A new hybrid audio decoder and a new hybrid audio encoder having block switching for speech signals and audio signals are provided. Currently, very low bitrate audio coding methods for speech and audio signals are proposed. These audio coding methods cause very long delays. Generally, in coding an audio signal, an algorithm delay tends to be long to achieve higher frequency resolution. In coding a speech signal, the delay needs to be reduced because the speech signal is used for telecommunication. To balance fine coding quality for speech and audio input signals with very low bitrate, a combination of a low delay filter bank like AAC-ELD and a CELP coding method is provided.

Speech codec is designed specially according to the characteristics of a speech signal [NPL 1]. The speech codec has the advantage of efficiently coding a speech signal. For example, the sound quality is high when a speech signal is coded in low bitrate, and the delay is low. However, the sound quality in coding an audio signal that is wideband compared to the speech signal is not as good as in the case of using some transform codecs such as the AAC scheme. On the other hand, the transform codec represented by the AAC scheme is suitable for coding an audio signal, but it requires higher bitrate to code a speech signal in order to achieve the same sound quality as the speech codec. The hybrid codec can code a speech signal and an audio signal with high sound quality at low bitrate. The hybrid codec combines the merits of the two different codecs in order to achieve coding with high sound quality at low bitrate.
A low delay hybrid codec is desired for real-time communication applications such as a teleconference system. One low delay hybrid codec combines the AAC-LD (low-delay AAC) coding technology with the speech coding technology. The AAC-LD provides a mode with an algorithm delay not exceeding 20 ms. The AAC-LD is derived from the normal AAC coding technology. In order to reduce the algorithm delay, the AAC-LD has some modifications on AAC. Firstly, the frame size of the AAC-LD is reduced to 1024 or 960 time domain samples, and thus the output spectral values of the MDCT filter bank are reduced to 512 and 480 spectral values, respectively. Secondly, in order to reduce the algorithm delay, look-ahead is disabled, and as a result, block switching is not used. Thirdly, a low-overlap window is used to replace the Kaiser-Bessel window used in the window function processing in the normal delay AAC. The low-overlap window is used for efficiently coding transient signals in the AAC-LD. Fourthly, the bit reservoir is minimized or not used at all. Fifthly, the temporal noise shaping and long-term prediction functions are adapted according to the low delay frame size.
Generally, the speech codec is based on linear prediction coding (algebraic code-excited linear prediction (ACELP)) [NPL 1]. For the ACELP coding, a linear prediction analysis is applied on a speech signal, and an algebraic codebook is used to code an excitation signal calculated by the linear prediction analysis. To further improve the sound quality of the ACELP coding, recent speech codec additionally uses the transform coded excitation coding (TCX coding). For the TCX coding, after linear prediction analysis, transform coding is applied on the excitation signal. The Fourier transformed weighted signal is quantized using algebraic vector quantization. Different frame sizes are available for speech codec, for example, 1024 time domain samples, 512 time domain samples, and 256 time domain samples. The coding mode is selected using the closed-loop analysis-by-synthesis method.
A low delay hybrid codec has three different coding modes, namely, the AAC-LD coding mode, the ACELP mode and the TCX mode. Since each mode codes a signal in a different domain and has a different frame size, the hybrid codec needs to have block switching methods for transition frames in which the coding mode switches. An example of the transition frame is illustrated in FIG. 2. For example, a pervious frame is coded in the AAC-ELD mode and a current frame is to be coded in the ACELP mode, the current frame is defined as a transition frame. In the prior art, to switch between different coding modes, the aliasing portion of the previous windowed frame is processed differently compared to the current portion of the current block in the transition frame (PTL 1: International Patent Application Publication WO2010/003532 by Fraunhofer Gesellschaft).
To facilitate the explanation of the present invention in the following sections, the transform and the inverse transform of the AAC-ELD is provided in this background section.
The transform processes of the AAC-ELD mode in the encoder are described as follows:
The number of processed AAC-ELD frames is 4. A frame i-1 is concatenated with three previous frames to form an extended frame with a length of 4N. Here, N is the size of the input frame. That is to say, to code a current picture to be coded, the AAC-ELD mode requires not only a sample of the current frame but also samples of the three frames previous to the current frame.
Firstly, window is applied on the extended frame in the AAC-ELD mode. FIG. 3 illustrates the encoder window shape in the AAC-ELD mode of the encoder. The window in the encoder is defined as wenc. For the convenience of illustration, the encoder window is divided into eight parts, denoted as [w1, w2, w3, w4, w5, w6, w7, w8]. The length of the encoder window is 4N. The encoder window in the AAC-ELD mode is designed to match the low delay filter banks used in the AAC-ELD mode. For the convenience of explanation, one frame is divided into two parts as shown in FIG. 3. For example, the frame i-1 is divided into two vectors [ai-1, bi-1]. Here, ai-1 has N/2 samples, and bi-1 has N/2 samples. Therefore, the encoder window is applied on the vectors denoted as [ai-4, bi-4, ai-3, bi-3, ai-2, bi-2, ai-1, bi-1], to obtain the windowed signal [ai-4w1, bi-4w2, ai-3w3, bi-3w4, ai-2w5, bi-2w6, ai-1w7, bi-1w8].
Next, the low delay filter banks are used to transform the windowed signals. The low delay filter banks are defined as following:
                              x          k                =                              -            2                                                        ∑                              n                =                                                      -                    2                                                      N                                                                              2                                    N                                -                1                                                                                x                n                                                          cos                                                  [                                                            π                      N                                                                                (                                              n                        +                                                  1                          2                                                -                                                  N                          2                                                                    )                                                                                (                                              k                        +                                                  1                          2                                                                    )                                                        ]                                                                                [                  Math          .                                                    1                ]
where xn=[ai-4w1, bi-4w2, ai-3w3, bi-3w4, ai-2w5, bi-2w6, ai-1w7, bi-1w8].
According to the above low delay filter banks, the length of the output coefficients is N while the processing frame length is 4N.
The low delay filter bank can be expressed in terms of DCT-IV. The DCT-IV definition is shown as follows:
                              x          k                =                              DCT            -                          IV                                            (                                  x                  n                                )                                              =                                    ∑                              n                =                0                                            N                -                1                                                                                x                n                                                          cos                                                  [                                                            π                      N                                                                                (                                              n                        +                                                  1                          2                                                                    )                                                                                (                                              k                        +                                                  1                          2                                                                    )                                                        ]                                                                                [                  Math          .                                                    2                ]
According to the following identities:
                              cos                                [                                          π                N                                                          (                                                      -                    n                                    -                  1                  +                                      1                    2                                                  )                                                          (                                  k                  +                                      1                    2                                                  )                                      ]                          =                  cos                                [                                          π                N                                                          (                                  n                  +                                      1                    2                                                  )                                                          (                                  k                  +                                      1                    2                                                  )                                      ]                                              [                  Math          .                                                    3                ]                                          cos                                [                                          π                N                                                          (                                                      2                                        N                                    -                  n                  -                  1                  +                                      1                    2                                                  )                                                          (                                  k                  +                                      1                    2                                                  )                                      ]                          =                  -                      cos                                      [                                                π                  N                                                                  (                                      n                    +                                          1                      2                                                        )                                                                  (                                      k                    +                                          1                      2                                                        )                                            ]                                                          [                  Math          .                                                    4                ]
the signal of the frame i-1 transformed by the low delay filter banks can be expressed in term of DCT-IV as follows:[DCT-IV(−(ai-4w1)R−bi-4w2+(ai-2w5)R+bi-2w6),DCT-IV(−ai-3w3+(bi-3w4)R+ai-1w7−(bi-1w8)R)],
where (ai-4w1)R, (ai-2w5)R, (bi-3w4)R, (bi-1w8)R denote the reverse order of vectors ai-4w1, ai-2w5, bi-3w4, bi-1w8 respectively.
The inverse transform processes in the AAC-ELD mode of the decoder are described below.
The following describes the case where the decoder decodes the frame i-1 in the AAC-ELD mode. FIG. 7 illustrates the inverse transform processes in the AAC-ELD mode. The inverse low delay filter banks of the AAC-ELD mode in the decoder are shown below.
                                          y            n                    =                                    -                              1                N                                                                                ∑                                  k                  =                  0                                                  N                  -                  1                                                                                x                  k                                                                  cos                                                        [                                                                  π                        N                                                                                (                                                  n                          +                                                      1                            2                                                    -                                                      N                            2                                                                          )                                                                                (                                                  k                          +                                                      1                            2                                                                          )                                                              ]                                                                                ,                                                    0          ≤          n          <                      4                        N                                              [                  Math          .                                                    5                ]
The length of the inverse transform signals of the low delay filter banks is 4N. As explained in Embodiment 1, the inverse transform signals for the frame i-1 are as follows:yi-1=[−ai-4w1−(bi-4w2)R+ai-2w5+(bi-2w6)R,−(ai-4w1)R−bi-4w2+(ai-2w5)R+bi-2w6,−ai-3w3+(bi-3w4)R+ai-1w7−(bi-1w8)R,(ai-3w3)R−bi-3w4−(ai-1w7)R+bi-1w8,ai-4w1+(bi-4w2)R−ai-2w5−(bi-2w6)R,(ai-4w1)R+bi-4w2−(ai-2w5)R−bi-2w6,ai-3w3−(bi-3w4)R−ai-1w7+(bi-1w8)R,−(ai-3w3)R+bi-3w4+(ai-1w7)R−bi-1w8]  [Math. 6]
After applying inverse low delay filter banks, window is applied on yi-1 to obtain yi-1.  [Math. 7]FIG. 6 illustrates the decoder window shape in the AAC-ELD mode. The length of the window in the AAC-ELD mode is 4N. It is the reverse order of the encoder window in the AAC-ELD mode. The window in the decoder is denoted as wdec. For the convenience of illustration, the decoder window is divided into eight parts [wR,8, wR,7, wR,6, wR,5, wR,4, wR,3, wR,2, wR,1] as shown in FIG. 6.
The windowed inverse transform signals yi-1  [Math. 8]are as follows: yi-1=[(−ai-4w1−(bi-4w2)R+ai-2w5+(bi-2w6)R)wR,8,(−(ai-4w1)R−bi-4w2+(ai-2w5)R+bi-2w6)wR,7,(−ai-3w3+(bi-3w4)R+ai-1w7−(bi-1w8)R)wR,6,((ai-3w3)R−bi-3w4−(ai-1w7)R+bi-1w8)wR,5,(ai-4w1+(bi-4w2)R−ai-2w5−(bi-2w6)R)wR,4,((ai-4w1)R−bi-4w2−(ai-2w5)R−bi-2w6)wR,3,(ai-3w3−(bi-3w4)R−ai-1w7+(bi-1w8)R)wR,2,(−(ai-3w3)R+bi-3w4+(ai-1w7)R−bi-1w8)wR,1]  [Math. 9]
For the next frame i coded in the AAC-ELD mode, the windowed inverse transform signals yi  [Math. 10]are as follows: yi=[(−ai-3w1−(bi-3w2)R+ai-1w5+(bi-1w6)R)wR,8,(−(ai-3w1)R−bi-3w2+(ai-1w5)R+bi-1w6)wR,7,(−ai-2w3+(bi-2w4)R+aiw7−(biw8)R)R)wR,6,((ai-2w3)R−bi-2w4−(aiw7)R+biw8)wR,5,ai-3w1+(bi-3w2)R−ai-1w5−(bi-1w6)R)wR,4,((ai-3w1)R+bi-3w2−(ai-1w5)R−bi-1w6)wR,3,(ai-2w3−(bi-2w4)R−aiw7+(biw8)R)wR,2,(−(ai-2w3)R+bi-2w4+(aiw7)R−biw8)wR,1]  [Math. 11]
In order to reconstruct the signal [ai-1, bi-1] of the frame i, the overlapping and adding process requires three previous frames. FIG. 7 illustrates the overlapping and adding process in the AAC-ELD mode. The length of the reconstructed signals outi is N.
The overlapping and adding processes can be expressed as the following equation:outi,n= yi,n+ yi-1,n+N+ yi-2,n+2N+ yi-3,n+3N,0≦n<N  [Math. 12]
The aliasing cancellation mechanism of the AAC-ELD is illustrated in FIG. 22. The windowed inverse transform signal of the frame i, the frame i-1, the frame i-2, and the frame i-3 are shown in FIG. 22. For the purpose of visualization, the graphs show an example of a special case whereai=1,bi=1∀i.  [Math. 13](−ai-3w1−(bi-3w2)R+ai-1w5+(bi-1w6)R)wR,8+(−ai-3w3+(bi-3w4)R+ai-1w7−(bi-1w8)R)wR,6+(ai-5w1+(bi-5w2)R−ai-3w5−(bi-3w6)R)wR,4+(ai-5w3−(bi-5w4)R−ai-3w7+(bi-3w8)R)wR,2=ai-5(w3wR,2+w1wR,4)+ai-3(−w7wR,2−w5wR,4−w3wR,6−w1wR,8)+ai-1(w7wR,6+w5wR,8)  [Math. 14]
The window is designed to possess the following properties:(w3wR,2+w1wR,4)R≈0(−w7wR,2−w5wR,4−w3wR,6−w1wR,8)R≈0(w7wR,6+w5wR,8)R≈1  [Math. 15]
A signal ai-1 is reconstructed after the overlapping and adding.
The same analysis method is used to reconstruct a signal bi-1.(−(ai-3w1)R−bi-3w2+(ai-1w5)R+bi-1w6)wR,7+((ai-3w3)R−bi-3w4−(ai-1w7)R+bi-1w8)wR,5+((ai-5w1)R+bi-5w2−(ai-3w5)R−bi-3w6)wR,3+(−(ai-5w3)R+bi-5w4+(ai-3w7)R−bi-3w8)wR,1=bi-5(w2wR,3+w4wR,1)+bi-3(−w2wR,7−w4wR,5−w6wR,3−w8wR,1)+bi-1(w6wR,7+w8wR,5)  [Math. 16](w3wR,2+w1wR,4)R≈0(−w7wR,2−w5wR,4−w3wR,6−w1wR,8)R≈0(w7wR,6+w5wR,8)R≈1  [Math. 17]
A signal bi-1 is reconstructed after the overlapping and adding.

