The preferred embodiment of the invention uses known atomic or molecular absorptions as absolute wavelength standards for calibrating wavelength measurement instruments used in tunable lasers. Examples of atomic and molecular absorptions are carbon and molecular oxygen that have absorptions including 193.0905 nm and 193.2728 nm, respectively, for use with a tunable Argon Fluoride excimer laser at approximately 193 nm. A wavelength measuring device (e.g., a wavemeter) is equipped with a gas cell containing the absorption gas. During a calibration procedure, the wavelength measured by the wavemeter is compared to the atomic or molecular absorption. The wavemeter's calibration constants are then adjusted accordingly to match the wavemeter's output to the atomic or molecular absorption wavelength. Such calibration procedures, therefore, calibrate the wavemeter to absolute standards and correct for any drift in the wavemeter that may occur between calibrations. Some gases, such as molecular oxygen, have multiple molecular absorptions within the tunable range of the laser. The use of multiple absorptions during calibration procedure enhances the precision of the procedure due to the proximity of an absorption line to the final wavelength of interest. After calibration, the laser is tuned to the final wavelength of interest using the calibrated wavemeter.

Various methods are well known for wavelength tuning of lasers. Typically the tuning takes place in a device referred to as a line narrowing package or line narrowing module. A typical technique used for line narrowing and tuning of excimer lasers is to provide a window at the back of the discharge cavity through which a portion of the laser beam passes into the line narrowing package. There, the portion of the beam is expanded and directed to a grating which reflects a narrow selected portion of the laser's broader spectrum back into the discharge chamber where it is amplified. The laser is typically tuned by changing the angle at which the beam illuminates the grating. This may be done by adjusting the position of the grating or providing a mirror adjustment in the beam path. The adjustment of the grating position or the mirror position may be made by a mechanism which we will refer to as a wavelength adjustment mechanism. For many applications it is important that the laser not only be finely tunable but also that the wavelength of the beam be at a precise absolute value, with a very small deviation, such as for example 193.3500 nm .+-.0.0001 nm. This requires very precise calibration.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,450,207, entitled "Method and Apparatus for Calibrating a Laser Wavelength Control Mechanism," by Igor Fomenkov, assigned to the present assignee and incorporated herein by reference, describes a method for calibrating a wavelength adjustment mechanism for an excimer laser. In the '207 patent, a small portion of the light emitted by a laser is passed through a cell containing FeNe vapor, used as an absorption gas. The light exiting this vapor is then detected by a photodetector, and the intensity of the detected light is then analyzed. The FeNe vapor absorbs a portion of the laser light at a wavelength of 248.3271 nm. The laser has a tunable range between 247.9 nm to 248.7 nm. By detecting a dip in the intensity of the laser light passing through the vapor as the laser is slewed through a range of wavelengths, it is then known that the laser is tuned to a wavelength of 248.3271 nm. Such a technique may be used to calibrate the laser wavelength measuring system (hereafter called wavemeter). The wavemeter, now calibrated, may then accurately measure the wavelength of laser light at other wavelengths. Another such wavemeter is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,025,445, assigned to the present assignee and incorporated herein by reference. Another wavemeter is described in U.S. application Ser. No. 08/780,865 (now U.S. Pat. No. 5,867,314), filed on Jan. 9, 1997, entitled Laser Wavelength Control Circuit Having Automatic DC Offset and Gain Adjustment, by Stuart Anderson, Docket No. 96-0012-01, assigned to the present assignee and incorporated herein by reference.
If the laser is used in a stepper in a wafer fabrication system, the stepper optics and the fabrication process are optimized for a specific laser wavelength. Accordingly, it is important that the laser wavelength be adjusted accurately so that a maximum amount of the laser energy occurs at the desired wavelength.
The FeNe vapor contains one absorption line within the tunable range of the laser and thus can only be used for calibration at one wavelength.
Another vapor which may be used for measuring the wavelength of a tunable ArF laser is carbon, which has an absorption line at 193.0905 nm. This absorption line is then used to calibrate a wavemeter.
It would be desirable to employ a wavelength measuring system which does not require calibration at only one wavelength. This would allow the operator to select a calibration wavelength closest to the final operating wavelength of interest. This would increase the accuracy of the wavelength measurement.


Dynamically laying out a graphical diagram based on a graph-like visual language into a two dimensional tree-like structure to allow ease of user interaction with and optimal display. A graphical tree-like structure is displayed that includes at least one branch that starts at the root of the tree-like structure and includes one or more sub-portions that are configured to be modified in a vertical direction and a horizontal direction. The sub-portions represent an overall object model in terms of functional relationships and internal behaviors for one or more objects, attributes, operations, and associations. User input is received that modifies one or more of the sub-portions other than the end portion. Based on the user input, one or more sub-portions are modified horizontally, vertically, or both to allow for ease of user interaction, optimization of the display of the graphical tree-like structure or both.

Computing systems have revolutionized the way we work and play. Computing systems come in a wide variety of forms including laptop computers, desktop computers, personal digital assistants, telephones, and even devices that have not been conventionally associated with computing systems such as, for example, refrigerators and automobiles. Computing systems may even comprise a number of constituent computing systems interconnected via a network. Thus, some computing systems may be small enough to fit in the palm of the hand, while others are spread over much of the globe.
One area of computing technology that has become increasingly popular is graphical modeling, which allows a user to visually display graph-like diagrams such as flow diagrams of numerous systems, services, or processes. Examples of diagrams include work flow diagrams, data flow diagrams, E-R diagrams, business process diagrams, and the like. More specifically, such graph-like diagrams allow users to visually communicate the functionality, behavioral aspects, and relationships of the various components or elements for different computing or other systems, business or project models, or the like; thus allowing for the efficient communication of often complex systems or processes.
For example, a graph-like diagram may visualize the flow of a sales transaction. The elements and components of the flow diagram may represent such events as selecting desired products, placing an order, arranging delivery and payment. The diagram may also visualize the entities that perform the tasks listed above. For very complex sales transaction with numerous entities involved, viewing the transaction graphically may be easier to comprehend than in other forms.
While graph-like diagrams are useful in visualizing systems and processes, there are limitations on their usefulness. For example, as the diagrams get larger and more complex, there may simply not be enough room to display all of the components and elements due to the size, resolution, and other capabilities of the display device. In other words, the available display space and capabilities limit how many components and objects can be viewed at one time. This is especially problematic for diagrams where a user desires to display both the beginning and end of a process.
One solution would be to use a larger display device. However, this is impractical for most users because of the cost this would entail. In addition, the diagrams may become so large that no practical display device could display all of the elements of the diagram.
Another solution to the display limitation commonly used is having the user manually rescale the diagram. For example, users will often "zoom out" anytime a new element is added to a diagram. While this solution may be effective for a diagram with only a few elements, it does not work well for larger diagrams. The diagrams often become unreadable after being zoomed out several times.
Another common solution is making multiple diagrams that together contain all of the required diagram elements in a readable size. However, this often can be time consuming. In addition, the flow or "mental map" of the diagram is often lost using multiple diagrams, which can be frustrating to a user.
A further solution has been to create tools that automatically layout the elements of the diagrams in an attempt to scale the diagrams in a readable form. However, such tools implement complex algorithms whose computational complexities make them very slow to process. Anytime a new element is added to the diagram, the tools must reprocess the algorithms and create a new diagram, making such tools impractical for an interactive editor. Further, most of these algorithms reposition every element of the diagram when a new element is added. As a result, the user often looses his or her "mental map" of the diagram, which can be annoying.

Two dimensional trees to edit graph-like diagrams


The invention is a filling valve which mounts to a filling machine having a storage tank for filling bottles or containers with liquid. The liquid passage of the filling valve is formed by a valve stem detachably connected with a sleeve. The two-piece design permits easy cleaning, replacing, and interchanging of the valve parts. The sleeve and valve stem are provided with large diameter bores in order to maximize fluid flow and minimize fill time. The bores of the sleeve and valve stem are provided with smooth tapered surfaces to reduce liquid turbulence.

This invention relates to a filling valve for filling containers with liquid. More particularly, the invention relates to a filling valve having a liquid passage defined by two detachable parts, a sleeve and valve stem, designed for easy interchanging, replacement and cleaning of its parts.
Liquid filling valves are used with filling machines in the bottling industry to fill containers with wine, water, olive oil, or the like. It is often desirable to fill containers with liquids quickly, to increase productivity of the filling machine. Moreover, it is often desirable to reduce liquid turbulence during the filling process in order to minimize oxygen pick up between the storage tank and the bottle; the liquid turbulence can be especially troublesome when filling a bottle with products such as wine. Furthermore, it is often necessary and desirable to sanitize valve parts, to replace broken valve parts, and to interchange valve parts to accommodate different types of containers.
Many existing filling valves have narrow liquid passageways which impede liquid flow, thereby extending the time for filling a container and limiting productivity of the filling machine. Additionally, in the existing filling valves, the liquid must often follow a path having ridges, resulting in increased turbulence to the liquid and corresponding oxygen build up in the liquid between the storage tank and a bottle. Moreover, the parts of the existing valves which contain the liquid passageway are not detachable. This not only give arise to a liquid passageway which is troublesome to access and difficult to sanitize, but also accounts for the inability to replace damaged valve parts and inability to interchange valve parts to accommodate containers of different sizes and shapes.
While these units mentioned above may be suitable for the particular purpose employed, or for general use, they would not be as suitable for the purposes of the present invention as disclosed hereafter.


