the radiation generator. In response to electrical power received through the connector, the circuitry energizes the radiation generator, and the radiation generator emits radiation. In a different embodiment, a device has an electrical connector, a radiation generator, and a member with circuitry embedded therein. The circuitry is operatively coupled between the connector and the radiation generator. In response to electrical power received through the connector, the circuitry energizes the radiation generator, and the radiation generator emits radiation.

Over the past century, a variety of different types of lightbulbs have been developed. The most common type of lightbulb is the incandescent bulb, in which electric current is passed through a metal filament disposed in a vacuum, causing the filament to glow and emit light. Another common type of lightbulb is the fluorescent light.
Recently, bulbs have been developed that produce illumination in a different manner, in particular through the use of light emitting diodes (LEDs). Pre-existing LED lightbulbs have been generally adequate for their intended purposes, but they have not been satisfactory in all respects.
As a first aspect of this, above a temperature of about 25° C., an LED operates less efficiently and produces less light than at lower temperatures. In particular, as the operating temperature progressively increases above 25° C., the light output of the LED progressively decreases. One approach to heat dissipation is to simply provide a heat sink. But although a heat sink can spread the heat, it does not remove the heat effectively from the vicinity of the LEDs, which reduces the brightness of the LEDs and shortens their operational lifetime. Consequently, efficient dissipation of the heat produced by the LEDs is desirable in an LED lightbulb.
A further consideration is that an LED lightbulb typically needs to contain some circuitry that will take standard household electrical power and convert it to a voltage and/or waveform that is suitable to drive one or more LEDs. Consequently, a relevant design consideration is how to package this circuitry within an LED lightbulb.
In this regard, it can be advantageous if the LED lightbulb has the size and shape of a standard lightbulb, including a standard base such as the type of base commonly known as a medium Edison base. However, due to spatial and thermal considerations, existing LED lightbulbs have not attempted to put the circuitry in the Edison base. Instead, the circuitry is placed at a different location, where it alters the size and/or shape of the bulb so that the size and/or shape differs from that of a standard lightbulb. For example, the bulb may have a special cylindrical section that is offset from the base and that contains the circuitry.

Lighting apparatus including flexible power supply


Balanced injection molding in a multi-cavity mold of a plurality of ridged-wall products having is accomplished by providing mold parts defining therebetween at least two cavities for forming the ridged-wall plastic products, wherein each of at least two cavities defines a plurality of flow channels in which injected plastic material flows within the cavity and in which flow channels the first side strips are formed; wherein the relative disposition of the mold parts is adjustable for adjusting the dimensions of the flow channels in at least two mold cavities separately so that when plastic material is injected approximately simultaneously into the at least two mold cavities the injected plastic material flows within the at least two cavities at respective flow rates that cause the at least two mold cavities to be completely filled approximately simultaneously with the injected plastic material.

The present invention generally pertains to injection molding of ridged-wall plastic products and is particularly directed to balanced multi-cavity injection molding of such products.
One type of such a product includes a plurality of longitudinal folds of alternating ridges and furrows, each fold including a first side strip laterally extending from the top of a said ridge to the bottom of a said furrow; and a second side strip laterally extending from the bottom of the said furrow to the top of a said ridge next to the said ridge; wherein the first side strip has a different lateral orientation than the second side strip, and wherein the first side strip has a greater wall thickness than the second side strip Such a product is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,267,685 to Jens Ole Sorensen.
For efficient manufacture, it is preferred to injection mold such products simultaneously with a multi-cavity mold. A problem incident to multi-cavity injection molding of such products is that all of the cavities of the mold in which the products are formed are not always completely filled simultaneously with the injected plastic material. Referring to FIG. 1, which illustrates a plurality of injection molded hollow ridged-wall plastic products 10, 10a, 10b remaining in one mold part 12 after the mold parts 12, 14 defining the respective cavities in which the products are formed have been separated, it is seen that failure to completely fill all of the mold cavities simultaneously results in some of the cavities being incompletely filled, such that a product 10a therein is not completely formed, and other cavities being overfilled, such that a flashing of excess plastic 16 is attached to a product 10b formed therein. The gates through which the plastic material is injected into the mold cavities are located at the center of the end of the respective cavities at which closed ends 18 of the hollow plastic products 10, 10a, 10b are formed.

