A water jet handler (200) has a loading location (205), a cutting location (210), and an unloading location (215); and two movable mounts (240 and a 245). As a first movable mount (240) receives a molded substrate at the loading location (205), and transports it to the cutting location (210), a second movable mount (245) transports singulated semiconductor packages of a previously singulated molded substrate from the cutting location (210) to the unloading location (215). As the molded substrate on the first movable mount (240) is cut in the X direction (232) by a water jet, the singulated semiconductor packages are unloaded. The molded substrate is then transferred to the second movable mount (245) on which it is cut in the Y direction (272) to produce singulated semiconductor packages, as the first movable mount (240) returns to the loading location (205), when another molded substrate is loaded.

As is known, when packaging integrated circuits (IC), multiple semiconductor dies are arranged on a single substrate. The silicon dies are first bonded to paddles of the substrate or leadframe by a die bonder, interconnecting wires are wire bonded between the dies and conductors on the substrate. Alternatively, flip-chip processes can be used to flip a semiconductor die over and attach the pads on the dies directly to the conductors on the substrate. The dies on the substrate are then packaged, such as by encapsulation in mold compound, and the molded substrate is then cut to produce a number of singulated semiconductor packages, each having a die encapsulated therein. The process of cutting up the molded substrate is often referred to as singulation.
Typically, the molded substrate is singulated using one or more rotating dicing saws that cut the molded substrate first along an X axis, and then along a Y axis. A saw jig with an applied vacuum force, holds the molded substrate against a rubber pad, prior to and, during singulation, and the vacuum also holds the singulated semiconductor packages on the rubber pad after singulation.
As semiconductor dies shrink in size, semiconductor packages have also been reducing in size, an example of which is the Quad Flat No-lead (QFN) semiconductor package. When the rotating saw is employed to singulate QFN packages from a molded substrate, several difficulties arise in relation to securing the molded substrate and singulated QFN packages during and after singulation, and in relation to the quality of the cut that is obtained.
The rotating saw is a contact cutting process, which exerts considerable lateral forces on the molded substrate during cutting. The vacuum force on the molded substrate, and indeed on each of the individual packaged semiconductor dies, must be greater than the lateral force to prevent the individual packaged semiconductor dies from moving, or worst yet, from being thrown off the saw jig.
When the size of the individual packaged semiconductor die is reduced, the holding force on it also reduces, however the lateral force during cutting remains substantially the same, which compounds the difficulty in securing the individual packaged semiconductor dies. Hence, a disadvantage of the rotating saw is the difficulty in securing the individual packaged semiconductor dies during cutting.
As saw cutting is a contact process, the molded substrate and the resultant singulated packaged semiconductor dies are subjected to considerable mechanical forces during cutting. Hence, another disadvantage of using the rotating sawing, is the risk of damage to the dies in the singulated semiconductor packages, which can adversely affect reliability.
Some semiconductor packages, such as the QFN package, include copper portions, which are thicker than the copper portions in other types of semiconductor package, such as a ball grid array (BGA) package. The thicker copper portions are both more difficult to cut through, and smear and burr on the semiconductor packages when the rotating saw is used for singulation.
Hence, another disadvantage of using the rotating saw is the difficulty in cutting through the copper portions, without smearing and burring on the individual packaged semiconductor dies.
One alternative to sawing is laser singulation, which is a non-contact process. A laser beam cuts the molded substrate by burning and evaporating material from the substrate. However, the wavelength of the laser beam is selected by the object material, and for composite material like the molded substrate with copper and mold compound, the laser absorbing rates for copper and mold compound are very different. Therefore, a disadvantage of laser singulation is that it is difficult for the energy from the laser beam to be efficiently absorbed by both the copper and mold compound, and thus, it is difficult for the laser beam to cut through the package material.
Another method of singulating semiconductor packages employs a water jet to cut the molded substrate. Water jet cutting is a non-contact process, which uses a jet of water to cut through the molded substrate. The jet of water comprises a stream of extremely high pressure water with an entrained stream of abrasive particles. Water jet cutting is cool, and possesses a low risk of heat and mechanical damage to both the molded substrate and the resultant singulated semiconductor packages. In addition, there are limited restrictions on the material that can be cut by a water jet. Further, as the cutting force is perpendicular to the surface of the molded substrate, there is little resultant lateral force on the molded substrate and the resultant singulated semiconductor packages. Hence, the force required to secure the singulated semiconductor packages is lower than that in sawing. In addition, the cutting quality of the water jet is good and stable, with no burring and smearing.
Unlike the sawing or laser cutting which use one vacuum jig for securing the molded substrate during cutting, a prior art water jet handler uses two vacuum jigs to hold the molded substrate. This is because the extremely high pressure of the water jet cuts through almost any material within about 300 mm from the nozzle that provides the water jet. Consequently, there is a need to ensure a certain amount of clearance or relief for the water jet, behind the molded substrate.
The prior art water jet handler has a movable chuck table with two vacuum jigs, one with relief slots in the X direction, and the other with relief slots in the Y direction. The chuck table can move in the X and Y directions, and can rotate about a vertical axis, which is parallel to the water jet. Rotation about a vertical axis is often referred to as displacement in the theta direction. All the movements of the chuck table is relative to the position of the water jet nozzle.
With reference to FIG. 1, a molded substrate for singulation is loaded onto a first vacuum jig at a loading location, and secured to the first vacuum jig by an applied vacuum. The chuck table then moves the first vacuum jig to a cutting location below the nozzle of the water jet, where a vision system operates with the chuck table to align the molded substrate with a cutting line of the water jet system. The molded substrate is then cut in the X direction as the chuck table transports the molded substrate transversely across the water jet in the X direction. For multiple cuts in the X direction, the operation as described is repeated. Next, the molded substrate, which has been cut in the X direction, is transferred from the first vacuum jig onto a second vacuum jig, and secured by an applied vacuum. A second vision alignment is performed, and the molded substrate is cut in the Y direction, as the chuck table transports the molded substrate transversely across the water jet. This operation is repeated for each cut in the Y direction. The individual packaged semiconductor dies are now individually held on the second vacuum jig, and the chuck table moves the second vacuum jig to the loading location, where the individual packaged semiconductor dies are unloaded. This process is repeated for each molded substrate.
A disadvantage of the prior art water jet handler is low efficiency, as only one molded substrate is sequentially processed at a time by the handler, and actual cutting of the molded substrate is performed for only part of the sequential process. Hence, the throughput of the handler is low.
In addition, as the prior art water jet handler loads a molded substrate and unloads the singulated molded substrate at the same loading/unloading location, the prior art water jet handler is not suited for integration with in-line manufacturing operations, where equipment are arranged in sequence. In addition, the low throughput of the handler will adversely affect the throughput of the in-line manufacturing operations.

Handler for semiconductor singulation and method therefor


A variable capacitance unit is formed between one portion of a human body and an opposed electrode facing it through a casing of a robot toy (electronic device) when the one portion of the human body such as a hand or a finger approaches the surface of the casing of the robot. Since the capacitance of the variable capacitance unit varies according to the facing area and the facing distance of the one portion of the human body and the opposed electrode, it is possible to detect the one portion of the human body approaching or touching the robot toy by detecting this change. Since the opposed electrode forming the touch sensor can be provided within the casing, the touch sensor cannot be seen directly from the outside of the robot toy.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an electronic device such as a robot toy, PDA, a cellular phone, and a video camera, and especially to an electronic device having a touch sensor that detects the approach or touch with one of a human body such as a hand and a finger.
2. Description of the Related Art
As the conventional technique of the electronic device having this kind of touch sensor, there exists the invention, for example, described in the patent article 1.
The above patent article 1 discloses a robot toy with a cover which can be pushed down provided on the top surface of the head, and having a touch sensor or a tact switch in the bottom portion of this cover.
In the robot toy described in the patent article 1, a push of the cover sets the tact switch ON. Then, a mood counter counts up and down according to the presence of a pressure operation of the head and the manner of the pressure operation to be detected by the tact switch, and the feeling level is set based on the counter value of the mood counter. Feeling and mood of the toy can be expressed with voice, eye, and behavior while controlling the voice output means, feeling expression means, and operation means according to the feeling level.
[Patent Article 1]
Japanese Unexamined Published Patent Application No. 2002-66155
In the robot toy described in the above patent article 1, however, there is an increase in the number of the components forming the robot toy as well as an increase in the cost, because the mechanical tact switch, adopted as a touch sensor, requires a cover for improving its operational ability and hiding itself from the outside.
Since this cover does not exist in the original toy model, it may have a defective design. Further, in order to enrich the feeling expression of the robot toy, it is necessary to increase the number of touch sensors. However, too many tact switches provided in the main body of the robot toy spoil the design in the robot toy.


A stamp apparatus includes a supporting case which supports a printing sheet, an ink supply port through which ink is fed to the second surface of the printing sheet, and a dispersing device provided between the printing sheet and the supporting case. The dispersing device disperses ink supplied from the ink supply port uniformly over the surface of the printing sheet.

