The present invention provides devices and methods for safe, easy and cost effective means of placing and verifying proper placement of nasogastric and nasoenteric feeding tubes. Specifically, an integrated feeding device including a tube operable to deliver a nutritional and/or medicinal substance to the gastrointestinal tract, an optical system including a light source, flexible optical fibers or a camera, and a lens, and a steering system is disclosed. The components of the system, namely the optical system and the steering system, may be integrated into the tube.

Nasogastric and nasoenteric feeding tubes play a crucial role in treating patients having a compromised oral intake. Placement of these feeding tubes is routinely performed in a number of clinical settings throughout the United States including emergency rooms, hospital wards and intensive care units totaling greater than 1.2 million tubes annually. The most common method of feeding tube placement currently is blind placement, which is estimated to comprise 70 percent of feeding tube placements. Blind placement is performed at the bedside by nurses or other hospital staff, and entails blindly inserting the feeding tube down the nose, through the esophagus and into the stomach or small intestine.
Because the nurse or other hospital staff cannot see the distal end of the feeding tube during advancement, the feeding tube can be incorrectly positioned during the process. In extreme cases, the distal end of the feeding tube may pass into the cranium and into the patient's brain, while the nurse or other practitioner continues advancing the feeding tube believing that it is properly entering the gastrointestinal tract.
More commonly, misplacement of the feeding tube results in other serious complications including lung placement or puncture or esophageal puncture. It is estimated that 3.2 percent of all blind nasoenteric feeding tube placements result in the feeding tube being disposed in the lung. In approximately 1.2 percent of placements, the patient will suffer a punctured lung. In 0.5 percent of cases, the patient will die as a result of the procedure. It is estimated that in intensive care units alone, up to six thousand patients die each year from improperly placed feeding tubes.
Additionally, providing any feeding solution through the feeding tube into the lungs results in pneumonia with increased morbidity and mortality. Thus, it is critical to ensure that there has been proper placement of the feeding tube. Unfortunately, many common methods for during so leave patients at substantial risk.
Proper placement of the tube is verified using a variety of tests, including chest x-ray, pH tests, auscultation, or fluoroscopy. However, these tests only attempt to confirm position after placement when complications may have already occurred. For example, if fluoroscopy or X-ray confirms that the feeding tube is actually disposed in the lung, it does so only after the possibility of lung puncture or other damage to the lung tissue. Additionally, while X-ray imaging and fluoroscopy are often used, both only provide a two dimensional indication of location, i.e. placement below the diaphragm. In multiple instances, confirmation of placement has been given when the feeding tube had actually passed through the lung and along the diaphragm, rather than being disposed in the gastrointestinal tract. Moreover, X-ray or fluoroscopic confirmation does not clearly confirm placement in the small bowel rather than the stomach. Small bowel placement is generally preferred to prevent the risk of aspirating feeding solution.
Additionally, some of these techniques have additional limitations and drawbacks. For example, fluoroscopic exams and X-Ray verification can cost $400 or more and can expose the patient and the practitioner to harmful radiation. If a patient is pregnant, or a child, exposure to such radiation is highly undesirable. Additionally, the use of such verification procedures significantly prolongs the period of time that a patient must wait after a feeding tube is placed before feeding can begin. Because of this, the average time from ordering feeding tube placement to confirmation of placement and beginning of feeding is 22-26 hours. If the tube is placed improperly, the wait to begin feeding can take even longer as the process must be repeated. During this time, the patient is unable to obtain nourishment and any medications which may be delivered via a feeding tube.
Another complication which is common with patients receiving a patient tube is that the patients are often not coherent. The patient may be partially sedated or may be delirious. Thus, it is not uncommon for a patient to pull out a feeding tube which has previously been placed. This requires repetition of the procedure, again subjecting the patients to the risks set forth above. Thus, a simpler, safer method for placing feeding tubes would be highly desirable.
An alternate method for placement and verification of a feeding tubes is by use of an endoscope. Typically an endoscope is inserted into the mouth of the patient and advanced down until the endoscope has passed through the esophagus and at least into the stomach, and preferably through the pyloric sphincter and into the duodenum. In some applications, a guidewire is advanced to the proper location and the endoscope is removed. The guidewire is then manipulated to move it from the oral placement to a nasal placement, and a feeding tube is advanced along the guidewire into the desired location.
In other applications, the feeding tube is carried in a working channel (or along the side) of the endoscope. The feeding tube is sufficiently long that once the feeding tube has been placed, the endoscope can be removed over the feeding tube. The feeding tube is then cut and an appropriate adapter attached for feeding.
While placement and verification using an endoscope is advantageous, it also has several drawbacks. First using an endoscope usually takes considerable skill and is typically performed by physicians, often requiring a wait until a properly trained physician is available to place the feeding tube. Second, because the endoscope is typically placed through the mouth, an additional procedure must be used if the feeding tube is to be used nasoenterically. This involves advancing a structure through the nose and out the mouth, securing the end of the feeding tube (or a guidewire) to the structure, and then pulling the structure and the end of the feeding tube through the nose. Third, the use of an endoscopic procedure requires re-sterilization of the endoscope after each use. Lastly the procedure usually requires conscious sedation which increases the risk and cost of the procedure.
Each of the above-referenced methods for placing a feeding tube also has the problem of subsequently confirming proper placement of the feeding tube. As a patient moves, the distal end of the feeding tube can work its way out of the intestine and coil in the stomach. Depending on the particular concerns regarding the patient, it may be necessary to periodically confirm that the feeding tube is placed properly. This can require additional x-ray, pH tests, auscultation, or fluoroscopy, or the use of another endoscope to ensure that the feeding tube is properly placed. Each of these methods for confirming placement has the drawbacks mentioned above.
Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide a feeding tube which can be placed more conveniently and which can be used to confirm placement without the need for radiation or other traditional confirmation methods. Additionally, it would be advantageous if such a feeding tube and method of use could be accomplished by nurses and other medical staff.
In addition to nasogastric and nasoenteric feeding tubes, an improved jejunual extension tube in percutaneous gastrojejunal feeding tubes (PEGJ) that utilized direct visualization for advancement, placement and confirmation would be useful. Presently for PEGJ tubes the jejunal extension tube must be threaded through the existing gastrostomy tube or stoma into the small bowel. This is done using fluoroscopy or endoscopy to advance a wire into the small intestine and then a jejunal feeding tube is passed over the wire into the small intestine (jejunum). A jejunal extension tube with direct visualization and/or steering mechanism could perform the same task without the drawbacks of using endoscopy or fluoroscopy as noted previously.
In addition to improved feeding tubes, there are other situations in which prolonged visualization and access for irrigation/infusion and drainage would be beneficial. For example, in pancreatobiliary infections, it is not uncommon for the common bile duct (or associated duct) to become blocked and restrict flow of fluid into the duodenum. An endoscope or other catheter based method is typically used to place a shunt or stent in the pancreatic duct or the common bile duct to allow proper drainage of pus from the pancreatobiliary ducts through the common bile duct into the duodenum. Once the situation has been alleviated, an endoscope or other device may be advanced back into the duodenum to remove the shunt or stent. Of course, it is often difficult to tell if the situation has been fully alleviated, if the device has become misplaced, or if the symptoms have simply been reduced.
In these procedures, as well as others in the body, it may be advantageous to provide continued viewing capacity both to ensure proper placement of the structure used for drainage, and to allow medical personnel to get a view of the affected area to determine whether and how quickly healing and/or drainage is taking place. In these clinical situations such a device can replace or assist fluoroscopy and/or endoscopy for guidance, placement, confirmation and re-confirmation. In addition, such an indwelling device can be used to drain pus or other bodily fluids from body cavities as well as provide a conduit for irrigation and infusion of medications including antibiotics.

Optically guided feeding tube, catheters and associated methods


A very narrow band laser. The very narrow bandwidth is achieved by creating an unstable resonance cavity using a cylindrical, partially-reflecting mirror to provide an output coupler in combination with a line narrowing module having a beam expander and a curved grating.

TECHNIQUES FOR LINE NARROWING
Techniques for decreasing the bandwidth of the output of lasers are well known. Several such techniques used on excimer lasers are discussed by John F. Reintjes at pages 44-50 in Laser Handbook, Vol. 5, North-Holland Physics Publishing, Elsevier Science Publishers B.V. These techniques include the utilization of gratings, including echelle gratings for wavelength selection. All frequency selective elements, including gratings, depend on angular dispersion for their selectivity. Therefore, the spectral revolution of these frequency selective systems is improved by reducing the beam divergence. Divergence can be reduced with the use of small apertures. One well known technique is to reduce the divergence of the beam by magnifying it with a beam expander, such as a telescope upstream of the frequency selection element. Beam expansion reduces the divergence angle by the magnification factor of the beam expander. Prisms inserted between the gain medium and the frequency selecting element have been used to magnify the beam in a single direction. Unstable resonators are well known, and it is known that unstable resonators may be configured to provide reduced beam divergence.