An exemplary system includes 1) a cochlear implant module configured to be implanted within a patient and comprising cochlear implant circuitry configured to apply electrical stimulation representative of one or more audio signals to the patient, and 2) a modular connector coupled to the cochlear implant module by way of a cable and configured to be implanted within the patient. The modular connector may be removably connected to an implantable antenna in order to facilitate communicative coupling of the implantable antenna to the cochlear implant circuitry. In this configuration, the cochlear implant circuitry may wirelessly communicate with a sound processor located external to the patient. The modular connector may alternatively be removably connected to an implantable sound processor. In this configuration, the cochlear implant circuitry and the implantable sound processor may communicate one with another by way of a wired connection. Corresponding systems and methods are also disclosed.

Conventional cochlear implant systems include various components configured to be implanted within a patient (e.g., a cochlear implant, an antenna, and an electrode lead) and various components configured to be located external to the patient (e.g., a sound processor, a battery, and a microphone). Unfortunately, the external components of a conventional cochlear implant system are often relatively large, bulky, and aesthetically unpleasing. Hence, various fully implantable cochlear implant systems have been described in which the sound processor and one or more other components typically located external to the patient (i.e., the battery and/or the microphone) are also implanted within the patient. In these configurations, the patient may enjoy cochlear implant functionality with little or no externally located components for various periods throughout the day.
Unfortunately, some patients cannot initially be fitted with a fully implantable cochlear implant system. For example, some patients (e.g., pediatric patients) may possess one or more physiological traits that may limit the number and/or size of components that may be implanted within their heads. Other patients may be unable to be fitted with a fully implantable cochlear implant system for technological, logistical, and/or financial reasons. Hence, these patients may be initially fitted with a conventional cochlear implant system. However, over time, they may become eligible for a fully implantable cochlear implant system. Such an upgrade would typically require a patient to undergo a surgical procedure in which all of the already implanted components of the conventional cochlear implant system are replaced with the new fully implantable cochlear implant system components. In addition to being invasive and costly, this surgical procedure could potentially cause damage to one or more of the patient's auditory structures and thereby negate any benefits that could be provided by the fully implantable cochlear implant system.

Connectorized cochlear implant systems and methods


Cryptographic resources, such as those including PGP keys and certificates, are transformed such that they are understood by certificate repositories, such as in a format understood by the Java JAVA tools of JAVA KEYSTORE (JKS). JAVA is one example of a general-purpose computer programming language that is concurrent, class-based, object-oriented. JAVA KEYSTORE is one example of a repository of security certificates, such as authorization certificates and public key certificates, used for instance in SSL encryption. The transformation of the cryptographic resources is completed such that the necessary metadata for retrieving the original cryptographic resources, or artifacts thereof, are retained. In that way, cryptographic resources are effectively hidden within the certificate repository until needed. The security program applies an algorithm to generate keys for JKS storage such that the keys “masquerade” in a JKS canonical format until the time in which the resources are needed to be in a PGP canonical format.

Regulations and standards are in place which mandate that data is secure and make business transactions subject to compliance of these standards and regulations. The peripheral component interconnect (PCI) standard is one such example from the finance domain. Cryptographic protocols such as secure sockets layer (SSL) and transport layer security (TLS) provide security for data in transit over the internet. Pretty good privacy (PGP) is a cryptographic resource used for securing both data at rest as well as data in transit and it also needs an underlying key infrastructure. There are tools and libraries to generate and manage SSL keys and certificates, and tools and libraries to generate and manage PGP keys and certificates, also referred to herein as cryptographic artifacts.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Unified storage and management of cryptographic keys and certificates

International Business Machines Corporation


A protective enclosure for a machine tool is constructed so as to be a free standing assembly completely independent from the machine tool. The protective enclosure is provided on rollers so that unimpeded access may be had to the machine tool by rolling away the protective enclosure. The protective enclosure is further provided with a safety locking system for interrupting operation of the machine tool if the protective cover is removed during operation or preventing starting of the machine tool if the protective cover is not fully in place.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention concerns a protective enclosure for a numeric controlled machine tool, and in particular a tool grinding machine.
2. Description of the Related Art
This type of protective enclosure is constructed of side walls which completely enclose the machine tool, or at least in those areas which are accessible by persons. Insofar as machine tools are set up free standing in a work space, the side walls are constructed to completely surround the work tool machine. As a rule therefore this type of protective enclosure also has a roof or ceiling element, so that the machine tool is completely closed off on all sides.
On the sides doors, as a rule sliding doors, are provided, through which access can be had to a work area of the machine tool. The doors are provided with a safety locking (interrupt) mechanism, which is connected to the machine controller. This serves to ensure that a work process only begins after the doors have been completely closed. On the other hand, the machine tool is immediately brought to a halt when the doors are opened during the running of the work process. With respect to the manner of operation, and the overall design of the safety system, there are various regulations which exist and have an impact thereon, such as for example the CE Regulations.
A disadvantage of this type of safety enclosure is the high cost of assembly and transport, since the protective enclosure is a component of the machine tool. Further problems occur during operation, insofar as attendance, maintenance, repair and cleanup operations are to be carried out. It is usually expedient to dismantle parts of the protective enclosure, in order to have access to certain places.


In a method of substantially correcting gradation values in a gradation correcting unit, the number of reproducible gradations is substantially reduced. Selection information of a boundary value table for multi-value error diffusion is stored, by ejection condition, in an information storing unit of a liquid ejecting head that can represent one pixel with a large number of liquid droplets. When the liquid ejecting head is mounted, selection information matching an ejection condition is read out and a boundary value table corresponding to the selection information is set for reference by a half toning unit. Consequently, the boundary value table is optimized to correct a gradation characteristic without substantially reducing the number of reproducible gradations.

As one of significant factors influencing an image quality of a printing apparatus, there is a gradation characteristic. The gradation characteristic is explained below with reference to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 represents a schematic flow of data processing executed by the printing apparatus. In the case of FIG. 1, input data is given as digital data of an ROB format. A bit length of each of the colors is given as 8 bits and a bit length of the colors is given as 24 bits in total. In this case, the respective colors of RGB have information on 256 gradations from 0 to 255.
A color converting unit 1 converts the digital data in the RGB format into four colors corresponding to ink colors, i.e., respective digital data (each including 8 bits from 0 to 255) of Y (yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan), and K (black).
A half toning unit 3 converts the digital data after color correction into driving data for heads 5 corresponding to the respective colors.
The heads 5 eject ink droplets on the basis of the driving data and form print image on a print medium.
It is assumed that the density of an output result with respect to the digital data (0 to 255) after this color conversion is required to have a linear relation shown in FIG. 2. Ideally, a relation between the digital data and the density is not limited to the linear relation.
As a numerical value representing density, besides optical density, various numerical values such as a value of L* of a Lab color space, an absolute value of ⅓th power of X, an absolute value of ⅓th power of Y, and an absolute value of ⅓th power of Z of an XYZ color space, and a read value by a scanner can be used.
Incidentally, the optical density is logarithmic representation of a degree of light not transmitted and reflected with respect to a certain portion of a photograph film, photographic paper, or the like. A minimum value of the optical density is 0.00 (entirely transmitted and reflected). A larger numerical value of the optical density indicates that an image is darker.
However, actually, the digital data and the density have a gradation relation of gradation saturated in a high density region as shown in FIG. 3.
Therefore, as shown in FIG. 4, a gradation correcting unit 7 is provided at a post stage of the color converting unit 1 to execute a correction operation for canceling the gradation characteristic shown in FIG. 3. An example of a gradation correction curve is shown in FIG. 5. According to this gradation correction, the digital data after color conversion and the density of the output result are corrected to satisfy the gradation relation shown in FIG. 2.
However, when the gradation correction indicated by the gradation correcting unit 7 is executed, as shown in FIG. 6, an actual number of gradations substantially decreases.
As one of methods of controlling the decrease in the number of gradations, there is a method of increasing the number of processed bits. For example, there is a method of changing 8-bit digital data into 10-bit or 12-bit digital data and processing the digital data.
However, this method has problems in that a large number of memories are necessary and processing speed falls.
A cause of these problems is that, when multi-gradation data is binarized by the error diffusion method, the gradation characteristic shown in FIG. 3 inevitably tends to appear.
To cope with these problems, the inventor proposes a method of improving the appearance of this gradation characteristic by applying the multi-value error diffusion method. The multi-value error diffusion method means an error diffusion method of changing three-value original image data to multi-value image data of about eight values and diffusing a density error caused in that case to peripheral pixels. In the multi-value error diffusion method, it is a general practice to determine, as boundary values, values obtained by equally dividing the number of gradations of the original image data by the number of multiple values.
However, a visual change in printing an image at a lowest level from a state in which no image is printed (level 0) is larger than a visual change in printing an image at a level 2 from a level 1. Therefore, when the level 0 and the level 1, the level 1 and the level 2, the level 2 and the level 3, and the level 3 and the level 4 are set at equal intervals, respectively, as shown in FIG. 7, a tendency that image density substantially shifts from an ideal state with respect to an input signal appears.
Therefore, the inventor proposes a method of optimizing boundary values for multi-value error diffusion such that a print result conforms to an ideal gradation characteristic curve (JP-A-2005-252633).
When this method is applied, a relation of image density to an input signal can be brought closer to an ideal relation as shown in FIG. 8. A gradation characteristic among boundary values may slightly shift with respect to a characteristic curve shown in FIG. 8. Therefore, in an actual printing system, a gradation correcting unit may also be used for the purpose of finely adjusting the shift.
However, in general, gradation characteristics of the respective print heads have fluctuation. Examples of a cause of the fluctuation include fluctuation in a nozzle diameter for ejecting ink droplets, fluctuation in the height of a liquid chamber, and fluctuation in heater performance.
Due to this characteristic fluctuation, there is a problem in that, even if the gradation characteristics shown in FIGS. 2 and 8 can be obtained for a certain head, the same characteristics are not obtained in another head.
JP-A-3-252269 discloses a method of solving this problem. In short, JP-A-3-252269 discloses a method of storing plural kinds of gradation correction data in a gradation correcting unit 7 and, on the other hand, storing information for selecting these gradation correction data in respective print heads to thereby use gradation correction data suitable for mounted heads during gradation correction.
However, the method of substantially correcting a gradation value using the gradation correcting unit in this way has a significant problem in that a realizable number of gradations substantially decreases as described above.