The present invention relates to a stamp apparatus using a printing sheet.
As disclosed by Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application No. 7-251558, there is known a stamp apparatus using a porous printing sheet in which ink can be impregnated. A pattern is formed on a surface of the printing sheet, including a print portion which allows the permeation of ink and a non-print portion which block the permeation of ink. That is, ink is permeated through the printing sheet according to the pattern. The printing sheet is provided to the bottom of a body of the stamp apparatus. In order to repeatedly use the stamp apparatus without feeding ink thereto, the stamp apparatus is provided with an ink pad in which the ink is impregnated, the ink pad being interposed between the body and the printing sheet. When a user grips the body and urges the printing apparatus onto the medium so that the printing sheet is urged onto the medium, ink impregnated in the ink pad is transmitted through the printing sheet and transferred onto the medium.
However, such a stamp apparatus has a disadvantage such that the ink pad must be replaced (together with the printing sheet) when the ink impregnated therein has been used up. Such replacement increases the running cost of the stamp apparatus.
Another proposed stamp apparatus has an ink supply port (instead of the ink pad) provided in the body, through which ink can be fed to the printing sheet.
However, there is a tendency that the amount of ink fed to the location (on the printing sheet) far from the ink supply port is smaller than the amount of ink fed to the location close to the ink supply port. Accordingly, ink is not uniformly fed over an entire surface of the printing sheet, which causes a deviation of the ink density of the pattern printed on the medium.

Stamp apparatus with ink dispersing device


A push switch contains a circuit substrate, two fixed contacts disposed on the circuit substrate, a dome-shaped spring which is disposed above the two fixed contacts and can be displaced between a first position in which the two fixed contacts are in a non-conductive state and a second position in which the two fixed contacts are in a conductive state and a conductive elastic member disposed on a surface of the dome-shaped spring facing the circuit substrate and having a surface facing the two fixed contacts. At least the surface of the conductive elastic member facing the two fixed contacts has conductivity. When the dome-shaped spring is displaced to the second position, the two fixed contacts are in the conductive state through the conductive elastic member.

A push switch using a conductive dome-shaped spring has been widely employed as an operation button (for example, a power button, a sound volume control button or the like) for an electronic device such as a smart phone. This push switch is a normally-open type switch which takes an OFF state in a natural state and is shifted from the OFF state to an ON state when a user applies pressing force to the push switch. In this push switch, two fixed contacts are disposed below the dome-shaped spring. The dome-shaped spring is elastically deformed toward the lower side when the pressing force is applied to the push switch. At this time, the dome-shaped spring contacts with the two fixed contacts to provide a conductive path between the two fixed contacts and thus the push switch is shifted from the OFF state to the ON state.
Since this kind of push switch can provide the user with a good click feeling due to elastic deformation of the dome-shaped spring, this kind of push switch has been typically employed as a switch for each key of a keyboard or a touch pad of a notebook computer. However, this kind of push switch has a problem that the dome-shaped spring contacts with the fixed contacts and contact noise is caused by the contact between the dome-shaped spring contact and the fixed contacts when the push switch is shifted from the OFF state to the ON state. Thus, when this kind of push switch is used as the switch for each key of the keyboard or the touch pad of the notebook computer, the contact noise gives an uncomfortable feeling to the user or a person around the user.
In order to reduce the contact noise caused by the contact between the dome-shaped spring and the fixed contacts in this kind of push switch, there has been proposed a technique of providing a conductive elastic member between the dome-shaped spring and the fixed contacts (see patent documents 1 and 2). For example, the patent document 1 discloses a push switch 500 shown in FIG. 1. The push switch 500 includes a circuit substrate 510, two fixed contacts 520 disposed on the circuit substrate 510, a dome-shaped spring 530 disposed above the fixed contacts 520 and an anisotropic conductive member 540 which has elasticity and is disposed on the fixed contacts 520.
For example, the anisotropic conductive member 540 is an anisotropic conductive member obtained by dispersing and arranging a plurality of conductive wires in an insulating elastic material layer such as rubber so that a lengthwise direction of the conductive wires coincides with a thickness direction of the insulating elastic material layer, an anisotropic conductive sheet obtained by dispersing and arranging conductive particles in the insulating elastic material layer so as to provide a plurality of conductive paths through the insulating elastic material layer in the thickness direction of the insulating elastic material, an anisotropic conductive sheet obtained by dispersing the conductive particles in the insulating elastic material or the like. The anisotropic conductive member 540 can provide a conductive path in the thickness direction thereof as well as provide insulating property in a plane direction.
When pressing force is applied to the push switch 500, the dome-shaped spring 530 is elastically deformed toward the lower side and the dome-shaped spring 530 contacts with the anisotropic conductive member 540. Since the anisotropic conductive member 540 provides the conductive path in the thickness direction thereof as described above, the dome-shaped spring 530 electrically contacts with the two fixed contacts 520 through the conductive path. As a result, the two fixed contacts 520 are electrically connected to each other through the dome-shaped spring 530 and the anisotropic conductive member 540. Further, at this time, since the anisotropic conductive member 540 absorbs impact caused by the contact between the dome-shaped spring 530 and the fixed contacts 520, the contact noise caused by the contact between the dome-shaped spring 530 and the fixed contacts 520 is reduced. As described above, by providing the anisotropic conductive member 540 having the elasticity on the fixed contacts 520, it is possible to reduce the contact noise caused by the contact between the dome-shaped spring 530 and the fixed contacts 520.
However, the anisotropic conductive member 540 has a high contact resistance value (e.g., 3 to 10Ω) because the anisotropic conductive member 540 utilizes the conductive members (the conductive wires or the conductive particles) dispersed in the insulating elastic material to provide the conductive path in the thickness direction thereof. Thus, if the anisotropic conductive member 540 is provided on the two fixed contacts 520 as disclosed in the patent document 1, there is a problem that an electrical resistance of an electrical connection between the two fixed contacts 520 increases due to the contact resistance value of the anisotropic conductive member 540. Further, it is necessary to use an adhesive agent having conductivity for adhering the anisotropic conductive member 540 on the two fixed contacts 520 and electrically connecting the anisotropic conductive member 540 and the two fixed contacts 520. Thus, there is another problem that this adhesive agent also increases the electrical resistance of the electrical connection between the two fixed contacts 520. Furthermore, the anisotropic conductive member 540 is high cost because the anisotropic conductive member 540 has a complicated structure in which the conductive wires or the conductive particles are dispersed in the insulating elastic material as described above. By using such a high-cost anisotropic conductive member 540, there is yet another problem that a manufacturing cost of the push switch 500 increases.
Further, the patent document 2 discloses a push switch 600 shown in FIG. 2. The push switch 600 includes a circuit substrate 610, two fixed contacts 620 disposed on the circuit substrate 610, a dome-shaped spring 630 disposed above the fixed contacts 620 and a conductive elastic member 640 disposed on a lower surface of the dome-shaped spring 630. The conductive elastic member 640 includes an insulating elastic material such as a resin material or rubber and a conductivity imparting agent such as carbon powder dispersed in the insulating elastic material. The conductive elastic member 640 has elasticity and conductivity. When pressing force is applied to the push switch 600, the dome-shaped spring 630 is elastically deformed toward the lower side. As a result, the conductive elastic member 640 disposed on the lower surface of the dome-shaped spring 630 contacts with the two fixed contacts 620. At this time, the conductive elastic member 640 provides a conductive path between the two fixed contacts 620 and the two fixed contacts 620 are electrically connected through the conductive elastic member 640, and thereby the push switch 600 is shifted to an ON state. Since the conductive elastic member 640 has the elasticity, impact of the contact between the conductive elastic member 640 and the two fixed contacts 620 is absorbed and thus it is possible to reduce the contact noise when the push switch 600 is shifted to the ON state.
However, even in the push switch 600 disclosed in the patent document 2, the conductive elastic member 640 has a high contact resistance value (e.g., 3 to 10Ω) because the conductive elastic member 640 utilizes the conductivity imparting agent dispersed in the insulating elastic material to provide the conductive path. Thus, there is a problem that an electrical resistance of an electrical connection between the two fixed contacts 620 provided through the conductive elastic member 640 increases. Further, since it is necessary to uniformly disperse the conductivity imparting agent such as the carbon powder in the insulating elastic material for obtaining the conductive elastic member 640, the conductive elastic member 640 is high cost. By using such a high-cost conductive elastic member 640, there is another problem that a manufacturing cost of the push switch 600 increases.


A calculating method for deducing all possible scenarios of satellite members and possibilities thereof in a low earth orbiting (LEO) satellite constellation is described, which is achieved mainly by relying on the spherical geometry analysis and probabilities and statistics technologies, in an attempt to rapidly and precisely obtain the concerned scenarios and possibilities thereof observed on the earth ground. With any user-defined orbital parameters and a position of an observation station for the scenarios on the earth ground inputted, all the possible scenarios and possibilities thereof can be obtained with the calculating method.