Methods and apparatuses are provided for reducing sweat production via, for example, the removal, disablement, and incapacitation of sweat glands in the epidermis, dermis and subdermal tissue regions of a patient. In one embodiment, a method of treating a patient is provided which involves identifying a patient having a condition of excessive sweating, positioning an energy delivery device proximate to a skin tissue of the patient and delivering energy to sweat glands to halt secretion of sweat. The energy delivery device may include microwave delivery devices, RF delivery devices, and cryogenic therapy devices. Some embodiments may include using a cooling element for avoiding destruction of non-target tissue and/or a suction device to localize treatment at specific portions of the skin fold.

1. Field of the Invention
The present application relates to methods and apparatuses for reducing sweat production. In particular, the present application relates to methods and apparatuses for reducing sweat production via the removal, disablement, incapacitation of apocrine and eccrine glands in the dermal and subcutaneous tissue.
2. Description of the Related Art
It is known that energy-based therapies can be applied to tissue throughout the body to achieve numerous therapeutic and/or aesthetic results. There remains a continual need to improve on the effectiveness of these energy-based therapies and provide beneficial pathological change with minimal adverse side effects or discomfort.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Methods and apparatus for reducing sweat production


A digital mixing system is provided in which a console section and an engine section that executes signal processing can operate consistently in accordance with control signals input to the console section and the engine section. The digital mixing system has a plurality of input signal systems and a plurality of output signal systems. Input signals from the input signal systems are subjected to a mixing process and the mixed signals are output to the output signal systems. In a console section, panel operating elements are used to input parameters relating to the mixing process, and a first control device generates a mixing control signal in response to operation of the panel operating elements or to a first control signal input via a first input terminal or a first communication interface, and outputs the mixing control signal to the first communication interface. In an engine section, a mixing processing device executes the above mixing process, and a second control device controls the mixing process executed by the mixing processing device in response to the mixing control signal input via a second communication interface and outputs a second control signal input via a second input terminal to the second communication interface. Communication lines connect between the first communication interface and the second communication interface.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a digital mixing system that has a plurality of input signal systems and a plurality of output signal systems to subject input signals from the plurality of input signal systems to a mixing process and output the mixed input signals to the plurality of output signal systems, as well as an engine apparatus, a console apparatus, a digital mixing method, an engine apparatus control method, a console apparatus control method, and programs executing these control methods.
2. Description of the Related Art
Conventionally, mixing consoles are well known, which adjust the levels and frequency characteristics of audio signals output from a large number of microphones or electric or electronic instruments, mix these signals into several mixing groups, and collectively transmit these mixing groups to a power amplifier. An operator operating the mixing console operates various panel buttons (panel operating elements) provided on the mixing console to adjust the volume and tone of each audio signal for an instrumental sound or a singing voice so that the signal most properly expresses the actual performance. The mixing console is provided with a plurality of microphone/line input channels as input signal systems. The input signal systems are programmed and signals from the input signal systems are subjected to a mixing process, and the mixed input signals are output to a plurality of output channels as output signal systems. In general, signals on the input channels of the input signal systems are amplified by a head amplifier and then output to a mixing processing section. Then, the mixing processing section adjusts the frequency characteristics and levels of the amplified signals on the respective input channels and mixes these signals in a programmed combination. Then, the resulting mixed signals are each set by an output fader to a desired output level and then output to one of the output channels.
Such a mixing console is used in theaters or concert halls or in recording studios to create music sources to be recorded on compact disks (CDs). For example, when the mixing console is used in a concert hall, a large number of microphones are installed on a stage, and instrumental sounds or singing voices are input to the mixing console through the microphones. The mixing console adjusts the levels or frequency characteristics of a large number of input microphone/line signals, mixes these signals in a desired combination, and then outputs the mixed signals to a power amplifier that drives speakers.
Since a large number of microphone/line signals are input to such a mixing console via respective cables, a large number of cables are connected to the mixing console. In a concert hall, the mixing console may be installed in the vicinity of the stage, but, in general, it is installed in an area of seats for the audience, which is remote from the stage, or in a mixer room provided behind the area of seats for the audience, in order to allow the operator to perform a mixing operation while checking sound being listened to by the audience. Thus, long cables are required to input microphone/line signals to the mixing console, and the operation of laying such cables is cumbersome and time-consuming. Furthermore, the longer the cables are extended, the more likely the mixing console is to be affected by noise.
To solve this problem, a mixing system has been proposed, in which an engine section that mixes input microphone/line signals is separated from a console section that controls a mixing process, the engine section and the console section being connected together via communication lines. With this mixing system, the engine section that executes a mixing process can be installed in the vicinity of the stage, while the console section can be installed in the area of audience seats, thereby allowing the operator to control the mixing process while checking sound being listened to by the audience. Moreover, microphone/line signals are input to the engine section that executes the mixing process, thereby making it easier to perform the operation of laying the cables. Further, this system does not require the use of long cables and can thus prevent noise.
However, if the engine and console sections are separated from each other and connected together via the communication lines, then for convenience sake, each of these sections is provided with input terminals for control signals from external devices. Then, the mixing process is controlled in accordance with control signals input to the engine and console sections. In this case, the system must operate consistently irrespective of whether a control signal is input to the engine section or the console section. Disadvantageously, no method has been established to achieve such a consistent operation.
Further, when the engine and console sections are separated from each other and connected together via the communication lines, if a disconnection occurs in the communication lines for any reason, the entire mixing system may disadvantageously become inoperative even if the engine section is not defective. Furthermore, if a fault occurs in the console section, the entire system may disadvantageously become inoperative even if the communication lines and the engine section are not defective.
Further, the engine and console sections of the mixing system each have arithmetic means for controlling the operation thereof. However, the engine and console sections can be separated from each other and the connection therebetween can be flexibly changed, thereby hindering the collective upgrading of operation software used by the respective arithmetic means.
Moreover, if the engine section that executes a mixing process is installed in the vicinity of the stage, and the console section is installed in the area of audience seats, then the operator controls the mixing process while checking sound being listened to by the audience. In this case, a time delay occurs before sound emitted from stage speakers reaches the operator in the area of audience seats, because of the long distance between the speakers and the operator. On the other hand, the operator carries out a mixing operation by operating panel buttons provided on the console section, and monitors signals resulting from mixing performed in accordance with the mixing operation by the engine section, through monitor speakers or a monitor headphone. However, since sound emitted from the stage speakers reaches the operator with a time delay, a time difference occurs between the sound emitted from the stage speakers and the sound being listened to by the operator through the monitor speakers or monitor headphone. Consequently, it is very difficult for the operator to properly evaluate the mixed signals.
Further, the mixing system is provided with a talk back function for enabling the operator operating the console section to communicate with staff on the stage. For example, when a talk back switch provided on the console section is depressed, a microphone input to the console section is turned on so that the operator's voice sound is emitted from a monitor speaker on the stage. If the stage staff communicates with the operator at the console, he uses any one of analog input channels to the engine section to input his voice so that his voice sound is emitted from the monitor speakers of the console section. However, such communication is impossible unless the operator at the console section has enabled the channel assigned for the communication. Further, monitor sound for use in monitoring sound from the stage speakers is also emitted from the monitor speakers, and the voice sound for communication between the stage staff and the operator may be drowned by the monitor sound. Moreover, one of the input channels must be used for the communication, thereby limiting available resources.

Digital mixing system, engine apparatus, console apparatus, digital mixing method, engine apparatus control method, console apparatus control method, and programs executing these control methods


