An image sensor includes a plurality of pixels arranged in matrix, each pixel including a plurality of photoelectric conversion portions, and analog/digital converters configured to convert analog signals from pixels into digital signals provided by column. The analog/digital converter performs a first operation of converting an analog signal corresponding to the reset level into a digital signal, a second operation of converting analog signals obtained from some portions of the plurality of photoelectric conversion portions into digital signals, and a third operation of converting analog signals obtained from all the plurality of photoelectric conversion portions into digital signals.

Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an image sensor and an image capturing apparatus.
Description of the Related Art
Recently, there has been developed a CMOS image sensor which has a plurality of pixels arranged in row and column directions, with analog/digital converters (A/D converters) being arranged by column of a plurality of pixels, and is designed to convert analog signals from pixels into digital signals and output them. When outputting a pixel signal by column from the image sensor by A/D-converting the signal using the A/D converter arranged for each column, it is possible to digitally perform horizontal transfer of the pixel signals from the image sensor.
The technique disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2005-278135 uses a single-slope type A/D converter as an A/D converter. A single-slope type A/D converter includes a comparator and a counter. While an analog pixel signal is input to one input terminal of the comparator, a ramp signal whose voltage level changes with a predetermined slope with the lapse of time is input as a reference signal to the other input terminal. An output from the comparator is inverted when the magnitude relation between the pixel signal and the reference signal is inverted. The counter starts counting when a ramp signal is generated. When an output from the comparator is inverted, the counter stops. The value counted by the counter becomes a digital value corresponding to the level of the analog pixel signal.
In addition, the technique disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2005-278135 uses, as a means for taking the difference between the reset component of a pixel signal and the signal component generated by a photodiode, a method of subtracting the reset component from the signal component by inverting the counting direction of an UP/DOWN counter. This method requires only one counter, and does not require any subtractor which subtracts a reset component from a signal component, thereby achieving a reduction in circuit scale.
Each pixel of a recent CMOS image sensor has a feature that two or more photodiodes share a readout circuit after a floating diffusion which transfers the signal generated by a photodiode. According to Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-134867, when signals are output from two photodiodes sharing a floating diffusion, a reset level is read out first, and the signal of the first photodiode is then read out. In addition, while the floating diffusion is not reset, the signal of the second photodiode is read out following the signal of the first photodiode. The respective signals are subtracted to read out signals obtained by excluding the reset level from each of the signals from the two photodiodes. This method can save the time taken to read out one reset level, and hence can shorten the time required to read out pixel signals.
In addition, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-83407, there is available a technique of arranging photodiodes for autofocus for a CMOS image sensor. According to Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-83407, two photodiodes are provided below one microlens. The respective photodiodes are configured to receive light from different pupil planes of an image capturing lens. Comparing outputs from the two photodiodes can perform focus detection. It is also possible to use the sum of outputs from the two photodiodes as an image signal.
However, the single-slope type A/D converter using the UP/DOWN counter disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2005-278135 cannot use the technique of shortening the time like that disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-134867. According to the method disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2005-278135, when a reset level is read out first and then the signal of the first photodiode is read out, the counter is inverted to obtain a signal by subtracting the reset level from the signal of the first photodiode. As a result, the information of the reset level is lost. When the signal of the second photodiode is A/D-converted following the signal of the first photodiode, the value of the signal of the first photodiode and the value of reset-level signal are also lost. This makes it impossible to perform proper difference processing. It is therefore difficult to use the technique disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open Nos. 2005-278135 and 2004-134867 to shorten the time taken to read out signals in a CMOS image sensor having two photodiodes provided for one microlens as disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-83407.

Image sensor and image capturing apparatus


A loadbreak connector formed by a power cable elbow and a bushing insert with increased flashover distance is disclosed. The power cable elbow includes a conductive member having an energized portion and a non-energized portion, a cable receiving end, a loadbreak bushing insert receiving end with an elbow cuff that extends beyond the energized portion. The bushing insert includes an insulative outer housing and an insulative interface sleeve. The insulative outer housing has an axial bore with a conductive socket, a first, second end mid-section, and a transition shoulder portion between the second end section and the mid-section. The insulative interface sleeve extends over the outer housing from the mid-section to the second end section. When the power cable elbow is installed on the second end section, the flashover distance from the top of the second end section to the bottom of the elbow cuff is increased.

Loadbreak connectors used in conjunction with 15 and 25 KV switchgear generally include a power cable elbow connector having one end adapted for receiving a power cable and another end adapted for receiving a loadbreak bushing insert. The end adapted for receiving the bushing insert generally includes an elbow cuff for providing an interference fit with a molded flange on the bushing insert. This interference fit between the elbow cuff and the bushing insert provides a moisture and dust seal therebetween. An indicator band may be provided on a portion of the loadbreak bushing insert so that an inspector can quickly visually determine proper assembly of the elbow cuff and the bushing insert.
The elbow cuff forms a cavity having a volume of air which is expelled upon insertion of the bushing insert. During initial movement of the loadbreak connectors in the disassembly operation, the volume of air in the elbow cavity increases but is sealed off at the elbow cuff resulting in a decrease in pressure within the cavity. The dielectric strength of the air in the cavity decreases with the decrease in air pressure. Although this is a transient condition, it occurs at a critical point in the disassembly operation and can result in dielectric breakdown of the opening interface causing a flashover or arc to ground. The occurrence of flashover is also related to other parameters such as ambient temperature, the time relationship between the physical separation of the connectors and the sinusoidal voltage through the loadbreak connectors.
Another reason for flashover while switching loadbreak connectors prior to contact separation is attributed to a decrease in dielectric strength of the air along the interface between the bushing insert and the power cable elbow to ground. As earlier described, a decrease in air pressure occurs momentarily in the sealed cavity between the elbow cuff and the bushing insert flange. The lower pressure in the cavity reduces the dielectric strength of the air along the connection interface, which can possibly result in flashover.
In the prior art 25 kV loadbreak connectors, the cuffs on the power cable elbow do not extend past the energized portion of the probe (see FIG. 2). Moreover, the conductive jacket on the bushing is not shielded by insulation (see FIG. 1). Consequently, the flashover distance was simply the distance ("D") between the top of the bushing insert (i.e., the end of the bushing insert connected to a power cable elbow) to the conductive jacket around the mid-section of the bushing insert (see FIG. 3). There were no measures taken to reduce flashover by increasing the flashover distance. Prior art 35 kV loadbreak elbows have used extended elbow cuffs to increase the flashover distance.
Another problem encountered with prior art loadbreak connectors is that it is difficult to insert one end of the loadbreak bushing insert into the power elbow connector and the opposite end into a bushing well. In particular, because the interface surfaces of the loadbreak bushing insert and the power elbow connector are typically made from a rubber material, substantial frictional forces make it difficult to insert the loadbreak bushing insert into the power elbow, even when lubricated. When the loadbreak connector is assembled, the rubber to rubber surfaces tend to stick together before the elbow connector is properly seated on the bushing insert.
Accordingly, it would be advantageous to design a loadbreak connector system that includes a power cable elbow and a loadbreak bushing insert, which reduces or prevents the possibility of a flashover upon switching of the connectors. In addition, there is a need for a sleeve made from a low coefficient of friction material that reduces the friction between the power cable elbow and the bushing insert during connection and disconnection.

25kV loadbreak elbow and bushing increased flashover distance


The present invention is a cannabidiol oral dosage form including predominantly or exclusively bacterially fermented hemp pomace, compounded as a tablet or formulated within a capsule generally without the addition of synthetic excipients, fillers or other additives, not including the inevitable presence of some moisture. The dosage forms contain dietary fiber, important to activity as the desired delivery system, having a ratio of one part soluble dietary fiber to 30 parts insoluble dietary fiber and delivers desirable/non hallucinogenic cannabinoids (CBD, CBG, etc.) in a ratio of 60:1 up to 120:1 to hallucinogenic cannabinoids (THC).