Balanced multi-cavity injection molding of ridged-wall plastic products


A bioreactor is for processing a fluid stream. The bioreactor may include a bioreaction chamber for receiving the fluid stream therethrough, a pair of spaced apart gas header assemblies within the bioreaction chamber for coupling to first and second gases, a first plurality of hollow fiber membranes (HFMs) extending between the pair of gas header assemblies for introducing the first gas into the fluid stream within the bioreaction chamber, and a second plurality of HFMs extending between the pair of gas header assemblies for introducing the second gas into the fluid stream within the bioreaction chamber.

A bioreactor typically comprises a bioreaction chamber for housing a biologically active environment. Within the bioreaction chamber, the bioreactor establishes and maintains the environment to optimize the desired biochemical activity. For example, the bioreactor may regulate the amount of Oxygen in the environment. The desired biochemical reaction is used to process an influent, for example, wastewater. Once processed, the bioreactor outputs effluent. Indeed, a common rudimentary bioreactor is a septic tank.
In applications where traditional treatment of wastewater, for example, sewage infrastructure systems, and septic tanks, may be impractical or insufficient to achieve a desired treatment objective, bioreactors may be used. For example, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2006/0096918 to Semmens discloses a bioreactor for treatment of wastewater. The bioreactor includes hollow fiber membranes (HFMs) in the bioreaction chamber. Gases are passed through the HFMs to encourage bacteria and other microorganisms to form a layer on the surfaces of the HFMs.
This layer of microorganisms is called a biofilm and may be used to treat wastewater by processing certain compounds. The bioreactor of Semmens passes Oxygen through the HFMs to encourage growth of more advanced microorganisms on the surface of the HFMs. The bioreactor may alternatively pass other gases through the HFMs, for example, air and Hydrogen. Moreover, in one embodiment, Oxygen and Hydrogen may be flowed sequentially by using a series of bioreactors. In other words, the Oxygen is flowed in the bioreaction chamber of the first bioreactor. The effluent of the first bioreactor is the influent of the second bioreactor. Hydrogen is flowed through the HFMs of the second bioreactor. A drawback to this approach is the use of two bioreactors may be undesirable for applications where space is limited, for example, a spacecraft.
Another bioreactor for processing of wastewater is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,303,677 to Cote et al. This bioreactor includes a weave of HFMs within the bioreaction chamber for growing biofilm. Oxygen, or in the alternative, Hydrogen, is passed through the HFMs to encourage the desired biochemical reaction.

Multi-gas bioreactor and related methods


A wafer processing equipment comprises a track (10) for transporting wafers, a wafer launch station (20) for launching wafers into a section of said track (10), a first wafer processing tool (30) for performing a first process to wafers in said section of said track (10), a buffer (40) for storing wafers processed by said first wafer processing tool (30), a second wafer processing tool (50) for performing a second process to wafers processed by said first wafer processing tool (30), and control means (70) for controlling said wafer launch station (20) such that every wafer launched by said launch station (20) is processed by said second processing tool (50) within a predetermined time window.

The present invention generally relates to the field of semiconductor production, and more particularly to wafer processing equipment and a method for processing wafers.
The processing of semiconductor wafers is well known.
This processing often begins by the patterning of a particular sequence of successive layers upon the wafer. Patterning of layers, often called photolithography, involves many steps. The first step might be to create a silicon dioxide insulating layer on the surface of the silicon wafer. Thereafter, removal of selective portions or sections of the insulating layer may be achieved to expose underlying silicon. Selective removal of silicon dioxide is achieved by spinning a photoresist material across the silicon dioxide surface. A mask is used to allow a source of ionizing or non-ionizing radiation to impinge at selective locations across the wafer. Depending upon whether the photoresist is positive-type or negative-type photoresist, certain areas of photoresist may dissolve when exposed to solvents, thereby exposing selective areas of silicon dioxide. Thereafter, the exposed portions of silicon dioxide can be removed by etching techniques commonly known in the art.
In many cases the timing between different process steps is critical. One example for such a critical timing between process steps is the time between the coating of a wafer and the exposure, especially if the DUV lithography is used. Another example for a critical timing between different process steps is the time between the exposure of a wafer and a following post exposure heating process. To achieve a proper timing is especially difficult since different processing tools in many cases comprised different throughputs. For example a coating device may be capable of processing about 42 wafers per hour, whereas a stepper device performing the exposure may be capable of processing 8 to 33 wafers per hour. In such cases a track to which the coating device and the stepper is assigned is usually configured to ensure that the stepper never waits. To ensure that the stepper never waits a track may comprise a buffer for intermediate storage of wafers to be processed by the stepper and the exposure device, respectively. However, if wafers are stored in such a buffer for a longer period the above mentioned timing problem becomes relevant.