Sulfatase inhibitor compounds having the formula: ##STR1## wherein X, Y, R.sub.1, R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 are as defined in the specification. The compounds are useful in the treatment of estrogen dependent illnesses. Methods for synthesizing these compounds are also disclosed.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to sulfatase inhibitors and methods for making and using the same. These methods include use of these compounds in therapeutic and prophylactic treatments for estrogen dependent illnesses.
2. Background Information
Estrogen levels in breast tumors of post-menopausal women are at least ten times higher than estrogen levels in plasma. The high levels of estrogen in these tumors are due to in situ formation of estrogen, possibly through conversion of estrone sulfate to estrone by the enzyme estrone sulfatase. Inhibitors of estrone sulfatase are therefore potential agents for the treatment of estrogen-dependent breast cancers. Most estrone sulfatase inhibitors are steroidal in nature. Although estrone-3-O-sulfamate (EMATE) is believed to be the most potent inhibitor of estrone sulfatase, recent evidence indicates that this compound is a potent estrogen. This compound is therefore not useful in the treatment of estrogen dependent illnesses.
Reed and co-workers reported on sulfatase inhibitory activities of estrone-3-O-methylthiophosphonate, estrone-3-O alkyl and aryl sulfonates, estrone-3-O-phosphonates and thiophosphonates and estrone sulfamates in: Duncan et al., "Inhibition of estrone sulfate activity by estrone-3-methylthiophosphonate", Cancer Res. 53:298-303 (1993); Howarth et al., "Phosphonates and thiophosphonates as sulfate surrogates: Synthesis of estrone-3-methylthiophosphonate, a potent inhibitor of estrone sulfatase", Bioorg. Med. Chem. Lett. 3:313-318 (1993); Howarth et al., "Estrone sulfamates: Potent inhibitors of estrone sulfatase with therapeutic potential", J. Med. Chem. 37:219-221 (1994); and Purohit, et al., "In vivo inhibition of Oesterone Sulphatase and Dehydoepiandrosterone Sulphatase by Oestrone-3-O-sulphamate", Int. J. Cancer, 63:106-111 (1995).
Li and co-workers reported the synthesis and sulfatase inhibitory activities of sulfonate and its analogues, methylene sulfonates and phosphate that contain the estrone nucleus in Li et al., "Synthesis and biochemical studies of estrone sulfatase inhibitors", Steroids, 58:106-111 (1993); Dibbelt et al, "Inhibition of human placental sterylsulfatase by synthetic analogues of estrone sulfate", J. Steroid Biochem. Molec. Biol., 52 (3):281-286 (1995); and Li et al., "Estrone sulfate analogues as estrone sulfatase inhibitors", Steroids 60:299-306 (1995). Estrone-3-amino derivatives are reported in Selcer et al., "Inhibition of Placental Estrone Sulfatase Activity and MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cell Proliferation by Estrone-3-amino Derivatives", J. Steroid Biochem. Molec. Biol., 59:83-91 (1996).
U.S. Pat. No. 5,567,831 is directed to the use of non-steroidal sulfatase inhibitor compounds in the treatment of estrogen dependent illnesses.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,571,933 is directed to derivatives of estra 1,3,5(10)triene-17-one, 3-amino compounds and methods for using these compounds in the treatment of estrogen dependent illnesses.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,556,847 is directed to steroidal sulfatase inhibitors and methods for using these inhibitors to effect memory enhancement. Use of these inhibitors in the treatment of estrogen dependent illnesses is not disclosed.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,616,574 discloses steroid sulphatase inhibitors and the methods of using the same. The disclosed compounds do not include the C17 substituted 1,3,5,(10) triene compounds of the present invention. The compounds are potent estrogens and metabolize to form estrones, which further distinguishes them from the compounds of the present invention which do not metabolize to form estrones.
There remains a need, therefore, for potent sulfatase inhibitors that are metabolically stable, more selective and devoid of estrogenic activity.

Steroid sulfatase inhibitors and methods for making and using the same


A user interface for an electronic device is constructed having a touch sensitive screen which may be operated in multiple configurations. A shuttle keypad is slidably mounted on the device with general function keys and buttons for providing such operations as entering and cursor movements and soft keys programmed to a selected application. The configuration of the touch sensitive screen is changed in response to the position of the shuttle keypad.

1. Field of the Invention
The subject matter of this application relates to a device that combines the functions of a personal digital assistant (PDA), a telephone and other devices. More specifically, this application describes a unique arrangement of a touch screen in combination with a slidable keypad.
2. Brief Description of Related Developments
With the introduction of multi-function electronic devices, it has become increasingly more difficult to design a user interface that enables the user to access the many types of functions and applications available in small hand held devices. It is a particular challenge to present a simple and efficient means by which the user can communicate with the device for browsing, selecting, and operating amidst the wide array of choices. The user interface generally consists of a keypad for entering data and commands and a display screen for presenting information relating to operation of the selected function.
The touch sensitive screen has become very useful in combining the function of both display and keypad in multifunction devices. It is a purpose of this invention to combine a touch sensitive screen with a moveable keypad to maximize the use of the display screen, while making usage of the device more convenient within the different functions available. In European Patent Application Serial No. EP 0 804 009 A2, a touch screen display for a portable device is used in conjunction with other types of screens to display information and provide alternate screen configurations. A movable cover serves to change display configurations on the screen, but still covers otherwise usable surface area of the device.
It is a purpose of this invention to provide a slidable element mounted on an electronic device that is operable to change the display configuration and divide the display screen into different functions, while maximizing the surface area available for a multi-function touch sensitive screen. It also a purpose of this invention to provide a slidable element that is also a keypad having keys and/or buttons connected to provide generic operational functions for a multifunction electronic device.

Touch display PDA phone with slide keypad


A plastic screw cap includes two cap halves, which are produced as plastic injection-molded parts and have an internally threaded segment and an inwardly directed ring shoulder segment. The two halves of the screw cap can be pushed together, for example, on the inlet connection of the valve body of a flap valve by tongue-and-groove joints. One cap half has two hook-like ends, each of which is provided with an inwardly sloped clamping sidepiece and a groove for receiving the tongues formed on the two ends of the other half of the screw cap.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a plastic screw cap composed of two cap halves on a first component wherein the screw cap is captively held on this first component, and wherein the cap halves each have an internally threaded segment and an inwardly directed ring shoulder segment for making contact with a corresponding collar of the first component, which is to be screwed together with a second component, especially for screwing the valve body of a tapping valve on the externally threaded outlet connection of a plastic or metal shipping and storage tank for liquids and loose bulk material.
2. Description of the Related Art
DE 103 01 517 B3 describes a shipping and storage tank for liquids with an inner plastic tank that stands on a pallet-like frame and an outer cage. The tapping valve of the inner tank is screwed onto the outlet connection of the inner tank by means of a plastic screw cap of a generic type, which is captively mounted on the inlet connection of the valve and is welded together from two cap halves on the inlet connection. When the screw cap is made of aluminum, the two halves of the cap are riveted together on the inlet connection of the tapping valve. This type of captive mounting of a screw cap on the inlet connection of a tapping valve is complicated and time-consuming and increases manufacturing costs.


There is provided a test apparatus that tests a device under test. The test apparatus includes an address generating circuit that generates a physical address to be supplied to a memory block inside the device under test, a plurality of mask registers being provided in correspondence with a plurality of memory input bits constituting at least a part of a memory input address to be supplied to the device under test, where the plurality of mask registers set values indicating whether a plurality of physical bits constituting the physical address is masked every the physical bit, a plurality of mask arithmetic circuits being provided in correspondence with each of the plurality of memory input bits, where the plurality of mask arithmetic circuits respectively mask the physical address in accordance with the value of the mask register corresponding to this memory input bit, a plurality of logical operation circuits being provided in correspondence with each of the plurality of memory input bits, where the plurality of logical operation circuits respectively output bit data obtained by performing a predetermined logical operation on a masking result by the mask arithmetic circuit as the memory input bit, and an address supplier that supplies the input address including the plurality of memory input bits output from the plurality of logical operation circuits to the device under test.

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to a test apparatus, a program, and a test method. More particularly, the present invention relates to a test apparatus, a program, and a test method for controlling an address value of an address to be supplied to a memory under test.
2. Related Art
In the present memory device, a memory input address that is input to designate a storage cell from the outside and a physical address that shows arrangement of storage cells within the memory device are different from each other. That is to say, the memory device translates a memory input address designated from the outside into a physical address according to a data reading request, and then outputs the contents of a storage cell designated by the physical address. By doing in this way, although a continuous memory area is designated from the outside, it is possible to improve an access speed by alternately accessing a plurality of memory banks and access a preliminary storage cell in place of a storage cell proved to be false after manufacturing.
Now, since a related patent document is not recognized, the description is omitted.
A physical position of each storage cell may relate to badness for the memory device. For example, when a memory device has wiring badness, data written in a certain storage cell may be written in another storage cell adjacent to the storage cell. In order to detect such badness, it is necessary that a test apparatus writes data in a certain storage cell and reads data from another storage cell adjacent to the storage cell. For this reason, it is desirable that the test apparatus can access each storage cell by means of a physical address.
In order to realize this, a conventional test apparatus has a translation memory that stores a translation table for translating a physical address into a memory input address. This translation memory stores a memory input address in an address designated by a physical address. A conventional test apparatus translates a generated physical address into a memory input address by means of this translation memory and supplies the translated address to a device under test. However, when bus width of an address of a memory device increases with high performance of the memory device, necessary capacitance of the translation memory increases and thus maintenance and management costs for the test apparatus may increase.

Test apparatus, program, and test method


The invention concerns a method and apparatus for audio program playback during fast forward playback video trick modes. A storage medium reader can be configured to read coded digital data from a storage medium such as a DVD. The coded digital data can be a video presentation having correspondingly formatted video and audio frames. An audio processor can insert silence frames in a selected block of the audio frames and portions of the audio frames can be deleted to compensate for video trick mode playback. Resulting audio frames can be concatenated to create 1× audio for various video trick modes playback.