Device optimizing boundary value table for halftoning reference to correct gradation characteristic based on condition of liquid ejecting head


A method for accessing a data field having fine resolution is disclosed. The method includes providing a scalable scroll controller with a scale controller to modify a scale for controlling a magnification for accessing data within the data field. The method also includes receiving a first user event to select the scale controller and receiving a second user event to modify a position of the scale controller. The scale is adjusted based on the position of the scale controller. An apparatus for performing the method is also disclosed.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention is related to the field of user interfaces and program controls. More particularly, this invention is directed to a method and apparatus for allowing simultaneous zooming and panning of content in a graphical user interface display.
2. Description of Background
A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by any one of the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent files or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.
Many types of data have a broad range and a fine resolution. For example, a video clip is composed of a continuum of frames. The video clip can store up to a series of tens of thousands of frames. Thus, it has approximately five orders of magnitude. Similarly, a five second digital audio clip may require five orders of magnitude to access each bit sample. These types of data are often linear in the sense that there are starting and ending points and many linked xe2x80x9cframesxe2x80x9d or points of data between the starting and ending points.
In order to edit a video clip, one needs-frame accurate control over the entire medium. In other words, a user must be able to readily pick out one particular desired frame nestled among tens of thousands of frames. It becomes readily apparent that tasks such as adjusting key frames in an video film or manipulating audio samples, can be quite time consuming and frustrating. What is needed is a method or apparatus which lets the user find and access one particular desired piece of data which is located among a broad range of data.
In the past, access to a particular point or frame of data was accomplished by using scroll bars. However, scroll bars typically can handle only two orders of magnitude. Consequently, a scroll bar would either need to be approximately twenty yards long in order to grant access to each frame of a video disk or provide a very compressed view of the frames in the video clip. The former user interface is impracticable, the latter would not be useful.
Another method used in the prior art was to implement VCR-type controls. This allows the user control over the entire range of data. However, these types of controls lack selectivity. For example, it would be difficult for a user to stop precisely on one particular desired frame or data point. The user would probably either overshoot or undershoot the desired frame or data point and would need to go back and forth searching for that particular frame or data point. What is needed is a method that gives the user control over a broad range, while giving the user random access to any particular piece of data within that range, especially at fine resolutions.
Yet another method used in the prior art to solve this problem is to provide one control for magnification of the data and another control for scanning at the selected magnification. One product utilizing this technique is SoundEdit(trademark) by Farallon Computing, Inc. However, this implementation has a drawback in that it requires two separate controls. A further disadvantage is that these two controls cannot be operated simultaneously. A user has to change the magnification control independently from the navigation control. Such a system results in wasted time and effort. Thus, what is needed is a method and apparatus for providing the user with easy and fluid interaction over varying magnification scales while simultaneously providing the user with the capability of scanning at that magnification scale.
In view of the problems associated with providing a user with control over a broad range of data, particularly linear data, one objective of the present invention is to provide the user with access of data down to very fine resolutions in a simple, natural, and effective method by utilizing a cursor positioning device such as a mouse, a paddle, a trackball, touch tablet, joystick or other input device-having the capability of providing control for cursor movement in at least a single dimension.
Another objective is to increase the speed, accuracy and selectivity of accessing data over a broad range by providing the user with easy and fluid interaction over varying magnification scales, while simultaneously providing the user with the capability of scanning the data at that magnification scale.
A method and device for accessing a broad data field having a fine resolution is described. A default scale is provided and is represented and controlled by a scalable scroll bar with a width that is proportional to the scale that is being represented. The scale controls the magnification at which the user accesses and/or examines the data. At a selected magnification, there is a particular range of the data (from one point in the data to another point in the data) that is provided. The present invention allows the user to modify the scale, which also changes the displayed range to be over different portions of the data field. The scale is varied by the user by manipulating the scalable scroll bar. Thus, the user may xe2x80x9czoom inxe2x80x9d and xe2x80x9czoom outxe2x80x9d to different portions of the data field. In addition, by moving the range to encompass different portions of the data field, the user can scan that portion of the data field.
In one embodiment of the present invention, a particular piece of data within the broad data field can be accessed. First, the scale is selectively varied, thereby controlling a range within the data field. Then, the range is moved to encompass a portion of the data field in which the piece of data resides. Next, the scale is successively decreased while, simultaneously, points successively closer to the location are kept within the range. The scale is decreased, which increased the magnification (i.e., increasing the range""s resolution). The range is moved in this manner until the piece of data is actually accessed.
This is accomplished by using an input device having at least one degree of freedom (e.g., a mouse, a paddle, trackball, touch tablet, joystick, etc.). For example, movement can be along an x or an y-axis in a Cartesian coordinate system. Combined with the closing of a switch, movement along the axis may control the selection of the scale and the range at that scale. In preferred embodiment, the data from the input device can be remapped to control the position of a cursor on a display screen in one axis of movement, instead of the scale and range. In other words, the same input device can control either the position of a cursor or control the scale and range, simply by remapping the axes of the input device.
Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the accompanying drawings and from the detailed description that follows below.


A protective clothing article and a method for making the same are disclosed. In accordance with the embodiments of the invention the protective clothing article includes a plurality of potholders with pocket cavities for covering and protecting a user's hands while handling, holding or manipulating hot or cold objects. The protective clothing article also includes an apron for protecting a portion of the user's body. The potholders are configured to detachably couple to an outer front surface of the apron through a set of attachment features, such that the potholders provide pockets for holding objects while coupled to a front outer surface of the apron.

There are a number of different types of protective clothing articles that are available for providing protection from extreme temperatures. For example, there are protective gloves, such as an oven mittens, that are placed over a user's hands to protect the user's hands while handling hot or cold objects. Pieces of thick cloth, such as potholders, are also typically used to protect the user's hands while handling hot or cold objects. In use, potholders are typically wrapped around a portion of the hot or cold object so that the user can pick up or manipulate the hot or cold object.
Protective clothing articles are also available to provide protection from splatter or spillage while performing tasks where splattering or spillage is likely, such as while cooking. For example, there are smocks and aprons that can be worn over other clothing to protect a portion of the user's clothes or body while cooking.
While there are a number protective clothing articles that are available, most of them are not configured to meet multiple objectives. Accordingly, there is a need for functional protective clothing articles that provide protection from a number of different elements and fulfill any number of different purposes.


A method, system, device and computer program product are provided for analyzing a cellular wireless communication network of a first type. For analyzing the cellular wireless communication network of the first type, communication connection condition parameters for one cell are measured, which communication connection condition parameters are derived from signals received by a mobile station from the one cell and from a plurality of other cells. The communication connection condition parameters are transmitted to a network control element in the form of mobile measurement reports. A network analysis functionality associated with the network control element processes the mobile measurement reports and evaluates, on the basis of processing results, a potential of the one cell for a usage in a wireless communication network of a second type, and/or estimated network parameters of the wireless communication network of the second type, like network performance or network dimensioning. This is repeated in all other cells in the wireless communication network of the first type.