Wafer processing equipment and method for processing wafers


A system for hydraulically managing fluid pressure between selected set points includes a pilot control system operably coupled to a main valve. The pilot control system includes at least one fluid conduit, a variable orifice assembly, and a control pilot valve apparatus. Fluid is passed through a fixed orifice and into a first chamber of the control pilot valve apparatus. Fluid is passed through the variable orifice of the variable orifice assembly and into a second chamber of the control pilot valve apparatus. The main valve is hydraulically opened or closed in response to a pressure differential between the first and second chambers of the control pilot valve apparatus so as to manage fluid pressure downstream of the main valve between the selected upper and lower set points.

The present invention generally relates to automatic valves employed on municipal water utility systems. More particularly, the present invention relates to a hydraulically adjustable pressure management control valve designed to control downstream pressure between selected set points.
There is a general understanding throughout the worldwide water supply industry that instances of water loss are common in many water distribution networks and in many instances the level of water loss can be relatively high. The amount of water loss in the system is due to a variety of leak sources, such as improperly tightened pipe flange connections, leaking flange gaskets, leaking valve seals, failed seals, old pipes (with pinhole bursts), loose fittings, leaky faucets, etc. The sum of these sources of leakage can add up to a substantial amount of water loss. Maintaining the entry point pressure at all times at the level necessary to provide adequate pressure at the distant points for periods of high demand can result, during periods of low demand, in excessive pressure at the consumer's premises, and thus increased waste of water by unnecessary consumption and leakage. The volume of water lost through leakage is directly related to pressure in the system.
Automatic pressure reducing valves are used in water distribution systems to reduce pressure to a pre-determined value or sub-point that is adequate, but does not expose normal components, such as household hot water tanks, to overpressure. The sub-point is typically determined to provide minimum pressure that meets criteria of the water utility, particularly under maximum or "peak" demand conditions which can occur when a fire is being fought. The pressure required for peak demand is usually significantly higher than that required for "off-peak" or typical nighttime conditions. Under low demand conditions, not only does leakage form a higher proportion of the total demand, but investigation has implied that some leak orifices can actually increase in area with pressure, aggravating the problem if excessive pressures are maintained at all times.
Various attempts have been previously made to reduce such losses by introducing a degree of control over the supply pressure in response to demand. One known system uses electrical circuit means with pressure and flow-rate sensors from monitoring pressure and flow-rate and then processing the information obtained and using it in turn to control suitable electrically operated valve means. Such systems are, however, relatively complex and expensive and require a continuous external power supply giving rise to additional capital and running costs and reliability problems.
There also exist flow-driven valves which use fluid pressures to control actuation of the main valve, and thus are independent of external power sources and can be used in essentially any location. One such flow-driven valve system is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,967,176 to Blann, et al. The system controls high and low pressures by utilizing the pressure drop across an orifice plate that is installed in the main line, usually attached directly to the inlet or outlet flange of the main valve. The pressure control is independent of the main valve position, and is a direct function of system flow. The pressure control device monitors the pressure drop or flow across the orifice plate. Control pressure is varied based upon the movement of a pilot valve member with respect to a fixed pilot valve member, which in turn controls the main control valve.
However, this system has many shortcomings. The diameter of the orifice plate may need to be customized for different high/low flow applications. For example, a smaller orifice diameter may be required if flows are not sufficient to develop the required pressure drop across the system orifice. Likewise, the system orifice may need to be increased if pressure drops are too large because a smaller orifice can limit the flow capacity of the system. The orifice plate also decreases the capacity of the main valve. This is particularly a concern when high flow is necessary, such as a high flow of water to fight a fire or the like. The added orifice plate limits the capacity of the main valve for fire flow situations. Moreover, it is difficult to retrofit existing valves with this system as the flange spacing must be modified to accommodate the orifice plate, typically requiring removal of the main valve from the line.
Accordingly, there is a continuing need for an improved flow-driven valve system for automatically controlling downstream pressure between selected set points. The present invention fulfills these needs and provides other related advantages.