1. Field of Invention
The present invention relates to a calculating method for deducing possibilities of all possible scenarios of satellite members in a low earth orbiting (LEO) satellite constellation, and particularly to a calculating method for deducing possibilities of all possible scenarios of satellite members in a LEO satellite constellation by relying on the spherical geometrical analysis and probabilities and statistics technologies, which is capable of obtaining all the possible scenarios and probabilities thereof in a rapid and precise manner.
2. Related Art
Within a satellite constellation, quality of signal reception on earth ground from the other satellite members is related to probabilities of possible scenarios of the oilier satellite members in the same satellite constellation, in which the probabilities of the possible scenarios are related not only to parameters associated with the satellite members but also to the latitude of a position of an observation station for the signal reception on the earth ground. In the past, there was not any method having capability of rapidly and precisely deducing possibilities of all the possible scenarios for any constellation observed at any location. Instead, there only exist methods for obtaining probabilities of all the possible scenarios for a given satellite constellation observed at a given location by an orbital simulating method requiring collection of a great deal of data and then by statistically analyzing the collected data. The thus calculated probabilities each have an error dependent on the amount of the collected data.

Calculating method for deducing possibilities of all possible scenarios of satellite members in low earth satellite constellation


A muntin strip miter cutting apparatus for cutting muntin strips into muntin sections and assembly of muntin sections into muntin lattices. The apparatus has at least one muntin cutting blade which cuts muntin strips to produce mitered muntin sections. A piercing system pierces the muntin sections to provide apertures to assist with final assembly. The muntin sections are assembled with keepers at an assembly station to produce muntin lattices which are inserted between two or more panes of glass.

I. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to apparatus for cutting muntin strips. More specifically, the present invention relates to apparatus for severing and mitering muntin strips and connectors for enabling the assembly thereof.
II. Description of the Prior Art
Traditionally, muntins or muntin strips have been used as decorative dividers or spacers between or outside panes of glass used for windows and doors. The muntins render the panes of glass aesthetically appealing. Because the muntins are frequently utilized between glass panes, they must present a flat mating surface to prevent the glass from seating against them. The flat surface is reasonably easy to sustain if the muntins are all aligned in a single direction. However, it becomes more difficult to sustain the flat mating surface at an intersecting joint of two muntins laid out in different directions or in other directional configurations.
Another common problem is the separation of the muntins which may occur at the intersecting joints over a period of time. This destroys the designs created with the muntins and the aesthetic quality provided to the windows by the placement of the muntins.
Several methods for assembling muntins to provide flat and strong intersecting joints are known. For example, muntin sections have been welded together to create a solid grid-type lattice structure, and then ground at the weld to eliminate rough surfaces caused by the weld. However, the welded strips, although they are structurally solid, create other problems. Glass panes, whether in a window or a door, expand in warm temperatures and contract in cold temperatures. To accommodate for this expansion and contraction, the muntins must be flexible. The welded muntin grids tend to be inflexible, which causes the glass panes to eventually crack. Also, the grinding of the weld does not produce consistently flat surfaces at the weld. This promotes stress on the glass panes. Further, the heat from welding occasionally causes the muntins to warp, which also causes stress on the glass panes.
Thus, other methods and devices have been developed to provide muntin grid assemblies that are reasonably solid and flexible. A typical example of this is the keeper developed by Allmetal, Inc. of Itasca, Ill. The Allmetal keeper is a plastic keeper or connector which is used to join muntin sections wherein the plastic keeper is installed in a first muntin section. Then, second, third, fourth, etc. muntin sections are mounted onto the keepers to form the grid.
An alternate keeper is that developed by Hygrade Metal Moulding Manufacturing Corp., Farmingdale, N.Y. The keeper sold by Hygrade system has a configuration different from that developed by Allmetal but is used and installed in a first muntin section with second, third, fourth, etc. muntin sections being installed thereonto, similarly to that of the Allmetal keeper.
Although the keepers provide structured flexibility, the solidity that is sought and the flexibility in lattice design are limited because of the shape of the joining ends of the muntin sections. The ends of the muntin are commonly square cut, as needed, to mate flush against another muntin. However, problems arise when muntin sections are not shaped to receive a square cut. The square or flush cut has a tendency to rock or separate from a flush fit during both assembly and use, even though the muntin section is seated on a plastic keeper. The rocking may cause bent edges which, if not caught during inspection, may contact the glass, thus, causing stress points on the panes of glass. Also, the joint may come apart during use, destroying the aesthetic appearance of the lattice.
Hygrade Metal, in addition to developing keepers, has attempted to address the above problem by notching muntin sections which are used in crossbar assemblies. The notched muntins are interlaced one on top of the other with the notches facing each other. In most cases, the notches permit the two muntins to merge to the thickness of one muntin. However, if there is no exact merger, the intersecting surfaces are not flat. Again, this provides stress on the glass pane. Also after assembly and in use, the expansion and contraction of the glass and metal due to changes in temperature causes the intersecting muntins to separate and the glass to contact the muntin, thus, creating stress on the glass panes.
It is also noteworthy that the assembly process generally used to assemble the muntins involves cutting the muntin sections with a single stationary blade or cutter which produces a square cut, or by routing. Routing leaves large burrs which present assembly problems if not removed. To obtain an angle cut, the muntin is positioned at a desired angle and then cut by the single blade. The muntin sections are next either punched with a hole or are notched. The punched and notched muntin sections are moved to an assembly station where an assembler assembles the notched pieces and/or inserts keepers in the punched holes and assembles the muntins together.
A single blade or cutter is usually operated by an operator who positions the muntin strips and presents them to the cutter. This operation is slow, time consuming and labor intensive, and it does not assure consistent, high quality parts. Routed muntins, on the other hand, leave burrs which must be ground to secure a good fit. This, again, is time-consuming and labor intensive. Because inconsistency and the other problems tend to result in insulated windows of questionable quality or longevity, an apparatus and method of producing consistent muntin sections and high quality muntin assemblies in a shorter time period and at a reduced cost is highly desirable.

Apparatus for cutting and assembling muntins


A Path Generator connects to a communication network and uses genetic algorithms to assign flows to paths. Genotypes encode flow to path assignments for working and protection paths. Genotype fitness functions are computed as a weighted sum of constraint fitness functions. Each constraint fitness function evaluates the degrees to which the genotype is a satisfactory solution. The system can be used for network modeling. It can also receive requests for on-demand assignment of flows and on-demand rerouting of flows.

Assigning traffic flows to paths in a network is a complex problem. There are multiple attributes associated with the nodes and links and multiple constraints to be satisfied. Networks of large numbers of nodes, links and flows can provide an enormous number of flow-to-path assignments. Traffic Engineering (TE) in a network is a process of controlling the flows of data packets through the network to optimize the utilization of network resources (e.g., routers, switches, etc.) and to improve the network performance. Traffic engineering selects communication paths in a network to use the network bandwidth efficiently thereby avoiding a situation in which some network resources are overutilized and others are underutilized.
Constraint-Based Routing (CBR) is a TE mechanism for computing a feasible network path based on a traffic description and a set of constraints. While conventional IP routing algorithms (e.g., Bellman-Ford, Dijkstra) find a path that optimizes a scalar metric (e.g., number of hops), CBR finds a path that optimizes a scalar metric and does not violate a set of constraints. For example, link bandwidth may be a constraint in a sense that each of the links in a path selected by the algorithm must have a certain minimum available bandwidth. Administrative policy may be another constraint. A policy may specify that certain traffic may be blocked on some nodes and links or restricted to some nodes and links. CBR may also include a combination of bandwidth and administration policy.
A CBR system may use Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) as a forwarding mechanism. MPLS is an advanced forwarding scheme that extends routing with respect to packet forwarding and path controlling thereby enabling TE. Each MPLS packet has a header that contains labels. Label Switching Routers (LSRs) in a MPLS network examine these labels and make forwarding decisions based on these values. This operation can be done much faster than conventional IP forwarding because it is not necessary to perform a longest prefix match between the destination IP address and the data in the forwarding table as is required in conventional IP forwarding. Instead, label-forwarding tables indicate how incoming packets are processed. Specifically, these tables indicate how to change the label of a packet arriving on one interface before that packet is transmitted on a different interface.
In an MPLS system, packet processing is much faster than conventional IP forwarding and several different paths can be established to route packets from source to destination. Forwarding is no longer limited to destination-based, hop-by-hop decisions. Administrative policy or TE can be used to explicitly define paths for flows in a MPLS system. Furthermore, the assignment of a flow to a path can use complex algorithms without affecting all the LSRs that simply forward packets. The techniques of MPLS are not limited to Internet Protocol (IP) and are applicable to any network layer protocol (e.g., Appletalk, IPX).
Resource Reservation Protocol (RSVP) is a protocol that can be implemented in a MPLS network and provides a general facility for reserving resources for a flow. The quality-of-service (QoS) requirements for a flow determine the resources that must be reserved at each network element along the path assigned to that flow. RSVP operates by using path messages and resv messages. Path messages are transmitted from sender to receiver through intermediate routers. Each router that receives a path message inserts its own IP address in the message before forwarding it to the next router. This design allows any router that receives a path message to know the path back to the sender. A path message also contains information about the traffic characteristics of a flow. Resv messages are transmitted from receiver to sender and reserve the resources that are required for the flow.
Because of the complexity of most communication networks and the infinite number of scenarios of possible traffic patterns on these networks, it is not possible to evaluate all possible routing options within a reasonable period of time. While the above methods are effective in making network routing decisions, methods that have been used to solve other types of complex problems may be adapted to be used to solve network routing issues. For example, genetic algorithms have been used in many types of applications to provide evolutionary search techniques to identify optimal solutions for various applications that encompass complex problems. Genetic algorithms use an iterative refinement technique that evaluates whether one solution is better than another. Further information about genetic algorithms is available in Handbook of Genetic Algorithms, Lawrence Davis, Van Nostrand Reinhold, 1991. It is contemplated that applying genetic algorithms to a constraint-based routing scheme may result in a more effective routing mechanism than the current TE techniques.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

System for utilizing genetic algorithm to provide constraint-based routing of packets in a communication network


Antimicrobial protection may be provided to protective gloves by mixing an antimicrobial agent in a glove material film so that the antimicrobial agent migrates to the exposed surfaces of the gloves when the agent on the glove surface has been depleted. Antimicrobial gloves suitable for use in the food industry may be manufactured using heat sealing/cutting of an extruded film that includes by weight percentages: polymer resin (such as polyethylene) 96 to 98.4%, ethylene vinyl acetate resin 1.0 to 2.0%, antistatic agent (such as polyethylene glycol) 0.3 to 1.0%, and triclosan 0.3 to 1.0%.

