An active matrix substrate in which variations in output characteristics of photodiodes are reduced, and a display device using this active matrix substrate, are provided. An active matrix substrate (1) having an n-TFT (20), a p-TFT (30), and a photodiode (10) is used. The photodiode (10) includes a p-layer (7), an i-layer (8), and an n-layer (9). The i-layer (8) includes a p-type semiconductor region (8a) at a position adjacent to the player (7), said p-type semiconductor region (8a) having a diffusion concentration of p-type impurities that is set at the same level as that of a diffusion concentration of p-type impurities in the channel region (23) of the n-TFT (20); and an n-type semiconductor region (8b) at a position adjacent to the n-layer (9), said n-type semiconductor region (8b) having a diffusion concentration of n-type impurities that is set at the same level as that of a diffusion concentration of n-type impurities in the channel region (33) of the p-TFT (30).

In the field of display devices typified by liquid crystal display devices, a brightness of a display screen of a display device is adjusted according to an intensity of ambient light of the display device (hereinafter this light is referred to as "external light"). Therefore, to incorporate a light sensor in the display device has been proposed. The incorporation of the light sensor in the display device can be achieved by mounting a light sensor as a discrete component on a display panel thereof. Further, in the case of a liquid crystal display device, a light sensor can be formed monolithically on an active matrix substrate by utilizing a process for forming an active element (TFT) and a peripheral circuit.
In the field of display devices for mobile terminal devices in particular, the light sensor is required to be formed monolithically on the active matrix substrate, from the viewpoint of reducing the number of components and downsizing a display device. As the light sensor formed monolithically, a photodiode having a lateral structure, for example, is known (see, for example, JP 2006-3857 A).
Here, a conventional photodiode (light sensor) is described with reference to FIG. 6. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a conventional photodiode. As shown in FIG. 6, a photodiode 51 is a PIN diode having the lateral structure. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the photodiode 51 is formed monolithically on the active matrix substrate included in a liquid crystal display panel.
As shown in FIG. 6, the photodiode 51 has a silicon film 60 provided on a glass substrate 52 serving as a base substrate of an active matrix substrate 50. The silicon film 60 is formed at the same time when the thin film transistor (TFT) functioning as the active element is formed, by utilizing the step for forming the TFT. In the silicon film 60, a p-type semiconductor region (p-layer) 51a, an intrinsic semiconductor region (i-layer) 51b, and an n-type semiconductor region (n-layer) 51c are provided in a plane direction in the stated order. In this photodiode 51, the i-layer 51b serves as a light detection region.
The i-layer 51b is a region electrically almost neutral, as compared with the adjacent p-layer 51a and n-layer 51c, and is formed by an ion implantation step performed in a process for forming active elements (TFT) or peripheral circuits in such a manner that a conductive electron density and a positive hole density are equal to each other. Further, below the photodiode 51, a light blocking film 53 for blocking illumination light from a backlight device is provided, with a basecoat film 54 being interposed between the photodiode 51 and the light blocking film 53. The photodiode 51 is covered with interlayer insulation films 55 and 56.
In FIG. 6, "57" denotes a line connected with the p-layer 51a, "58" denotes a line connected with the n-layer 51c. Further, "59" denotes a flattening film, and "61" denotes a protective film. "62" denotes a liquid crystal layer. Regarding a counter substrate 63, only its outline is shown.
In the photodiode 51 shown in FIG. 6, depletion layers are formed between the p-layer 51a and the i-layer 51b, and between the n-layer 51c and the i-layer 51b. When light enters the i-layer 51b while a reverse bias voltage is being applied across opposite ends of the photodiode 51, free electrons in each of the depletion layers move toward the n-layer 51c, and positive holes move toward the p-layer 51a. As a result, a photoelectric current is outputted from the photodiode 51.

Display device and method for manufacturing the same


A proton exchange membrane fuel cell stack and novel proton exchange membrane fuel cell module are disclosed and wherein the proton exchange membrane fuel cell stack includes a plurality of repeating, serially electrically coupled fuel cell stack modules, and which are sealably mounted together by a compressive force of less than about 60 pounds per square inch.

A fuel cell is an electrochemical device which reacts hydrogen, a fuel source, and oxygen, which is usually derived from the ambient air, to produce electricity, water, and heat. The basic process is highly efficient, and fuel cells fueled by pure hydrogen are substantially pollution free. Further, since fuel cells can be assembled into modules of various sizes, power systems have been developed to produce a wide range of electrical power outputs. As a result of these attributes, fuel cell power systems hold a great deal of promise as an environmentally friendly and viable source of electricity for a great number of applications.
One of a number of known fuel cell technologies is the proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell. The fundamental electrochemical process under which PEM fuel cells operate is well understood and known in the art. A typical single PEM fuel cell produces a useful voltage of about 0.45 to about 0.70 Volts DC, although most fuel cells are operated at about 0.60 Volts DC in order to extract the greatest efficiency from same. To achieve a useful voltage, typically a number of individual fuel cells are electrically combined or coupled in series. In one common configuration, a number of individual fuel cells are electrically coupled in series in the form of a fuel cell stack. In a stack configuration, the anode of one fuel cell is electrically coupled to the cathode of another fuel cell in order to connect the two fuel cells in series. Any number of fuel cells can be similarly stacked together to achieve the desired output voltage and current. Typically, these individual fuel cells are separated by an electrically conductive bipolar separator plate. Further, the individual fuel cells are placed between two end plates and a substantial compressive force is applied to same in order to effectively seal same, and to achieve an operatively effective ohmic electrical connection between the respective fuel cells.
In addition to the relatively low operating temperature PEM fuel cells noted, above Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFC) have been developed. A SOFC is a fuel cell which generates electricity directly from a chemical reaction, yet unlike PEM fuel cells, an SOFC is typically composed of solid ceramic materials. The selection of the materials employed in such prior art SOFC devices is dictated, to a large degree, by the high operating temperatures (600-800 degrees C.) which are experienced by such devices. In view of the extremely high operating temperatures which are needed to render the ceramic based electrolyte ionically active, SOFC devices do not require the use of an expensive catalyst (platinum), which is the case with PEM fuel cells as discussed, above. As a result of these high operating temperatures, assorted fuels can be employed with a SOFC which could not normally be used in a PEM fuel cell. Therefore, SOFC devices can employ fuels such as methane, propane, butane, fermentation gas, gasified biomass, etc. In a typical SOFC device, a ceramic based electrolyte formed of a material such as zirconium oxide is sandwiched between a porous, electrically conductive cathode layer, and a porous, electrically conductive anode layer. These cathode and anode layers are typically ceramic gas diffusion layers that are selected for their structural rigidity and high temperature tolerance. The chosen electrolyte must be impervious to air (oxygen) and must be electrically insulating so that the electrons resulting from the oxidation reaction on the anode side are forced to travel through an external circuit before reaching the cathode side of the SOFC. In a typical SOFC device a metal or electrically conductive interconnect electrically couples the respective cells in a serial arrangement. If a ceramic interconnect is employed it must be extremely stable because it is exposed to both the oxidizing and reducing side of the SOFC at high temperatures.
As should be understood from the discussion above, the cost of fabricating such SOFC devices is significant. Further, to render such devices operational, a rather significant and sophisticated balance of plant arrangement must be employed to controllably heat the SOFC device up to an operational temperature, and then maintain the device within an acceptable temperature range. In contrast, PEM fuel cells do not need the extremely high temperatures employed in SOFC devices in order to render the electrolyte (typically Nafion) ionically active. Further these high temperatures have dictated the use of heat tolerant ceramic materials for the anode and cathode. The cost of fabricating these components is significant. In typical PEM fuel cell devices, the designers of same have continually strived to employ lower cost components, and simplify any balance of plant requirements in order to reduce the cost of same and make the cost per watt of power generated more acceptable for discreet market applications.
While traditional PEM fuel cell stacks have operated with some degree of success, a number of shortcomings continue to distract from their usefulness. First among these shortcomings is the high cost of manufacture for the individual components of a traditional stack design. Chief among these high cost components is the bipolar plate which is employed with same. In order to save costs, many manufacturers of fuel cell stacks have attempted to combine a number of functions into the bipolar plate. A modern bipolar plate is a precisely fabricated component that performs a number of functions including fuel management, cooling, electrical conduction, and gas separation. The result of this combination of functions is that performance in many areas must be sacrificed in order to save costs. Examples of such an arrangement are seen in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,252,410, and 5,863,671, the teachings of which are incorporated by reference herein.
Another primary cost or factor which impacts a traditional fuel cell stack is that attributed to the force compression needed to make such devices operational. In order to achieve an operationally effective electrical conductivity between a proton exchange membrane, a gas diffusion layer, and/or a bipolar plate, a great deal of force must be applied between the end plates of the traditional stack. Typically, these compression forces are in excess of 100 pounds per square inch. To achieve this level of compressive force, costly, heavy, and complex components are often required. The application of this force typically compresses same components within a stack, for those components which are porous, this same force may reduce the porosity of same. Yet another shortcoming attributable to the traditional fuel cell stack design or arrangement is heat management. Because a fuel cell generates heat while generating electricity, excess heat is often created and accumulates in the center and other locations within the stack. A number of sophisticated technologies and designs have been developed to manage these hotspots, but the result has been higher manufacturing costs and greater complexity for a resulting fuel cell stack system.
One proposed solution to the problems associated with the cost and complexity of prior art force compression arrangements was disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,716,549, the teachings of which are hereby incorporated by reference. This proposed solution involved coating a surface of a traditional, rigid, carbon gas diffusion layer with a metal such that the resulting metalized gas diffusion layer retained its porosity. The resulting metalized surface of the carbon gas diffusion layer forms an ohmic contact with an adjacent metal current collector without the need for the high compression forces that would typically be required without the metal layer. While this solution addresses some of the issues associated with force compression, it still requires the use of a rigid carbon, gas diffusion layer, which has become increasingly costly and difficult to procure. Thus, a long felt need remains for a lower cost, and higher performing alternative to the prior art high force compression proton exchange membrane fuel cell stacks which are now disclosed in the art.
The prior art is replete with numerous examples of other prior art fuel cell devices that attempt to address these and other issues. The Office's attention is directed to U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,470,671; 5,482,792; and U.S. Application Publication No. 2006/0134498; the teachings of which are incorporated by reference herein.
A proton exchange membrane fuel cell stack and an associated proton exchange membrane fuel cell stack module which avoids the shortcomings attendant with the prior art devices and practices utilized heretofore is the subject matter of the present application.