Cannabis indica, Cannabis sativa and Cannabis ruderalis have had a long history, from very early human horticulture. From thousands of years ago, to more recent prescriptions by Queen Victoria's physician, to the 2018 Farm Bill, there is a growing awareness everywhere of the power and strength of cannabinoids as active agents. At the same time, bacterial fermentation of comestibles of all kinds, including but by no means limited to Lactobacillus, has a comparably august history, and bacterial fermentation is so central to modern well-being that it is easy to lose sight of how ubiquitous comestible bacteria are. Life without cheese, buttermilk, kefir, yogurt, kim chi, sauerkraut, fermented legumes, wine, and beer, just to name a few, would have been as unthinkable, hundreds of years ago, as it is today—and of course all of these things rely on bacterial fermentation for their sheer existence.
While bacterial fermentation in the food and beverages industries has enjoyed a seemingly mature—or at least multiple-centuries-old-implementation in Western culture and economics, the relatively recent legality of hemp growing especially in the United States has led to a predictable avalanche in the cannabis industry much more recently. Cannabis extraction, formulation and processing in the United States, with legal avenues thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill, now regularly yield cannabidiol—CBD—and a myriad of products containing it. As a result, more-retail-cash-registers-than-not offer various CBD products for sale—sometimes many edible offerings such as individually wrapped chocolates containing CBD along with CBD topicals, oils and capsules—and of course online sales are brisk as well. CBD has long been known for its pain relieving, relaxing, sleep supporting, anxiety reducing benefits, rather than intoxicant properties, and sales of CBD containing products have been understandably swift and growing in the U.S. from 2018 to date.
As with any newly popular ingredient, there are opportunities for high quality products as well as those of lesser value and benefit. There are currently reliable, responsible cannabinoid rich hemp growers, manufacturers and, presumably, also formulators and peddlers reminiscent of the "snake oil salesmen" of the American 1800s. Chinese snake oil was a legitimate anti-inflammatory substance for decades if not centuries, prior to fake iterations that appeared later in the U.S. The original Chinese snake oil was made from the oil of the Chinese water snake, which was rich in the omega-3-fatty acids that are known to reduce inflammation. This "snake oil" in its original form was indeed effective as a topical medicament to treat arthritis and bursitis and, eventually, the putative product made its way to the United States—if not the omega-3-rich water snake itself, or its curative extract. The point here is that with CBD, as with anything else, responsible sourcing, processing and quality control in manufacturing are the bedrock of any superior pharmaceutically active agent. The pressures of manufacturing in light of a population clamoring for CBD are particularly intense, in world in which side-effect- or addiction-minimized pain management is still an elusive if (not scandal-laden) goal.
It is interesting that, as a general practice regarding naturally-occurring active agents—and particularly those of herbal sources—there seems to be a knee-jerk compulsion to extract the active agent compound from its botanical herb or spice. Extracting and synthesizing digitalis from foxglove, a natural herb, is of course a paradigm in pharmaceutical history. In theory there is nothing wrong with extraction processes—although in practice there can indeed be negative implications to extraction, in particular as to the molecule(s) to be extracted. Extraction agents such as petroleum or coal-tar derived solvents can create residues or even alter the chemical composition of the sought-after molecule. Worse, beneficial co-factors present in the natural product in this case an herb can be separated from the active agent so as to lose the synergy of administration of the whole herb with it's known and yet-to-be discovered compounds. Even today, when Cannabis indica, Cannabis sativa and Cannabis ruderalis are on the brink of becoming "health food" [so to speak] instead of "Just Say No!" fodder, the temptation seems to be ubiquitous to extract and isolate key constituents within them, in order to obtain their active agent(s) for further commercialization. The question which the present inventor asked, though, was—whether traditional extraction or isolation is the only processing method that can deliver the true benefits of hemp? And, if extraction or isolation is not the best approach, what additional beneficial conversions are possible to enhance the power and constituency of hemp for nutritional and dietary supplementation?

Indigenous and improved bacterially fermented CBD, CBG and related cannabinoid oral dosage forms


A vapor chamber that includes a housing having a first sheet and a second sheet facing each other, wherein at least a part of an outer edge of the housing has a step shape in which an end portion of the second sheet is positioned inside an end portion of the first sheet, and the housing has a bonded portion inside the end portion of the second sheet where the first sheet and the second sheet are bonded to each other; a protective film covering a boundary between the end portion of the second sheet and the first sheet at the step shape; a working fluid enclosed in the housing, and a wick on an inner wall surface of the first sheet or the second sheet.

In recent years, the amount of heat generated in an element has been increased due to high integration and high performance. Further, since the heating density is increased due to the progress in miniaturization of the product, measures against heat radiation have become important. This situation is more prominent in mobile terminals such as smart phones and tablets, and thermal design thereof becomes very difficult. A graphite sheet or the like has been used as a heat countermeasure, but the heat transportation amount thereof is not sufficient.
As a heat countermeasure having high heat transportation capacity, a vapor chamber which is a planar heat pipe has been proposed. The total apparent thermal conductivity of a vapor chamber is several times to several tens of times better than that of metals such as copper and aluminum.
A vapor chamber generally has a structure in which a wick for transporting a working fluid by capillary force is provided inside a housing and the working fluid is enclosed therein. The working fluid absorbs heat from a heat generation element in an evaporation portion and evaporates in the vapor chamber. The working fluid which is in a gas phase moves to a condensation portion, and is cooled to be returned to a liquid phase. The working fluid returned to the liquid phase is moved to a heat generation element side (evaporation portion) again by the capillary force of the wick and cools the heat generation element. By repeating this cycle, the vapor chamber is able to operate autonomously without having external power and is able to diffuse heat two dimensionally at high speed by utilizing evaporation latent heat and condensation latent heat of the working fluid.
For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a heat pipe or a vapor chamber in which a groove portion connected to an evaporation portion and a condensation portion is formed in a hollow interior of a sealed structure, and the working fluid is enclosed in the hollow interior portion. Example 1 of Patent Document 1 describes that a flange portion is formed as a protrusion in an outer circumferential direction in each of a lower container and an upper container constituting a container, the open ends are bonded to each other, and an outer circumferential edge of the flange portion is sealed by a sealing means such as welding, brazing or adhesion.
Patent Document 2 discloses a sheet-like heat pipe including a working fluid, a sheet-like partition plate, a sheet-like container, and a sealing layer. The sheet-like partition plate is composed of a spacer having a liquid flow path through which the working fluid passes and a gas flow path through which the vapor of the working fluid passes. The sheet-like container is composed of at least two sealing sheets including the working fluid and the partition plate therein. The sealing layer hermetically seals the outer surface of the sheet-like container. According to Patent Document 2, since the outer surface of the sheet-like container is sealed by the sealing layer, high sheet performance may be secured.
Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2007-3164
Patent Document 2: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2007-93033


Provided is a battery pack that can securely prevent liquid, such as water and wash fluid, attached to an outer surface of a packaging case housing a plurality of electric cells from entering an internal space of the packaging case from between a tray and a cover and that also allows easily performing attachment and detachment work of the cover to and from the tray. The packaging case includes an edge cover for covering the whole circumference of a lower flange portion of the tray and an upper flange portion of the cover that abut each other. The edge cover includes a first section facing the lower flange portion, a second section facing the upper flange portion, and a connecting portion for connecting base ends of the first section and the second section. A plurality of female threaded portions are arranged on either the first section or the second section. Screw insertion holes for causing male screw members to be inserted according to the arrangement of the female threaded portions are arranged on either the first section or the second section in which the female threaded portions are not arranged, on the lower flange portion, and on the upper flange portion.

In recent years, from the viewpoint of environmental protection, a hybrid electric vehicle with small CO2 emissions and an electric vehicle that does not emit CO2 (hereinafter collectively referred to as an electrically powered vehicle) have come into widespread use. A battery pack is mounted on this electrically powered vehicle as an energy supply source that supplies energy to a driving motor and other electric systems.
The battery pack is provided with a plurality of cell modules and a packaging case housing the plurality of cell modules.
Each of the cell modules is such that a plurality of electric cells are electrically connected as one package. That is, each of the cell modules is an assembled battery formed of a plurality of electric cells.
The packaging case is provided with a tray on which cell modules are arranged and a cover that covers the cell modules on the tray. For example, the tray includes a bottom portion on which a plurality of cell modules are arranged in a matrix shape in planar view (in a condition in which a plurality of cell modules are arrayed lengthwise and crosswise in planar view), a lower circumferential wall portion which rises from the outer circumference of the bottom portion, and a lower flange portion which extends outward from the upper end of the lower circumferential wall portion. The cover includes a top portion having a shape corresponding to an open portion of the tray, an upper circumferential wall portion which suspends from the outer circumference of the top portion, and an upper flange portion which extends outward from the lower end of the upper circumferential wall portion.
And the cover covers the open portion of the tray including the plurality of cell modules arranged on the bottom portion, bolts are inserted to the lower flange portion and the upper flange portion that abut each other, nuts are screwed to the bolts, and the tray and the cover are fastened. As a result of this, the lower flange portion of the tray and the upper flange portion of the cover come into surface contact with each other, and the internal space of the packaging case for housing the cell modules becomes liquid-tight.
This battery pack is mounted to a bottom portion of an electrically powered vehicle. That is, because the weight and size of the whole battery pack mounted on an electrically powered vehicle becomes very large due to the necessity of securing electrical capacity, from the viewpoints of driving stability, arrangement of other components and the like, this battery pack is arranged in the bottom portion of an electrically powered vehicle (cf., Patent Document 1, for example).
Incidentally, as described above, since the battery pack mounted on the electrically powered vehicle is arranged on the bottom portion of the vehicle, moisture or water easily attaches to the outer surface of the packaging case due to car washing or splashing of water during driving. For this reason, the liquid-tightness between the tray and the cover (between the lower flange portion and the upper flange portion) needs to be sufficiently secured. However, in the conventional battery pack, the lower flange portion and the upper flange portion are caused to come into surface contact with each other to make the internal space of the packaging case liquid-tight. For this reason, when the pressure of the liquid on the packaging case is high, moisture or water may enter the internal space of the packaging case from between the lower flange portion and the upper flange portion.
For example, a high-pressure washer that ejects water or a liquid detergent (hereinafter, referred to as wash fluid) is used in some cases for car washing or maintenance. When high-pressure wash fluid is sprayed to the underbody of the electrically powered vehicle or the bottom of the car body, the wash fluid may enter the internal space of the packaging case from between the lower flange portion and the upper flange portion, and the wash fluid may cause short circuits and the like to damage the entire cell modules or the electric cells.
In addition to the above problem, the conventional battery pack also has a problem that attachment and detachment work of the cover associated with the inspection or replacement of the cell modules or the electric cells is troublesome. That is, bolts and nuts are used to fasten the tray and the cover in the conventional battery pack. The nuts need to be supplied to a plurality of portions (a plurality of fastening positions set around the tray and the cover) to fasten the tray and the cover, and the nuts arranged on the plurality of portions need to be recovered to remove the cover from the tray. Therefore, the conventional battery pack has a problem that very troublesome work needs to be performed when the cover is attached or detached in association with the inspection or replacement of the cell modules and the like.