1. Filed of the Invention
The present invention relates to a method and/or a system and/or a device and/or a computer program product for analyzing a cellular wireless communication network of a first type in order to evaluate whether cell sites of the cellular wireless communication network of the first type are usable as cell sites for a cellular wireless communication network of a second type, and/or for evaluating parameters of the cellular wireless communication network of the second type, such as network performance, network dimensioning, optimization parameters, and the like.
2. Description of the Prior Art
In the last few years, an extension of wireless cellular communication networks all over the world has occurred. There exist several different network system solutions such as the European Global System for Mobile communication (GSM), the US equivalent thereof (GSM1900), North American TDMA (IS-54 or IS136), CDMAOne;(IS-95), Japanese Pacific Digital Cellular PDC, and the like, which are used in these wireless communication networks.
Additionally, there is also a constant further development of new network system solutions which are planned to supplement or to replace already existing networks. For example, the 3rd generation Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (3G UMTS), in which IS uses Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) technology is used. As a further example, the further development of CDMAOne, CDMA2000, can be mentioned here.
It should be noted that these communication network solutions, e.g. GSM, 3G UMTS, and equivalent network solutions, and the corresponding network elements and properties are commonly known to persons skilled in the art so that a detailed description thereof is omitted herein. Such detailed descriptions can be found in the respective network specifications and, for example, in "GSM Networks: Protocols, Terminology, and Implementation", Gunnar Heine, Artech House mobile communication library Boston-London, 1999; "Introduction to 3G Mobile Communications", Juha Korhonen, Artech House Mobile Communication Library, Boston-London, 2001; and "WCDMA: Towards IP Mobility and Mobile Internet", Tero Ojanpera and Ramjee Prasad, Artech House Mobile Communication Library, Boston-London, 2001; "WCDMA for UMTS", Harri Holma, Antti Toskala, John Wiley and Sons Ltd., 24 Jul., 2002; "UMTS Network: Architecture, Mobility and Services", Heikki Kaaranen et al., John Wiley and Sons Ltd., 11 Jun., 2001; "GSM, GPRS and EDGE Performance—Evolution Towards 3G/UMTS", T. Halonen, Javier Romero, Juan Melero, John Wiley and Sons Ltd., 23 Apr., 2002; "Radio Network Planning and Optimization for UMTS", Jaana Laiho, Achim Wacker, Tomas Novosad, John Wiley and Sons Ltd., 29 Oct., 2001.
For the implementation of the new network system solutions, it is required to place the necessary communication equipment, such as stationary transceiver network elements and the like, at suitable locations. In other words, it is necessary to design, to found and to construct respective cell sites within the areas which are intended by a network operator to be covered with the new network system solution.
Due to the amount of already deployed sites in existing wireless communication networks, the high costs for the acquisition of new sites for a new system, and the complex and regulated processes for an acquisition of new sites in particular in urban areas, the implementation of such new network system solutions is difficult. Hence, one attractive and increasingly used option for network operators who already have an existing wireless communication network, such as a 2nd generation GSM network, and who want to deploy a new wireless communication network, such as a 3G UMTS network, is to reuse the already existing sites. Thus, costs can be saved and already available made sites can be further used for the new network solution.
As mentioned above, when a 3G UMTS network is considered as an example, a 3G UMTS Radio Access Systems uses WCDMA technology for the air interface. One characteristic of WCDMA technology is that a frequency reuse factor of 1 is used. This means that the same frequency for communication connections is used in adjacent cells (in contrast thereto, for example, in GSM systems a frequency reuse factor of e.g. 3, 4 or 12 is commonly used, i.e. the same frequency can be used in every third, fourth or 12th site, respectively). However, this WCDMA frequency reuse factor of one makes the interference existing in the system a critical point. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to select and configure the sites for a WCDMA based system in such a manner that the interference received and transmitted in the respective cells is as small as possible.
Thus, for the design of a new WCDMA system, in particular when it is planned to reuse existing cell cites of, e.g., a former cellular GSM communication network, an assessment of the interference situation is critical for a selection of the sites. The interference as a communication connection parameter is also essential for an estimation of capacity and quality properties of a network to be planned already in advance, namely for example in the form of a so-called other-to-own cell interference ratio.
Hitherto, a communication connection condition such as the interference situation in a network to be planned is assessed in two different ways. The first way is to simulate a network behavior with a software based radio network planning/simulating tool. The second way is to perform so-called drive tests in which test engineers drive through the network area and measure the behavior by means of special test equipment.
The first way provides the possibility to study the new network before it is actually deployed. However, for a usable test result, it is necessary to have an accurate propagation modeling and/or calibration, which can normally be achieved only by performing drive tests. However, a residual error after calibrating remains significant. On the other hand, the drive tests according to the above mentioned second way require a deployment of at least some physical parts of the new network or at least some test transmitters in the intended site locations. This results in high costs for the needed extra equipment and also for the test engineers, and is also time consuming.
In other words, conventional solutions for evaluating of network conditions and for estimating the capacity and quality of a planned 3G network are based on radio wave propagation predictions, which have the risk of being inaccurate, especially in hot spot areas where propagation conditions are almost impossible to simulate, such as in very dense urban areas, indoor areas or in the vicinity of high-rise buildings like in Manhattan or Hong Kong. Even when small-scale measurements like drive tests are used as a complement, there are still problems. Besides their costs, those drive tests can be normally performed only at a limited number of locations. Additionally, only outside and/or very limited inside measurements can be made. Furthermore, it is not possible to gain a realistic image about the behavior of actual service subscribers, such as usage of mobile/stationary terminals, calling from inside/outside, and the like.

Method and system for analyzing a network environment and network parameters


The present invention has an object to provide a LED package having a means capable of precisely limiting a region in which a resin containing a phosphor is dotted on a member on which an LED chip is supported. To this end, an LED package according to the present invention comprises a package body having an inner space with an LED chip mounted therein, the inner space being open toward a light emission direction; a chip support member mounted to the inner space of the package body to support the LED chip; a phosphor resin member formed by dotting resin containing a phosphor onto the LED chip; and a region limitation means provided on the chip support member and defining a region in which the phosphor resin member is formed.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a light emitting diode (LED) package, and more specifically, to a LED package having a fence of a phosphor resin member and a manufacturing method thereof.
2. Discussion of the Background
Generally, an LED package has a structure in which an LED chip for generating light by p-n junction is mounted on an inner space of a package body. The package body is open in a light emission direction of the LED chip through an open portion of the package body, and the light generated from the LED chip is emitted outwards through the open portion. Further, the LED package includes a lens (specifically, a molding lens) for covering the LED chip in order to increase the light emission efficiency within a predetermined directional angle range of the light. The lens is formed to cover the open portion of the package body and to be convex from the open portion of the package body.
In case of the LED package, there has been a light loss problem that a substantial amount of the light generated from the LED chip is not emitted outwards through the lens but dissipated within the lens. Such a light loss results from the existence of the light which is not directed toward the lens covering the open portion but toward a side and/or a bottom of the package body and the light which collides with the lens and then is not emitted outwards but returns back.
Accordingly, many studies have been conventionally continued to increase the amount of the light directed toward the lens. As the results of the studies, a conventional technology in which an inner wall of a package body is slanted and the slanted inner wall is coated with a reflective material has been disclosed. Such a technology has been disclosed in Korean Patent No. 613064 filed by the applicant and then registered. According to the conventional technology, the inner wall coated with the reflective material causes the light, which is not directed toward the lens or which collides with the lens and then returns back, to be reflected, thereby contributing to reducing the light loss of the LED package more or less.
However, since the LED chip and the reflective inner wall are far away from each other and both ends of the open portion of the package body and the reflective inner wall are adjacent with each other, there is an enormous amount of light which is not under the influence of the reflective inner wall. Furthermore, in order to improve the light emission efficiency using the reflective inner wall in the conventional LED package, the reflective inner wall must be designed in an expanding manner, which may prevent a compact size and structure of the LED package.
Meanwhile, an LED package which includes a molding lens made of resin containing a powder-type phosphor material has been disclosed. When the light generated from the LED chip is emitted outwards through the molding lens, the intrinsic color of the light itself generated from the LED chip is mixed with the color generated from the phosphor material, so that the LED package makes it possible to implement the light having an adjusted light emission color (for example, white color). However, since the phosphor material is non-uniformly distributed in a broad region of the molding lens of such an LED package, it is difficult to realize homogeneous color mixing. Furthermore, there is a problem in that the phosphor material non-uniformly distributed in the molding lens may cause the light of the LED chip to be scattered.
To solve this problem, a LED package technology, in which besides the molding lens, a phosphor resin member for encapsulating the LED chip is provided in the molding lens, has been conventionally proposed. However, according to the conventional manufacturing of the LED package, it is difficult to allow the phosphor resin member to be formed in the shape of a homogeneous lens having excellent light emission efficiency. That is, when liquefied resin containing a powder-type phosphor material is dotted on the LED chip to form the phosphor resin member, it is difficult to obtain the curved surface shaped like a homogeneous lens due to the flowability of the liquefied resin. In addition, when an enormous amount of LED packages is manufactured, there is a limitation in that the homogeneous lens-shaped phosphor resin member having no chromatic aberration is repeatedly reproduced.


An air conditioning system with precisely controlled dehumidification functions is disclosed. The air conditioning system comprises an indoor air handling system comprising a primary heat exchanger and a secondary heat exchanger. The indoor air handling system can be coupled to an outdoor unit comprising a compressor and an outdoor heat exchanger. When a controller system receives a measured humidity that exceeds a set humidity, the controller system can increase the cooling capacity of the air conditioning system to meet a set temperature. Once the set temperature is met, the controller system can switch to a dehumidification mode wherein the primary heat exchanger is cooled and the secondary heat exchanger is activated. When the measured temperature exceeds the set temperature, the controller system can switch from the dehumidification mode back to cooling mode.