The application discloses a dual-layer display assembly and a display device. The dual-layer display assembly includes a first display screen, a second display screen, a first print circuit board, a second print circuit board and a fixing structure, where the second display screen is arranged in layers with the first display screen; the first print circuit board drives the first display screen; the second print circuit board drives the second display screen; and the fixing structure connects and fixes the first print circuit board and the second print circuit board.

The statements herein merely provide background information related to the present application and do not necessarily constitute the conventional art.
With the development of liquid crystal display panels, display devices having many advantages, such as thin body, power saving, and free of radiation, are widely used. Most display devices are backlight type display devices, which include a display assembly (including a display panel and a backlight module). The working principle of display panels is to place liquid crystal molecules in two parallel substrates and apply driving voltage on the two substrates to control the rotation direction of the liquid crystal molecules, so as to refract the light of the backlight modules to generate a picture.
However, as people's pursuit of quality becomes higher and higher, the relatively lower display contrast ratio and the like of the existing display devices are difficult to meet the pursuit of higher display quality of some people, and those skilled in the art propose the concept of a layered screen or a dual-layer screen, with the dual-layer screen provided with two print circuit boards.
However, during the adhesive dispensing process, the existing production line can only adsorb one print circuit board, leaving the other print circuit board in a drooping state, which when lasts for long leads to the phenomenon of fatigue damage.

Dual-layer display assembly and display device


A one touch operating apparatus includes an actuator connected to a relay and causing actuation of the relay to switch a relay contact to a position supplying electric power to a drive motor to move a component in one direction. A latch circuit maintains power on the relay after momentary actuation of the actuator. An overcurrent protection device and a diode are connected in series between the switchable relay contact and the relay to form the latch circuit. The overcurrent protection device is a positive temperature coefficient resistor which detects a temperature increase resulting from an overcurrent through the motor to open the latch circuit and deenergize the relay terminating electric power to the motor. The overcurrent protective device is automatically resettable.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates, in general, to vehicle moveable component controls and, specifically, to vehicle power window controls.
2. Description of the Art
Power windows are a common feature in motor vehicles. An actuator, typically a bi-positionable switch, operates an electric circuit to supply electrical power to an electric motor connected to a window movement mechanism to move the window up or down depending upon the activated state of the actuator.
Express or one touch power window controls, sometimes referred to as a "toll-booth windows", are also known. In an express or one touch window operating circuit, the window lowering or opening movement can be initiated by a single actuation of a pushbutton or actuator. In a typical express window control, a specially designed solid state control circuit, shown in FIG. 1, is used to control the express or rapid lowering of the window. The conventional up and down window control switch is connected to the control module and initiates the window lowering operation to completely lower the window upon a momentary pressing of the driver's window control switch to the "down" position. The control module contains current sensing or timer circuitry to detect either a stall condition of the window drive motor or the expiration of a set time period in order to turn off power to the motor. The control module also contains a latch circuit to maintain power to the motor to continue the lowering movement even after the momentary actuation of the actuator has been discontinued by the user.
While the above-described express or one touch window opening circuit is effective in providing express or one touch opening of a vehicle window, the solid state control module typically used in such a one touch circuit is an expensive component and is designed specifically for the one touch function.
Thus, it would be desirable to provide a one touch circuit for a vehicle window or other moveable vehicle closure which is simple in construction, has a low manufacturing cost, and can be used without extensive modification to existing vehicle component controls.