Battery pack and electrically powered vehicle provided with same


A link state packet transmission method and a routing node are disclosed. The method is applied to a tree topology, where the tree topology includes a leaf routing node, an intermediate routing node, and a root routing node. The method includes: receiving, by the intermediate routing node, a link state packet sent by a child routing node of the intermediate routing node; sending, by the intermediate routing node, the link state packet to the root routing node, where the root routing node is configured to aggregate received link state packets to obtain a link state packet set; receiving, by the intermediate routing node, the link state packet set sent by the root routing node; and sending, by the intermediate routing node, the link state packet set to the child routing node of the intermediate routing node.

In the Internet, internetwork packet forwarding is usually implemented by a router. Routing protocols run by the router may be classified depending on application scenarios into the Border Gateway Protocol between autonomous systems and an interior gateway protocol in an autonomous system. An autonomous system is an internetwork in which a single management mechanism implements management policies. A link state routing protocol is currently a most widely applied interior gateway protocol, and mainly includes the Open Shortest Path First Protocol OSPF) and the Intermediate System to Intermediate System Protocol (ISIS). The link state routing protocol is based on a Shortest Path First (SPF) algorithm. All routers in a topology perform the following link state universal routing process to achieve convergence: Each router detects interfaces of the router that are in an operating state, to learn a link directly connected to the router. For the link state routing protocol, the directly connected link is an interface on the router. The router can discover surrounding neighboring routers based on directly connected links. Each router floods its own link state packet (LSP) to all neighboring routers, and the LSP includes state information of each link directly connected to the router. Flooding herein means that an LSP received by an interface is sent from all interfaces except the interface. Then a neighboring router stores all received LSPs in a database. Next, each neighboring router floods LSPs to its own neighboring routers until all routers in an autonomous system receive the LSPs. Each router stores a copy of an LSP sent by a neighbor in a local database, to collect link state information of each router in the autonomous system and form a link state database described in the link state routing protocol. In this way, each router that runs the link state routing protocol can use the link state database to build a complete network topology diagram, and use the SPF algorithm to compute a best path to each destination router.
In the foregoing process, the flooding process in which "each router floods its own LSP to all neighboring routers, and then each neighboring router floods LSPs to its own neighboring routers" causes a large quantity of link state packets existing in a network, and a large quantity of network bandwidth is occupied, or the network is even completely down. This causes a broadcast storm and affects network performance.

Link state packet transmission method and routing node


An extensible monitor support system (20) is provided. The system (20) may include a cabinet (24) made up of a horizontal base (28), a back (30), right and left sides (26), a front (32), and a top (34). Within the cabinet (24) is a lift apparatus (40) made up of an extensible support column (42) formed of telescoping outer, intermediate, and inner sections (44,46,48), a base plate (50) coupled to the cabinet base (28) and the column outer section (44), a pair of opposing bayonet sheaths (60) coupled to the column outer section (44), a primary coupling component (62) coupled to the bayonet sheaths (60) and the cabinet back (30), and a monitor support bracket (72) coupled to the column inner section (48) and the monitor (22). The monitor support bracket (72) is configured to maintain a monitor (22) substantially parallel to the cabinet back (30).

Technology has developed flat-panel monitors of reasonable size. Monitors of 42 inches or greater diagonal size are not uncommon. These monitors may be for use as television receivers, computer monitors, instrumentation monitors, or the like, and may involve the use of liquid-crystal, plasma, or other display technology known in the art. These monitors can be relatively large, fragile, and expensive.
Additionally, paintings, sculptures, and other objets d'art may be presented for display and/or examination. These objets d'art may be fragile and/or expensive, often priceless.
Hereinafter, the term "monitor" includes, but is not limited to, any relatively large, fragile, and/or expensive flat-panel monitor, arrangement, device, objet d'art, or other object that is intended to be observed, displayed, or otherwise viewed.
Often, monitors are desirable in locations where the use of the monitor may not be straightforward. For example, a monitor may be desirable for use in a bedroom. However, the size and arrangement of the bedroom may be such that there is no convenient wall surface upon which the monitor may be hung that would also provide optimal viewing for occupants of the bedroom, i.e., from the bed. A means of positioning the monitor where viewing is optimized from the bed is therefore desirable.
One suitable position for a bedroom monitor would be at the foot of the bed and positioned at a height where the monitor may readily be viewed by viewer(s) either laying down or sitting up in the bed. This is best accomplished by supporting the monitor from a footboard of the bed or another (free-standing) piece of furniture located at the foot of the bed. Alternatively, the monitor may be suspended from the ceiling. Both these positions leave the monitor exposed when not in use, and generally detract from the appearance of the room.
In a living room or similar general-use area, it may be desirable that a monitor be positioned for convenient viewing by a number of individuals simultaneously, such as by a family or a gathering of friends. In this case, the monitor may conveniently be hung on a wall at an appropriate location. Unfortunately, this leaves the monitor prey to accidental damage by children, pets, or others when not in use. This is a problem, inasmuch as such monitors can be both relatively expensive and fragile. Enclosing the monitor within a hutch or other furniture may protect the monitor from damage when not in use, but occupies valuable floor and wall space.
In a business environment, a monitor may be desirable in a conference room for presentations, internet meetings, and the like. To maintain a given corporate image, considerable care and expense may have been expended on the décor of the room. It would not be desirable for that décor to be altered or marred by the presence of the monitor when not in use. Neither would it enhance a corporate image by having to bring the monitor into the conference room whenever it is needed. It would be desirable, therefore, to have the monitor within a credenza or other piece of furniture located against or mounted upon a wall of the room, that blends with the décor, and from which the monitor may rise as desired. Alternatively, a monitor may be mounted in an interstitial space above a ceiling and descend into the conference room when desired.
In a school, museum, gallery, or other institution, a monitor may serve as a television, video, computer display, or objet d'art for educational, instructional, or display purposes. An additional problem of protection of the monitor itself from potential damage may exist in such locales. This can be a serious problem in that, while large-screen monitors can be expensive, the budgets in such institutions are often severely limited. Protection of the monitor is therefore highly desirable. Again, such protection may be provided by configuring the monitor to rise from a cabinet or descend from a ceiling when needed, and remain safely tucked away when not needed.
It may be desirable to have a monitor in an airplane, on board a ship, in a corporate marketing van or bus, or in/on another suitable vehicle. In these cases, the use of the monitor is subject to all of the problems previously discussed. These problems are often exacerbated by the premium value of floor and wall space in such a vehicle. Additionally, vehicular use may necessitate that the monitor be secured against shifts and swaying due to the movement of the airplane, vessel, or vehicle, whether the monitor is in use or not.
All of the problems discussed hereinbefore may be addressed by a suitable extensible monitor support system. The desired system may be configured to incorporate or be incorporated into a cabinet or credenza from which the monitor would extend upward for use. Alternatively, such a system may be incorporated into a ceiling or soffit so as to blend with the décor of a room when not in use and descend into the room for use.
There have been several prior art variations of extensible monitor support systems. All these systems suffer from one or a combination of excessive size, insufficient strength or rigidity, positional difficulties, and/or inconvenience of use.
Another problem manifests itself in a personal-use environment. The cost of large-screen flat-panel or other monitors may preclude an individual or family from purchasing multiple monitors for use in different locations. Also, vacation homes or cabins are often left unoccupied for long periods of time. It is therefore undesirable to leave an expensive monitor in the vacation home or cabin when unoccupied, as this may be construed as an invitation to burglarize. It is highly desirable, therefore, that a monitor be easily relocatable between a primary residence and a vacation home or cabin, with or without an attendant system. None of the several prior art variations of extensible monitor support systems offer ease of portability.
Additionally, extensible monitor support systems are often housed in (or a part of) a cabinet assembly. Desirably, this cabinet assembly should occupy a minimal amount of floor space to avoid cluttering or dominating a room. This minimal floor space often makes mounting the extensible monitor support system within the cabinet an exercise in contortion, or necessitates the use of special tools. This inability to be easily mounted, and dismounted, reduces significantly the flexibility of the system and impacts directly upon its portability.