Proton exchange membrane fuel cell stack and fuel cell stack module


An electronic ballast for a lamp having a bridge circuit, includes at least one first switch and a second switch coupled between a connection for a supply voltage and a connection for a ground potential, a center point of the bridge circuit between the first switch and second switches; a first and a second connection for a lamp the first connection coupled to the center point; and a signal evaluation unit. The evaluation unit includes a first input coupled to a signal which is at the DC voltage level of the first connection, and second input coupled to a signal which is at the DC voltage level of the second connection, the DC voltage reference potential for the evaluation unit being designed to be variable within a value range which is greater than or equal to the ground potential and is less than or equal to the supply voltage potential.

Such an electronic ballast for a lamp is known. In this case, the difference between the DC voltage level of the first connection for the lamp and of the second connection for the lamp is determined and evaluated in a signal evaluation unit which is connected to the ground potential as the reference potential in order to provide information on the remaining life of the lamp. In particular, when it is established that the lamp is approaching its end of life (EoL), driving of the bridge circuit is disconnected in order to prevent damage in the electronic ballast. A DC voltage at the level of the DC voltage potential of the center point of the bridge circuit is superimposed on the actual DC voltage useful signal. Since the voltage dividers and comparator circuits required for evaluation purposes are subject to the conventional tolerances, this means that typically +/−4% of the potential at the center point of the bridge circuit is produced as the error in the measured value by a voltage divider when using resistors with a 1% tolerance. The supply voltage is, for example, 450 V; the potential at the center point of the bridge circuit is therefore approximately 225 V. With an error of +/−4%, the error in the measured value is thus approximately +/−9 V. Since the DC voltage useful signal for identifying an "EoL situation" is generally of the order of magnitude of from 10 to 20 V, reliable EoL detection is therefore not possible.

Patent-Treuhand-Gesellschaft für Glühlampen mbH


To create information in media content a standardized segment tag associated with macro segments is created. To extract segments from media content, macro segments of the contiguous stream are identified based on the presence of a standardized segment tag associated with each identified segment and data is extracted from each identified segment based on the associated tag. In a device for creating information in media content, a processor identifies macro segments of the contiguous stream and creates a standardized segment tag associated with each segment. A memory stores the macro segments and the standardized tag associated with each segment. A device for extracting segments includes a processor configured to identify macro segments of the contiguous stream based on the presence of a standardized segment tag associated with each segment. The processor extracts data from each identified macro segment based on the associated standardized tag. A memory stores the extracted data.

Set-top boxes with DVR capability have given the television viewer greater flexibility in the manner in which the viewer watches TV programs. The viewer can record the broadcast program and watch it at a later point in time. A viewer can watch a time shifted version of the same program, and skip portions of the program that are not of interest. However, when it comes to automated mechanisms of filtering the broadcast content and storing and indexing the same, there are certain limitations. Current state-of-the-art systems allow users to specify "programs" as specified in the EPG or to specify a time and channel which they would like to record. In some cases, channels air what could be termed as un-demarcated content, which one can think of, as comprising logical segments, but which do not have associated granular metadata. The notion of the name of these logical segments or the precise time of airing of these segments is not granularized in the stream, for EPG or for any other applications. Hence, it is not currently possible, from such un-demarcated program content, to filter out only those items that the user would be interested in recording and/or storing in an indexed fashion. Therefore there is a need in the art for a solution addressing the above-mentioned shortcomings and enabling several other enhanced user experiences.

Method and apparatus for segmenting media content


A trolling device for use in trolling from a moving boat or other water craft is structured to allow the fisher to control the movement of the line and the speed of the lure independently of the movement or speed of the boat or any apparatus used in connection with the boat, such as a downrigger device, the trolling device generally comprising a planar body, a leading end, a trailing end, an upper section and lower section providing for attachment of various devices that enhance the fishing experience, and a channel through which a fishing line or other auxiliary line is positioned to enable the line to be controlled by the user.

Field of the Invention
This invention relates to fishing devices and specifically relates to devices used during trolling to control the movement of the fishing line and to control the lure speed, while also enabling the use of auxiliary devices to enhance the fishing experience.
Background of Related Art
Trolling is a popular form of fishing that is employed in both recreational or sport fishing as well as commercial fishing. Trolling involves drawing one or more baited fishing lines through a body of water by means of a moving water craft. Most typically, the water craft is a conventional boat that is equipped with a trolling motor, though trolling can also be accomplished by manually-propelled craft, such as small boats or canoes that are propelled by oars.
The speed at which the bait or lure on a fishing line is drawn, or trolled, is an important factor in the success of the fishing venture. Thus, trolling motors are capable of being set at variable speeds so that the speed of the water craft can be selected in accordance with the type or species of fish being pursued. Larger fish, such as salmon, move at greater speeds, especially in the ocean, than do lake trout, for example. Other factors also come into consideration in the selection of trolling speeds, including climate conditions and geographical conditions.
Many devices are known, and have been developed, for facilitating trolling, including devices that spread out or separate multiple lines, known as outriggers, so that the lines do not tangle. Other devices, known as downriggers, have been developed to maintain the depth of a line below the bottom of the boat. Many other devices have been developed to manipulate the line and/or bait or lure to simulate conditions that may increase the chance of a attracting fish, such as simulating dying, distressed or fast-moving fish.
Fundamental to all the equipment and devices used in trolling is the fact that the movement of the boat is the determinant factor of the speed at which the fishing line and the lure move in the water. Whether the line is simply cast out from the back of a water craft or is attached to an outrigger and/or downrigger, the speed at which the lure or bait moves through the water to attract fish is controlled by the speed at which the water craft is caused to move, either by a trolling motor or by the speed of rowing. In trolling, the speed at which the lure moves through the water is fixed by the speed of the boat or watercraft, and the only way to vary the speed of the lure is to turn the boat, which causes the outside lure speed to increase and the inside lure speed to decrease.
Thus, it would be advantageous to provide a device by which the fisherman can manipulate and control the movement of the fishing line and the speed of the lure that is separate from the speed of the water craft, and which is independent of the attachment of the fishing line to any other device, such as an outrigger or a downrigger.

Trolling device for controlling movement of fishing line and lure speed


An apparatus and method is provided for lateral contact loading of an implantable transducer relative to an auditory component. The apparatus may include a contact tip for directly contacting a lateral aspect of an auditory component, and a vibratory actuator adapted for axial displacement in response to the operation of an interconnected implantable hearing aid transducer. At least a portion of the vibratory actuator may be deflectable, wherein the contact tip is laterally displaceable upon lateral deflection of the vibratory actuator to apply a lateral loading force to an auditory component. In operation, the contact tip may be positioned to apply the lateral loading force upon initial placement and then automatically moved to maintain contact with the auditory component by virtue of deflection of the vibratory actuator, (e.g., responsive) post-implantation auditory component movement.