One touch vehicle window operating circuit


The disclosure relates to a method and a tracking system for tracking a medical object. Herein, image data obtained by an imaging method and a predetermined target position is acquired for the medical object. The image data is used to detect the medical object automatically by an image processing algorithm and track the position thereof in a time-resolved manner. Furthermore, it is furthermore indicated when, or that, the detected medical object has reached the target position. A plurality of the detected positions of the medical object and associated detection times are stored in a database.

Nowadays, medical methods may be very complex and may include the use of numerous different medical objects, such as instruments, tools, and implants. At the same time, the need or the desire for data-driven analysis is constantly increasing in numerous areas of industry, technology and application—including the field of medical applications. To date, the methods available to date in the field may have been very intensive in terms of time and effort and, if used at all, may result in incomplete and error-prone data acquisition.

Method and tracking system for tracking a medical object


A circuit for EL panel DC offset correction is provided. The circuit includes components such as an EL panel driver, an error circuit, a pulse width modulation circuit, and a low-pass filter. The low-pass filter performs low-pass filtering on the voltage across the EL panel to provide a low-pass filter output signal. Further, the error circuit receives the low-pass filter output signal and a reference signal, and provides an error signal. The DC bias across the EL panel is adjusted based, at least in part, on the error signal. In this way, DC offset correction is provided based on the negative feedback.

The term electroluminescence refers to light emission that occurs when current is passed through an electroluminescent material, typically a semiconductor. Electroluminescence is distinct from incandescence, which is light emission caused by heat. The light emission of electroluminescence is caused by hole-electron recombination. Electroluminescent panels may be used in various applications. For example, phosphor-based EL panels may be used for backlighting applications for a liquid crystal display (LCD) for a small mobile device (such as a cell phone, PDA, or the like).

DC offset correction for an electroluminescent panel


A computer implemented method, data processing system, and computer usable program code are provided for associating historical events with a user. A historical event is identified for association with the user. A determination is made as to whether the historical event has been certified by a trusted authority in response to identifying the historical event for association with the user. A historical object is created for the historical event if the historical event has been certified by the trusted authority and associated with the user.

1. Field of the Invention
The present application relates generally to storage of records. More specifically, the present application relates to coordinating employee records with version history and transition ownership.
2. Description of the Related Art
Records enable and support a company's work to fulfill its mission. Every organization, including Federal agencies, must address well-defined objectives that add value, either by achieving the organization's goals or by reducing costs. Since records contain information, a valuable resource, it is essential to take a systematic approach to the management of records.
Records managers use a records management engine and infrastructure tools to create e-records that enable business management applications. Records managers also add the benefits of e-records management to business applications, provide a single and consistent records management platform with extensive record keeping capabilities for both electronic and physical information assets, and help meet government and industry requirements for formal records management.
Records management is also used in human resources departments within companies to track personal and professional information of the company's employees. However, employees join and leave companies at a frequent pace. In most cases, when an employee leaves a company, most information, including ownership records and resources, associated with that employee are removed from the company's employee records. In such an event, the company may lose vital information that may have been associated between the employee and the position the employee occupied.

Coordinated employee records with version history and transition ownership

International Business Machines Corporation


The invention relates to an airbag module that is integrated into a steering wheel and that can be moved relative to the steering wheel in order to actuate a horn. The airbag module comprises a horn switch provided on the module which, when the module is moved, is transferred into a switching position that causes the horn to be activated. A hollow profile made of elastomer is provided which is equipped with the horn switch and lies against the module. The invention further relates to a vehicle steering wheel equipped with such an airbag module.

Known airbag modules comprise a horn switch provided on the module which, when the module is moved, is transferred into a switching position that causes the horn to be activated. Airbag modules of this type are also referred to as "floating horn modules" since they are mounted on the steering wheel so as to move axially. There is usually a first switching contact on the rear side of the module and a second switching contact on the hub plate of the steering wheel, and these contacts touch each other when the module is moved from an initial position into a position for actuating the horn. In order to reset the module, there is at least one return spring on the back between the module and the steering wheel.