Compression type air conditioners both cool the temperature of air and provide dehumidifying functions by removing moisture from the air. Dehumidifying the air typically occurs when warm air passes over an evaporator coil and moisture in the warm air condenses on the cool evaporator coils. This dehumidifying function works relatively well when the outdoor temperature is relatively high because the air conditioning system will typically be running regularly at a high capacity.
However, the dehumidifying function does not work as well with existing air conditioning systems when outdoor temperatures are not as high but the humidity remains high. When the outdoor temperature is not relatively high, for example less than 80 F, existing air conditioning systems may not run as frequently. In such situations, there is less opportunity for the air conditioning system to perform the dehumidifying function.
People may attempt to address this situation by lowering the temperature setting to force the air conditioning system to operate. However, lowering the temperature setting creates a cooler than necessary environment in the home (referred to as "over cooling") while still leaving the home environment with relatively high humidity.
Other attempts to address this problem have involved the use of variable speed fans and two-speed or variable speed compressors. However, these systems will not operate to remove moisture if there is no heat load, such as when the outdoor temperatures are relatively mild. Therefore, these solutions have had limited success.
The ability to remove moisture from the environment is also limited in the foregoing systems because they normally operate with an indoor evaporator coil temperature of approximately 45 F. Existing air conditioning systems could remove moisture more effectively if the indoor evaporator coil operated at a temperature cooler than 45 F.
Another existing approach to improve dehumidification is to place an indoor reheat coil in the discharge air stream of the cooled air exiting the indoor evaporator coil. This indoor reheat coil is placed in series with the outdoor condenser coil such that the indoor reheat coil can take heat from the warmed refrigerant prior to the warmed refrigerant flowing to the expansion valve and into the indoor evaporator coil. The indoor reheat coil uses the heat from the warmed refrigerant to warm the cool air exiting the indoor evaporator coil. However, this existing approach has the following limitations:                a. the amount of heat that can be discharged by the indoor reheat coil performing reheating is limited and therefore insufficient to reheat the cooled air to the room neutral or set temperature if there is insufficient heat load;        b. when the outdoor temperature is relatively cool, there is less heat available in the warmed refrigerant to reheat the cooled air exiting the indoor evaporator coil; and        c. the indoor evaporator coil typically operates at a lowest temperature of approximately 45 F, which limits the amount of moisture that can be removed from the air passing through the indoor evaporator coil.
Therefore, in view of the limitations in existing air conditioning systems, there is a need for a system that provides improved dehumidification. There is a further need for a system that provides improved dehumidification while also providing air to the indoor environment at the set temperature to avoid over cooling the indoor environment. There is also a need for a system that provides improved dehumidification without interfering with the cooling functions of the air conditioning system.

Air conditioning system with dehumidification mode


A semiconductor device is provided which comprises a connecting lead 4 mounted between a MOS-FET 1 and a regulatory IC 2 on a support plate 3. Connecting lead 4 has a thermally radiative and electrically conductive substrate 6 and electrically insulative and thermal transfer-resistive covering 7. Substrate 6 has one end 6a providing one main surface 4a of connecting lead 4 which is mounted and electrically connected on the other main surface 1b of MOS-FET 1. Covering 7 provides the other main surface 4b of connecting lead 4 for supporting regulatory IC 2 at one end 6a of substrate 6. When electric current flow is supplied to MOS-FET 1 through an electrified path of support plate 3 and substrate of connecting lead 4, heat produced from operating MOS-FET 4 is effectively radiated through support plate 3 and substrate 6 of connecting lead 4 to improve thermal radiation in the semiconductor device in the layered structure of the semiconducting elements while heavy current can flow through MOS-FET 1 due to sufficient heat radiation.

A semiconductor device is known which has an integral package of a power semiconducting element and a regulatory IC for controlling the power semiconducting element. As shown in FIG. 8, the semiconductor device of this type comprises a support plate 3; a power semiconducting element 21 mounted on support plate 3; a layered structure of a regulatory IC 22 mounted on power semiconducting element 21 or, as shown in FIG. 9, an apposed structure of a regulatory IC 22 secured on support plate 3 away from power semiconducting element 21. For example, FIG. 4 of Japanese Patent No. 2,566,207 discloses a semiconductor device of such a layered structure.
Such a semiconductor device naturally requires the semiconducting structure of good thermally radiative property because power semiconducting element 21 eradiates a larger amount of heat than regulatory IC 22 does. However, semiconductor device shown in FIG. 8 cannot indicate good thermally radiative property due to the less heat discharging performance because heat emitted from power semiconducting element 21 is discharged to outside only through support plate 3. In some cases, it would be preferable to thermally isolate regulatory IC 22 from power semiconducting element 21, especially in view of the function of semiconductor device which involves heating power semiconducting element 21 and power-saving regulatory IC 22. In this case, there would be a risk of disadvantageously deteriorating the electric property of regulatory IC 22 which may be overheated by heat directly transferred to regulatory IC 22 from power semiconducting element 21.
On the other hand, in semiconductor device of the apposed structure shown in FIG. 9 wherein power semiconducting element 21 and regulatory IC 22 are juxtaposed on support plate 3, it is possible to prevent direct heat transmission from power semiconducting element 21 to regulatory IC 22, however, it is still defective due to the inferior heat radiation since heat is inadequately discharged from power semiconducting element 21 to outside only through support plate 3. The apposed structure of FIG. 9 also has an additional disadvantage because it requires larger plane size of semiconductor device in the apposed structure of power semiconducting element 21 and regulatory IC 22 on support plate 3.
An object of the present invention is to provide a semiconductor device which has semiconducting elements stacked in the layered structure with an excellent thermally radiative property.


Integrated circuits are packaged by placing a plurality of semiconductor dies on a support substrate, each one of the semiconductor dies having a plurality of terminals at a side facing the support substrate and covering the semiconductor dies with a molding compound to form a molded structure. The support substrate is then removed from the molded structure to expose the side of the semiconductor dies with the terminals, and a metal redistribution layer is formed on the molded structure and in direct contact with the terminals of the semiconductor dies and the molding compound. The redistribution layer is formed without first forming a dielectric layer on a side of the molded structure with the terminals of the semiconductor dies. A corresponding molded substrate and individual molded semiconductor packages are also disclosed.

Embedded wafer level ball grid array (eWLB) is a packaging technology for integrated circuits (ICs) where the package interconnects are applied on an artificial wafer made of individual semiconductor dies (chips) and a molding compound. The semiconductor dies are embedded (overmolded) by the molding compound. A redistribution layer is applied to a side of the eWLB wafer at which the pads of the dies are available. Electrical connections are formed between the die pads and the redistribution layer. Solder bumps are typically provided on the redistribution layer to enable package mounting after singulation or separation of the eWLB wafer into individual IC packages. With eWLB technology, the final package layout is defined and with parallel wafer processing the cost per package can be reduced. Further cost reductions are desired so that eWLB technology is more cost competitive with less expensive packaging technologies.

Metal redistribution layer for molded substrates


A flavored artificial sweetener is made of a carrier, such as dextrose and the like, that is milled together with a flavoring agent. The mixture is then commingled with a second bulking agent, such as maltodextrin and a sweet agent, such as aspartame. The resulting sweetener has excellent taste characteristics and flowability. It can be packaged in small envelopes, canisters or bulk containers.

People have a craving for sweet foods and drinks, however, natural sweeteners, such as sugar, have a high caloric content and therefore are conducive to weight gain. Moreover, people with certain medical conditions, such as various forms of diabetes, must severely limit their sugar intake.
In order to overcome these problems, researchers have been looking for compositions a very low or no caloric content, are sweet but otherwise have a neutral taste and can be readily used in food stuff. One of the earliest such sweeteners that is still in use is saccharin. Though it is widely used to sweeten many foods and beverages, saccharin has an aftertaste that is objectionable to some people.
Another popular artificial sweetener is aspartyl-phenylalanine methyl ester ("aspartame"). Aspartame has a sweet taste with only minimal bitterness for most people. Its onset of sweetness is only slightly slower than sucrose (the key ingredient of sugar).
Various artificial sweeteners are disclosed in, U.S. Pat. No. 5,098,730 to Pepper et al. (composition including xylitol and a reduced calorie bulking agent); U.S. Pat. No. 4,758,443 to Roy et al. (amides of aspartic acid and certain amides characterized by the presence of a thietanyl substituent); U.S. Pat. No. 4,676,989 to Barnett et al.(dipepetides of certain aminodicarboxylic acid esters); U.S. Pat. No. 4,254,154 to Eisenstadt (composition including dipeptide sweetener plus a sugar or sugar alcohol, a glycyrrhizin and cream of tartar); and U.S. Pat. No. 4,004,039 to Shoaf et al. (aspartame dispersed throughout a matrix). These patents, incorporated herein by reference, generally attempt to provide or synthesize sweeteners having the taste of the natural sweetness of ordinary sugar. However, none of these approaches were completely successful.


An apparatus (10) includes a modular headliner assembly (220) for a vehicle (12) having a side structure (16) and a roof (18). The headliner assembly (220) includes a headliner (170), an inflatable curtain (14), a fill tube (22), and a support device (40) that clamps around the fill tube to connect the tube and the curtain to the support device. A grab handle (150) has a portion extendable through the headliner (170) and into the support device (40) to connect the grab handle and the support device to the headliner. The apparatus (10) also includes a first connector (122) for connecting the support device (40) to the vehicle (12) to initially connect the headliner assembly (220) to the vehicle. The apparatus (10) further includes a second connector (180) extendable through the support device (40) and the grab handle (150) to fixedly connect the headliner assembly (220) to the vehicle.