Implantable hearing aids entail the subcutaneous positioning of some or all of various hearing augmentation componentry on or within a patient's skull, typically at locations proximate the mastoid process. Implantable hearing aids may be generally divided into two classes, semi-implantable and fully implantable. In a semi-implantable hearing aid, components such as a microphone, signal processor, and transmitter may be externally located to receive, process, and inductively transmit a processed audio signal to implanted components such as a receiver and transducer. In a fully implantable hearing aid, typically all of the components, e.g., the microphone, signal processor, and transducer, are located subcutaneously. In either arrangement, a processed audio signal is provided to a transducer to stimulate a component of the auditory system.
By way of example, one type of implantable transducer includes an electromechanical transducer having a magnetic coil that drives a vibratory actuator. The actuator is positioned to mechanically stimulate the ossicles via physical contact. (See e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,702,342.) Generally, such a vibratory actuator is mechanically engaged (i.e., coupled) with the ossicles during mounting and positioning of the transducer within the patient. In one example, such coupling may occur via a small aperture formed in the incus bone that is sized to receive a tip of the electromechanical transducer. In such an arrangement, the transducer tip may expansively contact the sides of the aperture, may be adhered within the aperture or tissue growth (e.g., osteointegration) may couple the transducer tip to the bone. One disadvantage of methods requiring a hole in the ossicle to facilitate attachment is that a surgical laser must be employed to ablate the ossicle's surface. The laser ablation procedure is burdensome and time consuming. Also, the required equipment is expensive and not present in every surgical setting. In other arrangements, clamps and/or clips are utilized to couple the vibratory actuator to an ossicle. However, such approaches can entail difficult implant procedures and yield sub-optimum coupling.
As will be appreciated, coupling with the ossicles poses numerous challenges. For instance, during positioning of the transducer, it is often difficult for an audiologist or surgeon to determine the extent of the coupling, or in other words, how well the actuator is attached to the ossicles. Additionally, due to the size of the transducer relative to the ossicles, it is difficult to determine if loading exists between the ossicles and transducer. For example, precise control of the engagement between the actuator of the transducer and the ossicles is of critical importance as the axial can only be effectively communicated when an appropriate interface or load condition exists between the transducer and the ossicles. Overloading or biasing of the actuator can result in damage or degraded performance of the biological aspect (e.g., movement of the ossicles) as well as degraded performance of the mechanical aspect (e.g., movement of the vibratory member). Additionally, an underloaded condition, i.e., one in which the actuator is not fully connected to the ossicles, may result in reduced performance of the transducer. In addition, once coupled for an extended period, the maintenance and/or replacement with a next generation transducer may be difficult. That is, in many coupling arrangements it may be difficult to de-couple a vibratory actuator/transducer.

Lateral coupling of an implantable hearing aid actuator to an auditory component


Receiver for enhanced performance for CDMA radio transmission comprising roke receiver with a path searcher (3), a channel estimator (4) and a combiner (5) for selecting optimal paths where the path searcher selects a set of path delays (7) with an instantaneous profile analyzer (8), an averaging filter (9) and a path selector (10) where at least two instantaneous profile analyzers (8) are connected to the averaging filter (9).

The invention relates to a receiver and a method for enhanced performance for CDMA transmission as described in the subiect of the independent claims.
In terrestrial communication the transmitted signal is reflected and refracted by a variety of smooth or rough terrains, so that it is replicated at the receiver with several time delays. Each individual path also arrives at its own amplitude and carrier phase. Propagation characteristics are qualitatively the same for all structures of signals though they will vary quantitatively with carrier frequency and terrain characteristics. The structures of the individual propagation paths can be identified and possibly exploited only to the extent that they can be distinguished from one other. In particular, spread spectrum signals employ pseudo-random sequences with a chip time Tc inversely proportional to the spreading bandwidth. In this case, the individual paths can be distinguished if they are mutually separated by delays greater than Tc, for then the various delayed versions of the signal will be mutually uncorrelated.
The situation is shown in FIG. 1. The path amplitudes (xcex1 will depend on the relative propagation distances and the reflective or refractive properties of the area. However, in many cases, particularly in confined areas, each of the distinguishable multipath components will actually be itself the linear combination of several indistinguishable paths of varying amplitudes. To exploit energy in the multiple components of multipath propagation, they must be identified and acquired. It is particularly important to determine the relative delays and subsequently, when possible, their amplitudes and phases. This can be performed even with fully modulated signals, but the estimate is much more precise and the resulting performance is much improved if the path identification and parameter estimation is performed on an unmodulated signal. Unmodulated segments can be inserted every so often in the modulated signal, particularly with time division multiplexing. However, in spread spectrum systems it is much more effective and easier to separate the unmodulated pilot signals from the data modulated signal by assigning it an individual pseudo-random sequence.
A pilot sequence for determining multipath component characteristics is well justified for one-to-many transmission channels such as the forward down link from a base station to multiple users.
The optimum demodulator structure for an L multipath propagation channel is known as Rake receiver. Each multipath component demodulator is called a xe2x80x9cfingerxe2x80x9d of the rake. The pilot sequence tracking of a particular demodulator is started by time delay estimation of a given path as determined by the pilot sequences searcher. The demodulator forms the weighted phase-adjusted and delay-adjusted sum of L components. In the prior art, the profile of the powers of each of the L paths is taken by checking the pilot sequence of one pilot channel on a slot-by-slot basis. This power profile is computed by non-coherent averaging of instantaneous channel profiles on this slot-by-slot basis. So the demodulator has to wait for the next pilot sequence in the next time slot to get more information to optimize the power profile.
For down link mode, the performance of this solution depends extremely on the signal-tonoise ratio of the pilot sequence. This means that the result of the demodulation in the receiver depends on the pilot sequence length itself and on the distortions in the dedicated channel.
Moreover, for high bitrates, the correlation length is shorter because of the lower spreading factor of the signal. Thus, for different bit rates, the performance of the path selection algorithm can be different.
The invention as described below increases performance of a demodulator in a CDMA receiver due to a method using more than one pilot sequence to extract good information about path delays and so to get an optimized channel profile.
The improvements are done by:
A receiver with enhanced performance for CDMA transmission comprising rake receiver with a path searcher (3), a channel estimator (4) and a combiner (5) for selecting optimal paths where the path searcher selects a set of path delays (7) with an instantaneous profile analyzer (8), an averoging filter (9) and a path selector (10), characterized in that at least two instantaneous profile analyzers (8) are connected to the averoging filter (9)
Or:
A receiver with enhanced performance for CDMA transmission comprising rake receiver with a path searcher (3), a channel estimator (4) and a combiner (5) for selecting optimal paths where the path searcher selects a set of path delays (7) with an instantaneous profile analyzer (8), on averaging filter (9) and a path selector (10), characterized in that at least two probes of pilot sequences are selected by a selection element (12) and are connected to one instantaneous profile analyzer (8) over a P-S converter (11).

Receiver and method with enhanced performance for CDMA transmission


A medium transportation device includes a transportation section that transports a recording medium in a transport direction; a winding section that winds the recording medium transported by the transportation section; and a medium support section that is disposed between the transportation section and the winding section and has a medium support section supporting the recording medium. The medium support section has a support sliding section including a first surface and a second surface. A coefficient of friction of the first surface with the recording medium is greater than a coefficient of friction of the medium support surface with the recording medium and a coefficient of friction of the second surface with the recording medium is lower than the coefficient of friction of the first surface with the recording medium.

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to a medium transportation device including a transportation section that transports a long medium and a winding section that winds the medium transported by the transportation section, and a recording apparatus.
2. Related Art
For example, a medium transportation device is disclosed in JP-A-2004-107021 (for example, FIG. 1 or the like), which includes a transportation section (a grip section) that transports a long recording medium sent out from a roll-shaped medium (for example, a roll paper) charged in a feeding section toward a downstream side while being clamped between a driving roller and a driven roller (a pinch roller), and a winding section (a winding scroller) that winds the recording medium transported by the transportation section toward the downstream side in a roll shape. A recording apparatus including the medium transportation device includes a recording section that performs recording (printing) on a portion of the recording medium on a medium support section (a platen) disposed on a downstream side from the transportation section. The recording medium, which is discharged along a paper guide after the printing is performed, is wound around the winding section while tension is applied to the recording medium by pressing a tension roller in a portion of the recording medium between the paper guide and the winding section.
Incidentally, there is a case where the recording medium is wound around the winding section in a position deviated in a width direction relative to a position clamped by the transportation section. In this case, if a biased force is propagated to an upstream side during the time of winding with the deviation of a winding position of the winding section in a width direction, the recording medium is deviated by the propagated force in the width direction in the transportation section and this causes skewing or meandering of the recording medium between the transportation section and the winding section.
For example, techniques for increasing a coefficient of friction of all or a part of a periphery of a roller (a transportation roller or a platen roller) configuring a transportation section are disclosed in JP-A-2007-245599 (for example, FIG. 5 or the like), JP-A-8-174928 (for example, paragraph [0010] or the like) and JP-A-4-270672 (for example, paragraph [0010], FIG. 2 or the like). For example, in JP-A-2007-245599, a friction applying member is formed in the transportation roller. In addition, in JP-A-8-174928, for example, a coefficient of friction of a surface of a rubber elastic body with the recording medium is a value of 0.4 to 0.6 obtained by coating a fluorine resin on the surface of the rubber elastic body coated on a core material of the platen roller. In addition, in JP-A-4-270672, a correcting roller is provided in which rubber rollers having a relatively large coefficient of friction are mounted on both ends thereof, and a belt skew correcting unit is provided which serves as a guide roller applying tension.
In the medium transportation device as described in JP-A-2004-107021, in which the winding section winds the recording medium, when the recording medium is biased and wound as described above, even if the deviation of the recording medium in the width direction is suppressed by the frictional resistance in a position of the transportation section away from the winding section on the upstream side, a large frictional resistance force is necessary to suppress the deviation thereof in the position of the transportation section on the upstream side, because a portion of the recording medium is largely deviated on the downstream side. In contrast, if the coefficient of friction of the roller is remarkably large, there is a concern that a catch thereon may occur during the time of transporting due to the remarkably large frictional resistance force of the recording medium received from the roller. If the catch of this type occurs, there is a problem in that the recording medium is inclined or the positional accuracy of the transportation is reduced without being transported with a required amount of the transportation.
Therefore, even if the coefficient of friction of all or some of the rollers is increased as described in JP-A-2007-245599, JP-A-8-174928 and JP-A-4-270672, it is difficult to sufficiently suppress skewing or meandering of the recording medium between the transportation section and the winding section, caused by biasing of the winding position of the recording medium in the winding section in a direction (width direction) intersecting the transport direction.
As a method to avoid such a problem and to suppress the skewing or the meandering of the recording medium between the transportation section and the winding section, the inventors of the invention found that a method is effective in which a medium support section (a discharging support section) for guiding the recording medium which is transported on a support surface between the transportation section and the winding section on the downstream side thereof is provided, and an elastic member having a frictional surface having a coefficient of friction with the recording medium greater than a coefficient of friction of the support surface with the recording medium is fixed to an end portion of the medium support section on the downstream side in the transport direction so as to extend in a width direction. According to the method in which the recording medium is transported so as to slide on the frictional surface of the elastic member, it is possible to suppress the skewing or the meandering of the recording medium between the transportation section and the winding section by suppressing the deviation of the recording medium in the width direction due to the relatively high coefficient of friction of the frictional surface with the recording medium.
However, in the method, there is a concern that a frictional force of the frictional surface of the elastic member fixed to the end portion of the support section on the downstream side in the transport direction so as to extend in the width direction is too excessive, the catch of the recording medium occurs during the time of transporting of the recording medium, the transport speed is unstable and then the positional accuracy of the transportation is reduced.