1. Technical Field
The invention concerns improved trick mode playback, and more particularly to improvements in the trick mode playback of audio programming associated with a video segment played back at other than normal speed.
2. Description of the Related Art
DVD trick modes can include speedup or slowdown of normal playback to either search for a specific location on the disc or to look at details of a clip that would normally be missed at normal speed. By convention, normal playback speed can be denoted as 1×. Both audio and video trick modes are possible and both can be found on commercially available DVD players. However, conventional methods for playback of audio at fast or slow speed have proved to be problematic. The advancement of digital signal processors and especially audio digital signal processors that are used in currently available products have created the possibility for more sophisticated real-time processing for improved audio trick modes.
One problem with the use of video trick modes concerns the treatment of audio corresponding to a playback video segment. For example, when a user speeds up or slows down a displayed video segment, the corresponding audio segment that is played back can be distorted. Typically, audio samples in the audio segment can be shifted to higher frequencies during a fast trick mode, and lower frequencies during a slow trick mode. The fast trick modes that increase the playback speed by a factor of between about 1.5 to 3 times as compared to normal playback will tend to cause human speech to sound higher in pitch. This higher pitched audio playback, the chipmunk effect, can be annoying and in many instances may be unintelligible for a listener. Conversely, slow frequency trick modes can produce a low frequency wobble that may be understandable but not aurally pleasing.
In order to obtain the most useful audio playback during video trick modes as described herein, it is also necessary to consider the nature of the particular trick mode. For example, while it may be possible to utilize various techniques to provide intelligible audio for 1.5× or 2× trick modes, such techniques may provide unsatisfactory results when the trick mode involves playback at 5× or 10×. At such high rate playback speeds, any attempt to play back an audio soundtrack synchronized with the video may result in unintelligible speech due to the very rapid rate at which words would need to be presented.
To avoid hearing various types of audio artifacts that can be caused by DVD trick modes, conventional DVD players will often mute the audio during video trick modes. However, this is not an entirely satisfactory solution as the audio may be of interest in such modes. Accordingly, it would be advantageous if a DVD player could playback audio in a manner that overcomes the limitations of the prior art and achieve a desirable and aurally pleasant playback of audio during video trick modes.

Audio data deletion and silencing during trick mode replay


A method and apparatus for processing an image is provided. The image processing apparatus may adjust or generate a disparity of a pixel, by assigning similar disparities to two pixels that are adjacent to each other and have similar pixels. The image processing apparatus may generate a final disparity map that may minimize energy, based on an image and an initial disparity map, under a predetermined constraint. A soft constraint or a hard constraint may be used as the constraint.

1. Field
One or more example embodiments relate to a method and apparatus for processing an image, and more particularly, to an apparatus and method that may generate a final disparity map based on an image and an initial disparity map.
2. Description of the Related Art
When scene reconstruction or depth estimation is performed based on stereo images or multi-view images, a portion of a predetermined object or the whole predetermined object may be observed in a particular view, however, may not be observed in other views. For example, when a camera capturing an object is moved or when a viewpoint from which an object is viewed is changed, an area that was not shown prior to changing the viewpoint may now be seen from the changed viewpoint. This occurrence may be referred to as occlusion.
An occluded portion may not have correspondences in multiple views. Accordingly, a three-dimensional (3D) position of the occluded portion may not be estimated theoretically.
In order to resolve a problem resulting from the occlusion, various methods of handling occlusions may be used.

Image processing method and apparatus for generating disparity value


A device can be used for refreshing memory contents of first and second memory cells. The memory contents of the first memory cells are refreshed in a first period of time and the memory contents of the second memory cells are refreshed in a second period of time. A pre-charge circuit is provided for bit lines for the first memory cells and the second memory cells. A controller may be coupled to the pre-charge circuit to control the pre-charge circuit such that a pre-charge voltage may be applied to the bit lines of the first memory cells during the first period of time and not during the second period of time and that the pre-charge voltage may be applied to the bit lines of the second memory cells during the second period of time and not during the first period of time.

A DRAM memory is a random address volatile memory type the memory cells of which lose their contents within a certain period of time even when applying a supply voltage and therefore necessitates refreshing or renewal of the memory contents at fixed intervals. A basic principle of dynamic memory is realizing individual memory cells by transistors and capacitor elements using highly integrated circuits based on silicon. Every memory cell represents an individual bit in the form of a logic zero or one. Due to a small number of elements per memory cell, the DRAM technology is most suitable to achieve high memory capacity on little space. A disadvantage of the dynamic RAM is that a piece of information stored in the cells only persists for a very short time and has to be refreshed continuously by relatively complicated mechanisms.
Memory cells of dynamic memory elements are realized as memory capacitances by separating two well-conducting layers of the largest area possible by a high-resistance dielectric as thin as possible. In a technological realization of these minimal structures, a plurality of high-resistance leakage current paths to the surroundings of a cell or via the dielectric of the memory cell itself cannot be avoided. The high-resistance leakage current paths which are strongly dependent on temperature may result in a discharge of the charge stored in a memory capacitance of a memory cell and thus result in a data loss of the memory cell. In order to be able to reliably read out the memory cell with correct data contents, a residual charge in the memory cell must not fall below a predetermined level. The data contents of the memory cells and/or a sufficient cell residual charge can be guaranteed when refreshing, that is recharging, the memory cell within a defined time. A time interval between two successive refreshes of a memory cell while still being able to read out the cell information correctly, is referred to as retention time.
A memory field and/or a memory matrix of DRAMs includes rows (word lines) and columns (bit lines). When a memory is accessed, a word line is generally enabled at first. Thus, the memory cells arranged in a row are each connected to a bit line in a conducting manner. The charge of a cell is divided into cell and bit line capacitance. Corresponding to the ratio of the two capacitances (transfer ratio), this results in a deflection of a bit line voltage. A primary sense amplifier (SA) which exemplarily compares and subsequently amplifies this bit line voltage to a constant voltage on a reference bit line is arranged at the end of the bit line.
DRAM memory elements may be placed in different operating modes and can be operated correspondingly. A so-called self-refresh mode of DRAM memory elements is, for example, employed to save current, in particular in laptop applications. When an application is in a standby mode, DRAM memory modules can be placed in a sleep mode where the memory element itself provides for maintaining the charge of its data, instead of the application. Thus, the application does not have to communicate additional commands or addresses to the memory element. Charge retention is ensured by chip-internal refresh commands. Suitable intervals between the refresh commands guarantee a sufficient charge in the memory cells which can result in a correct evaluation of the cell contents. If the intervals between the internal refresh commands are selected to be too short, the danger of data loss will decrease, however the current consumption during the current-saving mode will increase. If, however, the time intervals between the refresh commands are selected to be too great in order to achieve a low operating current, the risk of data loss in the self-refresh mode will increase correspondingly.


An evaporative cooling vessel (100) for controlling the temperature of a predetermined portion of an electronic part during the solder reflow process. The evaporative cooling vessel (100) includes a cavity (105) for holding a fugitive material (107) at the housing (111) of an electronic part to maintain the housing at or below a specified temperature. As heat is applied during solder reflow, the electronic part is subjected to a high temperature capable of allowing solder to melt. Thus, the part housing (111) of the electronic part can be controlled at a substantially lower temperature than the reflow temperature. This allows the evaporative cooling vessel (110) to use the evaporative cooling properties of the fugitive material to prevent damage to the electronic part.

Many techniques have been developed in order to produce a high volume of electronic circuits at a rapid pace. One of these processes is generally referred to as solder reflow and involves heating a printed circuit board as a unitary structure to melt or reflow solder onto a number of electronic parts at one time.
More specifically, during the reflow soldering process a solder paste is applied at predetermined positions about a printed circuit board. These positions are determined by the placement of electronic parts on the board in relation to the metal runners or traces which have been printed on the board substrate. The solder paste is applied in a thin layer and is comprised of a mixture of solder material and a flux. Most often in soldering electronic parts the flux is a rosin-like material which acts to clean any oxides from the metal traces before the solder, allowing the solder to adhere to the metal trace.
After application of the solder paste, the electronic parts are surface mounted or inserted into fabricated holes in the circuit board. The printed circuit board is then passed through a soldering oven, commonly referred to as a reflow oven, where the printed circuit board and electronic parts are subjected to a temperature profile peaking at approximately 210 degrees Celsius. The peak oven temperature is dependent on the type of alloy being reflowed. Here, each position where the solder paste has been applied is melted allowing it to bond the electronic part to the metal trace of the printed circuit board.
A problem arises during the reflow process when specific portions of the electronic device which contain heat sensitive materials are subjected to such high temperatures. Often this in itself can cause a failure either to a semiconductor device or other parts such as connectors or the like. These parts include materials which were never intended to be subjected to such high temperature but are being used in this manner to facilitate a rapid production rate using the solder reflow process.
Thus, the need exists to provide an apparatus for controlling temperature of the electronic part during the solder reflow process to prevent damage and/or failure to electronic parts or devices, yet allow solder reflow temperatures to exist at solder joint areas.