Hybrid audio encoder and hybrid audio decoder which perform coding or decoding while switching between different codecs


Particulate inorganic pore material, e.g., controlled pore glass (CPG) embedded porous synthetic resin membrane is prepared by mixing inorganic pore material and an aqueous resin, preferably polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), aqueous dispersion to form a paste-like mass, heating the mass at a temperature between 50 to 70.degree. C., and forming the mass into a sheet by calendering. The sheet is then sintered to produce a rigid porous sheet. The membrane may be functionalized, as by silanization. The membrane is useful for the same purposes as controlled pore glass or functionalized controlled pore glass.

One form of particulate inorganic porous material useful in the invention is controlled pore glass (CPG) described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,549,524 and 3,758,284 commercially available from CPG, Inc., 3 Borinski Road, Lincoln Park, N.J. 07035. It is widely used in methods for the synthesis of nucleic acids and for the isolation or purification of nucleic acids and proteins.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,890,417 describes a method for making a porous diaphragm suitable for use in electrolytic cells. The diaphragm is formed as a sheet from aqueous polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and a solid, non-porous particle additive. Porosity is imparted to the product by removal of the particulate additive. U.S. Pat. No. 4,153,661 describes a similar method for making high tensile strength PTFE composite sheet material from aqueous PTFE, and organic or inorganic particles which comprises mixing and calendering at an elevated temperature (50-100.degree. C.) to produce a self-supporting film for use as an electronic insulator.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,373,519, 4,460,642, 4,565,663 and 4,971,736 disclose methods for making water-swellable composite sheets having hydrophilic, absorptive particles enmeshed in the PTFE matrix for use as wound dressing and chromatographic supports.

Controlled pore glass-synthetic resin membrane


Processes for the preparation of elastomeric conductive material, involving combining at least one conductive polymer with rubber latex, at least one organic acid, at least one oxidant, a pH stabilizer, optionally an organic solvent, and optionally at least one surfactant. Also disclosed are elastomeric conductive materials produced by such processes, which exhibit excellent strength, elasticity, and conductivity.