Airbag module and vehicle steering wheel comprising an airbag module

TRW Automotive Safety Systems GmbH & Co. KG


The invention provides for a method and a node for integrating the devices (20a-20g) of a meshed multi-hop network (20) in a mobile communication network (10). The method comprises the following steps: attaching at least one device of said meshed multi-hop network to said mobile communication network, retrieving, in at least one node of said mobile communication network, from at least one base station of said mobile communication network, information about the devices of said meshed multi-hop network that may be accessed through said base station, and storing, in said node (11) for each device, said information such that said node knows, for each device, through which base stations (23) it may be accessed. Thereby, the meshed multi-hop network is integrated in the mobile communication network.

Today, there exist various examples of short-range radio technologies. Where short-range radio is deployed, it is often used in conjunction with multi-hop networking in a mesh configuration. Mesh networks may interconnect wirelessly and/or be wired between communication devices to form a cooperative communication infrastructure. Each device in the mesh network operates as a node for routing communication signals. As a result, communication signals originating from one device, hop from node to node within the mesh network to arrive at the target device or to a mobile communication network. Mowing the packages to make multiple hops to reach the desired device or the internet improves the coverage area of short-range radio solutions, even without any public network base stations. Protocols such as the Routing Protocol for Low power and lossy networks, RPL, Ad hoc On-Demand Distance Vector, AODV, Routing and Dynamic MANET On-demand, DYMO, routing protocol are used to implement the multi-hop routing mechanisms.
However, currently there is almost no public short-range radio connectivity in mobile communications networks. It has been developed but is not that widely deployed, since it provides no profit to the supplier, because the charging issue is not solved. It is still necessary to deploy some number of short-range base stations for connectivity to the rest of the Internet, and this is economically difficult to justify merely for short range radio connectivity. This is particularly true as revenues from a short-range radio service would necessarily be small in the beginning before large numbers of devices start to take benefit from the new connectivity.
Furthermore, Machine to machine, M2M, communication over mobile and wireless networks is expected to become increasingly important in the future. Examples of possible M2M applications are almost countless e.g. in private cars for communicating service needs, in water or electricity meters for remote control and/or remote meter reading, in street-side vending machines for communicating when goods are out-of-stock or when enough coins are present to justify a visit for emptying, in taxi cars for validating credit cards, in surveillance cameras for home or corporate security purposes etc.
The increase in M2M devices will increase the demand for capacity in the mobile communication networks. However, a problem today is that the mesh networks may not always have enough routers to cover a wide area, or to reach all the M2M devices. It also becomes difficult in a network of many M2M devices to manage the set of devices that belong to a particular user. The devices for different users may all be mixed in the same local area network. In addition, if a user has devices in different places, they are not easily addressed at the same time.
If a user sets up a mobile device as a hot spot for connecting M2M machines in the vicinity to the Internet it will seem, from the mobile networks point of view that all data is sent from and received at the mobile device.
In summary, short-range radio technology is developed but is not widely used. There are problems with the current solutions in that there is almost no public short-range connectivity, it is very difficult to manage the devices that belongs to a particular user in a large network, it is difficult to manage devices of the same user that are located in different networks and when a device is used as the hot spot for the other devices to connect to the mobile communication network, the other devices are invisible to the network. Furthermore, there is no charging structure making short range technology profitable for the operators.

Integrating multi-hop mesh networks in mobile communication networks


An electricity storage device includes a negative electrode having a layered structure that includes an organic backbone layer containing an aromatic compound having an aromatic ring structure, the aromatic compound being in the form of dicarboxylate anions, and an alkali metal element layer containing an alkali metal element coordinated with oxygen in the dicarboxylate anions to form a backbone, a positive electrode that provides electric double-layer capacity, and a nonaqueous electrolyte solution provided between the negative electrode and the positive electrode, the nonaqueous electrolyte solution containing an alkali metal salt. The layered structure may be provided in layers by a π-electron interaction of the aromatic compound and may have a monoclinic crystal structure belonging to the space group P21/c. The positive electrode may contain activated carbon having a specific surface area of 1,000 m2/g or more.