Medium transportation device and recording apparatus


Provided are a multi-pass image forming apparatus and an image forming method using the same. The multi-pass image forming apparatus includes a plurality of developers for forming a plurality of electrostatic latent images using toners having different polarities and colors in one development process and for forming a multi-color image in at least two development processes; an exposure unit for forming the plurality of the electrostatic latent images on a photosensitive medium; and an intermediate transferring unit for having a toner images transferred thereon from the photosensitive medium that overlap to form the multi-color image, wherein the toner image may overlap another toner image on the intermediate transferring unit.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a multi-pass image forming apparatus and an image forming method using the same. More particularly, the present invention relates to a multi-pass image forming apparatus and an image forming method using the same, which can select a print mode in consideration of print speed and image quality.
2. Description of the Related Art
In a conventional image forming apparatus a digital image signal is received that corresponds to a desired image. An electrostatic latent image is then formed on a photosensitive medium by an exposing unit such as a laser scanning unit (LSU). The electrostatic latent image is then developed using a toner to form a toner image. The toner image is then transferred onto a recording medium. The toner image is then fixed onto the recording medium with high temperature and high pressure, thereby forming the desired image.
This image forming apparatus is typically classified as either a wet type image forming apparatuses or a dry type image forming apparatuses, according to the state of the toner and carrier. A wet type image forming apparatus is further classified as either an image forming apparatus having a one-component developer or an image forming apparatus having a two-component developer.
While the one-component developer supplies only the toner to form an image, the two-component developer supplies the carrier mixed with the toner to form an image. In the one-component developer, the toner is supplied to a photosensitive medium to form the toner image. The toner remaining on the surface of the photosensitive medium is then removed by a cleaning device such as cleaning blade and collected by a collecting device so that the toner can be reused.
Meanwhile, in the two-component developer, the carrier is not supplied to the photosensitive medium and collected. Instead, only the toner is supplied to the photosensitive medium to form the toner image. The toner remaining on the surface of the photosensitive medium is removed by a cleaning blade and collected by a collecting device so that the toner can be reused.
A multi-color image forming apparatus generally requires yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) toners. Accordingly, the multi-color image forming apparatus requires four developers for adhering respective color toners to an electrostatic latent image. A development bias for adhering the toner to the photosensitive medium and a supplying bias for supplying the toner to a developing roller are applied to each of the developers. The development bias and supplying bias are high voltages of several hundreds or several thousands of volts.
Either a single-pass printing, which requires four exposure units and four photosensitive media or a multi-pass printing, which requires a single exposure unit and a photosensitive medium, may be employed in printing a multi-color image.
A single-pass multi-color image forming apparatus is mainly used in a high-speed multi-color image forming apparatus because it allows high-speed printing for both a monochromic image and a multi-color image. However, since the four exposure units and four photosensitive media are required, it is difficult to minimize a size of the apparatus and therefore has high manufacturing costs.
A multi-pass multi-color image forming apparatus includes a single photosensitive medium and a single exposure unit. In this apparatus, by repeatedly performing the exposing, developing, and transferring processes for each color so as to overlap each color on an intermediate transfer medium, a color toner image is formed on the intermediate transfer medium and then the color toner image is transferred and fixed onto a sheet of paper (S).
The multi-pass multi-color image forming apparatus requires a longer printing time for a multi-color image than that of the single-pass image forming apparatus. Also, it is difficult to perform color registration.
Accordingly, there is a need for an improved multi-color image forming apparatus that can select a print mode in consideration of print speed and image quality.

Multi-pass image forming apparatus and image forming method using the same for providing plural print modes with different numbers of passes depending on desired print speed and image quality


Disclosed is a mounting structure for a galvanometer motor. The mounting structure includes a motor apparatus directly mounted on a platform, wherein at least one connection through hole running vertically from a top portion of a housing and extending to a bottom portion of the housing is molded on the housing, and the housing is provided with a connection post, wherein the connection post runs through the connection through hole and is fixedly connected to the platform. In this way, an additional mount is not needed, such that mounting cost is reduced, and mounting is accurate and reliable.

A galvanometer system is a high-precision and high-speed servo control system constituted by a drive plate and a high-speed swing motor, which is widely applied in the fields such as laser material machining, biomedical detection, and image and graphics processing. The core component of a high-speed scanning galvanometer system is a galvanometer motor. A high-efficiency and high-quality galvanometer motor is capable of implementing high-speed laser marking.
The conventional galvanometer motor is generally circular and cylindrical. Regardless of a single motor or X/Y/Z axes constituted by more than two motors, a mount with a circular hole needs to be used. A conventional mount is hard to manufacture. In the manufacture process, reverse machining needs to be performed for three to four times. The more the reverse machining processes, the poor the machining precision. With respect to the circular motor, the hole in the mount needs to be greater than the motor so as to accommodate the motor. After the motor is accommodated in the hole, the motor further needs to be clamped, and hence no reference is present. Therefore, during mounting of the conventional circular motor, the reference point needs to be manually adjusted, and the adjustment is laborious and is not sufficiently accurate.


Provided herein are oligomeric compounds with conjugate groups. In certain embodiments, the oligomeric compounds are conjugated to N-Acetylgalactosamine.

The principle behind antisense technology is that an antisense compound hybridizes to a target nucleic acid and modulates the amount, activity, and/or function of the target nucleic acid. For example in certain instances, antisense compounds result in altered transcription or translation of a target. Such modulation of expression can be achieved by, for example, target mRNA degradation or occupancy-based inhibition. An example of modulation of RNA target function by degradation is RNase H-based degradation of the target RNA upon hybridization with a DNA-like antisense compound. Another example of modulation of gene expression by target degradation is RNA interference (RNAi). RNAi refers to antisense-mediated gene silencing through a mechanism that utilizes the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC). An additional example of modulation of RNA target function is by an occupancy-based mechanism such as is employed naturally by microRNA. MicroRNAs are small non-coding RNAs that regulate the expression of protein-coding RNAs. The binding of an antisense compound to a microRNA prevents that microRNA from binding to its messenger RNA targets, and thus interferes with the function of the microRNA. MicroRNA mimics can enhance native microRNA function. Certain antisense compounds alter splicing of pre-mRNA. Regardless of the specific mechanism, sequence-specificity makes antisense compounds attractive as tools for target validation and gene functionalization, as well as therapeutics to selectively modulate the expression of genes involved in the pathogenesis of diseases.
Antisense technology is an effective means for modulating the expression of one or more specific gene products and can therefore prove to be uniquely useful in a number of therapeutic, diagnostic, and research applications. Chemically modified nucleosides may be incorporated into antisense compounds to enhance one or more properties, such as nuclease resistance, pharmacokinetics or affinity for a target nucleic acid. In 1998, the antisense compound, Vitravene® (fomivirsen; developed by Isis Pharmaceuticals Inc., Carlsbad, Calif.) was the first antisense drug to achieve marketing clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and is currently a treatment of cytomegalovirus (CMV)-induced retinitis in AIDS patients. For another example, an antisense oligonucleotide targeting ApoB, KYNAMRO™, has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as an adjunct treatment to lipid-lowering medications and diet to reduce low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), ApoB, total cholesterol (TC), and non-high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (non HDL-C) in patients with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HoFH).
New chemical modifications have improved the potency and efficacy of antisense compounds, uncovering the potential for oral delivery as well as enhancing subcutaneous administration, decreasing potential for side effects, and leading to improvements in patient convenience. Chemical modifications increasing potency of antisense compounds allow administration of lower doses, which reduces the potential for toxicity, as well as decreasing overall cost of therapy. Modifications increasing the resistance to degradation result in slower clearance from the body, allowing for less frequent dosing. Different types of chemical modifications can be combined in one compound to further optimize the compound's efficacy.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Conjugated antisense compounds and their use