Disclosed are processes for the preparation of elastomeric conductive materials involving combining at least one conductive polymer with rubber latex, at least one organic acid, at least one oxidant, a pH stabilizer, optionally an organic solvent, and optionally at least one surfactant. These materials exhibit excellent strength, elasticity, and conductivity. Upon drying are already doped throughout the surface and bulk of the material, eliminating the need for a surface doping (chemical oxidizing to create conductivity) process step.
The U.S. market for conductive polymers is about 230,000 metric tons annually at an estimated 2008 value of $1.52 billion. The global market for electroactive polymers was $1.9 billion in 2010. This market is forecasted to grow up to $3.05 billion by 2016 at a compound annual growth rate of 6.1%.
The materials are used in polymer batteries, static discharge devices, pressure sensors, organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), electronic ink, antistatic packaging, material handling, work surfaces & flooring, printed circuit boards, etc. A growing market segment is the medical industry where conductive polymers are used as components for electrical implants, nanowires within microfluidic circuits, in medical robotics, prosthetics, and as electrodes/sheathes for electrical detection or stimulation.
Polymeric conductive composites can be made from many polymers using conductive materials as fillers. Usually the fillers are carbon black, carbon fibers, metallic powders, and fibers coated with metals. The carbon black filled composites, although low in cost, have high percolation thresholds for electrical conduction and the conductivity cannot be controlled. Composites with metal powder fillers have high percolation and density, and the electrical conductivity can likewise not be controlled and the metal can become oxidized thus reducing the effective electrical conductivity of the composite. Use of other conductive fillers such as nickel coated carbon fiber and carbon nanotubes are limited due to cost.
Inherently conductive polymers (ICPs), such as polyaniline, polypyrrole, and polythiophene, are used alone or in composites with conventional polymers to create all-polymeric, clean, and permanently conductive materials, overcoming many of the disadvantages of filled materials; see, for example, Stat-Rite® by Lubrizol and PermaStat® by RTP. Polyaniline (PANI) is a conducting polymer which has been extensively studied due to its environmental stability, simple methods of synthesis, high conductivity (102 S/cm), and relative low cost. Moreover it can be readily doped/dedoped to modify the conductivity. Polyaniline's structure is as follows:
However, due to its poor processability and mechanical properties, commercial applications of neat PANI are limited. Incorporation of polyaniline into a host polymer substrate to form a blend, composite or interpenetrated bulk network has been investigated and different techniques have been used for such intentions. Synthetic elastomers and thermoplastics elastomers have been investigated as matrices for hosting conductive polymer. The techniques utilised to obtain these elastomers blends include thermomechanical mixing, solution mixing, electrochemical methods, and in situ polymerization. The elastomer blends obtained with thermomechanical mixing showed poor conductivity for some applications, and solution mixing and electrochemical methods are limited by these processes to thin films of material.
We have developed processes for producing an elastomeric conductive material as a composite of, for example, polyaniline (and its derivatives such as poly(ortho-ester aniline) (POEA) and poly(ortho-methoxyaniline) (POMA)), with natural rubber thorough polymerization in situ of aniline in natural rubber latex. The use of natural rubber (NR) offers a non-petrochemically-based major component in a low VOC (volatile organic compound) process.

Elastomeric conductive materials and processes of producing elastomeric conductive materials

The United States of America, as represented by The Secretary of Agriculture


Cells derived from postpartum placenta and methods for their isolation are provided by the invention. The invention further provides cultures and compositions of the placenta-derived cells. The placenta-derived cells of the invention have a plethora of uses, including but not limited to research, diagnostic, and therapeutic applications.

Organ and tissue generation from cells provides promising treatments for a number of pathologies, thereby making stem cells a central focus of research in many fields. Human stem cells are capable of generating a variety of mature human cell lineages. Transplantation of such cells has provided a clinical tool for reconstituting a target tissue, thereby restoring physiologic and anatomic functionality. The application of stem cell technology is wide-ranging, including tissue engineering, gene therapy delivery, and cell therapeutics for disorders including malignancies, inborn errors of metabolism, hemoglobinopathies, and immunodeficiences.
An obstacle to realization of the therapeutic potential of stem cell technology has been difficulty in obtaining sufficient numbers of human stem cells. One source of stem cells is embryonic or fetal tissue. Embryonic stem and progenitor cells have been isolated from a number of mammalian species, including humans. The derivation of stem cells from embryonic or fetal sources, however, has raised many ethical and moral issues.
Stem cells also have been isolated from adult tissues. Methods for isolation of stem cells from adult sources often yield only limited quantities of cells and/or cells having limited ability to differentiate.
Postpartum tissues have generated interest as an alternative source for human stem cells. For example, methods for recovery of stem cells by perfusion of the placenta or collection from umbilical cord blood have been described. A limitation of stem cell procurement from these methods has been an inadequate volume of cord blood or quantity of cells obtained.
Thus, alternative sources of adequate supplies of cells having the ability to differentiate into an array of cell lineages for cryopreservation and/or use in clinical applications remain in great demand. Such cells may be used in drug screening assays, for cryopreservation and/or banking, and for diagnostic and therapeutic applications.

Postpartum cells derived from placental tissue, and methods of making and using the same


The present invention relates to methods for rapid crystallization of amino acids, drug molecules, proteins and DNA/peptides. One method for rapid crystallization of functional group-containing molecules selected from the group consisting of amino acids, drug molecules, proteins and DNA/peptides includes (A) providing at least one metal or metal oxide in particulate or thin film form to provide (a) selective nucleation sites for crystallization of the functional group-containing molecules due to interactions of their functional groups and metal surfaces or engineered metal surfaces and (b) a microwave-transparent medium to create a thermal gradient between the metal surfaces or engineered metal surfaces and a warmer solution containing functional group-containing molecules to be crystallized, and (B) conducting microwave heating to cause the functional group-containing molecules to be crystallized.

There has been an increased interest in the area of controlled crystal formation in the pharmaceutical industry; particularly in the area of crystal polymorphism and solid form purity (see Brittain, H. G., Effects of mechanical processing on phase composition. Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences 2002, 91, (7), 1573-1580). Typically, the synthesized drugs are crystallized in the purest form possible and marketed in the forms of pills, tablets, etc.
In addition, crystallization is also used for understanding the molecular structures and interactions of proteins to develop new drug treatments that target specific human, animal, and plant diseases (see Roberts, M. M.; Heng, J. Y. Y.; Williams, D. R., Protein Crystallization by Forced Flow through Glass Capillaries: Enhanced Lysozyme Crystal Growth. Crystal Growth & Design 2010, 10, (3), 1074-1083).
In particular, crystallography has become a very useful tool for scientists in recent years due to its success in contributing to the understanding of molecular structures. While crystals of all molecular types are helping to recognize biological significances, proteins and amino acids are the primary molecules that are being focused on today. Amino acids are of particular importance because of their solubility and stabilizing properties that allow them to create multitudes of distinctive proteins (see Ito, L.; Kobayashi, T.; Shiraki, K.; Yamaguchi, H., Effect of amino acids and amino acid derivatives on crystallization of hemoglobin and ribonuclease A. Journal of Synchrotron Radiation 2008, 15, 316-318). Along with this, they also can serve as either intermediate or end products of biological functions, and have a wide range of applications in the chemical, food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries (see Ng, K. M.; Harjo, B.; Wibowo, C., Development of amino acid crystallization processes: L-glutamic acid. Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research 2007, 46, (9), 2814-2822).
One can find numerous studies related to crystallization of small molecules in the literature. For example, Myerson and co-workers have been employing polarized laser light irradiation for the crystallization of different polymorphs of glycine (see Garetz, B. A.; Matic, J.; Myerson, A. S., Polarization switching of crystal structure in the nonphotochemical light-induced nucleation of supersaturated aqueous glycine solutions. Physical Review Letters 2002, 89, (17), 175501). The same group also has demonstrated the use of self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) of alkane thiols on patterned gold thin films for size-controlled crystallization of glycine molecules through solvent evaporation (see Lee, A. Y.; Lee, I. S.; Dettet, S. S.; Boerner, J.; Myerson, A. S., Crystallization on confined engineered surfaces: A method to control crystal size and generate different polymorphs. Journal of the American Chemical Society 2005, 127, (43), 14982-14983). Ward and coworkers have employed nanoscale cylindrical pores to control the orientation of crystals formed by stereochemical inhibition (see Hamilton, B. D.; Weissbuch, I.; Lahav, M.; Hillmyer, M. A.; Ward, M. D., Manipulating Crystal Orientation in Nanoscale Cylindrical Pores by Stereochemical Inhibition. Journal of the American Chemical Society 2009, 131, (7), 2588-2596). Zukoski and co-workers have demonstrated the selective growth of γ-glycine crystals via concentrating micro-droplets of aqueous glycine solutions through slow evaporation-based crystallization platform (see He, G. W.; Bhamidi, V.; Wilson, S. R.; Tan, R. B. H.; Kenis, P. J. A.; Zukoski, C. F., Direct growth of gamma-glycine from neutral aqueous solutions by slow, evaporation-driven crystallization. Crystal Growth & Design 2006, 6, (8), 1746-1749).
In these reports, it was shown that the rapid evaporation of solvent produces the unstable β-form of glycine, while slowing the evaporation of solvent produced the kinetically stable α-form. Moreover, the generation of very slow super-saturation from water results in the stable γ-form (see He, G. W.; Bhamidi, V.; Wilson, S. R.; Tan, R. B. H.; Kenis, P. J. A.; Zukoski, C. F., Direct growth of gamma-glycine from neutral aqueous solutions by slow, evaporation-driven crystallization. Crystal Growth & Design 2006, 6, (8), 1746-1749). It was also shown that the distribution of glycine crystals can be affected by the surface (SAMs, polymers, etc.) as well as by the solution pH (see He, G. W.; Bhamidi, V.; Wilson, S. R.; Tan, R. B. H.; Kenis, P. J. A.; Zukoski, C. F., Direct growth of gamma-glycine from neutral aqueous solutions by slow, evaporation-driven crystallization. Crystal Growth & Design 2006, 6, (8), 1746-1749).
However, no techniques exist for the rapid (i.e., in a matter of seconds) and selective formation of crystals, e.g., the stable α- and γ-forms of glycine, without using additives, SAMs of alkane thiols or other engineered surfaces.