An optical transmission apparatus includes: a transmission light source configured to generate single-mode light of a specific wavelength; a power coupler configured to split the light generated by the transmission light source into a plurality of light sections; at least one modulator configured to modulate an electrical signal carrying different data into at least one optical signal using the light section from the power coupler; and a mode multiplexer configured to convert the modulated optical signal into a different mode, and to transmit the mode-converted optical signal to a fiber.

1. Field
The following description relates to an optical communication system, and more particularly, to a multi-mode fiber-based optical transmission/reception apparatus and method capable of transmitting different signals according to fiber modes.
2. Description of the Related Art
An optical fiber used for optical communications includes a single-mode fiber and a multi-mode fiber. The optical fiber is characterized by a profile in which at least one core for light propagation is surrounded by a cladding. Since an index of refraction of the core is greater than that of the cladding, light is fully reflected and propagates through the fiber.
A wavelength of propagating light and a core diameter may determine the shape of light, i.e., a mode that can be supported by a fiber. A core diameter of a fiber used in existing optical communications may be 8 μm for a single mode fiber, and 50 μm for a multi-mode fiber. That is, a larger core diameter produces more modes.
The number of propagation modes may be determined by the design of the core size and distribution of refractive index, and a fiber designed to support multiple propagation modes is a multi-mode fiber, or a few-mode fiber (FMF).
In prior art, a single-mode fiber modulates data using laser that generates the single mode and transmits modulated data, whereas a multi-mode fiber modulates data using laser that generates all higher modes and transmits modulated data. However, the multi-mode fiber may provide a short transmission distance up to only several hundred meters for 10 Gb/s signals, due to high mode interference.

Multi-mode fiber-based optical transmission/reception apparatus

Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute


A camshaft assembly has a shaft and a cam that are formed independently and then assembled together. The cam includes an inclined section and a parallel section. The radius of the inclined section varies in the axial direction in at least one angular section of the cam, and the cross section of the parallel section is constant in the axial direction. The parallel section is adjacent to the inclined section and not contacted by the cam follower.

The present invention relates to an assembled camshaft. More specifically, the present invention pertains to a three-dimensional camshaft having a three-dimensional cam and its manufacturing method. The cam profile of the three-dimensional cam varies axially.
As generally known, for example, in a valve train of an on-vehicle internal combustion engine, an intake or an exhaust valve is selectively opened and closed by the rotation of a camshaft driven by an output shaft, or crankshaft. In recent years, a so-called three-dimensional camshaft has been proposed. The three-dimensional camshaft has a three-dimensional cam. The radius of the cam face changes in the axial direction of a camshaft, so that performance characteristics such as engine power and fuel consumption rate are optimized in accordance with engine operation conditions (Refer to Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 3-179116). The camshaft varies valve characteristics such as intake valve opening time and exhaust valve closing time.
To change the valve characteristics, the camshaft is hydraulically moved in the axial direction. This changes the cam profile at the position where a follower, or valve lifter contacts the cam.
As shown in FIG. 9(a) to (c), a nose 53 of a three-dimensional cam 52 changes continuously along its axis. Accordingly, the cam 52 varies the valve characteristics in accordance with the position where the valve lifter contacts the cam.
Generally, a camshaft is manufactured as an assembled unit. In other words, the cam generally described above is attached to a shaft, which is generally cylindrical or columnar and is made of steel. It is necessary to accurately control valve open-close motion in synchronization with piston up-down motion in the engine. Accordingly, when a camshaft is manufactured, high precision is required with regard to the cam assembly angle, or angular position of each cam about the axis of the shaft (called cam assembly phase hereafter).
For example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 60-9803 describes a method to determine the cam assembly phase with high precision by the use of a hollow pin. In this method, apertures corresponding to each proper assembly phase are formed both on a cam and a shaft. The cam assembly phase is determined by inserting the hollow pin in the apertures.
Also, for example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 60-44659 describes a method for determining the cam assembly phase by engaging a key with a keyway. In this method, the shaft has a keyway on its periphery, and the cam has a key on the inner surface of a shaft insertion hole. The engagement of the key with keyway determines the cam assembly phase. However, it is necessary to form apertures and keyways with high precision in either method. As a result, the camshaft manufacturing cost is high.
On the other hand, when using a usual flat nosed cam (a cam having a constant cam-nose radius), a jig having a generally V-shaped recess is used to adjust the cam assembly phase. As shown in FIG. 10(a) and (b), a shaft (not shown), which has been rotated to a certain angular position, is inserted into a hole 56 of a cam 55, with the nose of the cam 55 fixed in the V-shaped recess of the jig 54. Then, the cam 55 is fixed with respect to the shaft member by a coupling method such as shrink fit. In this case, the cam 55 and the jig 54 make line contact with each other, and the cam 55 is securely held by the jig 54. According to this method, the cam assembly phase is determined easily and precisely without machining the cam 55 or the shaft member in any special way.
However, when the method using the jig 54 is applied to manufacturing a three-dimensional camshaft, the following problems arise. As shown in FIG. 11(a), (b), in three-dimensional camshafts, the nose 53 of a cam 52 is inclined with respect to the axis of the camshaft. The edge of the cam 52 thus makes point contact with the jig 54, and the cam 52 is not securely fixed. This also makes it impossible to precisely position the cam 52 on the shaft. Since there is point contact between the edge of the cam 52 and the surface of the jig 54, the jig 54 and the edge of the cam 52 are frequently damaged.
To control the precision of the cam profile, the cam profile shape is measured. However, in three-dimensional camshafts, it is quite difficult to measure the cam profile, and the cam profile is not as precise. This is because the nose surface is inclined with respect to the shaft axis, and the measured cam profile shape varies axially.

Three-dimensional camshaft and its manufacturing method


A cargo box having a folding first side that is configured to be placed within the rear portion of a pickup truck, and to be held against the tailgate of the pickup while the tailgate is closed, thus preventing the device from moving too far forward when the tailgate is closed. This device is also configured to be rolled along the bed of the pickup and rolled out of the rear of the pickup over the top of the tailgate when the tailgate is open and placed in a downward position. The device contains a stopping device that prevents the device from being pulled too far forward out of the rear portion of the pickup truck, or being pushed too far into the bed portion of the pickup truck.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to storage devices utilized in a vehicle bed, and more particularly to a slideable cargo truck box adapted for connection within the rear end portion of a pickup truck cargo bed, between the wheel wells of the pickup truck bed.
2. Background Information
Pickup trucks have become a modern convenience for many persons because of their utility in transporting various large items over significant distances. In some locations, such as the rural areas of the United States, pickup trucks are very popular because they are simply better suited to accommodate the lifestyles of the persons who live in these areas. A pickup truck is, in many instances, the vehicle of choice among persons who must carry large or heavy items, haul trailers and other devices, and travel over unpaved and in some instances unimproved or un-maintained roads.
While a pickup truck is well suited for these circumstances, the carrying of smaller loads in these same pickup trucks can, at times, be problematic. One of the major disadvantages of utilizing a pickup truck is that the size of the bed of the pickup is often too large to securely hold smaller items. For example, a person utilizing a pickup truck to go to a store to retrieve a variety of smaller items, such as groceries, may oftentimes find himself in the situation where groceries are too numerous to be placed in the cab of the pickup truck. Therefore, these groceries are placed in the bed portion of the pickup truck. Without any device to secure the position of these items in the rear of the pickup truck, the groceries can then move or roll around the bed portion of the pickup. This moving results in the general dispersal of items across the bed of the pickup and requires that a party climb into the bed of the pickup to recover these items. In some instances, the items that are dispersed may tip, spill or be broken by the movement within the pickup bed. Placing items near the cab portion of the pickup truck bed does, in some instances, lessen the movement and dispersal of the items. However, removal of these items from the back portion of the pickup can be difficult, as it requires that a party have sufficient height and strength so as to be able to reach over the side of the bed of the pickup and lift the item(s) from within the pickup bed. Therefore, a generalized problem continues to be maintained with regard to the carrying and usage of items within the bed portion of a pickup truck.
A variety of devices have been utilized in an attempt to assist individuals with storing and removing materials from the back of a pickup truck. Some of these devices include containers that are permanently affixed to the pickup so as to contain the smaller items within them. These devices present significant problems in that they hamper and limit the overall functionality of the pickup truck itself by placing a permanent obstruction within the bed of the pickup truck itself. A few modifications of these devices allow for racks that roll into and out of the back of the pickup truck. However, all of these devices require some sort of mounting hardware that must be permanently attached to the bed of the pickup itself. These permanently affixed devices limit the utility of the pickup to be used for other purposes, and in essence take away one of the major utilitarian facets of the device, namely the ability and function of an open pickup truck bed. Another problem that occurs with many of these devices is that the racks involved have the tendency to roll off of their rollers and cause the damage to the pickup itself as well as to the rolling rack. Another problem with these devices is that the rollers may have the tendency to be pushed too far forward or backward from a designated position and as a result be inconvenient to a user.
Therefore, what is needed is a device that can be placed in the bed of a pickup truck that holds items in a desired location, orientation, and position, and which can be utilized to simply and easily remove these items from the back of a pickup. What is also needed is a device that achieves these results and which is not permanently connected to the bed of the pickup truck. What is also needed is a device that can be placed within the bed of a pickup and then rolled in and out of the back of the pickup so as to allow easy access to the materials within the cargo box itself. Another necessity is to provide a device that can be easily installed and removed from within the pickup truck as desired with a negligible amount of damage to the pickup bed.
Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a device that can be placed within the bed of the pickup truck and which can be utilized to hold a variety of items in a desired position and orientation and within the bed of the pickup truck itself. It is another object of the invention to provide a device that can be placed in the bed of the pickup truck that holds items in a desired location, orientation, and position, and which can be utilized to simply and easily remove these items from the back of a pickup. Another object of the invention is to provide a device that is not permanently connected to the bed of the pickup truck and that can be easily removed from the bed of the pickup truck. Another object of the present invention is to provide a device that can be placed within the bed of a pickup and then rolled into and out of the back of the pickup, so as to allow easy access to the materials within the cargo box itself. Another object of the present invention is to provide a device that can be easily installed and removed from within the pickup truck as desired with a negligible amount of damage to the pickup bed.
Additional objects, advantages and novel features of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objects and advantages of the invention may be realized and attained by means of the instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.