A light-emitting device includes a substrate including a mirror surface region on its upper surface, a semiconductor light-emitting element disposed in the mirror surface region, and an encapsulating layer joined onto the upper surface of the substrate. The encapsulating layer includes a lower layer that is in contact with the upper surface of the substrate, covers the surrounding of the semiconductor light-emitting element, and contains phosphor; and an upper layer that is positioned on the lower layer, and has a larger phosphor content per unit area than that of the lower layer.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a light-emitting device including a semiconductor light-emitting element.
2. Description of Related Art
Conventionally, it has been known that semiconductor light-emitting elements such as light-emitting diodes (LED) are encapsulated with resin. For example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2010-123802 has proposed production of an optical semiconductor device by encapsulating a semiconductor light-emitting element using an encapsulating sheet having a first resin layer containing phosphor, and a second resin layer that encapsulates the semiconductor light-emitting element.
In such an optical semiconductor device, for example, use of phosphor composed of YAG phosphor and a semiconductor light-emitting element composed of blue LED allow for production of white light by mixing of blue light from the blue LED and yellow light from the YAG phosphor.

Light-emitting device, lighting device, light-emitting device assembly, and method for producing light-emitting device


In a digital audio broadcast receiver a digital audio transmission signal is supplied to a demodulator which provides demodulation samples. The demodulation samples are de-interleaved in a first section of a de-interleaving memory. After having been de-interleaved, demodulation samples are transferred to a second section of the de-interleaving memory. This transfer is effectuated in bursts via a relatively small buffer which stores the bursts. The second section of the de-interleaving memory effectively constitutes a relatively large buffer. De-interleaved demodulations samples are regularly read from the second section and supplied as a regular stream to a Viterbi decoder by means of a relatively small first-in first-out register.

The article "Specification, Partitioning and Design of a DAB Channel Decoder" by J. A. Huisken et al. pp. 21-29 in VLSI Signal Processing VI, IEEE Special Publications, describes such a receiver for Digital Audio Broadcast (DAB). In Digital Audio Broadcast (DAB) a data-stream is interleaved to provide protection against temporal fades in the transmission channel. The interleaved data-stream is transmitted according to an Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplex (OFDM) modulation technique. According to this technique the interleaved data-stream is effectively split up into a plurality of relatively low bit-rate data-streams. Each of these low-bit rate data-streams modulates a different carrier in a plurality of carriers which constitute the DAB transmission signal.
FIG. 1 of the cited IEEE article shows a block diagram of a DAB receiver. The input section comprises a front-end and a quadrature demodulator. The front-end frequency shifts a received DAB transmission signal to a lower intermediate frequency from which the quadrature demodulator derives in-phase and quadrature modulation components. These modulation components are digitized to form a digital signal which comprises the plurality of modulated carriers of the DAB signal.
The demodulation processor derives demodulation samples, called metrics, from the digital signal supplied thereto. Demodulation is performed by means of a fast Fourier transformation (FFT). The 4PSK differentially modulated carriers of the DAB signal provide two phase differences per carrier. The metrics are the quantized phase differences.
The metrics are interleaved before they are supplied to a Viterbi decoder for error correction. Interleaving prevents undesired metric correlation at the input of the Viterbi decoder. The metrics are de-interleaved by delaying successive metrics differently according to a cyclic repeated delay pattern. To delay the metrics an interleaving memory is used, indicated as DRAM in FIG. 1 of the cited article.
The cited IEEE article does not give any details on how time deinterleaved metrics, which relate to one data-stream to be received, are supplied to the Viterbi decoder.

De-interleaving and buffering in one memory


Based on the detailed reproduction control information defining the reproduction control state of data to be transmitted, the CPU 12 of the data transmission apparatus creates a simplified reproduction control information roughly defining the reproduction control state of the data, stores the simplified reproduction control information of the data in the packet header of a data packet carrying the data, stores the detailed reproduction control information in the data, and transmits the simplified reproduction control information and the detailed reproduction control information as well as the data to the data receiving apparatus 20 through the transmission channel 30 from the input-output interface 16. The CPU 22 of the data receiving apparatus 20 analyses the reproduction control state of the data contained in the data packet based on the simplified reproduction information and the detailed reproduction information contained in the data packet, and controls the reproduction of the data by the action of the media access part 26 according to the analysis result.

In recent years, a system of transmitting and recording such digital data as music information and image information by connecting a plurality of AV equipment through a digital filter for example at home has been gaining ground. For example, video camera, Digital Versatile Disk (DVD) (trade mark) and other AV equipment with an interface according to the IEEE (The International of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc.) 1394 high-performance serial bus standard (hereinafter referred simply as the IEEE 1394 serial bus) which is a digital bus are being developed.
Normally, movie data are copyright information, which requires some measures to prevent any unauthorized users from copying.
In order to prevent any copy by unauthorized users, for example, in the Minidisk (MD) (trade mark) system, a method called "SCMS (Serial Management System)" is used. This means information transmitted via a digital interface along with music information. This information indicates that the music data are either "copy free," "copy once allowed" or "copy prohibited" data. On receiving music data from the digital interface, a minidisk recorder detects SCMS and if the data are copy prohibited, the music data are not recorded in a minidisk, and in case of copy once allowed data, the SCMS information is converted into copy-prohibited data and is recorded along with the music data received. In the case of copy-free data, the SCMS information is recorded as it is along with the music data received.
In this way, the minidisk system uses SCMS to prevent any unlawful copy of copyright data.
And in a data transmission system in which a digital interface is used to transmit or record music data, image data and other digital data, a method of storing reproduction control information in the packet header of each data packet on the transmission channel for transmission has been devised.
Such reproduction control information is defined by two bits for example as follows:
00: Copy free;
10: Copy once allowed;
01: No more copy allowed;
11: Originally copy prohibited.
On receiving a data packet, the recording equipment records the data and examines the reproduction control information. When the reproduction control information is either "01" or "11" representing the prohibition of copy, the data received are not recorded. And when the reproduction control information is "10" representing copy allowed only once, the reproduction control information is converted into "01" representing no more copy allowed and then the data received are recorded in the recording media.
In this way, the copy generation resulting from the original data is confined.
Further, in order to give the confining method of copy generation a coercive power, a method in which data are enciphered for transmission and the information required for enciphering and deciphering is licensed only to those suppliers who have entered an agreement to manufacture solely the equipment fully complying with the copy generation confinement system is also used.
Incidentally, the method of storing the reproduction control information in the packet header of data packets on the transmission channel for transmission leaves the possibility of the reproduction control information being changed by other apparatuses in the process of transmission of packets from a transmitting apparatus to a receiving apparatus.
For example, as shown in FIG. 6, even if the transmitting apparatus 1 transmits "11" meaning copy prohibited for the reproduction control information contained in the packet header of data packets, when the reproduction control information meets a changing attack during its transmission and the reproduction control information changes into "10" indicating copy once allowed, the data receiving apparatus 2 having received the packet cannot detect that this data is originally copy prohibited, and records the data as the reproduction control information contained in the packet header allows a one-time recording.
Thus, the traditional data transmission method is likely to become unable to control copy generation.
By the way, such two-bit information as mentioned above can represent only four types of reproduction control information. Depending on type of service, copy is allowed for up to two generations in addition to the four types mentioned above requiring to indicate a wider variety of reproduction control information, which in turn requires to use a larger number of bits.
However, the system of storing reproduction control information in the header of transmission packets for transmission leaves only a limited reserved area in the header making it difficult to store many bits there.
There is another method of storing reproduction control information not in the packet header but within the data. In this case, the difference of position and meaning of the reproduction control information by data format requires that the receiving apparatus to search for the reproduction control information for each format and to interpret the meaning thereof.