Metal-assisted and microwave-accelerated evaporative crystallization


A first processor is configured to acquire measurement values of plural types of processing index values each indicating a state of processing loads on a storage control device, and plural types of access index values each indicating a state of loads of an access process performed for each of plural pieces of data stored in a first storage device. The first processor is configured to select a first access index value corresponding to a first processing index value when the acquired measurement value of the first processing index value exceeds a threshold value. The first processor is configured to move a first piece of data from the first storage device to a second storage device. The acquired measurement value of the first access index value for the first piece of data is higher than the acquired measurement value of the first access index value for any other piece of data.

A distributed storage system is actualized by causing a plurality of storage devices and storage control devices that control data access to the plurality of storage devices to be grouped into clusters. The distributed storage system has high system expandability in case of increase in the volume of data to be stored.
Various techniques have been proposed to improve performance of the storage system. For example, a technique is proposed in which resource usage information including a plurality of pieces of information, such as a processor usage rate, is tabulated for a total or for each logical volume number. When any of the tabulated results exceeds a threshold value, a warning is issued.
In addition, for example, a technique has been proposed in which a load factor of a central processing unit (CPU) of a server is monitored based on previous tendencies at all times. Overloaded servers and low-load servers are extracted. For overloaded servers, the content name of a content to which users are concentrated is hidden from a menu list. For low-load servers, the content name and the content are copied from the overloaded server.
Related techniques are disclosed in, for example, Japanese Laid-open Patent Publication No. 2003-296039 and Japanese Laid-open Patent Publication No. 11-25059.
In the distributed storage system, in order to move data between storage devices for the purpose of distributing processing load placed on storage control devices, the data to be moved has to be appropriately selected. However, it is difficult to accurately determine which piece of data, among the plurality of pieces of data stored in the storage devices, is most affecting the load placed on the storage control device. Therefore, a problem occurs in that appropriate selection of data effective for reducing the load placed on the storage control device is difficult.

Storage control device and storage control method


A robot for a substrate processing system includes a first arm and a second arm each including a first arm portion connected to a base, a second arm portion connected to the first arm portion, and an end effector connected to the second arm portion. The first arm and the second arm are each configured to actuate between a fully retracted position and a plurality of extended positions. The end effector of the first arm is configured to support a first substrate and the end effector of the second arm is configured to support a second substrate. When the first arm and the second arm are in the respective fully retracted positions, the first substrate is spaced apart from and does not overlap the second substrate.

The background description provided herein is for the purpose of generally presenting the context of the disclosure. Work of the presently named inventors, to the extent it is described in this background section, as well as aspects of the description that may not otherwise qualify as prior art at the time of filing, are neither expressly nor impliedly admitted as prior art against the present disclosure.
Different types of tools are used to perform processing operations on substrates such as semiconductor wafers. The processing chambers may be arranged about a central hub. The central hub and the processing chambers may be kept at low pressure.
Substrates may be introduced into the processing chambers by substrate handling systems. The substrate handling systems transfer the substrates from a factory floor to the processing chamber. The substrate handling systems may include load locks to bring the substrates from atmospheric conditions to the low pressure conditions and back. Robots are often used to transfer the substrates. Substrate handling systems may utilize robots that operate at ambient conditions and at low pressure. Throughput, which refers to the number of substrates that are processed in a period of time, is affected by the process time, the number of wafers that are processed at a time, as well as timing of the steps to introduce the wafers into the vacuum processing chambers.


The invention pertains to an arrangement for dynamic control of running trim and list of a boat, having at least one hull with a stern. The arrangement (100) has a housing member (102), an interceptor member (103, 103'), an actuator (105) and a power supply (106). The actuator (105) is arranged for displacing the interceptor member (103, 103') in a continuous linear movement between first (103) and second end positions (103') or vice versa in relation to said housing member (102), which comprises an attachment (104, 104', 104", 104'") for attachment to the hull. The interceptor member (103, 103') has a first portion (107) and a second (108) portion, wherein the first portion (107) extends essentially perpendicularly from the middle of the entire length of the second portion (108). The housing member (102) partially encloses the first portion (107) so that the housing member (102) firmly guides the first portion (107) during the linear movement. The housing member (105) further defines an internal space, inside of which the actuator (105) is accommodated (102). The present invention is applicable for dynamic control of running trim and list of boats, in particular for planing or semi-planing boats. However, the invention is also applicable for larger vessels.

A number of different devices and arrangements intended for dynamic control of running trim of boats are previously known.
One such previously known arrangement comprises the use of a so-called interceptor member, constituted of a plate or interceptor member arranged transverse to the vessel bottom and attached thereto. Such an interceptor member increases the water pressure acting on the bottom of the hull in front of the interceptor member and, accordingly, changes the running trim of the boat or vessel.
Furthermore, the patent publication SE-C2-502 671 discloses a device for dynamic trimming of a planing or semi-planing vessel hull. The disclosed device comprises a trim plate, directly behind the hull bottom in the path direction, which has been inserted into the relative water flow and crossways to it. The trim plate produces at least one main vortex with an upwardly and forwardly directed force component in front of the trim plate. According to SE-C2-502671, this causes the formation of a water volume with an increased pressure acting against a zone of the hull bottom in front of the trim plate. The trim plate is preferably inserted to a continuously adjustable depth, corresponding to 0-3% of the trim plate length and preferably at the most corresponding to 2.7% of its length. Furthermore, the trim plate preferably extends along an essential portion of the hull width and preferably along the whole width of the hull bottom or bottom halves.
According to SE-C2-502 671, the disclosed device provides a number of advantages such as rapid response, low power consumption, high utilization of the supplied trimming energy, low mechanical stress on the movable parts, and no disturbance of a reversing water jet.
Something which might be perceived as a problem with the previously known arrangements for dynamic control of running trim of a boat is that they usually are supplied in the form of a number of separate parts and/or units.
Accordingly, previously kcnown arrangements might comprise an interceptor member provided with elongated apertures which are slidably mounted on the boat hull, e.g. by means of guide pins which are fixedly attached to the hull. Such a previously known arrangement also comprises a separate actuating means, for displacing the interceptor member to the desired position in relation to the hull. In such a case, also the actuating means has to be fixedly attached to the hull of the boat by means of separate attachment means, something which of course might result in undesired damage to the hull surface and/or the hull structure.
Furthermore, in order to achieve sufficient stability and power for linear displacement of the interceptor member, the previously known arrangements normally require the use of several actuating means acting on the interceptor member.

Arrangement for dynamic control of running trim and list of a boat


A system is provided for automatically providing covering and uncovering of a recessed area including a hot tub or the like. The system includes a cover assembly including a stationary section, and a movable cover section movable with respect to the stationary section between (i) a retracted, stowed position, out of the plane of the stationary section and in vertical registration with the stationary section, wherein the hot tub is uncovered, and (ii) an operative, extended position, in the plane of the stationary section and in end-to-end registration with the stationary section, wherein the hot tub is covered.