Evaporative cooling vessel for controlling the temperature of a portion of an electronic part during solder reflow


A mobile station is configured to transmit a first location registration related signal addressed to a first exchange to a radio network controller, so as to perform location registration to both the first exchange and a second exchange, when operating in first network operation mode. The mobile station includes a controller configured to transmit a second location registration related signal addressed to the second exchange to the radio network controller, so as to perform the location registration to the second exchange without passing thorough the first exchange, when the mobile station operates in the first network operation mode and when the mobile station receives an access restriction signal for the first exchange from the radio network controller.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a mobile communication method for transmitting a first location registration related signal addressed to the first exchange to a radio network controller, so as to perform location registration to a first exchange and a second exchange, in the case where a mobile station operates in a "Network Operation Mode I".
Also, the present invention relates to a mobile station which can be used in the mobile communication method.
2. Description of the Related Art
Conventionally, a mobile communication system, which provides a "Domain Combined Mobility Management (MM) procedure", is known. This type of mobile communication system will be described by referring to FIGS. 1A and 1B.
In the mobile communication system, a radio network controller RNC is configured to notify a network operation mode to a mobile station UE via a base station BS.
Here, the network operation mode indicates a method of performing the location registration to an exchange for a packet switched service (first exchange) SGSN (serving GPRS support node) and an exchange for a circuit switched service (second exchange) MSC/VLR (mobile service switching center/visitor location register).
When operating in the Network Operation Mode I, as shown in FIG. 1A, the mobile station UE is configured to transmit a first location registration related signal addressed to the SGSN to the radio network controller RNC via the base station BS, so as to perform the location registration to both the SGSN and the MSC/VLR.
To be more specific, first, the radio network controller RNC transfers the first location registration related signal transmitted from the mobile station UE via the base station BS, to the SGSN.
Second, the SGSN performs the location registration of the mobile station UE in use of the first location registration related signal transferred from the radio network controller RNC, and transfers the first location registration related signal to the MSC/VLR via GsIF.
Third, the MSC/VLR performs the location registration of the mobile station UE in use of the first location registration related signal transferred from the SGSN.
In this case, the mobile station UE can perform the location registration to both the SGSN and the MSC/VLR, only by transmitting the first location registration related signal addressed to the SGSN.
Therefore, the mobile station UE does not need to transmit the first and second location registration related signals separately to the SGSN and the MSC/VLR, so that the traffic in the radio communication area can be reduced.
In the above described mobile communication system, the mobile station UE is configured to transmit one of the first service related signal addressed to the SGSN or a second service related signal addressed to the MSC/VLR to the radio network controller RNC, so as to use predetermined services such as a short message service or a global positioning service.
However, in the mobile communication system providing the conventional "Domain Combined MM procedure", the mobile station UE which operates in the Network Operation Mode I cannot perform the location registration to either the SGSN or the MSC/VLR, when congestion or failure occurs in the SGSN.
To be more specific, as shown in FIG. 1B, when congestion or failure occurs in the SGSN in step S1, the SGSN transmits a state signal to the radio network controller RNC in order to notify the occurrence of the congestion or the failure in step S2.
In step S3, the radio network controller RNC broadcasts an access restriction signal which restricts accesses to the SGSN (a packet switched service domain).
In step S4, the mobile station UE stops transmitting the location registration related signals to the SGSN in accordance with the received access restriction signal.
When operating in the Network Operation Mode I, the mobile station UE performs the location registration to the MSC/VLR by using the first location registration related signal addressed to the SGSN. Therefore, in this case, the mobile station UE cannot perform the location registration to the MSC/VLR (circuit switched service domain) which is originally available.
Further, in the above described mobile communication system, there is a problem in that the mobile station UE, which has received the access restriction signal when the congestion or the failure in the SGSN occurs, cannot use predetermined services provided by the MSC/VLR, by automatically switching to transmit the second service related signal addressed to the MSC/VLR to the radio network controller RNC.

Mobile communication method and mobile station


A steering axle includes a beam pivotally mounted on a load-bearing structure of a vehicle. A steering actuator is mounted on the beam and includes a casing which provides a journal formation for pivotally mounting the beam on the load-bearing structure.

The present invention relates to a steering axle for vehicles, particularly for agricultural tractors, being of a type which comprises a beam bearing at least one journal formation for pivotally mounting the axle on a load-bearing structure of a vehicle and a steering actuator including a case which is fixed to the beam.
Steering axles including such features are known from the present production of the same applicant. In such known axles, the beam has in its central portion two juxtaposed and coaxial journal formations adapted to be received pivotally in corresponding seats of the load-bearing structure of the vehicle, so that the axle, in its entirety, can swing in a plane extending substantially transverse to the vehicle, about the axle of the journal formations.
A drawback of these known axles is that the steering actuator, although leaning against the axle beam, is still undesirably cumbersome thereby hindering the mounting of the axle on tractors of a different kind. Furthermore, this actuator is in some cases not well protected against shocks and against the entrance of contaminants such as dust, clods, mud etc.
Another example of a steering axle relevant to this invention is disclosed in the Japanese Patent Publication n. 60-1075(A).
In that document, an axle is disclosed which is provided with a gear-type steering system operated through a steering actuator for pivoting the road wheel hubs fitted to the opposite ends of the beam.
That actuator is attached to the load-bearing structure of the vehicle and has an output shaft which carries, keyed to its free end, one gear of the steering system. The shaft extends through a bore in the load-bearing structure of the vehicle and a corresponding tubular passageway formed in the respective journal formation on the beam.
A steering axle according to that design has a number of drawbacks.
First, the actuator is mounted at a location where it is subject to shocks and may come to harm. This is more likely to occur when the axle is used on such all-terrain vehicles as agricultural tractors, where the probability of shocks is relatively high.
Secondly, with the above construction, relative rotation is allowed to take place both between the actuator shaft and the corresponding journal formation, as well as between the latter and the load-bearing structure of the tractor whereto said actuator is, in turn, attached. The corresponding journal formation of the beam intervenes, therefore, between the actuator shaft and the load-bearing structure of the vehicle, while being mounted to swing with respect to either. Accordingly, the machining tolerances for the different component parts add algebraically to one another, to establish operating conditions that make the required oil-tight fits between the axle beam and the actuator shaft difficult to achieve. This problem is made the more serious since the standard admissible tolerances for journal formations in the agricultural tractor industry are comparatively large. Further, with that design, the axle tends to steer, even with the steering wheel held still, every time that it is caused to perform swinging movements relatively to the vehicle structure, and this on account of the steering system gears being forced to roll about the actuator gear whenever such a situation of relative oscillation is encountered. Thus, the structure proposed in said document is unsuited to such applications.

Steering axle for vehicles, particularly for agricultural tractors


Integrated circuit structure having an active microwave component and at least one passive component.. A high-resistance silicon substrate (11) comprises an active microwave component (16) and at least two metallization planes (12, 14), which are insulated from one another by an insulation layer (13). A passive component surrounded by a grounded line (122) in one of the metallization planes (12) is provided, which comprises a first metal structure (121), which is realized in the first metallization plane (12), and a second metal structure (141), which is realized in the other metallization plane (14). The passive component is designed, in particular, as a capacitor, coil or resonator which comprises a capacitor and a coil.

Microwave circuits, often also referred to as millimeter wave circuits, require passive components in addition to active microwave components. Capacitors or coils, which are used to construct filters, are referred to, for example, as passive components.
Furthermore, resonators are required to select a narrow high-frequency band from the frequency spectrum emitted by the active microwave component.
IMPATT diodes, Gunn diodes or fast transistors, in particular heterojunction bipolar transistors and high-frequency MOS transistors, are usually used as active microwave components.
During the operation of the microwave circuit at high frequencies, in particular above 50 GHz, parasitic effects are produced as a result of the geometry of the passive components. The result of these parasitic effects is that the coils and capacitors no longer behave like coils and capacitors.
For this frequency range, filters are mainly constructed as line length component. In this case, the line is interrupted to produce a gap. If the length of the gap in the propagation direction of a wave is .lambda./2, then a wave having the wavelength .lambda. is transmitted, whereas other wavelengths are reflected at the gap. The space requirement of line length components of this type is linked to the wavelength and hence to the frequency.
Slot-type resonators or planar disk-type resonators are used as resonators in this frequency range. Slot-type resonators again designate gaps in lines, which have an extent corresponding to an integer multiple of .lambda./2. For impedance reasons, gaps having an extent of integer multiples of A are preferable here. The dimensions of a slot-type resonator are therefore again coupled to the wavelength.
Planar disk-type resonators designate enlargements of the line cross-section which are in disk form. Resonance occurs for specific cross-sections of such disks.
Microwave circuits are mainly constructed using conventional stripline technology (see, for example, H. H. Meinel, Millimeter-Wave Technology advances since 1985 and Future trends, IEEE Transaction on microwave theory and techniques, Vol. 39, No 5, 1991, pages 759 to 767). In stripline technology, the electromagnetic field propagates between a stripline and a grounded metal plate. The grounded metal plate and the stripline are in this case arranged on opposite surfaces of an insulating substrate, for example of a printed circuit board. The packing density of the striplines is in this case limited by lateral field components. Furthermore, the impedance of the stripline is greatly dependent on the substrate thickness, with the result that fluctuations in the substrate thickness have a noticeably disturbing effect.
The problem of fluctuations in the substrate thickness is avoided by the use of coplanar lines, as is disclosed, for example, in D. F. Williams et al., Design and performance of coplanar wave guide bandpass filters, IEEE Transaction on microwave theory and techniques, Vol. MTT-31, No 7, 1983, pages 558 to 565. Lines which run between grounded lines are arranged on an insulating substrate, generally composed of high-resistance GaAs. The electromagnetic field in this case propagates between the line and the grounded lines. The substrate is essentially used for mechanical stabilization.
The lines are produced on GaAs substrates using electroplating technologies, which can be structured relatively coarsely. In this way, it is possible to produce structures having a structure size of greater than 5 .mu.m.
Hybrid superstructures are used for many high-frequency applications, for example Doppler radar.