The present invention relates to sanitary food-handling gloves and a method of manufacturing such gloves, and more particularly to food-handling gloves that prevent microbial transfer and methods for making such gloves.
The food industry has long been concerned about bacterial contamination to consumers through the handling of food by food industry workers. Workers in the food industry are frequently required to wear gloves to reduce the likelihood that the bacteria from their hands is transferred to consumers. However, even gloves may pick up contaminating bacteria from food or work surfaces, thereby significantly reducing the effectiveness of the gloves the longer they are worn. A solution, albeit a costly one, is to have the workers change or disinfect their gloves frequently. The food industry would prefer a more workable and cost effective solution.
The food industry generally uses gloves made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene (PE), and Acrylonitrile-butadeine (Nitrile). These gloves must meet federal standards for thickness, strength, elasticity, deformation, etc. Gloves of other materials have been tried, but they either do not meet the federal standards or are not acceptable to the food industry (e.g., high cost, weak seams, difficult to don and remove, uncomfortable to wear, etc.).
In handling food using disposable gloves, it is desirable to provide continued bacterial protection during extended glove use. Despite this need, the food industry has been unable to find an antimicrobial agent that meets federal standards for food handling, that is useable with inexpensive disposable gloves, and that effectively reduces the risk of bacterial contamination during prolonged wear of the gloves. For example, conventional PVC gloves may be dusted with an antimicrobial agent, but the agent would not be effective for prolonged periods because it would rub off during use and disappear completely when the gloves are immersed in water.
For the retail food industry, where food products are handled shortly before being served to consumers, distributing a releasable chemical, such as an antimicrobial agent, in food-handling gloves for providing bacterial protection is not suggested by the prior art and is contrary to accepted wisdom. For example, when the glove is in use, the chemical is released from the glove to other surfaces including the food under preparation; thereby the chemical becomes an additive to the food being prepared for serving. This chemical additive may affect the taste of the food, may cause allergic reactions, may cause a negative psychological response (i.e., opposition or repulsion to the addition of an antimicrobial chemical to the food), may cause health concerns about eating nonorganic foods, and may cause negative health consequences to consumers due to the cumulative or long term consumption of the chemical. Further, antimicrobial agents are generally not known to be edible.
Accordingly, the prior art has focused primarily on antimicrobial solutions in the medical field. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,091,442 issued Feb. 25, 1992 to Milner suggests that an antimicrobial agent, such as triclosan, may be mixed with a natural rubber latex plastisol to provide antimicrobial protection for a tubular article such as a condom or catheter. However, the effectiveness of the antimicrobial agent in the article will still diminish during use because the agent will gradually disappear from the surface of the article and will not be replenished. That is, the triclosan will be removed from the surface of the natural rubber latex long before the latex wears down to expose the triclosan in the interior thereof. The nature of the natural rubber latex prevents the antimicrobial agent from migrating to the exposed surface of the latex from its interior. This limitation may be acceptable where the article makes a single contaminating contact, but is not acceptable for gloves that will have numerous contacts with diverse potential contaminants.
The Milner patent mentions that PVC may be used instead of the natural rubber latex, but does not suggest how this is to be done. The method disclosed relates only to natural rubber latex, and the differences between latex and PVC preclude the application of the disclosed method to PVC.
It has also been suggested that an antimicrobial agent may be added to a plastic or polymeric film material, such as PE, that is used to make a surgical drape sheet. The structure of the PE allows some antimicrobial agents to migrate to the exposed surface of the drape from the interior thereof when the agent has been removed from the surface (see U.S. Pat. No. 5,069,907 issued Dec. 3, 1991 to Mixon, et al.). However, the process and apparatus used therewith does not suggest adding an antimicrobial agent to plastic or polymeric film gloves for food handling. Antimicrobial agents are generally not known to be safe for oral consumption.
Additionally, food-handling gloves and medical drapes (Mixon, et al.) operate differently and are manufactured to meet different industry and federal requirements. For example, both the process of manufacture and the physical characteristics of the medical drape are directed at providing high puncture resistance.
Mixon, et al. also discloses a method of manufacturing plastic or polymeric sheets through extrusion of a thin film. Forming gloves by heat cutting two layers of extruded film is well known in the art. However, despite the low cost of manufacturing gloves through the extrusion-heat cutting technique and the long felt need for improved microbial protection of food consumers from food contamination, the food industry has not produced a low cost disposable glove having extended antimicrobial qualities.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide novel gloves and a method of making gloves that obviate the problems of the prior art.
It is another object of the present invention to provide novel microbial transfer prevention gloves and a method of providing microbial transfer prevention to such gloves in which an antimicrobial agent in the glove material migrates to the exposed surfaces of the gloves when the agent at the glove surface has been depleted.
It is still another object of the present invention to provide a novel method of making food-handling gloves in which an antimicrobial agent is mixed in a polyethylene film before the gloves are formed by a heat cutting process whereby the antimicrobial agent migrates to the exposed surfaces of the gloves when the antimicrobial agent at the surface has been depleted.
These and many other objects and advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art to which the invention pertains from a perusal of the claims, the appended drawings, and the following detailed description of preferred embodiments.

Antimicrobial gloves and a method of manufacture thereof


An audio teleconferencing apparatus includes one or more conference bridges for establishing an audio teleconference between conference attendees, and a conference controller for controlling the conference bridges to permit a conference scheduler to reserve an audio teleconference and facilitate connection of the conference attendees during the audio teleconference. The conference controller facilitates reconfiguring the audio teleconference, especially during and immediately before the teleconference. The conference controller may reconfigure the reserved audio teleconference responsive to a conference attendee, and based upon availability of the conference resources. In one embodiment, the reconfiguring is for permitting the audio teleconference to begin prior to a reserved starting time for the audio teleconference if a conference attendee calls into the audio teleconference a predetermined time before the reserved starting time. In another embodiment, the reconfiguring occurs upon monitoring progress of the audio teleconference and permits an extension of a length of the audio teleconference beyond a reserved length of time for the audio conference or permits addition of a conference attendee. Method aspects of the invention are also disclosed.