Hitherto, for example, a lithium-ion capacitor including a positive electrode containing activated carbon and a negative electrode containing graphite has been known as an electricity storage device. To increase the cell voltage of lithium-ion capacitors, pre-doping with lithium, in other words, the absorption or supporting of lithium ions on negative electrodes in advance, has been known (see PTLs 1 to 3).


A shim for use in a braking subassembly comprising a metal backing plate comprising a first side surface, wherein the shim comprises at least one flexible tab extending from an edge thereof for assisting in coupling the shim to the backing plate along a backing plate side surface thereof, and wherein the at least one flexible tab comprises an integrally formed and extending finger therefrom, wherein the finger has a leading edge that frictionally engages the backing plate edge surface when the shim is subjected to a separation force, which, relative to the backing plate, has a directional component at least essentially parallel to and in the same direction as the direction in which the finger extends; whereby the shim is resisted from separating from the first side surface of the backing plate at least in part by the frictional resistance of the leading edge of the finger against the backing plate side surface.

The present invention relates generally to shim constructions, and in particular, to an improved shim construction for ensuring improved mechanical attachment of the shim to the backing plate, and an improved assembly formed thereby.
Attachment arrangements for securing a shim to a backing plate are known, examples of which include the use of pins (e.g. U.S. Pat. No. 6,349,803), staples (e.g. U.S. Pat. No. 6,578,680) and integrally formed posts formed from the backing plate itself (e.g. U.S. Pat. No. 6,913,120). Tabs that engage the edge of the backing plate are also known (e.g. U.S. Pat. No. 5,816,370).
However, in certain subassembly configurations, it has been discovered that still further developments in the art are desirable. For example, the present inventors have found that the mere use of only tabs for securing the shim to the backing plate may not provide the desired resistance should there be a sufficiently applied force trying to separate the shim from the backing plate. Clearly, pins, staples and other securing means could be employed to assist in the foregoing regard as is well known in the art.
Nevertheless, it would be advantageous to improve the coupling of the shim against the backing plate using tabs should the foregoing means (e.g. pins, staples, etc.) not be desired. Alternatively, such additional means could be used in combination with the improved tab construction disclosed herein. Therefore, employing the features of the present invention is not intended to imply that additional securing means cannot or need not be used. Rather, the present invention is merely directed to yet an additional feature available for incorporation into a shim construction using one or more tabs.
Through testing and analysis, it has been determined that improved shim attachments are therefore achievable and provided by the present invention.
It has thus been recognized that improvements to the state of the art are achievable and believe that the present invention overcomes perceived deficiencies in the prior art as well as provides the objectives and advantages set forth above and below.

Shim and a subassembly including a shim and backing plate


A vacuum container for containing perishable items in controlled, reduced pressure, atmospheric conditions is provided. The vacuum container includes a section of generally cylindrical pipe open at both ends and formed of a plastic material. A first end cap is detachably secured to one end of the pipe to form a vacuum resistant seal between the first end cap and the pipe. A second end cap detachably secured to the other end of the pipe to form a vacuum resistant seal between the second end cap and the other end of the pipe. Preferably, the pipe and end caps are all formed of a plastic material capable of withstanding the pressures created when a high vacuum is formed in the chamber.

It has been determined by Stanley P. Burg that by placing perishable items in vacuums under low pressure between approximately 10 to 150 Torr, in combination with refrigeration, the degradation or senescence of the perishable can be significantly slowed as compared to refrigeration alone. However, to implement low pressure storage of perishable items on a commercially practical scale requires vacuum chambers that are not only able to withstand the forces caused by a high vacuum within the chamber but ones that can be easily and economically fabricated as well.
The storage and shipment of perishable goods currently takes place primarily on rectangular pallets and within rectangular boxes or reusable plastic containers (RPC). The reasons for this are obvious; the buildings in which produce is packed and stored are rectangular, the trucks that transport the pallets use rectangular trailers, and for longer journeys, the boats and rail cars use rectangular containers. To maximize the packing efficiency along the entire distribution chain, rectangular pallets are used. While there is no universally accepted standards for the exact dimensions of pallets, they are most commonly rectangular or square in shape.

Cylindrical vessel for low pressure storage of perishable goods fabricated from neat or reinforced plastics