A cervical remodeling collar positionable over a patient""s head and neck and upon the patient""s shoulders and chest for reducing forward posture of the patient""s head by restoring normal forward curvature to the patient""s cervical vertebrae. The collar comprises a main frame having a posterior traction member attached thereto and operative to apply a posteriorly directed force to the patient""s head which draws the head into a posterior translation. Also attached to the main frame is an anterior traction member which is operative to apply an anteriorly directed force into the patient""s cervical vertebrae which acts in concert with the posteriorly directed force to cause certain cervical vertebrae to be stretched into extension while other cervical vertebrae are simultaneously stretched into flexion. The posterior and anterior traction members are each adjustable so as to allow the posteriorly and anteriorly directed forces applied to the patient thereby to be selectively set to a desired level.

The present invention relates generally to orthopedic devices such as braces, and more particularly to a traction device which is specifically adapted to restore the head, neck and thoracic""s normal postural alignment by the application of dual anterior and posterior adjustable external forces.
As is well known in the medical field, a significant portion of the population suffers from a protruded or forward head posture. It has been found that chronic postural head placement forward or anterior to what is medically deemed to be physiologically neutral contributes to a wide range of adverse medical conditions, including thoracic outlet syndrome, temporomandibular joint dysfunction syndrome, dysfunctional closing pattern of the mandible, pain due to stretched muscles, adaptive muscle shortening, dorsal scapular nerve entrapment, and headaches.
The human spine consists of first through seventh cervical vertebrae, with the first cervical vertebrae being attached to the base of the scull or occiput. After the seventh cervical vertebrae, the spine transitions into the first through twelfth thoracic vertebrae, with the first thoracic vertebrae being adjacent the seventh cervical vertebrae. The thoracic vertebrae in turn transition into the first through fifth lumbar vertebrae. It has been determined that xe2x80x9cforward head posturexe2x80x9d is attributable to the lower cervical vertebrae being flexed in forward glide, and the upper cervical complex being extended. Stated another way, forward head posture causes the upper cervical complex to be held in a position of extension, with the lower cervical vertebrae being misaligned and often fixated in a position of flexion. This condition often occurs as a result of injury or chronic head-down or head-forward activities.
Medical study of forward head posture has revealed the effects of positive and negative Z-axis cervical translational positions upon the patient""s symptoms. More particularly, it has been found that the head retraction motion, or negative Z-axis translation, causes the lower cervical vertebrae or segments to move toward an extended position, while the upper cervical vertebrae or segments become more flexed. This finding that pulling the head into a posterior translation causes flexion or kyphosis of the upper three or four cervical vertebrae has lead to the conclusion in the medical field that the head retraction motion constitutes a mirror image traction for the correction of forward head posture.
In an effort to correct forward head posture as well as misaligned lateral cervical curvatures, there has been developed in the prior art various forms of cervical extension traction which, in some cases, involve some degree of negative Z-axis translation (i.e., head retraction). However, all of these known forms of extension traction subject the upper cervical vertebrae or segments to a negative X-axis rotational force (i.e., head extension). As a result, the performance of these procedures on patients with upper cervical extension fixations does not result in optimal correction of forward head posture.
The present invention provides a wearable collar for a patient which is specifically configured to apply Z-axis translational traction to the cervical spine of the patient which, as indicated above, is a unique force related to head retraction motion that has been proven to reduce forward head posture and decrease neck pain. The present collar effectively draws the patients head into a posterior translation or head retracted posture, and then applies a secondary anterior traction into the mid-cervical vertebrae in order to restore the normal lordosis through the process of viscoelastic creep. In this respect, the Z-axis translational traction causes the sixth and seventh cervical vertebrae and first thoracic vertebrae to be stretched into extension, while the spinal region encompassing the occiput and first and second cervical vertebrae is simultaneously stretched into flexion. In addition to being able to restore the normal lordosis to the cervical spine and reduce forward head posture, the present invention is able to traction and relax the rectus capitis posterior minor muscle which has been proven to have a connective tissue link to the spinal dura matter and is widely considered a major cause of cervicogenic headaches.
Though there is also known in the prior art various cervical braces and traction devices, such prior art braces and traction devices are generally intended to support and immobilize the head and neck of a patient after injury, and not to restore the head, neck and thoracic""s normal postural alignment by the application of dual anterior and posterior adjustable external forces. In this respect, though some of these prior art braces and traction devices provide either a posterior Z-axis translational force to the skull, an adjustable axial or vertical Y-axis superior directed traction to the cervical spine, or an adjustable compressive inferior directed force to the cervical spine, none of these prior art braces or traction devices provide an adjustable anterior Z-axis translational force to the mid-cervical region of the spine for purposes of remodeling the normal postural alignment and rehabilitating the normal cervical spinal lordosis. These, and other advantages associated with the present invention, will be discussed in more detail below.
In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a collar which is wearable by a patient or user for reducing forward posture of the user""s head by restoring normal forward lordosis or forward curvature to the user""s cervical vertebrae. The present collar is configured to be positionable over the user""s head and neck, and upon the user""s shoulders and chest. In the preferred embodiment, the collar comprises a main frame including a pair of side bars having upper portions which extend in spaced, generally parallel relation to each other and lower portions. In addition to the side bars, the main frame comprises an arcuately contoured top bar which is attached to and extends between (i.e.,interconnects) the upper portions of the side bars. The arcuate configuration of the top bar causes the same to extend posteriorly about or behind the user""s head when the collar is worn by the user.
The upper portions of the side bars and the top bar collectively define a top section of the main frame which is positionable over the user""s head and neck. The lower portions of the side bars define a bottom section of the main frame which is positionable upon the user""s chest and shoulders. In the preferred embodiment, the upper portion of each of the side bars of the main frame comprises a pair of telescoping sleeves which allows the lengths of the upper portions to be selectively increased or decreased. In this respect, the main frame further preferably comprises a locking mechanism which is cooperatively engaged to the upper portions of the side bars and operative to maintain the upper portions at prescribed lengths. The locking mechanism may comprise spring tabs which are cooperatively engaged to each of the upper portions.
In addition to the main frame, the present collar comprises a posterior traction member which is attached to the main frame, and more particularly the top section thereof. The posterior traction member is operative to apply a posteriorly directed force (i.e., a negative or posterior Z-axis translational force) to the user""s head or skull which draws the head into a posterior translation or head retracted posture. The posterior traction member itself preferably comprises an elongate, flexible strap or belt having opposed ends which are attached to respective ones of the upper portions of the side bars included in the top section of the main frame. The strap itself defines an inner surface which is engagable to the user""s head and includes a layer of a padded material such as neoprene disposed thereon. In addition to the inner surface, the strap defines an outer surface which has a layer of hook and loop fastener material or Velcro disposed thereon.
In addition to the posterior traction member, the present collar comprises an anterior traction member which is also attached to the top section of the main frame and operative to apply an anteriorly directed force (i.e., a positive or anterior Z-axis translational force) into the user""s cervical vertebrae. This anteriorly directed force acts in concert or cooperation with the posteriorly directed force to cause certain cervical vertebrae to be stretched into extension while other cervical vertebrae are simultaneously stretched into flexion. The anterior traction member preferably comprises a flexible or rigid cervical sling member which is engagable to the back of the user""s neck and movably attached to the upper portions of the side bars of the main frame. In addition to the cervical sling member, the anterior traction member comprises an adjustment mechanism which is cooperatively engaged to the cervical sling member and operative to selectively move the cervical sling member toward and away from the upper portions of the side bars, and hence the user""s neck.
The cervical sling member is preferably attached to the upper portions of the side bars via a pair of externally threaded bolts, with the adjustment mechanism preferably comprising a pair of control knobs which are threadably engaged to respective ones of the bolts and positioned on the anterior side of the top section of the main frame. The rotation of the control knobs in a first direction facilitates the movement of the cervical sling member toward the upper portions of the side bars, with the rotation of the control knobs in a second direction opposite the first direction facilitating the movement of the cervical sling member away from the upper portions of the side bars. The cervical sling member is preferably covered with a layer of padding material for enhancing its comfort when engaged to the user""s neck. This padding material may comprise a temperature controllable elasto-gel or other material. Additionally, it is contemplated that the cervical sling member may be provided with an inflatable air bladder which is selectively inflated via a hand-held inflator bulb.
In the present collar, the adjustability of the posterior and anterior traction members allows the posteriorly and anteriorly directed forces applied to the user thereby to be selectively set to a desired level. Additionally, the adjustability in the lengths of the upper portions of the side bars of the top section of the main frame, in cooperation with the locking mechanism, allows the posterior traction member to be maintained at a prescribed height from the anterior traction member as is needed to suit the proportions of a particular user.
Further in accordance with the present invention, there is provided a method of reducing forward head posture and restoring normal lordosis or forward curvature to a patient""s cervical vertebrae through the use of the above-described collar which is wearable by the patient. The method comprises the initial step of placing the main frame of the collar upon the patient""s shoulders and chest such that the anterior traction member is positioned behind the patient""s neck. Thereafter, the posterior traction member is tightened across the patient""s head until a posteriorly directed force of a prescribed level is applied thereto. More particularly, the tightening of the posterior traction member is preferably continued until such time as the patient""s head is drawn back to a position whereat the openings of the patient""s ears are located above the patient""s shoulders. Finally, the anterior traction member is tightened until an anteriorly directed force of a prescribed level is directed into the back of the patient""s neck. Subsequent to the tightening of the anterior traction member, the collar is preferably worn, on a repetitive basis, by the patient for anywhere from five to thirty minutes, depending on the patient""s physical tolerance.