An audio teleconference is commonly used to connect a plurality of conference attendees together at a designated time via the public switched telephone network (PSTN). An audio teleconference may be an efficient and effective way to conduct meetings and exchange information among widely separated individuals. Unfortunately, a conventional teleconference requires human operator intervention to schedule, allocate, and engage network resources for the teleconference. Accordingly, operator's time is required, billing options are relatively limited, relatively long lead times may be required for the operator to set up the conference, and flexibility to reschedule or extend a conference may also be limited.
One such conventional teleconference system and service is the Alliance Dedicated Teleconferencing Service available from AT&T which uses an operator to schedule, monitor and control a conference call through a conference bridge. "Reset", "Meet-me" and Adlib" teleconferences are available and a reservation for which must be made in advance. A "Demand" conference does not require a reservation. Also relating to the Alliance system, U.S. Pat. No. 4,769,293 to Blinken et al. discloses a service computer operatively connected between the coordinator of a conference and the dedicated teleconferencing bridge. The service computer maintains directory lists which are specific to named conferees and other information so that the coordinator need only provide the variable information responses which are specific to a desired function. The service computer combines the variable information response from the coordinator with the so-called constant information to drive the Alliance system microprocessor.
The service computer of the Alliance system also permits the transfer of notes or other textual data between conferees, requiring that each conferee also has a terminal connected to the service computer. A conference coordinator first obtains a login ID and password from the operator of the service computer. A data terminal is then used to control and monitor the conference. The service computer is also programmed to provide billing information based on the filed carrier tariffs. At the end of the conference the coordinator is provided with the billing information on his terminal. Unfortunately, a separate data channel is needed for each terminal. Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 5,099,510 to Blinken, Jr. et al. patent also discloses a teleconferencing apparatus for voice, video or data wherein a teleconference coordinator may reserve and operate the teleconference system, but also requires a computer terminal or personal computer to do so.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,373,549 and 5,369,594 both to Bales et al. are directed to an improvement over the apparatus disclosed in the Blinken, Jr. et al. patent, for example, which requires a separate data line to access the service computer. The Bales et al. patents disclose station terminals connected using an ISDN line so that a separate data line is not needed. In addition, a multi-level conference call may be established according to the patent.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,475,189 to Herr et al. discloses a demand-type dial-up conference apparatus for permitting a customer to dial in, select a voice and/or data conference, and initiate the conference. The apparatus includes a tone receiver for receiving commands from the customer, and a stored speech message announcement system. In particular, the apparatus includes a NSC processor that requests an identification of the calling line and transmits an order over bus to the data store system ordering a particular message prompt to be played to the customer. This prompt would advise the customer that he is connected to a conference facility and request the customer to dial certain codes to indicate whether or not the audio bridge will be used for a special service. The prompt would also ask the originator how many parties will be included in the conference. If the number of desired dataports are available, the user is prompted to then dial the first conferee. The conference originator continues by dialing the numbers assigned to the remaining conferees until all are bridged. Should a predetermined number of errors be determined indicating user frustration, an operator is connected to assist the user. U.S. Pat. No. 4,544,804 also to Herr et al. discloses an improvement relating to transfer of control of the conference during the conference. In particular, the apparatus permits the originator to relinquish control to an operator or another conferee.
Relating to billing features of a teleconference, U.S. Pat. No. 4,481,383 is directed to billing for the AT&T demand-type teleconferencing system described above. A billing record is created, and allowances are made for establishing a reconnection or if the operator is in the conference; however, prepaid billing options are not included. The conference originator is typically charged for the entire conference service; however, billing data may be gathered on various segments of the conference call, thus making it possible to divide the cost among the conferees if one so desires.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,577,065 to Frey et al. is directed to a meet-me type teleconference wherein in one embodiment the customer contacts an operator to schedule the conference and receive the access code. An alternate embodiment discloses that a customer could directly dial a facility such as the network services complex (NSC) disclosed in the above mentioned Herr et al. patent (U.S. Pat. No. 4,475,189), and the NSC could be programmed to interact with the caller in allocating resources and announcing an access code for the meet-me conference systems to be used. In addition, the conference bridge may be selected to minimize the length of the conferee legs. The last four digits of the access code may be used to designate other criteria, such as the number of legs, special billing, etc. Also, should multiple conferees call at the same time, one call is processed while the others are temporarily halted.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,323,445 to Nakatsuka discloses a teleconferencing apparatus for users for both video and audio wherein the apparatus includes a reservation center for registering conference terminal information in a conference table at times designated in accordance with reserved conference information collected in advance for the respective conferences, thereby automatically controlling the starting and ending of each of the conferences. The reservation center includes input means, such as a keyboard for inputting of reserved conference information and display means by which the operator is informed of the reserved conference information and of the operational status of conferences being held. Along these lines, U.S. Pat. No. 4,455,455 to Little discloses a teleconference apparatus including a network control center with an internodal conference call administrator. The administrator has a procedure file containing data representing schedules of conference calls and access numbers to a conference bridge. An operator schedules routine commands and thus permits automation of network operation including internodal conferencing.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,660,610 to Hestad et al. discloses an apparatus for permitting a meet-me teleconference or a progressive teleconference, and which allows private conversations between the convening party and the participants. In other words, the apparatus includes a private bus and a common bus. When a convening subscriber wishes to hold a meet-me conference, he first dials the directory numbers of the other parties, and individually asks each to dial the conference feature number at a particular time. Then, at the appointed time, each of these parties so dials and gains access to the five conference port circuits. All parties are then communicatively connected together via a voice transmission bridge including the mixing busses.
In summary, an audio teleconference in particular is a very valuable communication tool for businesses and other parties. Unfortunately, conventional scheduling of a teleconference may be difficult and/or require extensive or complete operator intervention. In addition, allocation of conferencing resources may be severely limited, especially during the audio teleconference. In other words, flexibility of scheduling arrangements may be limited, such that an extended teleconference, that is, a teleconference extending beyond the scheduled time is not facilitated without operator intervention.

Apparatus and method for automated audio teleconferencing having enhanced reconfiguration features


A fire-protecting suit includes a fire protective clothing having a face mask for covering the head and a front pocket for keeping precious articles, a fire-proof eye shield, a mouthpiece and a cap-lamp respectively fastened to the face mask by elastic bands which, in turn, are sewn to the fire protective clothing, and an air tank (or a gas filter) and a battery power supply received inside the protective clothing and respectively connected to the mouthpiece and the cap-lamp by an air hose and an electric wire inside the protective clothing. The fire-protecting suit is folded up inside out when not in use. To use the suit, the face mask is put on the head to let the protective clothing be extended downwardly to cover the body. When the fire-protecting suit is in use, the air tank and the battery power supply are turned on, and then the hands are inserted through the sleeves of the protective clothing and extended out for saving things and performing a fire-fighting task.

The present invention relates to a fire-protecting suit which comprises a fire-proof eye shield, an air tank mouthpiece (or gas filter mouthpiece) and a cap-lamp directly fastened to the face mask of the fire-protective clothing thereof, and which can be quickly dressed in within a very short time.
The protective clothing for a fire-fighter is generally made of asbestos or metallic fabric which is simply a protective covering. Therefore, a mask and an air tank shall be separately prepared. The air tanks which are commonly used by fire-fighters are heavy and not suitable for home use. It has been known that most victims of fire disasters die because of thick smoke. If any person in the scene of a fire can be equipped with a protective apparatus within a short time, one's life and many precious articles may be saved.


A heat exchanger with a chamber assembly, having a medium directing assembly disposed within. The medium directing assembly provided with a first and a second medium directing panel member, each respectively a planar panel member having a first side and a second side. A heat exchange medium introduced into the chamber assembly in an initial line of flow is vertically diverted into two flows to impact the first side of the first and the second medium directing panel member separately. Each diverted heat exchange medium is then further diverted into a pair of divergent arcuate lateral flow, wherein each lateral flow is directed to impact the lateral sides of the chamber assembly. On the respective second sides of the first and the second medium directing panel member, laterally diverted heat exchange medium is directed to collide into each other, where the pair of laterally diverted flows are subsequently merged.

The present invention relates to heat exchangers utilized to transport heat from one heat exchange medium to another, and more specifically related to a tube and chamber type heat exchange apparatus having a medium directing member disposed within a chamber assembly, utilizing the medium directing member to enhance the flow pattern of heat exchange medium for the desired effect.

Tube and chamber heat exchange apparatus having a medium directing assembly with enhanced medium directing panels


A magnetic toner contains magnetic toner particles containing a binder resin, a release agent, and a magnetic body and inorganic fine particles present on the surface of the magnetic toner particles, wherein the inorganic fine particles present on the surface of the magnetic toner particles contain metal oxide fine particles, as described in the specification. The coverage ratio of the magnetic toner particles' surface by the inorganic fine particles and the coverage ratio by the inorganic fine particles fixed to the magnetic toner particles' surface reside in a prescribed relationship, the binder resin contains a polyester resin, the release agent contains an ester compound, and an endothermic peak for the magnetic toner has a prescribed value.

Copiers and printers are undergoing device downsizing and enhancements in energy efficiency, and magnetic monocomponent development systems that use a favorable magnetic toner are preferably used in this context.
In a magnetic monocomponent development system, development is carried out by transporting a magnetic toner into the development zone using a toner-carrying member (referred to below as a developing sleeve) that incorporates in its interior means of generating a magnetic field, e.g., a magnet roll. In addition, charging of the magnetic toner is carried out, mainly in the zone where the magnetic toner is subjected to control by a toner control member (also referred to herebelow as a developing blade), by tribocharging due to rubbing between the magnetic toner and a tribocharge-providing member, e.g., a developing sleeve. Reducing the size of the developing sleeve is an important technology in particular from the standpoint of reducing the size of the device.
Given these circumstances, fixation tailing is an image defect of concern for the future. This problem is caused when the toner is blown off due to the generation of a current of water vapor from the recording medium, e.g., paper, when heat is applied in the fixing section. This problem is prone to appear, for example, with images that tend to have a high toner laid-on level, e.g., horizontal line images. This problem also readily occurs in cases of a large current of water vapor produced from the recording medium. As a consequence, this problem tends to get even worse in high-temperature, high-humidity environments.
There has been much research on this image defect known as fixation tailing, with a focus on engineering the low-temperature fixability of magnetic toner and on engineering the charging performance of magnetic toner.
In Patent Document 1, the attempt is made, by improving the low-temperature fixability of the magnetic toner, to inhibit spots around line images and to improve the fixation tailing with magnetic toners.
In Patent Document 2, the attempt is made to raise the electrostatic adsorptive force to the recording medium and improve fixation tailing by improving the charging performance of the parent material of the magnetic toner.
In Patent Document 3, the attempt is made to improve the fixation tailing by controlling the charging performance of external additives and controlling the releasability by the magnetic toner from the photosensitive member.
A certain effect on the fixation tailing is in fact seen due to engineering of the low-temperature fixability of magnetic toner and engineering of the charging performance of magnetic toner. However, it is thought that there is room for additional improvement in order to satisfy the needs of recent years.
Several factors as described in the following may be offered as possible causes here.
(1) When the diameter of the developing sleeve is reduced in order to reduce the size of the printer body, it becomes difficult to secure and maintain the charging performance of the magnetic toner, which as a consequence impairs the ability to inhibit the appearance of fixation tailing. The reason for this is as follows: with a reduced-diameter developing sleeve, the zone (referred to below as the control nip) in which the toner control member in contact with the developing sleeve can control the toner laid-on level is narrowed and a tendency appears for the amount of charge on the magnetic toner to decline.
(2) Lowering the fixation temperature in pursuit of greater energy savings for a printer works against inhibiting the appearance of fixation tailing. In particular, fixation tailing readily undergoes additional increases when the recording medium is a so-called heavy paper that impedes the propagation of heat from the fixing unit to the magnetic toner.
Given this background, there was still room for investigations in order to improve the fixation tailing.