Copy protection using detailed copy control information


A EMI shield which includes a heat sink and a compression coupling. A top housing formed of electrically conductive material is placed over a circuit board containing electronic devices and is electrically coupled to an electrical ground through contact along the length of a conductive strip which is connected to an electrical ground. A bottom housing formed of electrically conductive material is connected to an electrical ground through electrical contact along the length of a conductive strip located on the bottom of the circuit board so as to form a EMI shielding enclosure. The top housing is formed of thermally conductive material and includes extended surfaces for conducting heat away from the electronic devices contained below the top housing. In addition, the bottom housing is formed of thermally conductive material so as to form a thermally conductive enclosure which acts as a heat sink, effectively cooling the electronic devices contained therewithin. A compression coupling mechanism which uses springs to press the top housing towards the bottom housing gives consistent electrical contact between a microprocessor and a circuit board.

Integrated circuit devices such as microprocessors and memory chips are typically connected to circuit boards by soldering the package that contains the microprocessor or memory chip to a circuit board. However, this type of connection mechanism makes upgrading of integrated circuit devices difficult and expensive.
Recent prior art methods allow for connecting a microprocessor to a circuit board such that the microprocessor may be easily replaced. One of these recent prior art methods includes the use of a microprocessor package which includes a land grid array and an interconnect socket which includes interconnects corresponding to the contacts of the land grid array. The microprocessor fits within the interconnect socket and overlies a grid array formed on a circuit board. A connection system is then used to press the microprocessor and the interconnect socket tightly against the grid array of the circuit board so as to make electrical contact between the microprocessor and the circuit board.
Prior art connection systems for pressing the microprocessor and the interconnect socket against the circuit board include the use of a top plate which overlies the microprocessor. Screws pass through openings in the top plate and pass through corresponding openings in the circuit board so as to engage openings in a backplate. As the screws are tightened, the top plate is pulled towards the backplate and the circuit board so as to press the microprocessor and the interconnect socket against the circuit board. Each screw is typically hand tightened or tightened using a power driven screwdriver. The compression of the assembly is typically controlled by tightening the screw to a specific depth or by torque.
In order to assure an adequate connection, one hundred to two hundred pounds of pressure must be applied to the microprocessor. Over tightening can damage the microprocessor and/or the circuit board. Under tightening causes contact failure or intermittent contact failure. Since hand tightening of the screw or tightening using a power driven screwdriver controls the pressure applied in prior art connection systems, compression is not consistent. This leads to damage to microprocessors and circuit boards, and can cause contact failure or intermittent contact failure.
Another problem with prior art systems is the heat generated by integrated circuit devices of the computer. In particular, there is a need to cool integrated circuit devices such as microprocessors and memory chips. Prior art systems typically include heat sinks for conducting heat away from individual electronic components and integrated circuit devices. These prior art heat sinks are typically formed of a thermally conductive material such as aluminum and they typically include extended surfaces or "fins" for conducting heat away from the device to be cooled.
Prior art computer systems typically use individual heat sinks which are disposed over individual integrated circuit devices for conducting heat away from each integrated circuit device. These prior art heat sinks are typically made of a highly thermally conductive material such as aluminum. Extended surfaces typically extend from the top of each heat sink so as to conduct the heat away from the heat producing integrated circuit device. Cooling fans which attach to the chassis of the computer are often used to circulate air over the extended surfaces so as to conduct heat away from individual heat sinks.
Recent prior art systems have combined a compression coupling mechanism with heat conduction structures by using the top surface of the compression coupling mechanism as a heat sink. In these prior art systems, extended surfaces are typically formed on the top of the compression coupling mechanism. However, such systems are typically compressed by using screws which pass through the top plate, through the circuit board and through a backplate. The backplate engages the threads of the screws so as to hold the screw in place. Each screw is typically hand tightened or tightened using a power driven screwdriver. The compression of the assembly is typically controlled by tightening the screw to a specific depth or by torque. Since hand tightening of the screw or tightening using a power driven screwdriver controls the pressure applied in prior art connection systems, compression is not consistent. Thus, these systems still may damage the integrated surface device and may give incomplete or intermittent contact between integrated circuit devices and circuit boards.
Another problem associated with prior art computer systems is the radio frequency (RF) emissions from integrated circuit devices. These RF emissions cause electromagnetic interference (EMI) which causes interference in other electronic circuits and electronic devices. Typically, an EMI shield is used to reduce RF emissions. This EMI shield typically takes the form of a full size chassis which extends around the entire electronics compartment of the computer. The chassis is typically made of metal. The full size chassis is expensive to manufacture. In addition, in order to effectively shield RF emissions, the chassis must completely enclose the RF producing components. This makes connection to external devices and insertion and removal of removable media such as floppy disks, computer disks, tape storage media and digital video disks difficult. In addition, it is difficult and expensive to manufacture and install on/off buttons, switches and indicator lights which do not violate the EMI shielding requirements. Though the use of a chassis to shield external electronic devices satisfies governmental EMI shielding requirements and prevents interference with external electronic devices, such a system does not shield electronic devices within the computer chassis. Thus, electronic devices and circuits within the computer chassis are subjected to EMI interference.
Manufacture and installation of separate heat sinks, an EMI shielding chassis, and a separate compression coupling mechanism is expensive and time consuming. What is needed is an inexpensive EMI shield which gives good EMI shielding and which minimizes or eliminates electromagnetic interference within the chassis of the computer. In addition, a method and apparatus for achieving uniform and constant connection between a microprocessor and a circuit board is needed. Furthermore, an effective and inexpensive heat sink is needed. Both the heat sink and the EMI shield and the compression coupling mechanism need to allow for the coupling of on/off switches, removable storage media and the replacement of microprocessors and other integrated circuit devices. The present invention provides a solution to the above needs.

Electromagnetic interference shielding enclosure and heat sink with compression coupling mechanism


A gallium nitride high electron mobility transistor, in which an inner field-plate is disposed between the gate and drain of the high electron mobility transistor, so that an electric field is distributed between gate and drain regions to reduce a peak value and to reduce gate leakage current while maintaining high frequency performance, thus obtaining a high breakdown voltage, reducing the capacitance between the gate and the drain attributable to a shielding effect, and improving linearity and high power and high frequency characteristics through variation in the input voltage of the inner field-plate.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates, in general, to a gallium nitride high electron mobility transistor and, more particularly, to a gallium nitride high electron mobility transistor, in which an inner field-plate is disposed between the gate and drain of the high electron mobility transistor, so that an electric field is distributed between gate and drain regions to reduce a peak value and to reduce gate leakage current while maintaining high frequency performance, thus obtaining a high breakdown voltage, reducing capacitance between the gate and the drain attributable to a shielding effect, and improving linearity, and high power and high frequency characteristics through variation in the input voltage of the inner field-plate.
2. Description of the Related Art
Generally, a High Electron Mobility Transistor (HEMT) is applied to a high power and high integration transistor, a switch, a power amplifier, a Microwave Monolithic Integrated Circuit (MMIC), etc. through the heterojunction of a compound semiconductor, such as gallium-arsenic (GaAs).
Further, in order to implement a high power Microwave Monolithic Integrated Circuit (MMIC), a transistor requires characteristics enabling it to operate at high power, high frequency and high temperature, and may have a high breakdown voltage using gallium nitride, which has an energy band gap wider than that of material belonging to group III-V.
In this case, in order to enhance the breakdown voltage of gallium nitride, a high electron mobility transistor employs a structure that uses a single electric field on a gate. Such a structure is adapted to form another electrode between a gate and a drain, which widens the electric field between the gate and the drain, thus reducing a peak value.
However, there are problems in that an electric field is not sufficiently distributed between the gate and drain regions of the high electron mobility transistor so that the electric field can be applied to microwaves, and in that the increment of a peak value relative to the electric field reduces the breakdown voltage. Further, there are problems in that, as gate leakage current increases, the gain of output voltage to input voltage is reduced, thus increasing power consumption and consequently increasing expenses, and the capacitance between the gate and the drain is increased, thus exhibiting limitations in high power and high frequency characteristics.

Gallium nitride high electron mobility transistor having inner field-plate for high power applications

Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology


The measurement marker has a protruding arm when attached to the carrier of a measuring instrument such as a tape measure. The protruding arm holds a marker such as a pen, pencil or cutting blade in position such that the user may mark the distance measured once the tape measure has been extended for measurement. The measurement marker may be attached to existing tape measures using the carrier case assembly screws or may be integrated into the tape measure carrier design.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to devices used to measure and then mark the distance measured. The new device provides a simple means for the user to hold both ends of the measuring instrument with the hands and to mark or cut at the measured distance with an attached marker or cutting device.
2. Description of Related Art
There are currently in use various methods of marking or cutting at a measured distance. For persons making drawings the marking pencil or pen is held in one hand by the user. In construction work were a person must move to a location to measure and mark distance, the marking device must be carried on the person and retrieved when needed to make a mark. When the distance to be marked is known in advance this marking is sometimes done by the use of a line with the marker tied to the end of the line.
Having to retrieve the marker when measuring a distance can become difficult if not dangerous when the user is on a ladder or in a position where a hand must be used to hold each end of the measuring device, such as, when using a retractable tape measure. The present invention provides for the marking device to be attached to the tape measure carrier such that it is always in position near one hand for use in making a mark or cut at the measured distance.