The invention provides polymers and methods for the treatment of pain and inflammation.

Propionic acid derivative non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) (e.g., ibuprofen and naproxen) are commonly used to treat pain, inflammation and swelling (e.g., associated with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis). To treat these long-lasting symptoms, administration of high and repeated systemic doses is often required. As a result, severe gastrointestinal (GI) side effects (e.g., stomach ulceration, bleeding, and perforation) occur because the drug is distributed throughout the body to target and non-target sites. Drug delivery systems have been developed to control the drug release, thereby prolonging the duration of the drug effect. However, these systems suffer from major disadvantages such as low drug-loadings, uncontrolled (i.e., burst) release of the drug, and use of non-biodegradable materials.
Accordingly, new methods and compositions to treat pain and inflammation are needed.

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey


The resheathing tool includes a flexible tubular body with a wall, an inner bore, and an aperture formed in the wall. The tool can be used to facilitate the unsheathing of the vasoocclusive device from the reloadable slotted introducer sheath by threading a proximal portion of the sheath out the aperture of the tool while sliding the vasoocclusive device distally through the sheath. The tool facilitates resheathing of the vasoocclusive device by introducing the vasoocclusive device through the slot of a reloadable slotted introducer sheath into the sheath by threading the reloadable slotted introducer sheath through the aperture and into the inner bore of the tool while threading the vasoocclusive device through the inner bore of the tool. At the same time, the resheathing tool prevents the elongated vasoocclusive device from moving out of the reloadable slotted introducer sheath through the slot.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to devices for interventional therapeutic treatment or vascular surgery for treatment of defects in the vasculature, and more particularly concerns a system and method for delivering intravascular interventional devices, such as for treatment of aneurysms.
2. General Background and State of the Art
Vascular interventional devices such as vasoocclusive devices are typically placed within the vasculature of the human body by use of a catheter. Vascular interventional devices such as stents can be placed within an occluded vessel to facilitate blood flow through the vessel, and vasoocclusive devices are typically either placed within a blood vessel to block the flow of blood through a vessel making up that portion of the vasculature by the formation of an embolus, or are placed within an aneurysm stemming from the vessel to form such an embolus within the aneurysm. Vasoocclusive devices used for these procedures can have a wide variety of configurations, and aneurysms have been treated with external surgically placed clips, detachable vasoocclusive balloons and embolus generating vasoocclusive devices such as one or more vasoocclusive or embolic coils.
The delivery of such vasoocclusive devices has typically been accomplished by a variety of means, including via a catheter in which the device is pushed through an opening at the distal end of the catheter by an elongated flexible pusher member to deploy the device. The vasoocclusive devices can be produced in such a way that they will pass through the lumen of a catheter in a linear shape and take on a complex shape as originally formed after being deployed into the area of interest, such as in an aneurysm.
Detachable vasoocclusive devices are typically embolic coils fixed to a distal end of a flexible pusher member for delivery of the embolic coils, and may be detached mechanically, electrically or by some other means from the flexible pusher member at the target location. The detachable embolic coils can be delivered to the target location and detached if correctly sized and positioned, or the embolic coils may be withdrawn without being detached if the coils are not correctly sized, if the coils are not correctly positioned, or if the microcatheter positioning is lost. Some available vasoocclusive devices are not reused during a patient procedure if they are removed during the procedure, due to the inability to reload the device into the microcatheter. It is therefore desirable to provide a system and method for reusing vasoocclusive devices during a clinical procedure after removal from a microcatheter introducer.
One such system and method allowing the reuse of vasoocclusive devices after removal from a microcatheter introducer during a clinical procedure provides for an introducer sheath for a therapeutic vasoocclusive device which includes an assembly of a flexible pusher member and an embolic coil. The introducer sheath is formed from a hollow, elongated tubular member, and includes a longitudinal slot formed in the upper wall of the introducer sheath and extending the length, or majority of the length, of elongated tubular member. The slot permits introduction of the vasoocclusive device into the interior channel of the introducer sheath, and permits the introducer sheath to release the vasoocclusive device for introduction into a microcatheter, for deployment during a clinical procedure. The vasoocclusive device can be manually placed into the introducer sheath by an operator by using the finger and thumb of one hand to pinch the device positioning unit into the introducer sheath. Similarly, the vasoocclusive device can be manually released from the introducer sheath by pinching the introducer sheath to open the slot, and bending the introducer sheath to expose the distal tip of the vasoocclusive device, which can then be stripped out of the introducer sheath along the length of the slot. However, such manual techniques of sheathing and unsheathing a vasoocclusive device from the introducer sheath are highly dependent upon the manual dexterity of the operator. It would be desirable to improve the resheathing and unsheathing of a vasoocclusive device from such an introducer sheath by providing a tool that will aid in the unsheathing and resheathing of the vasoocclusive device in such an introducer sheath. The present invention satisfies these and other needs.


A method for conducting a read-verification operation on a target memory cell in a three-dimensional (3D) memory device includes removing fast charges of the target memory cell at a read-prepare step and measuring a threshold voltage of the target memory cell at a sensing step. Removing the fast charges of the target memory cell includes applying a prepare voltage (Vprepare) on an unselected top select gate (Unsel_TSG) of an unselected memory string, applying a first off voltage (Voff) on a selected word line (Sel_WL) associated with the target memory cell, and applying a pass voltage (Vpass) on an unselected word line (Unsel_WL).

As memory devices are shrinking to smaller die size to reduce manufacturing cost and increase storage density, scaling of planar memory cells faces challenges due to process technology limitations and reliability issues. A three-dimensional (3D) memory architecture can address the density and performance limitation in planar memory cells.
In a 3D NAND flash memory, memory cells can be programmed for data storage based on charge-trapping technology. The storage information of a memory cell depends on the amount of charge trapped in a storage layer. However, fast charges, i.e., charges trapped in shallow traps, can be easily lost. Therefore, the threshold voltage determining the stored information can be different between write and read operations. Accordingly, a read-prepare step is included in a read-verification operation after programming to remove the fast charges and verify the threshold voltage of the memory cell. Fast charge loss depending on the intrinsic de-trapping process in the storage layer can be long, making the read-verification operation inefficient. Therefore, a need exists for a method to accelerate fast charge loss so that threshold voltage or storage information of the memory cell can be verified or read more accurately and efficiently.

Method for reading three-dimensional flash memory


A channeled track connector having a base and a slider. The slider slides into an key opening in the base. The base includes a first foot for engaging the channeled track. The slider includes a second foot for engaging the channeled track. Each piece standing alone is not engagable to the channeled track. However, when slid together, the base and slider as a whole stands together as one-piece, remains fixed to the channeled track, and serves as a mount for a predefined object.

A channeled track is a tool. Objects such as lights may be hung from the channeled track and slid along the track. Fishing apparatus may be mounted on a channeled track and slid along the track. The channeled track is desirably light, rigid and strong. The channeled track can be easily mounted to a variety of surfaces by, for example, simple screws. The channeled track can be an integral portion such as built into the gunwale of a boat.
What is between the channeled track and an object is important. This device, which in the present case is called a connector, is also desirably light, rigid and strong and, further, desirably easy to connect to the channeled track and easy to be adapted to engage any number of objects, not only a bank of lights and a fishing apparatus.


A seat assembly with an integrated seat cushion and seat track frame in which the lateral seat cushion suspension load is transferred from the seat cushion frame to the seat track frame enabling a seat cushion frame to be constructed without a rear cross member. As a result, the weight of the seat cushion frame is reduced, without sacrificing the structural integrity of the seat assembly frame.