Methods of producing human stem cells are disclosed for parthenogenetically activating human oocytes by manipulation of O2 tension, including manipulation of Ca2+ under high O2 tension and contacting oocytes with serine threonine kinase inhibitors under low O2 tension, isolating inner cell masses (ICMs) from the activated oocytes, and culturing the cells of the isolated ICMs under high O2 tension. Moreover, methods are described for the production of stems cells from activated oocytes in the absence of non-human animal products, including the use of human feeder cells/products for culturing ICM/stem cells. Stem cells produced by the disclosed methods are also described.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to embryonic stems cells, and more specifically to a process for obtaining human embryonic stem cells using parthenogenically activated oocytes.
2. Background Information
Human embryonic stem cells (ES) cells are pluripotent cells that can differentiate into a large array of cell types. When injected into immune-deficient mice, embryonic stem cells form differentiated tumors (teratomas). However, embryonic stem cells that are induced in vitro to form embryoid bodies (EBs) provide a source of embryonic stem cell lines that are amenable to differentiation into multiple cell types characteristic of several tissues under certain growth conditions. For example, ES cells become differentiated into neurons in the presence of nerve growth factor and retinoic acid.
Human ES cells and their differentiated progeny are important sources of normal human cells for therapeutic transplantation and for drug testing and development. Required by both of these goals is the provision of sufficient cells that are differentiated into tissue types suitable for a patient's needs or the appropriate pharmacological test. Associated with this is a need for an efficient and reliable method of producing differentiated cells from embryonic stem cells.
Currently, human embryonic stem cells (hES) are derived from three sources: blastocysts remaining after infertility treatments and donated for research, blastocysts generated from donated gametes (oocytes and sperm), and the products of nuclear transfer (NT). Cadaveric fetal tissue is the only source of human embryonic germ cells (hEG). hES and hEG cells offer remarkable scientific and therapeutic possibilities, involving potential for generating more specialized cells or tissues. Ethical concerns about the sources of hES and hEG cells, however, and fears that use of NT for research could lead to use of NT to produce a human being, have fostered a great deal of public discussion and debate.
Parthenogenic activation of mammalian oocytes may be used as an alternative to fertilization by sperm/NT to prepare oocytes for embryonic stem cell generation. Parthenogenic activation is the production of embryonic cells, with or without eventual development into an adult, from a female gamete in the absence of any contribution from a male gamete.
Parthenogenetic activation of mammalian oocytes has been induced in a number of ways. Using an electrical stimulus to induce activation is of particular interest because electrofusion is part of the current nuclear transfer procedure. Parthenogenetic activation in vitro by electrical stimulation with electrofusion apparatus used for embryonic cell-oocyte membrane fusion has been reported.
Mouse oocytes have been activated by exposure to Ca+2—Mg+2 free medium, medium containing hyaluronidase, exposure to ethanol, Ca+2 ionophores or chelators, inhibitors of protein synthesis, and electrical stimulation. These procedures have led to high rates of parthenogenic activation and development of mouse oocytes, but did not activate and/or lead to a lower development rate of young bovine oocytes. Further, fertilization and parthenogenic activation of mouse oocytes is also dependent on post ovulatory aging.
Activation of bovine oocytes has been reported by ethanol, electrical stimulation, exposure to room temperature, and a combination of electrical stimulation and protein inhibition with cycloheximide. While these processes are thought to raise intracellular Ca+2, they are most successful when the oocytes have been aged for more than 28 hours.

Oxygen tension for the parthenogenic activation of human oocytes for the production of human embryonic stem cells


In a method for acquiring dynamically varying magnetic resonance signals, a respiration cycle of a patient is monitored in a learning phase. Acquisition of varying signals ensues with the highest possible temporal resolution in an initial phase with a breath-hold by the patient. Slowly varying signals are subsequently acquired with lower temporal resolution in a movement phase and with free respiration of the patient. The signal acquisitions are initiated by a pre-established trigger condition.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention concerns a method for acquiring dynamic magnetic resonance signals in magnetic resonance tomography.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Adaptation of the temporal resolution of the measurement of speeds of signal variations is necessary in the acquisition of dynamically varying magnetic resonance signals that are used to generate a tomographic image. Faster signal variations thus must be acquired with higher temporal resolution than slower varying signals. A fast signal change occurs, in particular shortly after the injection of a contrast agent into the subject, while the signals vary substantially slower after what is known as the first-pass effect, i.e., as soon as the contrast agent has, for example, passed the liver of a patient. It is desirable to adapt the temporal resolution to the speed of the signal variation during the signal acquisition. Moreover, as is always the case, unwanted signal variations (as are created, for example, by a movement or respiration of the patient) generate measurement artifacts and therefore must be compensated or prevented.
One possibility for reducing measurement artifacts due to movements or breathing by the patient is to implement the entire acquisition (scan) with the highest possible temporal resolution. Movements of an organ that are created due to breathing or movement of the patient then are not of importance during the acquisition of signals (data) for a single image since they ensue distinctly slower than the image acquisition. The influence of movement on a series of images is visible, however, such that in that case correction measures are necessary. In particular, in the case of movements perpendicular to the slice plane these correction measures are possible only with three-dimensional, with the temporal resolution being substantially clearly less for purely two-dimensional measurements. Additionally a large data quantity results due to the high temporal resolution, particularly for longer examinations.
Another possibility for preventing measurement artifacts due to breathing of the patient is to implement the measurement during a breath-hold by the patient. The signal is acquired with the highest possible temporal resolution during the breath-hold. However, after a relatively short scan duration a pause is necessary so that the patient can breath again. It is nearly impossible to repeat the scan with the patient in the identical respiratory position as before, during a subsequent breath-hold by the patient. Elaborate correction methods are in turn necessary for compensation of the different respiratory positions respectively in successive scans.
Furthermore, it is possible to acquire the breathing motion (for example using a navigator echo) in a discrete measurement and to use it for correction of the actual measurement data. This method requires a high time expenditure because the breathing motion must be acquired in a separate measurement. Moreover, it is difficult to correct the complex three-dimensional movement of the organs during a breathing cycle.
Furthermore, it is possible to combine various methods. Thus the quickly varying signals can be acquired first with the highest possible temporal resolution during a breath-hold by the patient, and after this the slowly varying signals are acquired during free respiration of the patient. In principle the same difficulties explained above still occur particularly during the signal acquisition during free respiration.

Method for acquiring dynamic magnetic resonance signals for tomography


A ZIGBEE® network system and a method for assigning an Internet Protocol (IP) address in a ZIGBEE® network system are provided. The ZIGBEE® network system includes a client device for joining a ZIGBEE® network and being assigned an IP address used for transmitting and receiving data; a server device for assigning the IP address to the client device; and a ZIGBEE® coordinator for forming the ZIGBEE® network, storing server profile information for each server device that has joined the formed ZIGBEE® network, receiving client profile information for the client device from the client device, and determining a server device that will assign an IP address to the client device, using the received client profile information.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for assigning an Internet Protocol (IP) addresses to a client device to provide EP service in a ZIGBEE® network system.
2. Description of the Related Art
The ZIGBEE® communication scheme uses the IEEE 802.15.4 standard supporting short-range communication. ZIGBEE®, as used herein, refers to a specification for a suite of communication protocols for a Wireless Personal Area Network (WPAN). The term "ZIGBEE® communication scheme" refers to a technology for 10 to 20-meter short-range communication and ubiquitous computing in a wireless network environment such as home and office network environments. In particular, the ZIGBEE® communication scheme, a low-power communication scheme, can minimize power consumption, so power consumption can be suitable for devices including mobile communication terminals.
Recently, communication schemes have been proposed that support Internet Protocol (EP) service using the ZIGBEE® communication scheme. In the IP service, a mobile communication terminal is assigned an IP address, and can transmit/receive data using the IP address. A ZIGBEE® coordinator forming a ZIGBEE® network can include several servers in the network and provide IP service to the mobile communication terminals entering the ZIGBEE® network.
Therefore, there is a demand for a ZIGBEE® network system that can easily assign IP addresses to the mobile communication terminals receiving the IP service.