A method used during the manufacture of a semiconductor device comprises the formation of a first patterned layer having individual features of a first density. Through the formation and etching of various layers, for example conformal layers and a spun-on layer, a second patterned layer results which comprises individual features of a second density, which is about three times the first density. An in-process semiconductor apparatus formed using the method, and a system comprising the semiconductor apparatus formed according to the method, is also described.

During the formation of a semiconductor device, many features such as word lines, digit lines, contacts, and other features are commonly formed over a semiconductor wafer. A goal of semiconductor device engineers is to form as many of these features in a given area as possible to increase yields, decrease manufacturing costs, and to miniaturize devices. The formation of these structures on a semiconductor wafer typically requires lithography. Optical lithography, the lithographic method most used in leading-edge wafer processing, comprises projecting coherent light of a given wavelength, typically 248 nanometers (nm) or 193 nm, from an illumination source (illuminator) through a quartz photomask or reticle having a chrome pattern, and imaging that pattern onto a wafer coated with photoresist. The light chemically alters the photoresist and enables the exposed photoresist (if positive resist is used) or the unexposed photoresist (if negative resist is used) to be rinsed away using a developer.
With decreasing feature sizes, the limits of optical lithography are continually being tested. Improvements in feature density are made through process advances, enhanced lithographic methods referred to as resolution enhancement techniques, and improved equipment and materials.
One such process advance, depicted in FIGS. 1-6, uses a mask having repeating features of a given pitch (i.e. a given distance from the beginning of one repeating feature to the beginning of the next feature) along with the formation of various layers and selective etches to double the density of the features formed from the lithography mask. FIG. 1 depicts a semiconductor wafer substrate assembly 10 comprising a semiconductor wafer, a layer to be etched 12, for example a silicon nitride layer, a support layer 14, for example formed from carbon using chemical vapor deposition (CVD) or a spun-on technique, and a patterned masking layer 16, such as a photoresist layer formed using an optical lithographic process or a hard mask layer formed using optical lithography and an etch process. The patterned masking layer 16 may be formed at the limits allowed by the lithographic process, and comprises three individual features (three periods/pitches) formed over a given distance 18.
After forming the structure of FIG. 1, an etch of the support layer 14 is performed using mask 16 as a pattern. This etch is typically an anisotropic dry etch which etches the support layer 14 selective to the layer to be etched 12 (i.e. which removes the support layer 14 with little or no etching of the layer to be etched 12). After etching the support layer 14, the patterned masking layer 16 is removed and a conformal hard mask layer 20, for example silicon dioxide, is formed to result in the structure of FIG. 2.
Subsequently, a spacer etch of the FIG. 2 structure is performed to result in the structure of FIG. 3 having hard mask layer spacers 20 formed along sidewalls of the support layer 14. Subsequently, the support layer 14 is etched to result in the structure of FIG. 4.
Next, the hard mask layer 20 is used as a pattern to etch the layer to be etched 12, which results in the structure of FIG. 5. Finally, the hard mask layer 20 is etched selective to the layer to be etched 12 to result in the structure of FIG. 6.
The process of FIGS. 1-6 has the advantage of using optical lithography to form the masking layer 16 having three features in a given distance 18, while the completed structure depicted in FIG. 6 has six features 12 (six periods/pitches) in the original distance 18. Thus the number of features within the distance is approximately doubled without requiring an additional lithography mask.
Various techniques to increase feature density are described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,328,810 by Tyler A. Lowrey, et al. and U.S. Pat. No. 5,254,218 by Ceredig Roberts et al., both of which are assigned to Micron Technology, Inc. and incorporated herein as if set forth in their entirety.
A method for forming semiconductor device using an optical lithography mask with a first pitch and resulting in features having a second pitch which is less than half the first pitch would be desirable.

Process for increasing feature density during the manufacture of a semiconductor device


Method and apparatus for evaluating user movement in a fulfillment center. A plurality of sub-tasks for performing a fulfillment operation are determined. Embodiments retrieve a training set of motion data that includes a plurality of training motion data samples, each specifying motion data over a respective window of time, and train a first data model to classify instances of motion data into portions, based on the plurality of sub-tasks. At least one data model is trained to assess performance of the fulfillment operation, using the training set of motion data. An instance of motion data describing motion performed during the fulfillment operation is received, the instance of motion data is divided into a plurality of portions, using the first data model, and a measure of quality is generated, by analyzing the plurality of portions of the instance of motion data using the trained at least one data model.

The present description relates to motion analysis, and more specifically, to using data models to assess captured motion data to determine the efficacy of a performance of a fulfillment operation.
Modern inventory systems, such as those in mail-order warehouses, supply chain distribution centers, and custom-order manufacturing facilities, face significant challenges in responding to requests for inventory items. As inventory systems grow, the challenges of simultaneously completing many packing, storing, and other inventory-related tasks become non-trivial. For instance, in product distribution centers (e.g., fulfillment centers), vast quantities of products are processed for shipment to consumers traditionally using manual labor and/or mechanical handling equipment.
Inventory systems that are tasked with responding to large numbers of diverse inventory requests typically exhibit inefficient utilization of system resources, including space and equipment, and may further exhibit inefficient performance of fulfillment operations by employees. In many situations, employees may not realize they are performing a given task in a less than optimal manner or in a manner that may result in injury to the employee over time. As a result, inventory systems may experience lower throughput, unacceptably long response times, and an ever-increasing backlog of unfinished tasks, and employee safety may be negatively impacted.

Motion data driven performance evaluation and training


In the integrated car seat with a lengthwise adjustment mechanism having two pairs of rails, with a bottom support frame having two front pivotal supports, two rear pivotal supports and two side parts carried on the pivotal supports, with a seat back connected to the side parts by a seat back joint and with a seat belt buckle, the side part is configured in the shape of a shell on the seat side that is turned away from the buckle, the side part having a bottom and a perimeter profile rim. The side part turned away from the buckle is open toward the outside, the outside preferably meaning the outboard side of the seat.

The invention relates to an integrated car seat with a lengthwise adjustment mechanism having two pairs of rails, with a bottom support frame having two front pivotal supports, two rear pivotal supports and two side parts carried on the pivotal supports, with a seat back connected to the side parts by a seat back joint and with a seat belt buckle.
Integrated car seats of this type are known from U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,390,982; 5,599,070 and 5,988,759 for example. In integrated car seats, the lap portion of the safety belt extends, in the usual way, from a buckle to a fixation on the pair of rails that is turned away from the buckle. The shoulder belt extends from the buckle to a deviation point in the region of the upper edge of the seat back and from there downward where it is connected to a part of the seat, such as a tie bar. In contrast to normal car seats, the shoulder belt is not fastened to the B column. On the integrated car seat, all the belt forces are absorbed by the bottom support frame only and transmitted to the underbody of the vehicle.
In terms of mechanics, an integrated seat must meet markedly more stringent requirements than a conventional seat. The forces introduced into the bottom support frame through the seat back in particular are much higher than hitherto since no forces are now introduced into the B column. Accordingly, many component parts of the seat must be implemented to be stronger than hitherto, so for example the side parts, the pivotal supports, and so on. The retractor too is no longer disposed on the B column but in the car seat itself.
According to prior art, the side parts are configured to be double-walled, in the shape of more or less closed boxes. The inner cavity of these boxes is not used for component parts. This box construction allows achieving high strength. But it takes much place that could otherwise be used for component parts.
This is where the invention comes to effect. Its objective is to provide for a more space-saving construction of an integrated car seat, using the material in the best possible way.
It is therefore the object of the invention to improve the integrated car seat of the type mentioned herein above in such a manner that its component parts be more easy to manufacture and occupy less space and be best adaptable to the respective forces acting thereon.