Hot tubs and other spa and/or bathing units employing a tub or the like, herein referred to collectively as hot tubs, are usually equipped with a cover or the like when located outdoors, e.g., on a deck or in another environment wherein the cover is used to protect the hot tub and/or to prevent others from inadvertently falling into the hot tub or otherwise being injured by the uncovered tub. Such covers are typically designed to be manually manipulated into place by the user and manually removed, and this manipulation of the cover can be awkward and cumbersome. Moreover, providing suitable storage of the cover can also present a problem.
Automatic or semi-automatic systems have also been developed for providing covering and uncovering movements of covers, flooring and the like, for spas and swimming pools. Some examples of patented systems and devices of this type are discussed below.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,718,566, and Published Application No. 20040055081, both to Wilson, disclose a vertically adjustable spa cover assembly including a cover movable above a spa between a raised position and a lowered position, the raised position being vertically above the lowered position. Lifts are used to raise and lower the cover. The cover assembly may also include a screen that surrounds the area between the cover and the spa. The lifts are threaded sections including rods and pipes which engage one another and move up and down as one or more of these threaded sections are rotated by a power source such as a motor or hand crank. The power source may engage the threaded sections through gears or sprockets, or less directly via a system of sprockets and a chain which drives the sprockets and the threaded sections in turn. Alternatively, the lifts may be telescoping members pneumatically or hydraulically powered. The cover assembly may be built into a spa unit or added as a retrofit component.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,271,542 to Wood et al. discloses a vertically adjustable pool platform, for use in a swimming pool, a means to vertically raise and lower the platform, and a means connecting the platform to the means to vertically raise and lower the platform. The pool platform is buoyant so as to normally float on the surface of the water, and is constantly urged to float to the surface of the water, when submerged under water at a predetermined level. The platform permits vertical passage of water therethrough.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,303,527 to Perez et al. discloses a removable support apparatus for supporting a swimming pool cover employing adjustable frame assemblies capable of spanning between opposite edges at opposite sides of the pool. Each frame assembly includes a pair of separate frame members placed in side-by-side relation to one another so that, together, they define the overall length of the frame assembly. The frame members are displaceable longitudinally relative to one another to adjust the overall length of the frame assembly so as to match the distance between the opposite edges of the pool so that the frame assembly can fit across the pool between its opposite edges Each frame assembly also includes an end support member attached to the outer end of each frame member and supporting the frame member from one of the opposite edges of the pool. The frame assembly further includes adjustable attaching members releasably attaching the frame members to one another in the longitudinally-displaced side-by-side relation such that the frame assembly will span between the opposite sides of the pool. The removable support apparatus also includes at least one adjustable column support member removably installed in upright standing relation on the bottom of the pool and releasably supporting a selected frame assembly, and a framework overlying and supported by the frame assemblies so as to span across the length and width of the swimming pool for, in turn, supporting a pool cover.
JP07166727A2 discloses a normally/reversely rotatable motor installed in a control room, and a rotary shaft. One end of the shaft is supported by a first bearing and the other end is supported by a sealed bearing equipped in a bulkhead part between the control room and a pool. The motor and the rotary shaft are connected to each other, and circumferential surfaces of drums coaxially mounted on the rotary shaft are connected by means of wire ropes to the underneath of a floor board so as to provide buoyancy.
JP02008464 discloses a vertically movable floor support for a swimming pool which includes a vertically movable floor, screw jacks set below the floor, and a drive source for expanding or contracting the jacks. The jacks are set at a given interval in the space between the floor and a foundation slab formed below the pool bottom. When a switch for indicating extension or contraction is activated, bevel gears are turned synchronously by drive motors, and a piston rod is raised to adjust the floor to a given height. The motors are stopped by action of sensor.

Retractable cover arrangement for hot tubs and the like


A bracket for a refrigeration valve includes an elongated flat plate bent in half with the two halves of the plate lying in parallel, adjacent relation. The inner bracket half includes an opening closely receiving the inlet fitting of the valve, and a predetermined internal geometry closely receiving the external profile of a fixed nut on the fitting. The outer bracket half also includes an opening configured to closely receive the fitting, and a dimension such that it butts up against an outer side surface of the nut. The outer bracket half is mechanically fixed to the fitting, such as by riveting, brazing or other means. Fasteners are received through corresponding apertures in the bracket halves to attach the bracket to a support surface. The cooperating geometries of the inner bracket half and the nut prevent the bracket from rotating with respect to the fitting during assembly.

A thermostatic expansion valve is used on many types of air conditioning and refrigeration systems, and controls refrigerant flow through the system to match compressor capacity. Thermostatic expansion valves typically include a power element comprising a diaphragm mounted between a domed head and a support cup on the valve body. A fluid "charge" is located within a head chamber defined by the domed head and one (upper) surface of the diaphragm. The support cup and the other (lower) surface of the diaphragm define a diaphragm chamber with the body of the expansion valve. A valve stem extends downwardly from the diaphragm through a bore in the valve body to a valve element modulating a valve orifice between i) an inlet fitting directing liquid refrigerant (from the condenser) at high pressure into the valve body, and ii) an outlet fitting directing the refrigerant from the valve body at low pressure to the evaporator. Proctor, U.S. Pat. No. 3,667,247; Treder, U.S. Pat. No. 3,537,645; and Orth, U.S. Pat. No. 4,542,852, for example, show such expansion valves.
To control the refrigerant flow, the diaphragm in the power element moves in response to the refrigerant condition exiting the evaporator and compensates the flow rate to the evaporator by opening or closing the valve orifice. One type of device used to communicate the refrigerant condition to the diaphragm is a feeler bulb. The feeler bulb is positioned in contact with a pipe carrying the refrigerant, and a tube extends from the feeler bulb to the diaphragm chamber such that the charge in the diaphragm chamber is at essentially the temperature of the refrigerant at the location of the bulb. Refrigerant pressure against the bottom of the diaphragm along with the force of an adjustment spring on the valve element tends to close the valve, while pressure from the charge tends to open the valve. A feeler bulb is of course only one example of a known device that senses the refrigerant condition and communicates the condition to the power element. Other devices and techniques are of course known to those in the industry.
In certain applications, it is desirable to support the expansion valve in relatively close proximity to the condenser/heat exchanger. The valve should be supported in a manner that is rigid enough to prevent damage or refrigerant leakage from the valve due to movement, vibration, etc. of the support location. Ease of installation and removal of the valve such as for inspection and repair, at the both the manufacturing and field locations, is also often desirable. It is known to use a bracket to support the refrigeration valve directly against the side panel of a cabinet or enclosure. In one application, a U-shaped notch is provided along the side of a bracket plate, and the plate is slid laterally onto the inlet fitting of the valve. The fitting includes a fixed nut, and the bracket is slid up against the inner side surface of the nut and fastened thereto such as with one or more rivets or by brazing. The fitting is then inserted through an opening in the cabinet, with the bracket located adjacent the outer surface of the cabinet. Bolts are received through apertures in the plate and corresponding apertures in the cabinet, and nuts are tightened down on the bolts to rigidly attach the valve to the cabinet.
After assembly of the valve on the cabinet, the valve is fluidly connected to the refrigeration system. The refrigerant line from the condenser, with its own fitting, is screwed on the inlet fitting. A backup wrench is used to hold the nut on the inlet fitting while the fitting of the refrigerant line is tightened. Care must be taken to prevent over-torquing of the inlet fitting, as the braze/rivet connection of the bracket to the inlet fitting can fail, which would disconnect the valve from the cabinet and render it unusable. Sliding a backup wrench around the hex nut on the inlet fitting can be difficult and awkward depending on the location of the valve and the space available in the cabinet. And, of course, this also requires keeping such a backup wrench handy for the installation and removal of the refrigerant valve.
It is therefore believed there is a demand in the industry for an improved refrigeration valve, and particularly for a refrigeration valve having an improved attachment technique to attach the valve to a cabinet or other support surface, which overcomes many of the above-described drawbacks, and which is robust, simple, and rapid.