A toner resin composition characterized as containing a vinyl copolymer prepared principally from a styrene monomer and a (meth)acrylic ester monomer and showing peaks at least in the molecular weight range of 5,000-20,000 and in the molecular weight range of not below 500,000 when its molecular weight distribution is determined by gel permeation chromatography, 2-10% by weight of Fischer-Tropsch wax, and 0.5-5% by weight of styrenic block copolymer; and a toner incorporating the toner resin composition.

This invention relates to a toner resin composition and a toner for use in the electrophotography and the like, and more particularly to a toner resin composition for use in a dry electrostatic image development process and a toner made therefrom.
In the field of electrophotography and the like, a dry development process has been widely employed for developing electrostatic images. In this dry development process, triboelectrically chargeable toners and magnetic toners are utilized. The former is prepared by mixing fine particles containing toner resin particles serving as a binder and a coloring material, such as carbon black or the like, with carrier particles such as iron powder or glass beads. The latter is prepared by incorporating a coloring material, such as carbon black or the like, and a magnetic powder, such as magnetite or the like, in toner resins.
A so-called, hot press roll fixation process has come into widespread use in obtaining copies. According to this process, development is generally accomplished by allowing triboelectrically chargeable or magnetic toners to adhere electrically to electrostatic latent images formed on a photoreceptor. The resulting toner images are transferred onto a sheet, such as a paper, and then fixed thereon by toner-releasable hot press rolls.
For future high-speed operation or size reduction of copiers utilizing the hot press roll fixation process, a need has arisen for a toner which can be fixed at a lower temperature. From a point of low temperature fixability, the use of lower molecular-weight toner resins is effective in lowering a fixing temperature to some degree. However, the results have been limited and still insufficient.
Specifically, the toner incorporating a low-molecular-weight toner resin presents the following problems: it tends to accompany a phenomenon (offset) whereby a part of the toner that has failed to form images during fixation is transferred onto hot press roll surfaces and retransferred therefrom onto a coming paper or sheet to result in blurring images; its incorporation of lower molecular weight resins not only reduces the fixing strength of such a toner onto a sheet as of paper, but also increases a tendency for the formed images to be destructed, for example, when rubbed.
In order to solve such problems, Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. Hei 4-226473 has proposed the use of a specific resin composition to provide a toner which exhibits excellent fixability, offset resistance and image quality. The resin composition is prepared by thermally desolvating a resin solution containing a styrene resin such as styrene-(meth)acrylate copolymer, a low-molecular weight wax such as low-molecular weight polypropylene, and a styrenic block copolymer such as styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer.
The toner incorporating the resin composition as proposed by the above-identified reference shows improved low-temperature fixability, offset resistance and fixing strength. However, such toner performances are desired to be further increased to sufficiently higher levels that meet future demands of high-speed operation or size reduction.
The present invention provides a toner resin composition which, when incorporated in a toner, imparts thereto improved low-temperature fixability, offset resistance, storage stability and fixing strength with respect to a sheet as of paper. The present invention also provides a toner incorporating the toner resin composition.
In accordance with a broad aspect of this invention, a toner resin composition is provided which is characterized in that the composition contains a vinyl copolymer prepared principally from a styrene monomer and a (meth)acrylic ester monomer, 2-10% by weight of Fischer-Tropsch wax and 0.5-5% by weight of styrenic block copolymer, and that the vinyl copolymer, when its molecular weight distribution is determined by gel permeation chromatography, shows maximum peaks at least in the molecular weight range of 5,000-20,000 and in the molecular weight range of not below 500,000.
In accordance with another broad aspect of this invention, a toner is provided which is characterized in that the toner contains a coloring material and a toner resin composition comprised of a vinyl copolymer prepared principally from a styrene monomer and a (meth)acrylic ester monomer, 2-10% by weight of Fischer-Tropsch wax and 0.5-5% by weight of styrenic block copolymer, and that the vinyl copolymer, when its molecular weight distribution is determined by gel permeation chromatography, shows maximum peaks at least in the molecular weight range of 5,000-20,000 and in the molecular weight range of not below 500,000.
In the present invention, a primary contributor of good low-temperature fixability and offset resistance is the vinyl copolymer prepared principally from a styrene monomer and a (meth)acrylic ester monomer and having maximum peaks at least in the molecular weight range of 5,000-20,000 and in the molecular weight range of not below 500,000.
The Fischer-Tropsch wax, when included in the amount of 2-10% by weight, plays a principal roll of preventing a toner from depositing on hot press roll surfaces and thereby preventing the occurrence of offset at a lower temperature range. Further incorporation of the styrenic block copolymer in the amount of 0.5-5% by weight plays a principal roll of increasing a melt viscosity, leading to the improved offset resistance and fixing strength. While a reason is not clear, the presence of such a styrenic block copolymer also renders the Fischer-Tropsch wax more dispersible than conventional low-molecular weight waxes, such as low-molecular weight polypropylene, thereby enabling its uniform dispersion.
From viewpoints of low-temperature fixability and offset resistance, the present invention utilizes the vinyl copolymer prepared principally from a styrene monomer and a (meth)acrylic ester monomer and showing maximum peaks at least in the molecular weight range of 5,000-20,000 and in the molecular weight range of not below 500,000 when its molecular weight distribution is determined by gel permeation chromatography (GPC).
Examples of styrene monomers used to constitute the above-specified vinyl copolymer include styrene, o-methylstyrene, m-methylstyrene, p-methylstyrene, xcex1-methylstyrene, p-ethylstyrene, 2,4-dimethylstyrene, p-n-butylstyrene, p-ter-butylstyrene, p-n-hexylstyrene, p-n-octylstyrene, p-n-dodecylstyrene, p-methoxystyrene, p-phenylstyrene, p-chlorostyrene, 3,4-dichlorostyrene and the like.
Examples of (meth)acrylic ester monomers used to constitute the above-specified vinyl copolymer include alkyl esters of acrylic and methacrylic acids, such as methyl acrylate, ethyl acrylate, propyl acrylate, n-butyl acrylate, isobutyl acrylate, n-octyl acrylate, dodecyl acrylate, 2-ethylhexyl acrylate, stearyl acrylate, methyl methacrylate, ethyl methacrylate, propyl methacrylate, n-butyl methacrylate, isobutyl methacrylate, n-octyl methacrylate, dodecyl methacrylate, stearyl methacrylate and the like.
Particularly suitable are ethyl acrylate, propyl acrylate, butyl acrylate, methyl methacrylate, ethyl methacrylate, propyl methacrylate and butyl methacrylate.
Other useful (meth)acrylic ester monomers include 2-chloroethyl acrylate, phenyl acrylate, xcex1-chloromethyl acrylate, phenyl methacrylate, dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate, 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate, glycidyl methacrylate, bisglycidyl methacrylate, polyethylene glycol monomethacrylate, methacryloxyethyl phosphate and the like.
The following substances can be used in combination with the above-listed styrene monomer and (meth)acrylic ester monomer: unsaturated carboxylic acids such as acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, fumaric acid, maleic acid, citraconic acid, itaconic acid; and crosslinking monomers such as monoacryloyloxyehtyl succinate, monomethacryloyloxyethyl succinate, acrylonitrile, methacrylonitrile, acrylamide, divinyl benzene, ethylene glycol diacrylate, trimethylolpropane triacrylate, triallyl isocyanurate.
Preferably, the vinyl copolymer contains 60-95% by weight of styrene monomer and 40-5% by weight of (meth)acrylic ester monomer. The lower styrene monomer contents result in the tendency of toners to decrease offset resistance and blocking resistance. On the other hand, the higher styrene monomer contents result in the tendency of toners to decrease their fixability.
The vinyl copolymer can be manufactured by known vinyl polymerization processes such as suspension polymerization, emulsion polymerization, solution polymerization and bulk polymerization. Preferably, a vinyl monomer used to constitute a vinyl copolymer portion (low-molecular weight vinyl copolymer) is solution polymerized in the presence of the remaining copolymer portion (high-molecular weight vinyl copolymer). Alternatively, at least two types of vinyl copolymers (low- and high-molecular weight vinyl copolymers) may be melt mixed or dissolution mixed in a solvent with the following desolvation.
As stated earlier, the present invention utilizes the vinyl copolymer prepared chiefly from a styrene monomer and a (meth)acrylic ester monomer and showing maximum peaks at least in the molecular weight range of 5,000-20,000 and in the molecular weight range of not below 500,000 when its molecular weight distribution is determined by gel permeation chromatography (GPC). The reason is as follows.
The vinyl copolymers having a maximum peak in the molecular weight range of below 5,000 tend to lack strength. The appearance of a maximum peak only in the molecular weight range of above 20,000 results in adversely affecting toner fixability. The appearance of a maximum peak only in the molecular weight range of below 500,000 results in adversely affecting the offset resistance of toners.
In view of storage stability of toners (prevention of toner aggregation), the vinyl copolymer preferably has a glass transition temperature (Tg) of not below 50xc2x0 C. This glass transition temperature is determined by a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC). In view of toner fixability, the vinyl copolymer preferably has a flow softening point of not exceeding 130xc2x0 C. The flow softening point is determined by a flow tester.
The toner resin composition of the present invention contains the vinyl copolymer having the above-specified molecular weight distribution, 2-10% by weight of Fischer-Tropsch wax and 0.5-5% by weight of styrenic block copolymer.
The Fischer-Tropsch wax is a synthetic wax comprised principally of straight-chain hydrocarbons and obtainable, for example, by allowing a water gas consisting primarily of carbon monoxide and hydrogen to react at normal pressure at 170-250xc2x0 C. with the aid of a cobalt, nickel or iron catalyst. For use in the present invention, such a Fischer-Tropsch wax may be manufactured by the so-called Fischer-Tropsch wax process as described above. However, the use of commercial products is more convenient.
The Fischer-Tropsch wax preferably has a weight average molecular weight in the range of 400-2,000, more preferably in the range of 450-850. The use of Fischer-Tropsch wax having a weight average molecular weight of below 400 may reduce storage stability of resulting toners. On the other hand, the use of Fischer-Tropsch wax having a weight average molecular weight of above 2,000 may reduce fixability of resulting toners. This weight average molecular weight is determined by gel permeation chromatography (GPC).
Also, the Fischer-Tropsch wax preferably has a melt viscosity of 5-20 cps at 140xc2x0 C. The melt viscosity of below 5 cps may result in the reduced storage stability of toners. On the other hand, the melt viscosity of above 20 cps may result in the reduced fixability of toners. Its melt viscosity at 140xc2x0 C. is determined according to JIS K 6862.
Also, the Fischer-Tropsch wax preferably shows a peak of endotherm accompanying fusion at a temperature of 70-130xc2x0 C., when measured by a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC). If its peak temperature is below 70xc2x0 C., the storage stability of a resulting toner may be reduced. This may cause such a toner to block during room temperature storage. On the other hand, if the peak temperature is above 130xc2x0 C., the Fischer-Tropsch wax may become difficult to melt during fixation, possibly reducing fixability of resulting toners.
Such a Fischer-Tropsch wax is incorporated in the resin composition in the amount of 2-10% by weight. If its content is below 2% by weight, a mold releasing effect may be lowered to reduce the offset resistance of a resulting toner. On the other hand, if the content exceeds 10% by weight, the Fischer-Tropsch wax in a resulting toner may be caused to adhere, in the form of a film, to a photoreceptor.
The styrenic block copolymer, for use in combination with the aforementioned Fischer-Tropsch wax, is obtainable, for example, via living anionic polymerization and may take a diblock, triblock or multiblock structure. Examples of styrenic block copolymers include styrene-butadiene (S-B) block copolymers and their hydrides; styrene-isoprene (S-I) block copolymers and their hydrides; styrene-butadiene-styrene (S-B-S) block copolymers and their hydrides; and styrene-isoprene-styrene (S-I-S) block copolymers and their hydrides.
The styrenic block copolymer preferably contains 20-80% by weight of styrene moieties. If the styrene content falls below 20% by weight, the styrenic block copolymer shows the reduced affinity for the vinyl copolymer, possibly resulting in the reduced dispersibility of the Fischer-Tropsch wax. On the other hand, if the styrene content goes beyond 80% by weight, the styrenic block copolymer shows the reduced affinity for the Fischer-Tropsch wax. Also in this case, the reduced dispersibility of the Fischer-Tropsch wax may result.
The styrenic block copolymer preferably has a number average molecular weight of 1,000-150,000. The styrenic block copolymer, if its number average molecular weight is below 1,000, shows a reduced glass transition temperature, possibly leading to the reduced storage stability of resulting toners. On the other hand, the use of the styrenic block copolymer having a number average molecular weight of above 150,000 may result in adversely affecting the fixability, grindability and productivity of toners.
Such a styrenic block copolymer is incorporated in the toner resin composition in the amount of 0.5-5% by weight. If the styrenic block copolymer content is below 0.5% by weight, the reduced dispersibility of the Fischer-Tropsch wax may result to possibly adversely affect the storage stability of toners. On the other hand, the inclusion of the styrenic block copolymer in the amount of above 5% by weight may result in reducing the fixability, grindability and productivity of toners.
Illustrating one method for manufacturing the toner resin composition of the present invention, a vinyl copolymer having the above-specified molecular weight distribution, predetermined amounts of Fischer-Tropsch wax and styrenic block copolymer, and optional additives known in the toner art, such as a colorant and a charge control agent, are mixed as by a ribbon blender or Henschel mixer, kneaded as by using a roll mill, kneader or extruder, cooled and finally subjected to comminution.
For the purpose of allowing the Fischer-Tropsch wax and styrenic block copolymer to be uniformly mixed in the vinyl copolymer, a procedure may be employed whereby the Fischer-Tropsch wax and styrenic block copolymer are added to a vinyl monomer solution either prior to or in the course of polymerization, or to a polymer solution immediately after polymerization. Alternatively, separately-prepared vinyl copolymer, Fischer-Tropsch wax and styrenic block copolymer may be allowed to dissolve for mixture in a solvent which is subsequently removed.
For ease of manufacture, a method may preferably be employed whereby the Fischer-Tropsch wax and styrenic block copolymer are added to a vinyl monomer solution, for use in the formation of a low-molecular vinyl copolymer, which is subsequently solution polymerized in the presence of a high-molecular vinyl copolymer. As a result, the toner resin composition of the present invention is obtained.
The procedures as practiced heretofore can be utilized to manufacture a toner from the toner resin composition of the present invention. Illustrating one exemplary method, optional additives conventionally known in the toner art, such as a colorant, charge control agent and magnetic powder, are added to the above-described toner resin composition as a binder. The mixture is melt kneaded, ground and then classified.
Examples of colorants useful for incorporation into toners for provision of monochromatic images include carbon black, aniline black, lamp black and the like. Examples of colorants useful for incorporation into toners for provision of color images include C. I. Solvent Red, C. I. Pigment Red, C. I. Disper Red, C. I. Pigment Violet, C. I. Solvent Yellow, C. I. Pigment Yellow, C. I. Disper Yellow, C. I. Solvent Blue, C. I. Pigment Blue and the like. Such a colorant may generally be incorporated in the amount of 1-10% by weight.
The charge control agent is used either for positive charging or negative charging. Examples of charge control agents useful for creation of positively charged toners include nigrosine dyes, quarternary ammonium salts, pyridinium salts and azines. Examples of charge control agents useful for creation of negatively charged toners include SPIRON BLACK (product of Hodogaya Chem. Co., Ltd.), chromium complexes of di-t-butyl salicylic acid, iron complexes and the like. Such a charge control agent may generally be incorporated in the amount of 0.1-10% by weight.
Examples of magnetic powders useful for provision of magnetic toners include ferromagnetic alloys and compounds consisting of iron, zinc, cobalt, nickel or manganese, such as magnetite, ferrite and hematite.
Mold release waxes, such as a low-molecular weight polypropylene wax and a low-molecular weight polyethylene wax, may also be incorporated. In the present invention, the inclusion of Fischer-Tropsch wax results in obtaining a sufficient mold releasing effect, thereby eliminating the need to incorporate other waxes. However, this is not intended to preclude the use of other waxes, such as the above-described low-molecular weight polypropylene wax and low-molecular weight polyethylene wax. Also, a hydrophobic silica or the like may be post-added (externally added).