Integrated car seat with lengthwise adjustment mechanism


A method and system creates an interactive multimedia document that incorporates references to multimedia files that support a particular logical step or argument presented within the document. The method and system utilizes several modules including a builder module and a presenter module. The references are configured to determine, upon selection, a visual format and a relevant portion of the multimedia file to be displayed. Thus, only one copy of the multimedia file needs to be incorporated into the document. The multimedia files include text documents, portable document files, PowerPoint® presentations, audio files, video files, voice narrated graphics, and other types of files. In some embodiments, the interactive multimedia document is a legal brief and the multimedia files include depositions, supporting case law, evidence, and other materials.

Conventional documents incorporate media files into a single flattened document that is typically in PDF format. Conventional methods also require a user to use multiple applications, such as, for example, Adobe™, Photoshop™, Illustrator™, Acrobat™, and Flash™, and multiple copies of media files referenced by hyperlinks to allow navigation to the linked documents. However, in order to follow hyperlinks and other references to media files, the viewers must follow the reference completely, and the viewer is "relocated" to the linked file so that the primary focus of the user is drawn away from the document that is the source of the reference, to the media file that merely supports the document. Thus, there is no technology that exists to allow the design and presentation of focused dynamic documents that incorporate media files in various formats within a single application and within a single instance of the document.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

System and method for providing a two-part graphic design and interactive document application


An open clamping ring (11) is provided for connecting tubes (1) that are provided with terminal flanges (2). The clamping ring is drawn together with the aid of a clamping lock that is provided at the open ends of the clamping ring. The clamping (10) substantially has the shape of a U whose legs that are composed of an inner leg section (12) and an outer leg section (14) are bent such that a clamping edge (13) is formed in the central area between the leg sections (12 and 14). The inventive clamping ring (10) thus approximately has the shape of an X. The clamping edges (13) rest more or less linearly on the outside of the final flange sections (2a) such that the friction between the clamping ring (10) and the terminal flanges (2) is reduced when the clamping ring is assembled while force is transmitted and distributed in an optimal manner.

Thin-walled pipes, as they are used, for example, in exhaust, air conditioning and ventilation technology, are increasingly provided with profiled sheet metal flanges, which are drawn together with the above-mentioned clamping rings and are connected to each other in this way.
In general, a screw having a correspondingly long screw length or a lever lock is sufficient to close this clamping ring quickly and easily. This type of connection saves considerable assembly time compared to the time that is required for connecting flanges made of flat or angle steel, which must be connected to each other with a plurality of individual screws.
The terminal flanges can be profiled sheet metal flanges that are placed onto the ends of the pipes or are integrally formed thereon. Clamping rings suited for connecting these flanges have different cross-section profiles, depending on the type of seal. The most widely used clamping rings have V-shaped cross-sectional profiles. U-shaped cross-sectional profiles or other shapes are found less frequently.
The simplest form of an integrally formed flange is the stay flange. To produce these flanges, the pipe end is folded outward at a suitable angle or crimped by means of rolling tools. To connect such flanges configured as stay flanges, a simple clamping ring configured as a clamping ring for spiral-seam tubes.
While this type of connection is inexpensive, it is neither air-tight nor stable.
To produce air-tight and more stable connections, clamping rings having a V-shaped or U-shaped cross-section are better suited, into which a sealing tape to produce the air tightness can be inserted.
The sealing tape can also be inserted between the surfaces of the terminal pipe flanges facing each other.
Clamping rings of this type are also in principle suited for connecting flanges having circular cross-sections, which are typically crimped at the ends of the pipes.
If higher tightness and stability are required, conical pipe flanges are better suited, which are connected to each other by placing on clamping rings having a V-shaped cross-section. These pipe flanges can also either be placed on or integrally formed. With this type of connection, the sealing effect is achieved by inserting sealing tape either in the apex region or between the flange surfaces facing each other.
These conical flange connections have therefore proven very useful in practice because during assembly the pipe ends are not only pulled axially toward each other, but are also radially oriented by means of the flange ring. This dual function is met best if the exterior surfaces of the pipe flanges and accordingly the interior surfaces of the clamping rings have an inclination of approximately 60° in relation to the pipe wall.
Despite the advantages described above, however, also this type of connection is still associated with considerable deficiencies, namely:                a) When drawing the clamping ring together, considerable frictional resistance must be overcome. The reason for this is that the conical exterior pipe flange surfaces and the corresponding interior clamping ring surfaces rest against each other across large surfaces on the entire circumference, resulting in considerable friction because the surfaces are generally galvanized, which is to say rough. Once the clamping ring is closed enough that the above-mentioned surfaces have a force-fit contact, the tensile force of the only clamping force is no longer sufficient to completely draw the clamping ring together across the entire circumference. Rather, the tension force develops exclusively in the region of the clamping lock, because it is not forwarded into the more remote region of the surfaces due to the high friction. As a result, the clamping ring and consequently the pipe flange are deformed unevenly.        As a result of the uneven tension force distribution, the seal glued into the apex of the clamping ring having a V-shaped cross-section is compressed with varying pressure levels, leading to a worse sealing effect.        Attempts are made during assembly to achieve an improved, meaning more symmetrical, distribution of the tension force by lightly tapping on the outer circumference of the clamping ring with a rubber mallet. Apart from the fact that this procedure delays the assembly, this measure does not offer sufficient guarantee for even tension force distribution as well as even sealing.        b) A further disadvantage is that also at the face flange surfaces the above-mentioned frictional resistance occurs, particularly if a friction-increasing seal is glued onto one of these flange surfaces. Once the clamping ring is being closed, the flanges are drawn axially toward each other by means of their beveled flanges. The seal between the flange surfaces is compressed before the radially centering effect occurs in the region of the apex of the clamping ring with the V-shaped cross-section. The consequence is that the pipe axes and therefore the pipe walls are not aligned, but rather offset from each other. Even with further tightening of the clamping ring they cannot be aligned any more because this is prevented by the friction of the flange surfaces and/or of the seal.        As a result, a step forms on the inside of the pipe when the connection is closed, the step interfering with the air flow and leading to deposits in this region, making subsequent cleaning more difficult.        The same problem occurs even in flange connections in which a foamed rubber seal is glued into the apex of the clamping ring, because the pressure of the comparatively soft seal is not sufficient to align the pipe axes against the friction of the flange surfaces.        c) A further problem for clamping rings having V-shaped cross-sections is that the alignment of the pipe flanges to be connected to each other, namely the transverse displacement of the two pipe flanges in the radial direction up to the V-apex of the clamping ring of the seal glued in this region, entirely depends on when the faces of the flanges come in contact. Even minor form errors of these flanges, which are relatively frequent with such sheet metal profiles, mean that the penetration depths of the two pipe flanges no longer agree, resulting in the axial shifting effect explained in        b). In order to take these circumstances into account, which is to say to compensate for the deviations, a high, soft and flexible seal must be used, which is glued into the V-apex of the clamping ring. For this application, foam seals are suited. While these seals provide a sufficient sealing effect for common mean air pressures found in ventilation technology, they are completely unsuited for extremely high pressures or even for water-tight and oil-tight seals.

Clamping ring for connecting thin-walled tubes


The object of the present invention is to provide an embolizing material which is easily handleable and stable in quality and is solved by providing an embolizing material comprising an ester derivative of a polysaccharide having a weight-average molecular weight of 10,000-500,000 daltons and an average substitution degree of acyl group of over two; an embolizing agent for arteriovenous aneurysm, which comprises the embolizing material and an appropriate physiologically acceptable water-soluble organic acid; and a method of producing an embolizing agent, which comprises a step of dissolving the embolizing material in an appropriate physiologically acceptable water-soluble organic solvent.

Arteries and veins may locally, abnormally flutter and form arteriovenous aneurysms due to injury, vascular sclerosis, high blood pressure, bacterial infection, disorder of venous valves, malformation, etc. Among these arteriovenous aneurysms, those which have bosselated walls of intracranial arteries such as internal carotid arteries, anterior cerebral/anterior communicating arteries, middle cerebral arteries, and vertebral basilar arteries are called cerebral aneurysm that induces subarachnoid hemorrhage when ruptured. It is said that about 10% of stroke is subarachnoid hemorrhage and reported that the appearance of patients with the disease is as many as 30,000 a year in Japan. It is also said that 80% or more of such patients will usually die after repeating the rupture of cerebral aneurism. Therefore, both the finding of cerebral aneurism at an earlier stage and the embolization of affected parts must be the best way to prevent subarachnoid hemorrhage.
As conventional methods for embolizing cerebral aneurysm, direct surgeries such as clipping and ligation of parent arteries of aneurysm have been generally used, but they have been frequently replaced with intravascular surgeries that embolize cerebral aneurysm by inserting platinum coils into the cavity of cerebral aneurysm in these days. However, the method using platinum coils has the drawbacks that the installation of materials such as blebs with a complicated shape might possibly fail the complete embolization of aneurysm, the installed coil might cause recirculation of blood when compressed within the aneurysm, and that thrombus formed interstitially in the aneurysm might move into a normal brain part to cause fatal cerebral infarction.
As a method of overcoming the above drawbacks of conventional methods, the present inventors proposed in Japanese Patent Kokai No. 107,549/94, etc., a liquid embolizing material for embolizing aneurysm which is used for embolization in such a manner of injecting into the cavity of aneurysm a non-water-soluble macromolecule such as cellulose acetate dissolved in a water-soluble organic solvent, dispersing the water-soluble organic solvent throughout the cavity, and precipitating and solidifying the macromolecule therein to embolize the aneurysm. Since the above embolizing material also exerts a remarkable effect on aneurysm having a complicated shape of cavity, it has been valued as a theoretically advantageous one. The macromolecule used, for example, in Japanese Patent Kokai No. 107,549/94, however, there still remains a problem to be solved in preparing a relatively high quality, stabilized embolizing agent in a satisfactorily yield because the macromolecule has inconsistent solubility and viscosity in water-soluble organic solvents such as dimethylsulfoxide (may be abbreviated as "DMSO", hereinafter).