Circuits and methods of testing an integrated circuit die are disclosed. Active logic setting circuits are incorporated into input cells of a die. During testing, the active logic setting circuits weakly drive the input cells to a definite logic level. Therefore, the necessity of connecting probes to all of the input pads to prevent floating signals in the die is eliminated. Furthermore, during normal operations the active logic setting circuits have little or no effect on the performance of the die.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to testing of integrated circuits (ICs), and more particularly to reducing the number of probes necessary to test logic blocks of an integrated circuit before the integrated circuit is packaged.
2. Description of Related Art
Integrated circuits are mass produced on semiconductor wafers. Typically, the integrated circuits are formed to occupy a rectangular area of a semiconductor wafer. Before packaging, the integrated circuit on the rectangular semiconductor material is called a die. The semiconductor wafer, which is typically round, contains many dies. Depending on the size of the wafer and the size of the die a single wafer can contain hundreds of dies. FIG. 1 shows a simplified example of semiconductor wafer 100 containing thirty-seven dies 110.
The cost of packaging a die is a major factor in the overall production cost of a chip. Therefore, a die is often tested prior to packaging to prevent needless packaging of a non-functional die.
Furthermore, the dies are typically tested before the semiconductor wafer is cut into individual dies. Therefore, if the vast majority of the integrated circuits are non-functional, the cost of cutting the wafer can be avoided. In addition, handling of the semiconductor wafer during testing is easier than handling each individual die.
Typically during wafer testing, probes are placed on the bonding pads of a die. The probes either supply signals to input bonding pads or monitor signals on the output bonding pads. FIG. 2 shows a simplified representation of a single die containing a microprocessor. In FIG. 2, die 200 contains forty bonding pads 205 which would correspond to forty pins of a packaged chip. A real microprocessor could contain over three hundred bonding pads.
Except for power bonding pads 207 and ground bonding pads 208, bonding pads 205 are coupled to corresponding interface cells 210. Each interface cell 210 could be a dedicated input cell, a dedicated output cell, or an input/output (I/O) cell. As used herein, input cell refers to both dedicated input cells and input/output cells. Die 200 also contains various logic blocks. For a microprocessor, the logic blocks can include data cache 210, instruction cache 220, memory management unit (MMU) 230, floating point unit (FPU) 240, integer unit 250, branch prediction unit 260, mode select unit 270, for example.
While testing a die, all of the bonding pads coupled to input cells (i.e. dedicated input cells or input/output cells) must be connected to a probe to provide a definite logic level on the pads. The term input bonding pad as used herein refers to a bonding pad that is coupled to an input cell. If an input bonding pad is not connected to a probe the pad "floats" at an indefinite logic level. The interface cells coupled to the floating pad provide an indeterminate floating signal to the various logic cells. Floating signals on the die cause spurious signals which makes testing inaccurate.
Even if only a single logic block is being tested, all of the input bonding pads must be forced to a definite logic level. For example, if a test is to be performed only on data cache 210, even bonding pads which are coupled to input cells which are not coupled to data cache 210 must be driven by a probe to a definite level. For example, bonding pad 281, which is coupled to input cell 212, must still be coupled to a probe so that bonding pad 281 is driven to a definite level; eventhough, input cell 212 is only coupled to FPU 240. Similarly, if only FPU 240 is being tested, bonding pad 281, which is coupled to input cell 211, must be driven to a definite level; eventhough, input cell 211 is only coupled to integer unit 250.
As integrated circuits have transitioned to smaller geometry sizes, the complexity of integrated circuit has increased. The increasing complexity leads to higher integration which requires increasing number of bonding pads for communications into and out of a chip. However, for many complex chips, such as microprocessors, the number of bonding pads has made connecting a probe to each bonding pad very difficult and time consuming.
Some chips have incorporated passive devices such as pull-up resistors between the input lines and the positive supply voltage to provide definite logic levels. However, this method degrades the performance of the chip in normal (i.e. non-test) modes since the drive supplied by the pull-up resistor must be overcome by the input signal or the output signal on an input/output line. Furthermore, this method is not feasible in complex high density circuits since passive devices such as resistors consume too much area.
Hence, there is a need for a method or a circuit to provide definite logic levels on bonding pads of a die during testing without the need of driving every bonding pad from an external source and without degrading the normal performance of the die. Specifically, the method or circuit must be able to drive input cells (i.e. dedicated input cells and input/output cells) to definite logic levels without a probe being connected to the input bonding pads. Furthermore, the circuit and method must not hamper the operation of the integrated circuit in non-test circumstances.


Process for separating and concentrating gallium from an aqueous solution containing gallium, together with aluminium, zinc and/or copper, charactrized by the following combination of features: (a) preparation of a water-in-oil emulsion consisting of a neutral or alkaline aqueous phase and an organic phase containing an oil-soluble reactant in a homogenizer in a volume ratio of aqueous phase to organic phase of 2:2 to 3:2; (b) dispersion of the water-in-oil emulsion in the aqueous solution containing gallium, which is adjusted to at least 4 mol/l of HCI, in an extractor in a volume ratio of aqueous phase to water-in-oil emulsion of 30:1 to 10:1 until droplets of the water-in-oil emulsion with a diameter less than or equal to 1 mm are obtained; (c) separation of the water-in-oil emulsion from the aqueous continuum and splitting of the emulsion in a reactor with coaxial, double-insulated electrodes in a high-voltage kV/cm and a frequency greater than 50 Hz, the unsplit portion of the water-in-oil emulsion being recycled into step (b); (d) separation of the electrocoalesced organic phase of the water-in-oil emulsion in a gravity separator and recycling of the same into step (a).

High-purity gallium and gallium compounds find increasing use, mainly in the electronics industry. Doped gallium arsenide, gallium phosphide and gallium arsenide phosphite have proved especially suitable as semi-conductor materials. In addition, gallium arsenide can be used in the construction of lasers and solar cells. Another possible use is in the field of superconductors based on gallium, which is currently in the development stage.
In the minerals available, gallium is present only in very low concentrations of from 0.001% (bauxite) to a maximum of 1.8% (germanite). It is generally in association with zinc, aluminium and/or copper. The low concentrations of the ore make particular demands on any process for recovering gallium as regards selectivity of the material separation and the possibility of concentration.
Gallium is obtained when working up bauxite and also zinc- and germanium-containing ores (cf. "Ullmanns Encyklopadie der Technischen Chemie", volume 11 (1986), p. 753). The separation and concentration of gallium is generally carried out in the so-called Pechiney, Alcoa or Reynolds process (cf. US-PS 3 890 427). All these processes are based on the separation of the aluminium by precipitation. From the solutions that remain, the gallium and residues of aluminium are precipitated in the form of hydroxides by means of carbon dioxide. The aluminium- and gallium-containing hydroxide is dissolved in sodium hydroxide solution and subjected to electrolysis. Further, a solution having a low concentration of gallium is obtained as a circulating solution of the Bayer process.
The hydrometallurgical separation of gallium has hitherto been carried out by liquid-liquid extraction from hydrochloric acid solutions (cf. M.L. Good, F.F. Holland, "J. Inorg. Nucl. Chem.", 26 (1964), page, 321, and T. Sato, T. Nakamura, S. Ishikawa, "Solv. Extr. I. Exch."2 (1984), page 2019). The use of tributyl phosphate, triaryl-phosphine, trioctyl phosphine oxide, crown ethers or dihexyl sulphide for the extraction of gallium is also already known (cf. V.P. Judin, R.G. Bautista, "Metall. Trans. B. ", 17B (2), 1986, page 259; A.M. Reznik, L.A. Zekel, "Zh Neorg. Khim." 24 (4), 1979, page 1025; Y. Amashji, T. Matsushita, M. Wada, T. Shono, "Chem. Lett." 1 (1988), page 43; Y. Hasegawa, T. Shimada, M. Niitsu, "J. Inorg. Nucl. Chem." 42 (10), 1980, page 1487; H. Koshima, H. Onishi, "Analyst (London)" 111 (11) (1986), 1261; and Y. Baba, H. Nakamura, K. Inoue, "J. Chem. Eng. Jpn." 19 (6), 1986, page 497).
The yields of high-purity gallium that can be obtained by these processes are, however, inadequate, and in particular the complete removal of aluminium, zinc or copper is insufficient if these are in a high excess compared with gallium.
The problem underlying the invention was therefore to find a process rendering possible the separation and concentration, in an even more effective manner, of gallium from aqueous solutions containing gallium together with aluminium, zinc and/or copper.
It has now been found that this problem can be solved in accordance with the invention by separating and concentrating the gallium in a multiple emulsion system using secondary amines as selective transporting reactants. That is to say, when the hydroxides (for example from working up bauxite according to Pechiney) or ores containing aluminium and gallium in addition to other heavy metals are leached with hydrochloric acid solution, it is possible to separate and concentrate gallium by reaction extraction using liquid membrane emulsions. By this means concentrated gallium solutions of a high degree of purity are obtained.

Process for separating and concentrating gallium from an aqueous solution containing gallium, together with aluminum, zinc and copper


A matching card game where players are dealt five cards apiece. Each player tries to match the cards with the dealers hands. Any matches between the players match cards and the dealers cards wins. Progressive jackpots are included with subsequent card games. An automated casino card game version monitors the tracking, and jackpots of players at gaming tables. The automated version includes a table, player LED displays on one side of the table for displaying credits available for a progressive jackpot, a dealer control panel on the opposite side of the table, and a central processing unit, the player LED displays, the dealer control panel and the central processing unit together monitoring the tracking, and jackpots of each player at the player LED displays.

Gambling has become very popular in recent years as shown by the number of states having legalized landbased casino gambling such as Las Vegas and Reno, Nev.; Atlantic City, N.J., and New Orleans, La. Riverboat gambling has also become popular and is in several states including Mississippi, Missouri and Illinois. Most forms of gambling center around automated slot machines, roulette wheels, dice, or card games such as poker and blackjack played on the tables on the casino floors.
Card games used in gambling are traditionally limited to blackjack, poker, and the like. While the rules for versions of these games may vary, almost no new card games are ever created for players.
These traditional card games are generally controlled manually by having a dealer pass out cards to players seated around a table, where the dealer manually controls the wagering and jackpot payouts. Attempts have been made to automate aspects of these card games. See for example: U.S. Pat. No. 4,531,187 to Uhland; U.S. Pat. No. 5,159,549 to Hallman, Jr. et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,265,874 to Dickinson; U.S. Pat. No. 5,326,104 to Pease et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,377,973 to Jones et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,393,067 to Paulsen et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,470,079 to LeStrange et al.; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,476,259 to Weingardt. However, these devices and systems generally are complex and expensive and still do not allow for monitoring from a central point the tracking, jackpots, and wagering status of the games.