A mask for deposition includes a mask main body extended in a first direction and having a first thickness, and including ends opposite to each other in the first direction and supported by a frame while a tensile force is applied to the mask in the first direction; and a plurality of active patterns separated from each other in the first direction in a center area of the mask main body, and having a second thickness less than the first thickness.

(a) Field
The invention relates to a mask and a mask assembly. More particularly, the invention relates to a mask used for depositing an organic layer, and a mask assembly.
(b) Description of the Related Art
Generally, as a representative example of a flat panel display, there are an organic light emitting display, a liquid crystal display, a plasma display panel, etc.
Among these, in order to manufacture the organic light emitting display, an electrode having a specific pattern, an organic emission layer, etc., are formed. The method for forming the electrode and the organic emission layer, etc., can be performed such as by a deposition method using a mask assembly.
More specifically, the organic light emitting display includes pixels that are a basic unit displaying images arrayed in a matrix form on a substrate, and an organic light emitting diode that has an anode, a first electrode, a cathode and a second electrode that are sequentially disposed with organic emission layers each emitting colored light such as red, green, blue or white colors, for each pixel. Organic materials of the organic emission layer are very vulnerable to moisture, oxygen, etc., such that thorough isolation thereof from moisture is employed during a process of forming the organic emission layer and after forming the organic emission layer. Therefore, performing patterning using a general photolithography process may be difficult. Consequently, the organic emission layer is formed using a mask in which pattern openings for penetrating deposition materials only through portions corresponding to each pattern thereof are defined.

Mask for deposition, mask assembly including the same and method of forming the mask assembly