It is known to inflate an inflatable curtain to help protect a vehicle occupant in the event of a vehicle collision and/or a vehicle rollover. Such inflatable curtains are inflatable from the roof of the vehicle between a vehicle occupant and a side structure of the vehicle. The inflatable curtain is inflated from a deflated condition by inflation fluid directed from an inflator to the inflatable curtain through a fill tube.
Known inflatable curtains are stored in a folded, deflated condition in a housing. A support device such as a clamp or bracket is used to connect the fill tube and the inflatable curtain to the vehicle via fasteners. It is also known to provide a grab handle in a vehicle. Known grab handles are typically connected to the vehicle via fasteners.


A dribble training device for facilitating training of a person to dribble a ball includes a ball including an outer wall defining an interior space. The interior space receives pressurized air to inflate the ball. Each of a plurality of protuberances is integrally coupled to the outer wall of the ball and outwardly extends from an exterior surface of the ball. The protuberances influence an angle of rebound of the ball off of the support surface when the ball is dribbled to randomize the angle of rebound each time the ball impacts the support surface.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to basketballs and more particularly pertains to a new basketball for facilitating training of a person to dribble a ball.
2. Description of the Prior Art
The use of basketballs is known in the prior art. The prior art commonly teaches the use of an irregular shaped ball or the use of specially designed gloves to facilitate learning to dribble a ball.
While these devices fulfill their respective, particular objectives and requirements, the need remains for a ball device that has certain improved features that require a person using the device to quickly adjust to different angles of rebound and, in particular, to teach a person to dribble a ball by feel and without eye contact on the ball. This will force the person using the ball device to use their fingers, instead of their palms, and will force the person to keep their fingers extended while dribbling the ball device. The ball device includes protuberances that are in fluid communication with ball device and pressurized to the same pressure as the ball device to cause the ball device to be deflected off of a floor at angles not coincident with the angle at which the ball device strikes the floor.


One electrode of SW1 is connected to a first wiring, and the other electrode of the SW1 is connected to one electrode of SW2, one electrode of second capacitor, and a gate electrode of a transistor. The other electrode of the SW2 is electrically connected to one electrode of SW3 and one electrode of first capacitor. The other electrode of the SW3 is connected to the other electrode of the second capacitor and one electrode of SW4. The other electrode of the SW4 is connected to a source electrode of the transistor and one electrode of SW5. The other electrode of the SW5 is connected to the other electrode of the first capacitor, an anode electrode of a load, and one electrode of SW6. The other electrode of the SW6 is connected to a fourth wiring. A drain electrode of the transistor is connected to a second wiring.

1. Field of the Invention
One embodiment of the present invention relates to a semiconductor device, a display device, a light-emitting device, a driving method thereof, or a manufacturing method thereof. In particular, one embodiment of the present invention relates to a semiconductor device, a display device, or a light-emitting device which has a function of supplying a current to a load. Further, in particular, one embodiment of the present invention relates to a semiconductor device, a display device, or a light-emitting device which has a function of controlling, with the use of a transistor, a current to be supplied to a load. Further, in particular, one embodiment of the present invention relates to a display device or a light-emitting device which includes a pixel including a display element whose luminance depends on a signal and a signal line driver circuit and a scan line driver circuit which drive the pixel, a driving method thereof, or a manufacturing method thereof. Further, one embodiment of the present invention relates to an electronic device having the display device in a display portion.
2. Description of the Related Art
In recent years, self-luminous display devices, light-emitting devices, and the like including light-emitting elements such as electroluminescence (EL) elements in pixels have attracted attention. As examples of such a light-emitting element used in such a self-luminous display device, an organic EL element and an inorganic EL element are known. These light-emitting elements emit light by themselves; thus the visibility of an image displayed by a display device including the organic EL element or the inorganic EL element is higher than that of an image displayed by a display device including a liquid crystal element. Further, the organic EL element and the inorganic EL element have advantages such as unnecessity of a backlight and high response speed. Note that the luminance of many of light-emitting elements is controlled by the value of current flowing to the light-emitting element.
In addition, active matrix display devices in which each pixel is provided with a transistor that controls light emission of a light-emitting element have been developed. The active matrix display devices have the following advantages, for example: high-definition display and large-screen display which are difficult to achieve in passive matrix display devices can be achieved and they can operate with less power consumption than passive matrix display devices.
FIG. 14 illustrates a configuration example of a pixel in a conventional active matrix display device (see Patent Document 1). The pixel in FIG. 14 includes a first transistor 11, a second transistor 12, a capacitor 13, and a light-emitting element 14. The first transistor 11 is connected to a signal line 15 and a scan line 16. A power supply potential Vdd is supplied to one of a source electrode and a drain electrode of the second transistor 12 and one electrode of the capacitor 13.
As another example, the configuration and the operation method of the pixel in FIG. 15 are suggested in Patent Document 2. The pixel in FIG. 15 includes a first transistor 21, a second transistor 22, a capacitor 23, and a light-emitting element 24, and the first transistor 21 is connected to a signal line 25 and a scan line 26. The second transistor 22 serving as a driver transistor is an n-channel transistor, a ground potential is supplied to one of a source electrode and a drain electrode of the second transistor 22, and Vca is supplied to a cathode of the light-emitting element 24.
FIG. 16 shows a timing chart for operating the pixel. In FIG. 16, one frame period is divided into an initialization period 31, a threshold voltage (Vth) writing period 32, a data writing period 33, and a light emission period 34. Note that one frame period corresponds to a period for displaying an image for one screen, and the initialization period, the threshold voltage (Vth) writing period, and the data writing period are collectively referred to as an address period.
Patent Document 3 discloses another example of a pixel.

Semiconductor device and method for driving semiconductor device

Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.


An electric steam iron includes a housing, a water reservoir, a boiler in fluid flow communication with said water reservoir, a soleplate, a first heater for the boiler, and a second heater for the soleplate. A fluid control device regulates the flow of fluid from the reservoir to the boiler. A first thermostat independently regulates the operation of the boiler heater and a second thermostat independently regulates the operation of the soleplate heater. The first and second thermostats are electrically separated from each other and thus the first and second heaters are independently controlled. The boiler comprises a first member in direct contact with the first heater for receiving water from the reservoir and transforming the water into steam. A second member overlies the first member and defines therebetween a first flow path for the steam. A third member overlies the second member and defines therebetween a second flow path for the steam. The first and second flow paths are in fluid flow communication such that the steam flowing in the second flow path flows in a direction opposite to the steam flowing in the first flow path. The steam flowing through the second flow path is supplied to the soleplate for distribution onto a garment.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to an electric steam iron and in particular, to the boiler thereof used for generating steam.
2. Background Information
Generally, most electric steam irons in use today employ a "flash" steam system wherein water contained in a water reservoir is dropped directly on a hot soleplate to generate steam. The generated steam temperature is usually superheated and is directly proportional to the soleplate temperature. It has been found that relatively high temperature superheated steam is not as effective for ironing garments as steam at or near saturated conditions (100.degree. C.). It has been also determined that saturated steam with some moisture content can relax the fabric of the garment being ironed and result in a more satisfactorily ironed garment.
To generate lower steam temperature in conventional irons the soleplate temperature must be reduced which sometimes results in water spotting and inadequate heat for the fabric being ironed.
To overcome the disadvantages of a "flash" steam system, irons having separate boilers for generating steam and which are heated and controlled independently of the soleplate have been designed. Examples of such prior art illustrating separate soleplate and boiler heaters are found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,387,757, 2,499,835, and 3,263,350. The addition of a second heater dedicated to the generation of steam has typically increased the elevational profile of the iron, making the iron more expensive to manufacture, and less aesthetically attractive.
Further, it has been found that when operating an electric iron at or near saturation conditions, the generated steam must be directed through a relatively tortuous path to separate relatively large droplets of condensation from the steam. If relatively large droplets or slugs of water are not separated from the steam and are discharged from the iron, these droplets tend to cause water spotting of the fabric being ironed.
It is, therefore, an object of this invention to manufacture an electric steam iron that has a first heater for generating steam and a second heater for heating the soleplate of the iron. It is a further object to produce steam at or near its saturation temperature. It is still a further object of the invention to generate steam at or near its saturation temperature and to effectively remove relatively large droplets of water entrained in the steam before the steam is discharged onto fabric.

Steam iron including double boiler portions, heaters, and thermostat


An image processing device gives an alarm if deletion of image is directed in a state that the image has not yet been transferred from an image recording medium into a storage medium having a larger capacity. Also, when a deletion operation is performed for image, the image processing device compresses and stores the corresponding image file in accordance with an evaluation rank based on history data for the image. Therefore, the image processing device allows effective use of the storage medium having a limited capacity by contriving compression processing of the image file.

Hitherto, there has been known an image processing device for transferring the image data photographed and recorded by the image photographing apparatus such as a digital camera, from an image recording medium into a storage medium having a larger capacity than the image recording medium, and for retrieving a desired image out of image files which are recorded in the storage medium having a larger capacity. In such a system, in order to achieve effective use of the storage medium with the limited capacity, a processing for a file management including data compression of the image files and deletion of unwanted files should be appropriately performed.

Image processing device for processing images which are recorded in a recording medium and a method thereof


Sequences of B12-dependent dehydratases with improved reaction kinetics are presented. Use of these B12-dependent dehydratases reduce the rate of the enzyme's suicide inactivation in the presence of glycerol and 1,3-propanediol. The enzymes were created using error-prone PCR and oligonucleotide-directed mutagenesis to target the DhaB1 gene, which encodes the α-subunit of glycerol dehydratase. Mutants with improved reaction kinetics were rapidly identified using high throughput assays.