An electrostatic recording system using a dielectric belt for conducting electrification of a sheet of paper and a transfer belt so that the sheet of paper is not wound and caught by a photoconductor drum, and a transfer voltage can be lowered so as to smoothly separate the sheet of paper from a transfer belt. The electrostatic recording system applies a voltage to only the dielectric belt at a stage before the sheet of paper 3 is attracted to the dielectric belt 10 and applies voltage to the sheet of paper 3 conveyed to the dielectric belt, and to the dielectric belt 10 while the sheet of paper and the belt are mutually superposed.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a printer for executing printing by an electrophotographic process, and more particularly, to an electrostatic recording system using dielectric belt which can be suitably used for color printing.
2. Description of the Related Art
Electrophotographic color printing methods for printing a plurality of toner images having mutually different colors such as black, yellow, magenta and cyan, on a sheet of paper in superposition can be broadly classified into the following two kinds.
The first kind is a system or method which uses four color developing devices for one photoconductor drum or belt, develops and transfers toner images, each color one-by-one, and repeats this procedure for each color, in other words, four times in all. Transfer methods from the photoconductor drum or belt to the sheet of paper in this case include a method which transfers the toner to the sheet of paper through an intermediate transfer belt or drum. Another transfer method transfers the toner to the sheet of paper without using such an intermediate member. In either of these methods, the transfer operation must be repeated four times to one sheet of paper, and they suffer from the drawback that the printing speed drops to 1/4 to that of the case where the transfer is made once. However, these transfer methods have been widely employed in the past for compact and economical electrophotographic printing apparatuses.
The second kind is a so-called "tandem" printing system or method which sequentially aligns four developing devices and four photoconductor drums for the four colors and prints the color image by the single conveying operation of the sheet of paper. Transfer of the toners from the photoconductor drums to the sheet of paper is carried out for the respective photoconductor drums while the sheet of paper passes them once, and the sheet of paper is conveyed to a fixing device after the transfer of the four colors, and the toners are thereafter fixed to the sheet of paper.
The present invention relates to a recording system which carries out conveying of the sheet of paper and transfer of the toners to the sheet of paper by using a transfer belt.
An example of a prior art method using a transfer belt is shown in FIG. 1. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a photoconductor drum, reference numeral 2 denotes a transfer belt, reference numeral 3 denotes a sheet of paper, reference numeral 4 denotes a corona electrifier for attraction, reference numeral 5 denotes an electrifying brush, reference numeral 6 denotes a corona electrifier and reference numeral 7 denotes an electrifier for deelectrification. The sheet of paper 3 is conveyed by the transfer belt 2. At the entrance portion to the photoconductor drum 1, both the transfer belt 2 and the sheet of paper 3 are electrified by the corona electrifier 4 disposed below the transfer belt 2 and the electrifying brush 5 disposed above the transfer belt 2, respectively, so that the sheet of paper 3 is attracted to the transfer belt 2. At the exit portion of the sheet of paper 3, the charge of the sheet of paper 3 is removed by the corona discharge from the electrifier 7 for deelectrification, and the sheet of paper 3 is separated from the transfer belt 2.
According to this method, both the sheet of paper 3 and the transfer belt 2 are inevitably electrified to the same polarity. Therefore, in order to prevent the sheet of paper 3 from being wound up by the photoconductor drum 1 and to execute the transfer of the toner from the photoconductor drum 1 to the sheet of paper 3 while the sheet of paper 3 is kept attracted to the transfer belt 2, the sheet of paper 3 must be electrified to the same polarity as that of the surface of the photoconductor drum 1.
When the surface of the photoconductor drum 1 is electrified to a negative polarity, for example, the corona electrifier 4 at the sheet entrance portion applies an electrifying voltage of a positive polarity so as to electrify the surface of the transfer belt 2 and a sheet of paper 3 to the negative charge when the voltage is applied from the back of the transfer belt 2. Therefore, the transfer voltage by the corona electrifier 6 must be elevated and consequently, the attractive force between the sheet of paper 3 and the transfer belt 2 becomes so high that, when the sheet of paper 3 is separated from the transfer belt 2, the charge of both the transfer belt 2 and the sheet of paper 3 must be removed by the electrifier 7 for deelectrification.
Because deelectrification by the electrifier 7 must be conducted by the corona discharge having an opposite polarity to that of the sheet of paper 3 and the toner, the toner on the sheet of paper 3 is attracted and scattered by the corona electrifier 7 for deelectrification, thereby lowering the image quality. Accordingly, a transfer method which can prevent the sheet of paper 3 from being wound into the photoconductor drum and can improve separability by lowering the transfer voltage has been desired.

Electrostatic recording system using dielectric belt in which electrifying voltage is applied in stages prior to image transfer


A system and method of detecting radio network trends in a telecommunications network. A data mining tool (52) is provided and adapted to search through the various operations and maintenance database systems belonging to one or more communications network(s) (60). The data mining tool searches through the databases to find correlations and dependencies among the parameters of the data collected and stored in the database systems. The correlations and dependencies found are then reported for further analysis which can, in turn, be used in optimization, maintenance and trouble shooting of the network.

This invention relates in general to wireless telecommunications networks and applications and, in particular, to a method and system of detecting trends in a telecommunications network. More particularly, the invention relates to methods of accessing, searching and correlating data stored in the operations and maintenance databases of a variety of network systems for performing optimization, maintenance and troubleshooting on a communications network.
Without limiting the scope of the invention, its background is described in connection with detecting trends in a telecommunications network utilizing a data mining tool, as an example.
Present-day mobile telephony has spurred rapid technological advances in both wireless and wireline communications. The wireless industry, in particular, is a rapidly growing industry, with advances, improvements, and technological breakthroughs occurring on an almost daily basis. Many mobile or wireless telecommunications systems, among them the European GSM-system and third generation systems (e.g., cdma2000), have passed through several advancements and development phases, and system designers are now concentrating on further improvements to such systems, including system refinements and the introduction of optional subscriber services.
Most telecommunication networks include a Switching System (SS) and a Base Station System (BSS). Each of these systems contain a number of functional units which process information and carry out operations of a functional telecommunications network. The functional units themselves may be implemented utilizing various telecommunication hardware devices.
Communicably coupled to the SS and BSC for each telecommunications network is an Operations and Maintenance Center (OMC). That is, the SS and BSC contain equipment used to connect the OMC to the network. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that OMC may be referred to as OSS in a Global System for Mobile (GSM) Communication system, or RANOS in a WCDMA network system. Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that each vendor supports a standard database structure for their own database systems. The OMC database systems of the various networks are configured to collect, maintain and store data parameters indicative of the performance of a corresponding network. Data parameters include, for example, BTS power levels, timing advance values, Radio Disturbance Recordings (RDR), group call cell positioning, and location services.
Various methods and systems currently exist for detecting trends among data parameters within wireless telecommunication networks. One of the most widely utilized methods involves manually searching Operations and Maintenance (OandM) database systems. The results from the various manual searches are then analyzed to find correlations or dependencies between the data parameters. Such tools are helpful in detecting trends in a network in order to perform optimization, maintenance and troubleshooting on the network. However, taken together, the manual search results are often inaccurate because of the dependence on skilled personnel. That is, the chances for human error are increased with this method. Furthermore, the problem becomes even more complex in a multi-vendor network with a plurality of OandM database systems in the network. In such a situation, skilled personnel are required and time consumption becomes a factor in manually searching all databases.
Vendor specific tools also exist, such as vendor specific network optimization products. This method is, however, vendor dependent. For example, in a multi-vendor system where a service provider may have 1,000 cells and another service provider may have 1,000 cells, and so on, data parameters of the various cells may not be correlated. That is, it is not possible to analyze the configuration of all cells to see if they are equal. Therefore, in order to verify that cell configurations in a different system with a plurality of vendors are equal, a method is needed which is vendor independent.
Another method utilized to detect trends or patterns among data involves utilizing Bots. The word xe2x80x9cBotxe2x80x9d is short for robot, which is derived from the Czech word robota meaning work. A Bot is a software tool for digging through data. In application, a Bot is given directions and returns results. In the Internet industry, there are at least three well known types of Bots: Indexing Bots, Shopping Bots and Data Mining Bots. Data Mining Bots is the process of finding patterns in enormous amounts of data. Because data mining often requires a series of searches, Bots can save labor as they persist in a search, refining as they go along. Data mining, for example, can help retail companies find customers with common interests.
In short, the prior art methods of detecting trends in a network are generally unsuitable for today""s modern wireless network. What is needed is a vendor independent and automated method of detecting trends in a network that utilizes a data mining tool, or bots. A means of accessing vendor database systems and searching for correlations and dependencies among an enormous amount of telecommunications data efficiently is needed in order to consume less time and allow for accuracy. That is, obtaining accurate patterns found among data will assist in optimization, maintenance and troubleshooting ofnetworks.
The present invention provides a method and system for detecting radio network trends in a telecommunications network. With the present invention, the network operator, for example, can identify correlations and dependencies which can then be used in optimizing, maintaining and troubleshooting the network.
Disclosed in one embodiment is a method of detecting radio network trends in a telecommunications network. The method comprises the step of accessing the operations and maintenance databases of the network via a data mining tool. Initially, the scope of the search to be accomplished by the data mining tool via parameters of the databases to be searched is specified.
The method also comprises the step of searching through the databases to find correlations and dependencies. That is, the data mining tool parses through the databases in its attempt to recognize patterns across the databases searched. If such patterns are identified, then the patterns are correlated within a database and across all databases in order to generate an output. Furthermore, the data mining tool is equipped to parse through standard formatted databases, as well as System Query Language (SQL) type structures in order to retrieve and maintain data arranged within.
The method further comprises the step of reporting the correlations and dependencies. Once the information sought has been retrieved, the data mining tool is configured to translate the vendor information found in the database systems to generic form. An output is then generated for a network engineer, for example, to use in determining areas of improvement or for analyzing the performance of the corresponding networks.
Technical advantages of the present invention include an automated method of detecting trends in the network compared to the manual searching approach presently utilized. Correlations and dependencies are identified in the shortest amount of time and by use of a data mining tool currently used in the Internet industry.
Other technical advantages include more accurate identification and analysis of network trends and patterns. The method and system of the present invention utilize data contained in vendor OandM database systems. As such, the trend analysis takes into account all data in one or more database systems within and across the network due to vendor independence.