Kabushiki Kaisha Hayashibara Seibutsu Kagaku Kenkyujo


A stop system may include: a first member; a second member movable with respect to the first member, the first and second members being different parts of a common machine; a body including a boss defining a hole; a base plate at least one of: attached to and part of, the body on the side of the body opposite of the boss, the body and base plate forming a shoe; and a fastener extending through the hole in the boss thereby pivotally attaching the body to one of the first and second member. A method of providing a stop for stopping a thumb against a stick is also described.

Excavating machines often use an arm which may include a boom having a stick pivotally connected to the boom. A bucket is pivotally connected to the stick. In some instances, a thumb may also be connected to the stick which can open or close over the bucket. When the thumb is in its extreme open position, it may contact or reside against the stick. Sometimes the thumb may contact the stick with more force than is desired. For example, more force than desired can be caused by force resulting from the weight of the thumb cylinder, the stick, the boom, boom cylinder, and/or the stick cylinder. In order to reduce the likelihood of damage between the thumb and/or stick, a stop system may be instituted to stop or butt the thumb against the stick.
Some stop systems may use a linkage. Such a system is described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,818,901. Other systems may provide structure for the thumb to butt against on the stick. Examples of these type of systems are also described in this patent in its discussion of the prior art. The use of a linkage as a stop system may require various links to transmit large forces and require complicated linkages. Other stop systems may result in large projections extending from the surface of the stick, which may interfere with operation of the excavating equipment.
It may be desirable to provide an adjusting system in order to adjust the stop system to be in a desired location. Due to manufacturing tolerances, flexing of parts due to wear and/or damage, and a variety of other reasons, the stop system may move out of a desired location after manufacturing of the machine. Thus, it may be desirable for the adjusting system by be adjusted after the machine has left the factory.
Some adjusting systems use a cam washer for providing an adjustment. An example of such a system is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,163,699. The cam member includes a mechanism for detachably attaching the cam member to the nut or to the head of the bolt such that the cam member is rotatable by engagement of the nut and/or the bolt. When the cam member is rotated, the cam member works against a cam member bearing surface such that the bolt is moved sideways thereby providing adjustment.


A method and apparatus to mark-up an electronic document (i.e., a second electronic document) that is superimposed on a first electronic document keeping the first electronic document unchanged. The second electronic document is optionally viewed concurrently with the first electronic document. The second electronic document is capable of being viewed or modified using different application programs so long as the different application programs process the format used by the second electronic document. The second electronic document is saved as a separate document independent of the first electronic document.

As the use of computers and the Internet have proliferated, so too has the use of application programs. A multitude of application programs exist for performing tasks such as word processing, accounting, graphic art, etc. In addition, there are numerous platforms or operating systems on which these application programs operate. For example, Apple® Macintosh® machines may use the Mac OS X operating system and support Microsoft's Word X for word processing, whereas Compaq® machines may use the Microsoft Windows operating system and support Microsoft word for word processing.
There are application programs that enable a user to provide a note (e.g., an annotation, a drawing, etc.) in another application program (e.g., a word processing document). The note is displayed over part of the text and images of the word processing document. (see U.S. Pat. No. 5,559,942 issued to Gough et al. of Apple Computer Inc., of Cupertino Calif.). The note provides a useful means for a user to annotate the underlying word processing document and is displayed using an anchor object in the word processing document.
The notes described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,559,942 are not separable from the document in which they appear. Moreover, a document that includes the notes created on a machine with a particular operating system may not be viewed on another machine with a different operating system. What is needed, therefore, is a method and apparatus to mark-up an electronic document (i.e., a second electronic document) that is superimposed on a first electronic document (e.g., a word processing document) keeping the first electronic document unchanged. The second electronic document is optionally viewed concurrently with the first electronic document, and the second electronic document is capable of being viewed or modified using different application programs so long as the different application programs process the format used by the second electronic document. The second electronic document is saved as a separate document independent of the first electronic document. Furthermore, the application programs that permit the second electronic document to be viewed or modified may be operational on machines that use the same operating system as the machine that created the second electronic document. Alternately, the application programs that permit the second electronic document to be viewed or modified may be operational on machines that use a different operating system so long as the application programs process the format of the second electronic document.

Method and apparatus for annotating an electronic document


An apparatus for insertion into a body through a working channel of an endoscope includes a catheter including a dilator, a guide tube disposed in a lumen of the catheter, and a handle including a puncturing actuator operatively coupled to the proximal end of the guide tube. The dilator may be a cautery device and/or a balloon. The apparatus may also include a stylet needle that includes a cutting distal end for puncturing tissue and extends through a lumen in the guide tube. The handle may further include a stopper detachably coupled to the puncturing actuator to fix a position of the puncturing actuator on the handle, and moveable on the handle independently of the puncturing actuator when detached from the puncturing actuator. The disclosed embodiments also include a method for forming a passageway in a wall of a hollow body organ using the apparatus.

Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) procedure is a minimally invasive procedure that provides access to organs, lesions, cysts, pseudo cysts, and abscesses in proximity to the gastrointestinal tract for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Interventional EUS is often used in pancreatic fluid collection drainage, biliary and pancreatic duct drainage, drainage of the gallbladder, and other conditions, including cases of failed endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography.
But EUS involves multiple steps and instruments. For instance, EUS typically involves advancing one or more puncturing and/or dilation devices through a working channel of an ultrasound endoscope to puncture the target tissue and dilate the punctured passageway to provide a path of access for introduction of a drainage or other device. EUS is a lengthy and cumbersome procedure involving multiple steps and exchanging of multiple instruments, such as needles, stylets, guide wires, catheters, and the like.
The exchanging of multiple instruments complicates the endoscopic procedure, and raises the possibility of contamination each time one of the instruments is changed out. For instance, the exchange of multiple instruments increases the risk of peritonitis caused by leakage of bile juice. Additionally, complications can arise due to leakage during instrument exchange, bleeding, and guide wire displacement.
Accordingly, there is a need for a universal access apparatus that can be used from puncturing to dilation in any EUS procedure, and reduces complications, procedure time, and cost, in addition to allowing for interchange between more than one instrument during a procedure without requiring complete removal of an instrument when that instrument is not in use.

Apparatus and method for performing interventional endoscopic ultrasound procedure


A multi-rotor UAV having a pull pin mechanism that engages and disengages the rotor arms from a deployed, in-flight position to a storage or transport configuration, thus making the UAV more portable and capable of carrying larger payloads with the flexibility of folding into a smaller configuration or profile for transport, such as in a backpack. The device includes a rotor arm utilization of a pull pin mechanism to lock and unlock the position of the arms, and a proprietary frame.

An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), commonly known as a drone, is an aircraft without a human pilot aboard. Its flight is controlled either autonomously by onboard computers or by the remote control of a pilot on the ground or in another vehicle. The typical launch and recovery method of an unmanned aircraft is by the function of an automatic system or an external operator on the ground. In general, UAVs are simple, remotely piloted aircraft, but autonomous control is increasingly being employed.
Most designs for multi-rotor UAVs are rigid. The ones that incorporate a compacting or a "fold" configuration usually utilize hinges in order to produce a collapsible design for the prototypes. Hinge mechanisms that rotate motor arms in both vertical and horizontal axes of the UAV have dominated the collapsible UAV design pool. These designs, although successfully reducing the size of the UAVs, are limited due to lack of symmetry and the length of various extremities. Other methods for decreasing the size of a quad rotor UAV in transit include detachable quick release components. Once the extremities of the quad are removed, the size of the case required to protect and transport the UAV unit also decreases. However, these designs which usually utilize small screws and bolts to hold various parts together, presenting a disadvantage in the field when attempting to deploy a UAV unit. Hardware required for assembly gets lost and the time required for deployment can cause delays.
The present invention utilizes design symmetry and a pull pin mechanism to reduce both the space required to transport and the time it takes to deploy a multi-rotor UAV.


An automatic application device for dispensing an adhesive transfer tape with the liner removed includes a hub for rotatably supporting a roll of adhesive transfer tape and an application head for pressing the adhesive transfer tape unwound from the roll onto a product to which it is to be applied. An idler roller is disposed above the application head to pull the liner away from the application head. A motor driven take-up roller and corresponding nip roller are provided to pull the liner along its path over said idler roller away from the application head. A brake roller is provided along the path of the transfer tape between the roll and the application head to selectively stop the tape's advance. When the brake roller is released, the product to which the adhesive is applied pulls the tape underneath the application head, unwinding it from the roll. When the brake roller is stopped, the tape stops advancing and the adhesive strip carried on the liner is broken. A compensation roller provides that when the head is lifted the tape is maintained in a fixed position relative to the head so that the leading edge of the adhesive on the tape liner returns to the proper position when the head is lowered.