1,3-Propanediol has utility in a number of applications, including as a starting material for producing polyesters, polyethers, and polyurethanes. Methods for producing 1,3-propanediol include both traditional chemical routes and biological routes. Biological methods for producing 1,3-propanediol have been recently described (Zeng et al., Adv. Biochem. Eng. Biotechnol., 74:239-259 (2002)). Biologically producing 1,3-propanediol requires glycerol as a substrate for a two-step sequential reaction. First, a dehydratase (typically a coenzyme B12-dependent dehydratase) converts glycerol to an intermediate, 3-hydroxypropionaldehyde (3-HP). Then, 3-HP is reduced to 1,3-propanediol by an NADH— (or NADPH) dependent oxidoreductase (See Equations 1 and 2).Glycerol→3-HP+H2O  (Equation 1)3-HP+NADH+H+→1,3-Propanediol+NAD+  (Equation 2)The 1,3-propanediol is not metabolized further and, as a result, accumulates in high concentration in the media.
Typically, glycerol is used as the starting material for biologically producing 1,3-propanediol. However, glucose and other carbohydrates also are suitable substrates for 1,3-propanediol production. Specifically, Laffend et al. (WO 96/35796; U.S. Pat. No. 5,686,276) disclose a method for producing 1,3-propanediol from a carbon substrate other than glycerol or dihydroxyacetone (especially, e.g., from glucose), using a single microorganism comprising a dehydratase activity. Emptage et al., (WO 01/012833) describe a significant increase in titer (grams product per liter) obtained by virtue of a non-specific catalytic activity (distinguished from the 1,3-propanediol oxidoreductase encoded by dha T) to convert 3-HP to 1,3-propanediol. Payne et al. (U.S. 60/374,931) disclose specific vectors and plasmids useful for biologically producing 1,3-propanediol. Cervin et al. (U.S. 60/416,192) disclose improved E. coli strains for high yield production of 1,3-propanediol. WO 96/35796, WO 01/012833, U.S. 60/374,931, and U.S. 60/416,192 are incorporated by reference in the instant specification as though set forth in their entirety herein.
The enzymes responsible for converting glycerol to 3-HP are largely coenzyme B12-dependent enzymes, known as coenzyme B12-dependent glycerol dehydratases (E.C. 184.108.40.206) and coenzyme B12-dependent diol dehydratases (E.C. 126.96.36.199). These distinct, but related, coenzyme B12-dependent enzymes are well studied in terms of their molecular and biochemical properties. Genes for coenzyme B12-dependent dehydratases have been identified, for example, in Klebsiella pneumoniae, Citrobacter freundii, Clostridium pasteurianum, Salmonella typhimurium, Klebsiella oxytoca, and Lactobacillus collinoides (Toraya, T., In Metalloenzymes Involving Amino Acid-Residue and Related Radicals; Sigel, H. and Sigel, A., Eds.; Metal Ions in Biological Systems; Marcel Dekker: New York, 1994; Vol. 30, pp 217-254; Daniel et al., FEMS Microbiology Reviews 22:553-566 (1999); and Sauvageot et al., FEMS Microbiology Letters 209: 69-74 (2002)).
Although there is wide variation in the gene nomenclature used in the literature, in each case the coenzyme B12-dependent dehydratase is composed of three subunits: the large or "α" subunit, the medium or "β" subunit, and the small or "γ" subunit. These subunits assemble in an α2β2γ2 structure to form the apoenzyme. Coenzyme B12 (the active cofactor species) binds to the apoenzyme to form the catalytically active holoenzyme. Coenzyme B12 is required for catalytic activity as it is involved in the radical mechanism by which catalysis occurs.
Biochemically, both coenzyme B12-dependent glycerol and coenzyme B12-dependent diol dehydratases are known to be subject to mechanism-based suicide inactivation by glycerol and other substrates (Daniel et al., supra; Seifert, et al., Eur. J. Biochem. 268:2369-2378 (2001)). In addition, inactivation occurs via interaction of the holoenzyme with high concentrations of 1,3-propanediol. Inactivation involves cleavage of the cobalt-carbon (Co—C) bond of the coenzyme B12 cofactor, leading to the formation of 5′-deoxyadenosine and an inactive cobalamin species. The inactive cobalamin species remains tightly bound to the dehydratase; dissociation does not occur without the intervention of coenzyme B12-dependent dehydratase reactivation factors ("dehydratase reactivation factors"). This inactivation can significantly decrease the reaction kinetics associated with 3-HP formation and, thus, indirectly decrease 1,3-propanediol production.
The effects of coenzyme B12-dependent dehydratase inactivation can be partially overcome. For example, inactivation can be overcome by relying on those proteins responsible for reactivating the dehydratase activity. Dehydratase reactivation factors have been described in: WO 98/21341 (U.S. Pat. No. 6,013,494); Daniel et al. (supra); Toraya and Mori (J. Biol. Chem. 274:3372 (1999)); and Tobimatsu et al. (J. Bacteriol. 181:4110 (1999)). Reactivation occurs in a multi-step process. Initially, interaction of inactivated coenzyme B12-dependent dehydratase with dehydratase reactivation factors, in an ATP-dependent process, results in the release of the tightly bound inactive cobalamin species to produce apoenzyzme. Subsequently, the dehydratase apoenzyme may bind coenzyme B12 to re-form the catalytically active holoenzyme and the inactive cobalamin species may be regenerated (by enzymatic action, in a separate ATP-dependent process) to coenzyme B12. Depending solely on dehydratase reactivation factors to restore dehydratase activity is inherently limited, however, since both the dehydratase reactivation and the coenzyme B12 regeneration processes require ATP. These ATP-dependent processes represent a significant energetic burden to the process of converting glycerol to 3-HP, particularly if a subsequent reaction of 3-HP to 1,3-propanediol is present and the 1,3-propanediol concentration is high.
Alternatively, it is possible to either increase the amount of coenzyme B12 added to a medium during 1,3-propanediol production or to supplement the culture media with vitamin B12 (which is converted to coenzyme B12 in vivo) to supply additional coenzyme B12 to microorganisms. However, in both cases, the cost of these additions may significantly interfere with process economics.
Croux et al. (WO 01/04324 A1) have addressed the problems associated with coenzyme B12-dependent dehydratases by developing a process for produing 1,3-propanediol using a recombinant microorganism that expresses a coenyzme B12-independent dehydratase. However, the usefulness of this solution may be limited by the ability of B12-independent dehydratases to function under certain preferred process conditions (e.g. under aerobic conditions (Hartmanis and Stadman, Arch. Biochem. Biophys. 245:144-52 (1986)).
In principle, it should be possible to isolate coenzyme B12-dependent dehydratases with reduced inactivation kinetics from naturally occurring microbial strains. Reduced inactivation kinetics would increase the turnover ratio (mol product/mol holoenzyme) of coenzyme B12-dependent dehydratase in a microbial host, and thus, reduce the dehydratase and coenzyme B12 demand. This approach would also reduce the energy needed to maintain that level of dehydratase and coenzyme B12. However, in practice, the diversity of coenzyme B12-dependent dehydratases has been found to be limited with respect to inactivation kinetics.
The problem to be solved, therefore, is that currently available coenzyme B12-dependent dehydratase enzymes are unable to provide the reaction kinetics needed for industrial applications for the production of industrial compounds.


Mechanisms for recommending content items based on topics are provided. In some implementations, a method for recommending content items is provided that includes: determining a plurality of accessed content items associated with a user, wherein each of the plurality of content items is associated with a plurality of topics; determining the plurality of topics associated with each of the plurality of accessed content items; generating a model of user interests based on the plurality of topics, wherein the model implements a machine learning technique to determine a plurality of weights for assigning to each of the plurality of topics; applying the model to determine, for a plurality of content items, a probability that the user would watch a content item of the plurality of content items; ranking the plurality of content items based on the determined probabilities; and selecting a subset of the plurality of content items to recommend to the user based on the ranked content items.

Due to an overwhelming volume of content that is available to the average consumer, content hosting services generally attempt to present content that is interesting to its users. Some content hosting services allow users to create user profiles that indicate demographic information, such as gender or age, as well as areas of interest. These content hosting services then attempt to use such user profiles to select content to provide to each of its users. However, users may not be able to articulate their interests while populating a user profile. In addition, interests may change over time and these users may not update their user profiles to reflect such changes.

Methods, systems, and media for recommending content items based on topics


An identification system is disclosed which includes marks on an object for locating a region of the object which contains an identification in the form of either an etching or a responsive electronic circuit and a detection device for detecting the proximity of the first mark in order to localize the position of the etching or responsive electronic circuit so that the etching or responsive electronic circuit may be read.