IP address assignment method and apparatus for providing IP service in a ZIGBEE network system


According to one embodiment of the present invention, a system identifies content for publication by determining a projected usage of unpublished content. The system applies one or more predefined criteria for publication to the projected usage. The content is published in response to the projected usage satisfying the criteria for publication. Embodiments of the present invention further include a method and computer program product for identifying content for publication in substantially the same manners described above.

1. Technical Field
Present invention embodiments relate to information systems, and more specifically, to simulating accesses of archived content in order to identify documents that should be published,
2. Discussion of the Related Art
Electronic information sources (e.g., websites) that provide user-searchable content sometimes archive old or infrequently accessed documents. As a result, the documents no longer appear in user searches. For example, a document may relate to a non-current product version. When user accesses of the document fall to a low level, a website manager may archive the document in order to avoid cluttering users' search results with outdated information.

Simulating accesses for archived content

International Business Machines Corporation


A light emission device according to the present invention includes a plurality of pixel circuits in a matrix. A plurality of first scan lines transmits a selection signal to select the pixel circuits. A plurality of second scan lines transmits an emission signal to control the duration of light emission of the pixel circuits. A scan driver sequentially delays a primary signal having a first-level pulse about a first period for generating a plurality of secondary signals, inverting the plurality of secondary signals for outputting the emission signal, and generating a signal having a second-level pulse when the secondary signal and the emission signal are in the first-level.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an organic light emitting display and a driving method thereof, and more particularly, it relates to an organic light emitting diode (hereinafter, 'OLED') display and a driving method thereof.
2. Description of the Related Art
In general, an OLED display electrically excites phosphorus organic components, and visualizes an image by voltage-programming or current-programming M, X, and N numbers of organic light emitting cells. These organic light emitting cells include anode indium tin oxide (ITO), organic thin film, and cathode (metal) layers. The organic thin film layer has a multi-layered structure including an emission layer, an electro transport layer (ETL), and a hole transport layer (HTL) so as to balance electrons and holes and thereby enhancing efficiency of light emission. Further, the organic thin film separately includes an electron injection layer (EIL) and a hole injection layer (HIL).
A method of driving the organic light emitting cells having the foregoing configuration includes a passive matrix method and an active matrix method, the active matrix method employing a thin film transistor (TFT). In the passive matrix method, an anode and a cathode are formed crossing each other, and a line is selected to drive the organic light emitting cells. However, in the active matrix method, each indium tin oxide (ITO) pixel electrode is coupled to the TFT and the light emitting cell is driven in accordance with a voltage maintained by the capacitance of a capacitor coupled to a gate of the TFT. Herein, the active matrix method is classified as a voltage programming method or a current programming method depending on the type of signals transmitted to the capacitor so as to distinctively control the voltage applied to the capacitor.
FIG. 1 is an equivalent circuit diagram of a pixel circuit according to a conventional voltage-programming method. A conventional OLED display device employing the voltage-programming method supplies current to an is OLED display through a transistor M1A coupled thereto for light emission. The amount of current supplied to the OLED is adjusted by a data voltage applied through a switching transistor M2A. Herein, a capacitor C1A is coupled between a source and a gate of the transistor M1A to maintain the amount of the data voltage applied for a predetermined time period.
When the transistor M2A is turned on, the data voltage is applied to the gate of the transistor M1A, and a voltage of VGS between the gate and the source is charged to the capacitor C1A. A current IOLED flows corresponding to the voltage of VGS, and the OLED emits light corresponding to the current IOLED.
Herein, the current flowing to the OLED is given as Equation 1.
                              I          OLED                =                                            β              2                                                                  (                                                      V                    GS                                    -                                      V                    TH                                                  )                            2                                =                                    β              2                                                                  (                                                      V                    DD                                    -                                      V                    DATA                                    -                                                                                V                      TH                                                                                          )                            2                                                          [                  Equation                                                              1                ]
where IOLED represents a current flowing to the OLED, VGS represents a voltage between the gate and source of the transistor M1A, VTH represents a threshold voltage of the transistor M1A, VDATA represents a data voltage, and β represents a constant number.
As shown in Equation 1, the current corresponding to the data voltage is supplied to the OLED, and the OLED emits light corresponding to the current supplied thereto. Herein, the data voltage has multi-leveled values within a predetermined range to express gray scales.
However, a pixel circuit according to a conventional voltage-programming method has a problem of expressing high-level gray scales due to deviation of the threshold voltage VTH of the TFT and mobility of a carrier, the deviation being generated as a result of a non-uniform manufacturing process of a TFT. For instance, when the pixel circuit drives a TFT of a pixel using 3V to express 8-bit gray scales (256 gray scales), a gate of the TFT must be applied with a voltage at an interval of less than 12 mV (=3V/256). However, it is difficult to express a high gray scale in the case that the deviation of the threshold voltage VTH is 100 mV due to the non-uniform manufacturing process. Moreover, the deviation of mobility causes the value of β to be changed in Equation 1, and thus expressing the high level gray scale becomes more difficult.
On the other hand, although the amount of current and voltage supplied from a driving transistor in each of pixels is not uniform, the circuit of pixels employing the current-programming method can provide panel uniformity as long as current supplied from a current source to the pixel circuit is uniform.
FIG. 2 shows an equivalent circuit diagram of a pixel circuit according to a conventional current-programming method. A transistor M1B is coupled to an OLED to supply a current for light emission, and the amount of the current is adjusted by a data current applied through a transistor M2B.
Accordingly, when transistors M2B and M3B are turned on, a voltage corresponding to the data current IDATA is stored in a capacitor C1B. The amount of current corresponding to the stored voltage flows to the OLED so that the OLED emits light. Herein, the current flowing to the OLED is given as Equation 2.
                              I          OLED                =                                            β              2                                                                  (                                                      V                    GS                                    -                                                                                V                      TH                                                                                          )                            2                                =                      I            DATA                                              [                  Equation                                                              2                ]
where VGS represents a voltage between a gate and a source of a transistor M1B, VTH represents a threshold voltage of the transistor M1B, and β represents a constant number.
As shown in Equation 2, the current flowing throughout a panel can be uniform since the amount of the current IOLED flowing to the OLED is the same as the amount of the data current IDATA according to the conventional current-programming method. However, a little current (IDATA) flows to the OLED, and thus it takes too much time to charge data lines. For instance, assume that the load of capacitor in the data line is set to be 30 pF. In this case, it takes several milliseconds to charge the load of the capacitance with data currents of several tens of nA to several hundreds of nA. However, line time is inefficient for full charging of the data line since it is limited to several μs.
Moreover, increasing the amount of the current IOLED flowing to the OLED so as to reduce time consumed for charging the data line may cause the brightness of all pixels to increase, thereby resulting in a decrease of image quality.