Adhesive transfer tape comprises a strip of adhesive releasably supported on a liner. The adhesive is transferred to a substrate by pressing the tape onto the substrate and removing the liner. The exposed surface of the transferred adhesive is thus readied to bond the substrate to another surface. Various devices have been devised for dispensing an adhesive transfer tape with the liner removed. A manual, hand-held device of this type is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,969,181. That device is a manually activated applicator in which the liner is led around an application roller and then wound on a take-up reel. The application roller is manually rolled over a surface to which the adhesive is to be applied, causing adhesive on the liner passing around the roller to transfer to the surface and simultaneously drive the wind-up mechanism to collect the liner. An automatic device for dispensing an adhesive transfer tape with the liner removed is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,255,218. In this device, the adhesive transfer tape is automatically advanced over an application head. The substrate to which the adhesive is to be transferred is pressed against the tape running across the application head. The movement of the tape over the head advances the substrate as the adhesive is separated from the liner and transferred to the substrate.

Automated liner removing transfer tape applicator method

Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company


A work-in-progress (WIP) tracking system is used to coordinate a semiconductor supply chain operation. The WIP tracking system receives WIP updates from semiconductor supply chain vendors and generates a WIP tracking report in which the volume of WIP is measured in expected good parts. In one variation, rather than reporting the WIP currently located at each step of a vendor's process, the WIP tracking report reflects the WIP located at various stages of the semiconductor manufacturing process, where the vendor's steps are mapped to a fewer number of stages.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to efficient operation of a semiconductor supply chain, and more particularly, to providing a work-in-progress (WIP) tracking system and generating a variety of meaningful WIP tracking reports to customers.
2. Description of the Related Art
A typical semiconductor manufacturing process includes multiple phases. For example, a wafer foundry (or fab) begins with raw silicon wafers and fabricates integrated circuits on these wafers. A test vendor may test the integrated circuits and mark the good die on the wafer. An assembly/packaging vendor may dice the wafer into separate die and assemble the good die into various packages with appropriate electrical connections. A final test vendor may perform final testing of the finished packaged part to make sure that the chips are operating according to specification. A shipping vendor may transport the WIP between the different supply chain vendors and finally distribute the finished good parts to their intended destination. Thus, the semiconductor supply chain may include many separate entities, all of which shall be referred to as vendors.
As the semiconductor manufacturing process becomes more complex, companies in this industry are specializing. As a result, customers, such as fabless semiconductor companies and integrated device manufacturers, are using an increasing number of semiconductor supply chain vendors for prototype development or mass production of integrated circuits. In other words, generally speaking, the semiconductor supply chain contains an increasing number of vendors. Thus, it would be beneficial for customers to obtain concise, meaningful reports as to the status of WIP within their supply chains.
However, one characteristic of the semiconductor industry is that vendors in a semiconductor supply chain are often located in different time zones, in different countries, or speak different languages, making person-to-person communications difficult. In addition, manufacturing data and other information provided by the vendors may be in incompatible formats or have other deficiencies such as providing unreliable prediction of product quantity or shipment date. The resulting difficulty in effective communication and information sharing throughout the supply chain can cause significant barriers to generating consistently meaningful WIP tracking reports.
To aid the customer to keep track of the IC manufacturing process on the supply chain, some supply chain vendors send work-in-progress (WIP) updates to customers. For example, typical WIP updates from a foundry vendor contain raw manufacturing data and information pertinent to an order made by the customer. The manufacturing data and information typically are reported on a per-unit basis. For example, if an order is subdivided into lots, the WIP update may specify the number of wafers in each lot, where the lots are in the manufacturing process, the start time for each lot, etc. WIP updates generally are produced regularly (e.g., three times a day) for every lot in production, at every stage of production. The resulting volume of data in the WIP updates is immense.
However, the WIP updates, although they contain an immense amount of very detailed information, are usually meaningless for customers. They fail to give a customer a clear summary of what is most important to him. For example, one important business concern for customers outsourcing IC manufacturing is the on-time completion and delivery of IC products at each phase of the supply chain. An update which summarizes how many packaged and tested IC products can be expected to be delivered on the originally scheduled date would be useful. However, WIP updates generally fail to give this type of information. Instead, the typical WIP update details exactly where each unit of product is in the manufacturing process. The customer would have to perform a sophisticated statistical analysis to convert this raw WIP information to an estimate of on-time expected good parts. As another example, it is also of interest to customers to monitor the progress of IC orders as the WIP moves between supply chain vendors. If delays occur at some stages to some vendors so that the ordered IC products will not be available on time, the customers may choose to subcontract with additional supply chain vendors to reach production goals. Again, typical WIP updates do not directly supply this type of information.
Therefore, what is needed is a system and method to analyze raw WIP data and provide a meaningful and appropriate presentation of WIP analysis results to a customer. For example, converting raw WIP data into the expected good parts currently at each major semiconductor manufacturing stage of the supply chain would be beneficial.

Prediction based optimization of a semiconductor supply chain using an adaptive real time work-in-progress tracking system


An implantable medical device that includes a housing having a first shield having an outwardly extending first flange and a second shield having an outwardly extending second flange. The first flange is fixedly engaged with the second flange along a seal to form a housing flange extending outward from the housing, and a surround shroud, having first recessed portions for receiving the housing flange when the shroud is positioned about the housing.

Many types of implantable medical devices (IMDs) have been clinically implanted over the last twenty years that deliver relatively high-energy cardioversion and/or defibrillation shocks to a patient's heart when a malignant tachyarrhythmia, e.g., atrial or ventricular fibrillation, is detected. Cardioversion shocks are typically delivered in synchrony with a detected R-wave when fibrillation detection criteria are met, whereas defibrillation shocks are typically delivered when fibrillation criteria are met and an R-wave cannot be discerned from the EGM.
The current state of the art of ICDs or implantable pacemaker/cardioverter/defibrillators (PCDs) includes a full featured set of extensive programmable parameters which includes multiple arrhythmia detection criteria, multiple therapy prescriptions (for example, stimulation for pacing in the atrial, ventricular and dual chamber; atrial and ventricular for bradycardia; bi-atrial and/or bi-ventricular for heart failure; and arrhythmia overdrive or entrainment stimulation) and high level stimulation for cardioversion and/or defibrillation, extensive diagnostic capabilities and high speed telemetry systems. These full-featured ICDs or PCDs, hereinafter IMD, are typically implanted into patients who have had, and survived, a significant cardiac event (such as sudden death). Additionally, these devices are expected to last up to 5-8 years and/or provide at least 200 life saving therapy shocks.
Even though there have been great strides in size reduction over the past 20 years, the incorporation of all these features in an IMD, including the longevity requirements, dictates that the devices be typically much larger than current state of the art pacemakers. Such devices are often difficult to implant in some patients (particularly children and thin, elderly patients) and typically require the sacrifice of 1 or 2 veins to implant the lead system because leads associated with the implantation of an IMD utilize a transvenous approach for cardiac electrodes and lead wires. The defibrillator canister/housing is generally implanted as an active can for defibrillation and electrodes positioned in the heart are used for pacing, sensing and detection of arrhythmias.
Although IMDs and implant procedures are very expensive, most patients who are implanted have experienced and survived a sudden cardiac death episode because of interventional therapies delivered by the IMDs. Survivors of sudden cardiac death episodes are in the minority, and studies are ongoing to identify patients who are asymptomatic by conventional measures but are nevertheless at risk of a future sudden death episode. Current studies of patient populations, e.g., the MADIT II and SubQ ICD HeFT studies, are establishing that there are large numbers of patients in any given population that are susceptible to sudden cardiac death, that they can be identified with some degree of certainty and that they are candidates for a prophylactic implantation of a defibrillator (often called primary prevention). However, implanting currently available IMDs in all such patients would be prohibitively expensive. Further, even if the cost factor is eliminated there is shortage of trained personnel and implanting resources.
One option proposed for this patient population is to implant a prophylactic subcutaneous implantable cardioverter/defibrillator (SubQ ICD) such that when these patients receive a shock and survive a cardiac episode, they will ultimately have an implant with a full-featured ICD and transvenous leads. The housing or "can" of the device includes a first shield and a second shield that are joined together by a weld formed along a seam following placement of the internal components within shields to seal device, so that the two shields define an enclosure for the internal components of device. Since the housing is typically positioned subcutaneously in close proximity to the patient's ribs, for example, current configurations for the housing for such devices include the use of non-planar surfaces, such as a concave surface, for example, in order to better enable positioning of the housing in the patient. As a result, there is a need for an improved method and apparatus for forming the weld along the seam of the housing that addresses the non-planar seam weld profile.

Method and apparatus for forming a hermetic enclosure seal in an implantable medical device