The present invention relates to an automotive vehicle seat assembly and in particular to a seat assembly in which the seat cushion frame and the seat track frame are integrated into a single load carrying structure.
A vehicle seat assembly is typically constructed with a seat track frame that comprises, along each side of the seat assembly, a fixed rail that is mounted to the floor pan of a motor vehicle, a slide rail slidably carried fore and aft upon the fixed rail and a riser extending upwardly from the slide rail. A seat cushion frame is mounted to the risers, and serves as the support structure for the seat cushion of the seat assembly. Extending upwardly from a rear portion of the riser is a seat back frame which supports the seat back of the seat assembly.
The seat cushion frame is typically constructed of a pair of fore and aft extending side members along each side, a front cross member extending laterally between and connected to the front ends of the two side members and a rear cross member extending laterally between and connected to the rear ends of the two side members. A flexible wire seat cushion suspension extends laterally between the two side members to support a foam seat cushion pad. When the seat is occupied, the weight of the occupant produces a vertical load applied to the seat cushion suspension. This vertical load is transferred from the suspension to the side members and then to the risers in the seat track frame from where it is distributed to the floor pan of the vehicle.
The seat cushion suspension, in transferring the vertical load to the side members also creates a substantial lateral force on the side members, directed inwardly tending to urge the two side members of the cushion frame toward one another. The front and rear cross members operate to resist the lateral load without transferring the lateral load to the seat track frame. Only the vertical load is transferred to the seat track frame.
Due to a continuing desire to reduce the weight of motor vehicles, it is an object of the present invention to reduce the weight of the seat cushion frame without compromising its structural integrity.
It is a feature of the present invention that the seat cushion frame is integrated with the seat track frame, enabling the lateral suspension load to be carried by the seat track frame as well as the vertical load. This load transfer enables the rear cross member to be deleted from the seat cushion frame, thus reducing the weight of the seat cushion frame. Since the seat track frame is a structural member already designed to accommodate high loading, little, if any, reinforcement is required in the seat track frame to accommodate the lateral suspension load. Any weight increase in the seat track frame is small in comparison to the weight reduction by eliminating the rear cross member from the seat cushion frame. The total weight reduction is approximately 20 percent of the seat cushion frame weight.
Further objects, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from a consideration of the following description and the appended claims when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.

Seat assembly with integrated seat cushion and seat track frame


Disclosed herein, for example, are methods and apparatus for forming carton blanks. In one such method, a first web of material and a second web of material may be provided. At least one line of disruption may be formed in one of the webs of material. A combined section may be formed that includes a section of the first web of material and a section of the second web of material. Thereafter, a carton blank may be formed by separating the combined section from the first web of material and the second web of material. Also disclosed herein, for example, are various carton blanks and cartons.

Products are commonly packaged in boxes, containers or cartons which may, for example, be formed from a paperboard material. Examples of such boxes, containers or cartons include cereal boxes, milk cartons, butter and margarine boxes and beer and soft drink secondary packaging (e.g., cartons enclosing a plurality of beer or softdrink cans or bottles). For explanatory purposes, the simple term "carton" may be used throughout this description to refer to the general type of boxes, containers or cartons described above.
The process of forming this type of carton typically begins by printing a continuous web of material, e.g., paperboard material, with the particular graphics desired for the package in question. The paperboard material may, for example, have a thickness of between about 0.001 and about 0.040 inch. Before printing, the paperboard material may, for example, be of a brown or grey color. Alternatively, the paperboard material may be bleached or coated so as to exhibit a generally white color. A typical web of paperboard material may, for example, have a length of between about 10,000 and about 30,000 feet and may be wound into a roll format.
To print a web of material, the web of material may be mounted on a reel at one end of a web printing machine. Such a web printing machine typically includes various printing stations, each of the printing stations being adapted to apply a different pattern and color of ink to the web. Each printing station may employ an ink application method such as a gravure or a flexographic method, as is well-known in the web printing industry. As can be appreciated, this type of printing machine will typically have a number of active printing stations equal to the number of graphics colors to be applied to the web. A drying station may also be located after each of the printing stations such that each color pattern will be dried before that portion of the web enters the next printing station.
The end of the web of material may then be threaded through the web printing machine and thereafter rewound onto an output reel at the opposite end of the printing machine. In this manner, the entire web may be fed through the printing machine. Within the printing machine, the graphics for the desired package are repeatedly printed along the web.
After printing is completed, the printed web may be removed from the output reel of the printing machine and transferred to a cutting and scoring machine. Alternatively, the printed web may be cut and scored in-line with the printing machine before being rewound onto the output reel. The cutting and scoring machine cuts the web into a plurality of carton blanks, each of which is registered with the graphics printed in the printing machine. Examples of cutting and scoring machines are generally disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,781,317 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,757,930, both of which are hereby specifically incorporated by reference for all that is disclosed therein. Depending on the design of the particular carton blank, the blank may also be folded or partially folded and glued after completion of the cutting and scoring operation.
The carton blanks may then be shipped to the product filling location. At this filling location, the carton blanks are erected and the desired product inserted. Any necessary final gluing, depending on the type of carton, may also be accomplished at this time. Examples of carton blanks and of cartons formed therefrom are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,092,516 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,632,404, both of which are hereby specifically incorporated by reference for all that is disclosed therein.

Packages, blanks for making packages and associated methods and apparatus


A motor vehicle having a passenger compartment has an exterior door giving access to a storage compartment disposed under the backseat. The storage compartment extends substantially the width of the vehicle. Within the storage compartment, a drawer is mounted. The drawer extends in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the motor vehicle substantially the length of the storage compartment.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention herein pertains to a land vehicle storage compartment located under the second or back seat of a land vehicle, and to a door of comparable size located in such a manner to give access to said storage compartment from the outside. A sliding drawer is disposed within.
2. Description Of The Prior Art And Objectives Of The Invention
Pickup trucks have recently seen an explosion in the popularity of extended cabs which have a second seat disposed behind the driver's seat in the passenger compartment or cab. Typically, these extended cabs have a bench seat for other passengers or cargo, located the width of the cab. Such extended cabs may have a third door, or more commonly, the front seats tilt forward to allow access to the back seat.
Utility trucks as used by power and phone companies have frequently had access panels allowing access to storage compartments disposed in the bed and along the sides of the bed of such a truck, but typically such storage compartments have little depth and are not found in the passenger compartment of the truck.
A number of factors must be considered in the design of a truck and specifically the cab. One factor which has received considerable attention in the last several decades is minimization of wind resistance. A substantial percentage of the cost of fuel is spent in overcoming the frictional forces due to wind resistance which act to oppose the motion of the cab. In order to streamline the vehicle, the exterior body of the cab is provided with a smooth, streamlined design. As can be appreciated storage compartments located on utility trucks are not particularly streamlined and result in higher fuel consumption.
The height of a cab is also important. It is desirable to reduce the height of the cab in order to lower wind resistance. It also is desirable to lower the height of the operator seat in order to reduce the height which the driver must ascend in order to operate the vehicle.
While the practice of truck drivers to slip a lunch box or the like under the seat is well known, it is also well known that storage of loose objects in the cab creates the hazard of projectiles in the case of sudden stops or accidents.
Thus, with the problems associated with prior art storage compartments and a need to minimize wind resistance, the present invention was conceived and it is an object herein to provide an improved storage compartment under the second or back seat of a pickup truck.
It is a further object of the invention to provide a storage space which is partitioned from the passenger driving compartment in order to avoid the hazard of projectiles to the operator or passengers.
It is another object of the invention to provide a storage compartment for tools or the like which is included within the cab portion of a truck.
Another object of the invention is to provide a storage compartment which is readily accessible to the operator of the vehicle.
Yet another object of the invention is to provide a storage compartment without disadvantageously increasing the height of the cab.
Still another object of the invention is to provide a convenient sliding compartment for tool storage in the cab.
Still further objects and advantages of the invention will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains upon reference to the following detailed description.

Land vehicle storage compartment and method


The present disclosure discloses a protective film, a display module, a display assembly, a method for preparing the display assembly and a display device. The protective film is configured to be attached to a surface on a display side of the flexible display substrate before a mother set is cut. The protective film includes a base material layer, a first adhesive layer and a second adhesive layer, wherein the first adhesive layer is located on the side, facing the flexible display substrate, of the base material layer; the viscosity of the first adhesive layer is 0.5 gf/inch to 1.5 gf/inch; the second adhesive layer is located on the side, facing the flexible display substrate, of the base material layer, is independently arranged relative to the first adhesive layer; and the viscosity of the second adhesive layer is 3 gf/inch to 4 gf/inch.

An organic light emitting display (OLED) is flexible and a flexible full-screen display becomes a new development trend.
At present, a signal line at Pad Bending region of a flexible OLED (Flex OLED) is a single layer, and in order to improve the bending resistance of the region, a mainstream scheme of OLED screen manufacturers at present includes that the Pad Bending region is protected by spraying an MCL (Metal Coating Layer) on it. However, the sprayed MCL may cause the display border proximate to the bending region to be large in width and difficult to be reduced, and implementation of a narrow border is not facilitated.

Protective film, display module, display assembly, method for preparing display assembly and display device

Chengdu BOE Optoelectronics Technology Co., Ltd.