Organic light emitting display and driving method thereof


A system and method for converting carrier frequencies of a wireless communication system is provided. The system and method allow expansion of coverage areas of wireless communication systems, such as a mobile/cellular telephone system. In one embodiment, the system converts RF signals in the PCS band to ISM band, and transmits the ISM signals to a distant repeater station. The repeater station receives the ISM signals and downconverts the ISM signals to the PCS band. The PCS signals are retransmitted in a new cell thereby creating a new coverage area.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to voice and data communication systems. More particularly, this invention relates to wireless communication systems including conversion between frequency bands.
2. Description of the Related Art
Over the last decade, the deployment of wireless communication systems around the world has been phenomenal. Wireless communication technology has evolved along a logical path, from simple first-generation analog systems designed for business use to second-generation digital wireless communication systems for business and personal applications.
The first-generation analog systems include the Advanced Mobile Phone System (AMPS). The AMPS system is the widely used system in the United States. It uses cellular analog technology, now defined by the Electronics Industries Alliance (xe2x80x9cEIAxe2x80x9d) specification EIA-553. The term xe2x80x9ccellularxe2x80x9d refers to dividing the service area into many small regions, called cells, each served by a low-power transmitter. Analog systems typically use analog frequency modulation (FM) for speech transmission and frequency shift keying (FSK) for signalling (i.e., control messages). In the United States, the AMPS uses frequency ranges of 824-849 MHz for mobile station transmissions (uplink), and 869-894 MHz for base stations transmissions (downlink). Additionally, a narrowband AMPS (N-AMPS) has also been deployed to increase capacity. N-AMPS divides an analog channel into three parts, thereby tripling the present analog channel capacity.
Outside the United States, there are two main international standards employing digital technology. These standards are the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM/DCS-1800), and Japanese Digital Cellular (JDC). In the United States, the second generation digital wireless systems conform with the EIA IS-54 or IS-95 digital system standards. The EIA IS-54 standard employs time division multiple access (TDMA), and IS-95 employs code division multiple access (CDMA). Other systems conforming to the IS-136 (employing TDMA) and Personal Communications Services (PCS) standards are also now deployed in the United States.
Systems employing PCS technology operate in the frequency range 1850-1910 MHz for the uplink (i.e., mobile transmit, base receive) and 1930-1990 MHz for the downlink (i.e., base transmit, mobile receive). There are currently two communication standards operating in the PCS bands: a GSM-equivalent standard which employs a combination of TDMA and frequency division multiple access (FDMA), and a spreadspectrum standard employing code division multiple access (CDMA). Using TDMA, the users share the radio spectrum in the time domain. A user is allocated a time slot during which either the whole frequency band (wideband TDMA) or only a part of the band (narrowband TDMA) is accessed. Using FDMA, the users share the radio spectrum in the frequency domain. A user is allocated at least one unique frequency for communication without interference with users in the same frequency spectrum. Using CDMA, a transmitted signal is spread over a band of frequencies much wider than the minimum bandwidth required to transmit the signal.
PCS systems enable users to efficiently transfer any form of information between any desired locations. Basic needs for PCS include standardized low-power technology to provide voice and data to small, economical, pocket-size personal handsets. With other competitive systems already in place, PCS providers are tasked with finding creative ways of providing extensive service to their customers. To provide extensive coverage, however, PCS providers are confronted with a high equipment cost to provide additional cells. Additionally, government-imposed regulations on service providers may increase these costs if new virtual cells are not added within mandated deadlines.
To combat these problems, PCS providers have used repeaters to extend cell coverage area at its edge or fill-in dead spots within the cell. xe2x80x9cDead spotsxe2x80x9d are areas which have weak reception due to geographic barriers or RF interference. A repeater is a bi-directional radio frequency (RF) amplifier system which receives RF signals from a base transceiver station (BTS) of a donor cell, amplifies the RF signals and retransmits them to subscribers. A xe2x80x9cdonor cellxe2x80x9d is the cell from which a repeater receives RF signals for further transmission. Conventional repeaters have been designed to operate in fringe areas (i.e., zones just outside the range of a BTS in which RF signals are weak).
One limitation of conventional repeaters is that they can only operate within the neighborhood of the donor cell, where RF coverage is inadequate. In certain situations, coverage may be required tens of miles away from the nearest BTS. To meet this demand, repeaters are cascaded, i.e., placed in geographic sequence, to further extend the coverage area of a BTS. However, cascading conventional repeaters to perform this task can be expensive and time consuming. More importantly, there are technical complications associated with cascading repeaters. One major complication is the associated overall time delay due to sequential repeaters, thereby limiting the maximum number of repeaters that can be cascaded without significant signal degradation.
In view of the foregoing, there is a need in the industry for a new repeater system which extends the coverage area in a wireless communication system without the disadvantages of conventional repeaters. The new repeater system should enable expansion of coverage areas without imposing time-delay or intra-band interference. This repeater system should expand coverage areas while maintaining minimal channel inter-cell interference or congestion. Furthermore, such system should be easy to install and maintain.
To overcome the above problems, the present invention provides a repeater system which allows the expansion of existing mobile communications coverage areas without the disadvantages of the prior art. The above-mentioned problems are solved by providing an inter-band repeater system which provides conversion of communication from cellular/mobile frequency bands to other frequency bands, such as the Industrial, Scientific and Medical (ISM) frequency bands. The ISM frequency bands allocated by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) are spread across the frequency ranges of 902-928 MHz, 2400-2484 MHz, and 5725-5850 MHz. The repeater system provides full duplex communications while maintaining proper signalling schemes for a variety of wireless communication systems, such as mobile systems employing CDMA, TDMA, E-TDMA, FDMA, frequency hopping, or similar technologies.
In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the repeater system converts PCS signals to ISM frequency bands. The repeater system comprises two main substations: a near-end ISM band transceiver (the xe2x80x9cNEITxe2x80x9d station) and a farend ISM band transceiver (the xe2x80x9cFEITxe2x80x9d station). In one direction, called the forward link, the NEIT station receives PCS signals from a BTS of a donor cell, converts the carrier frequencies of the PCS signals to ISM frequencies, and transmits these signals using an antenna over ISM bands. The FEIT station receives these signals, converts the carrier frequencies of these signals to PCS frequencies, and transmits the PCS signals at the desired location. In effect, a new virtual cell is created at the desired location using the FEIT station of the repeater system. The repeater system implements all these steps without affecting signal quality. More importantly, the repeater system processes the PCS signals without interference with the signal modulation and schemes.
The repeater system supports full-duplex communication between a donor cell and a new virtual cell. Hence, the operation of the repeater system in the opposite direction, called the reverse link, is similar to that of the forward link. The PCS signal is preferably received by the BTS of the donor cell and re-transmitted by that BTS.

Inter-band communication repeater system


This invention relates to novel applications for alliform carbon, useful in conductors and energy storage devices, including electrical double layer capacitor devices and articles incorporating such conductors and devices. Said alliform carbon particles are in the range of 2 to about 20 percent by weight, relative to the weight of the entire electrode. Said novel applications include supercapacitors and associated electrode devices, batteries, bandages and wound healing, and thin-film devices, including display devices.

The recent boom in multi-function portable electronic equipments and the increasing need for wireless sensor networks for the development of smart environments raise the problem of compact and/or flexible energy storage. Designing efficient miniaturized energy storage devices that can achieve high energy delivery or can harvest at high discharge rates with a lifetime that matches or exceeds that of the machine being powered remains a challenge. The integration of the storage element as close as possible to the electronic circuit (directly on a chip or within a flexible substrate, for example, including clothing) is another challenge. Since electrochemical energy storage in batteries occurs by volumetric reactions, the charge-discharge rate and specific power of the best (Li-ion) batteries are limited by the rate of solid-state diffusion. The redox reactions and expansion-contraction of the active material limit the lifetime to hundreds or thousands of cycles. These problems can only be partially resolved by using nano-structured materials. The properties of thin-film batteries, despite their excellent energy per unit volume, drop dramatically in the micro-scale range.
Electric double-layer capacitors (EDLCs), also called supercapacitors, store energy using an accumulation of ions of opposite charge in a double layer at electrochemically-stable high specific surface area electrodes. EDLCs do not have a conventional dielectric. Rather than two separate plates separated by an intervening substance, these capacitors use "plates" that are in fact two layers of the same substrate, and their electrical properties, the so-called "electrical double layer", result in the effective separation of charge despite the vanishingly thin (on the order of nanometers) physical separation of the layers. The lack of need for a bulky layer of dielectric permits the packing of "plates" with much larger surface area into a given size, resulting in extraordinarily high capacitances in practical-sized packages.
In an electrical double layer, each layer by itself is quite conductive, but the physics at the interface where the layers are effectively in contact means that no significant current can flow between the layers. The high surface to volume ratio of the active material promotes the energy and power densities of EDLCs, and is further enhanced in micro-supercapacitors. By offering fast charging and discharging rates, and the ability to sustain millions of cycles, electrochemical capacitors bridge the gap between batteries, which offer high energy densities but are slow, and conventional electrolytic capacitors, which are fast but have low energy densities.
EDLCs have much higher power density than batteries. In fact, existing EDLCs have energy densities that are perhaps 1/10th that of a conventional battery, their power density is generally 10 to 100 times as great (see, e.g., FIG. 1).
Typical materials used for supercapacitors have been limited to activated carbon, graphene, carbon nanotubes, carbon aerogels, and certain conductive polymers. However, few studies have been performed on nanoparticles that do not have narrow pores, unlike activated carbons or nanotubes, wherein the transport of ions may be the rate controlling factor limiting the charge/discharge rate.
Micro-supercapacitors have yet to be described which exhibit the combination of high capacitance, especially high power, and high discharge rates necessary for wide-scale commercial use. There is a clear need in the market for devices that are capable of exhibiting high capacitance levels wherein the powers per volume that are at least comparable to electrolytic capacitors, the energies per volume are higher than electrolytic capacitors, and which exhibit discharge rates significantly higher than conventional supercapacitors. Such devices are available through the present invention.
While exploring the properties of materials of a genus of materials identified herein and hereinafter described as alliform carbon, the present inventors have also discovered properties that, in addition to solving the problems just described, open a wide range of new application possibilities. These new applications include the use of alliform carbon particles in activated carbon electrodes, batteries, and current collectors (and/or the interface of EDLCs therewith), where the particle properties provide for enhanced performance of those devices. Alliform carbon particles also can be used in binderless EDCLs and in conductors and integrated energy storage devices on flexible substrates such as paper, plastics, and woven and non-woven fabrics. This latter discovery—the ability to design functional electrical storage devices in woven and non-woven fabrics—opens the possibility of functional fabrics and medical treatments that provide significant advantages over existing technologies. Each of these options is described below.

Universite Paul Abatier De Toulouse France


A drilling system employs a set of bushings that protect seats used for casing hangers. The system includes one or more seat protectors that attach to a running tool. The running tool is lowered down the wellbore with the seat protectors attached and deposits a bushing at each surface to be protected. The running tool may retrieve the bushings as the running tool is withdrawn from the wellbore.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates in general to an improved wear bushing system, and in particular to an improved bit-run wear bushing and tool and method of operation.
2. Brief Description of Related Art
A wear bushing or seat protector is used in drilling applications to protect the inner profiles of the various components in the wellhead. In the prior art, wear bushings typically have been run or lowered down to the wellhead on a separate trip. One type of bit run wear bushing is held to a tool via shear pins. This bit run wear bushing has an internal ledge with a reduced inner diameter for retrieval. However, the bit run wear bushing is not suitable to protect all of the seats inside a wellbore. Thus an improved bit run wear bushing would be desirable.

Bit-run nominal seat protector and method of operating same