The invention relates to means for marking objects, a method for making these means and devices for the reading of these marks.
This marking is more particularly intended to enable the localizing of marks on valuable objects and the identification of these valuable objects.
Different types of valuable objects may be marked with a view to their identification. These valuable objects are, for example:
art objects such as statues, paintings, ceramics and jewellery;
industrially-manufactured goods such as television sets, video tape-recorders, automobiles, etc.
A marking of this type must have a certain number of characteristics. The marks should be indelible and unfalsifiable. Erasing of a mark should not cause visible deterioration of the object. The marks should be easily readable by a reading means. Preferably, the reading means should be portable and capable of being automated. The marks should be detailed enough to enable identification, difficult for a non-specialist to locate and capable of low cost fabrication.
Some of these qualities are not necessarily compatible with one another. At present, there exist marking systems such as those using fluorescent inks. These systems are difficult to read and can be falsified.
An object of the invention is to enable the marking of an object that combines the necessary qualities: easy reading, unfalsifiability, difficulty of erasure without destruction of the object.

Object-marking means, method for making such means and reading device


An apparatus containing an optical emitter configured to emit optical radiation is provided. Further, the apparatus includes a first hermetically sealed measurement cell filled with a first gas. The first gas is configured to absorb the optical radiation at least partially at one or more predetermined wavelengths. Additionally, the apparatus includes a first microphone arranged in the measurement cell and configured to generate a first microphone signal on a basis of a photoacoustic excitation of the first gas by the optical radiation. The apparatus moreover includes an evaluation circuit configured to take the first microphone signal as a basis for generating a first measurement signal indicating an emission intensity of the optical emitter at the one or more predetermined wavelengths.

Photoacoustic measurement systems use a modulated infrared wideband source for emitting infrared radiation. The radiation is routed through a measuring section and partially absorbed by a gas contained therein in a determined wavelength range (e.g. 4.3 μm for CO2). The remaining radiation subsequently enters a reference cell having a microphone through an optical window, said reference cell being hermetically sealed and completely filled with a reference gas (e.g. CO2). The remaining energy of the radiation is absorbed by the reference gas in the reference cell, as a result of which said reference gas heats and expands. The pressure difference arising in the reference cell as a result can be measured by the microphone as a sound wave. In order to be able to make statements about characteristics of the gas contained in the measurement cell, the radiation power of the radiation source in the wavelength range absorbed by the gas needs to be known.
In order to determine the output power of the radiation source, customary systems use the automatic baseline correction (ABC) method and reference the measurement signal downward essentially "on conjecture". Other systems use a reference channel in an optical window, i.e. use a wavelength range in which no other relevant gas is absorbed, which means that the emitter power can be measured independently in this range. Further systems use differential photoacoustic spectroscopy, which involves a differential pressure being measured by means of two different beam paths.
All the aforementioned approaches entail problems however. The ABC method is only reliable if the measurement system is regularly exposed to a known gas concentration. A lengthy operation under differing conditions leads to incorrect measurement results. The use of the optical window, i.e. a reference measurement in a spectral range other than the spectral range necessary for the measurement, can lead to an erroneous measurement if the spectral emissivity of the radiation source is not constant. By way of example, manufacturing-related tolerances in the radiation source can render sophisticated measurement of the radiation source necessary. The differential system uses two separate sensors, resulting in different optical paths, which means that changes in the individual paths (e.g. temperature, reflection, length, etc.) may not be noticed.

Photoacoustic measurement systems and methods using the photoacoustic effect to measure emission intensities, gas concentrations, and distances


A variable resistance nonvolatile storage element includes: a first electrode; a second electrode; and a variable resistance layer having a resistance value that reversibly changes based on an electrical signal applied between the electrodes, wherein the variable resistance layer has a structure formed by stacking a first transition metal oxide layer, a second transition metal oxide layer, and a third transition metal oxide layer in this order, the first transition metal oxide layer having a composition expressed as MOx (where M is a transition metal and O is oxygen), the second transition metal oxide layer having a composition expressed as MOy (where x>y), and the third transition metal oxide layer having a composition expressed as MOz (where y>z).

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to a variable resistance nonvolatile storage element whose resistance value changes due to application of voltage pulses.
2. Background Art
In recent years, along with the progress of digital technology, electronic devices such as portable information devices and home information appliances have further become highly functional. As the functions of these electronic devices have become more sophisticated, miniaturized and high-speed semiconductor elements used in the electronic devices have been rapidly developed. Among the semiconductor elements, nonvolatile memories having a large capacity as represented by flash memories have been increasingly used for various purposes. Moreover, research and development of variable resistance nonvolatile memory devices using so-called variable resistance elements as next-generation new nonvolatile memories in place of the flash memories has been in progress. Here, a variable resistance element refers to an element that has characteristics that its resistance value reversibly changes due to electrical signals, and is further capable of storing information corresponding to the resistance value in a nonvolatile manner.
A nonvolatile storage element whose variable resistance layer is formed by stacking transition metal oxides having different oxygen content atomic percentages has been proposed as an example of the variable resistance element. It is disclosed that resistance change is stabilized by selectively causing oxidation and reduction reaction in an interface between a variable resistance layer having a high oxygen content atomic percentage and an electrode in contact with the variable resistance layer (see Patent Literature (PTL) 1, for instance).
FIG. 13 shows a variable resistance nonvolatile storage element 90 including a conventional variable resistance element 90a. A first line 101 is formed on a substrate 100, and a first interlayer insulating layer 102 is formed to cover the first line 100. A first contact plug 103 to be connected to the first line 101 is formed to penetrate the first interlayer insulating layer 102. The variable resistance element 90a that includes a second electrode (here, lower electrode) 104 on the first interlayer insulating layer 102, a variable resistance layer 105, and a first electrode (here, upper electrode) 106 is formed to cover the first contact plug 103. A second interlayer insulating layer 107 is formed to cover the variable resistance element 90a, and a second contact plug 108 that penetrates the second interlayer insulating layer 107 connects the first electrode 106 and a second line 109. The variable resistance layer 105 has a stack structure of a first transition metal oxide layer 105x and a second transition metal oxide layer 105y, and comprises transition metal oxides of the same type. A transition metal oxide comprised in the first transition metal oxide layer 105x has an oxygen content atomic percentage higher than that of a transition metal oxide comprised in the second transition metal oxide layer 105y.
With such a structure, when a voltage is applied to the variable resistance element 90a, most of the voltage is applied to the first transition metal oxide layer 105x having the high oxygen content atomic percentage and indicating a higher resistance value. Moreover, oxygen that is capable of contributing to reaction is abundant near an interface between the first electrode 106 and the first transition metal oxide layer 105x. Thus, the oxidation and the reduction reaction selectively occur in the interface, thereby stabilizing resistance change.

Nonvolatile storage element and method for manufacturing same

PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.


A deterministic shocker holds a test animal within an enclosure on a grid floor of electrodes such that a controller places a small current across each electrode and measures the electrical resistance of each electrode. The electrode with the lowest resistance strongly correlates to the location of a paw of the animal so that the controller delivers a small electric shock to only that electrode. Animal movement can be tracked and recorded during an experimental run. A second enclosure may be located adjacent the first enclosure separated by a transparent partition wherein the second enclosure also has a grid floor comprised of a plurality of electrodes, The controller also places a current across each of these electrodes and measures the electrical resistance thereof so that this animal's movement can also be tracked during the experiment to measure this second animal's response in witnessing the shocking of the first animal.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a device that tracks the movement of an animal within a research cage and delivers a well controlled and measured shock to the animal's feet. The device also allows the tracking of two animals that can see each other with one of the animals receiving the shocks.
2. Background of the Prior Art
It is often desirable to track the movement of an animal within a research cage while delivering a pain stimulus in order to measure the animal's response to the pain. For example, it may be desirable to track the movements of a mouse while receiving pain stimulus both before and after giving the mouse a newly developed pain medication in order to determine the efficacy of the drug. Of the various types of pain stimulus that can be delivered, a small electric shock of short duration finds favor with many researchers.
In order to deliver these shocks, devices have been proposed wherein a cage is provided, which cage has a grid floor wherein the individual rods forming the grid floor are each electrodes electrically connected to a shock generation device. The test animal stands on some of the rods of the grid floor and electric current is applied across one of the electrodes upon which the animal is standing and a shock is thereby delivered. The problem with the present systems is that they lack knowledge of the location of the test animal on the grid floor. Accordingly, such systems rely on sequentially placing a current onto each rod until a current is placed onto a rod with which the animal is making contact thereby closing an electric circuit and shocking the animal. As such, the delivery of shocks to the animal is dependent on where the animal is standing and is random and therefore not deterministic which contributes to variability of results. An animal will not avoid shock in the same manner in each experiment. However, the sequential placement of the shocks is ordered in some fashion thereby leading to the animal being shocked in differing ways from experiment to experiment. Another problem with such systems is the potential to cause an electric burn to the animal due to high intensity localized power dissipation. For example, a rat may have a high resistance contact with an electrode at its tail. As the shocker applies power to this electrode, a burn can result due to the high voltage and corresponding high power density at this point of contact. Just one watt of power can result in burning a lab animal. Although the goal of the researcher is to deliver a pain stimulus, the researcher does not want to cause injury to the animal.
Accordingly, there exists a need in the art for a device that is capable of delivering a shock to a test animal wherein shock delivery is deterministic in order to have high repeatability between experiment runs. Such as system must be able to determine whereat a test animal is standing so that a shock can be delivered to the animal's foot, yet avoid shocking other body parts of the animal in order to minimize the risk of injury to the animal. Such a system should be of relatively simple design and construction so that it is easy to use and maintain.

Lab animal tracker and deterministic shocker

Florida State University Research Foundation