The present invention describes separating components in a sample in an ion mobility based spectrometer using at least one matching property of the components other than the molecular properties in conventional ion mobility measurements in noble drift gases to enhance separation and resolution of the sample. Separation based on the matching property is realized by altering the drift media of the IMS. Besides altering drift media, energy level of ions and/or drift media are also controlled during the separation process. This invention describes an ion mobility apparatus wherein an energy source is added to the IMS that provides additional energy to the ions and/or drift media and tuning methods that involve selecting drift media and optimizing the energy level in order to achieve optimal performance.

Ion mobility spectrometers (IMS) have become a common tool for detecting trace amounts of chemical and/or biological molecules. Compared to other spectrometric chemical analysis technologies, e.g., mass spectrometry, IMS is a relatively low resolution technique. The IMS advantages of very high sensitivity, small size, low power consumption, and ambient pressure operation are in some cases completely offset, or at a minimum, reduced by the lack of sufficient resolution to prevent unwanted responses to interfering chemical and/or biological molecules. In a general sense, ion mobility spectrometers are currently used to separate components of a sample by differentiating their ion mobilities and/or ion mobility differences under given electric field conditions. Present invention describes differentiating components in a sample in an IMS using at least one additional property of the components besides their ion mobility and/or ion mobility differences.
The present invention is a broad-based method for the analytical separation of samples in general life science research, drug discovery and clinical applications. The invention can be used to separate chemical mixtures that currently require several chromatography methods such as HPLC, chiral chromatography, and ion chromatography.
The present state of the art ion mobility spectrometers lack the ability to perform a separation based on an additional property of the components to be separated in the sample other than the components ion mobility. The additional property of the substance (components to be separated) can be targeted for each substance and therefore the overall IMS separation can be tuned. It is the purpose of this invention to tune the separation in the IMS by using a substances additional property that affects their measured ion mobility.

Ion mobility based separation methods and apparatus


A memory apparatus and method of operation are provided. The apparatus includes memory cells connected to one of a plurality of word lines and arranged in strings and configured to retain a threshold voltage corresponding to one of a plurality of memory states. A control circuit is coupled to the plurality of word lines and strings and is configured to erase the memory cells using a stripe erase operation in response to determining a cycle count is less than a predetermined cycle count maximum threshold. The control circuit is also configured to perform a dummy cycle operation in response to determining the cycle count is not less than the predetermined cycle count maximum threshold.

This section provides background information related to the technology associated with the present disclosure and, as such, is not necessarily prior art.
Semiconductor memory has become increasingly popular for use in various electronic devices. For example, non-volatile semiconductor memory is used in cellular telephones, digital cameras, personal digital assistants, mobile computing devices, non-mobile computing devices and other devices. Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EEPROM) and flash memory are among the most popular non-volatile semiconductor memories. With flash memory, also a type of EEPROM, the contents of the whole memory array, or of a portion of the memory, can be erased in one step, in contrast to the traditional, full-featured EEPROM.
Both the traditional EEPROM and the flash memory utilize a floating gate that is positioned above and insulated from a channel region in a semiconductor substrate. The floating gate is positioned between the source and drain regions. A control gate is provided over and insulated from the floating gate. The threshold voltage (VTH) of the transistor thus formed is controlled by the amount of charge that is retained on the floating gate. That is, the minimum amount of voltage that must be applied to the control gate before the transistor is turned on to permit conduction between its source and drain is controlled by the level of charge on the floating gate.
For some memory arrays, the array is arranged as a number of parallel word lines and a number of bit lines that run perpendicular to the word lines. Each memory cell may be associated with one word line and one bit line. In certain situations, a memory cell can be affected by the charge stored on the floating gate of an adjacent memory cell on a neighboring word line and/or neighboring bit line.
The charge on an adjacent floating gate can also interfere with the conductive channel in the substrate below the floating gate of a memory cell. Specifically, the charge on the adjacent floating gate may impact how strongly the channel of another memory cell conducts a current. Thus, if the charge stored in an adjacent floating gate changes, then it may require a greater (or smaller) voltage on the control gate the other memory cell to create the same current in the channel. The net impact is that the amount of charge stored on the memory cell appears to be different due to the change in the charge stored in the adjacent floating gate. This problem is most pronounced between sets of adjacent memory cells that have been programmed at different times. Herein, this adjacent floating gate to channel effect may be referred to as another type of "adjacent floating gate charge coupling effect."
Another problem with memory cells is that over time charge can accumulate in a dielectric near the floating gate. For example, when programming a memory cell, charge can become trapped in a tunnel oxide layer below the floating gate of the memory cell. Erasing the memory cell may not completely remove the trapped charge. With each program/erase cycle, the amount of trapped charge increases. In addition, under certain conditions, electrons can accumulate in a parasitic region of the charge trapping layer. Such accumulation of electrons can affect data retention and cause memory cells to become more difficult to erase. Thus, there is a need for improved non-volatile memory apparatuses.

Memory apparatus and method of operation using periodic normal erase dummy cycle to improve stripe erase endurance and data retention


A method of detecting objects on a support structure includes: obtaining a point cloud of the support structure supporting an object; obtaining a position of a back of the support structure in the point cloud; discarding a portion of the point cloud based on the position of the back of the support structure; generating a three-dimensional occupancy grid from the point cloud, the occupancy grid having a plurality of cells each indicating whether the cell is one of occupied and unoccupied; identifying a contiguous region of occupied cells in the occupancy grid corresponding to the object; and generating a detected object position based on the contiguous region.

Environments in which inventories of objects are managed, such as products for purchase in a retail environment, may be complex and fluid. For example, a given environment may contain a wide variety of objects with different attributes (size, shape, price and the like). Further, the placement and quantity of the objects in the environment may change frequently. Still further, imaging conditions such as lighting may be variable both over time and at different locations in the environment. These factors may reduce the accuracy with which such objects can be detected in data captured within the environment.
Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of embodiments of the present invention.
The apparatus and method components have been represented where appropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

Method, system and apparatus for object detection in point clouds


A sternotomy suture comprises a loop which passes around a split sternum and is twisted until double cabling begins at which point the suture is fastened to itself. The loop preferably comprises a single strand of wire with one end welded to an intermediate point of said strand leaving a portion available for connection to the needle. A curved needle having a cutting tapered point is swaged to the free end of the single strand. Initially the wire is passed around the split sternum and the needle then removed with a pair of diagonal cutting pliers. A twisting tool, having a handle and a hooked portion, passes through the two free loops on opposite sides of the sternum. Twisting force is applied to the tool and transmitted through the hook to the suture causing it to twist and cable. The suture reaches its critical length L.sub.crit when the loop is fully cabled but before double cabling begins. At the onset of double cabling the loop reaches its maximum tension T.sub.crit. This is the signal to the surgeon to stop turning and to fasten the loop to itself. As a consequence, the resulting sternotomy suture is applied with optimal force. The loop is not too tight to cause discomfort and possible complications; nor is the loop too loose thereby creating an inferior bond.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a double wire sternotomy suture apparatus and method for closing a split sternum employing optimal force in the process.
2. Description of Related Art
Sternotomy sutures are stainless steel sutures used to lace up the sternum after a surgery that requires cutting the length of the sternum to gain access to the chest cavity. A sternotomy is routinely performed when heart surgery is required. Sternotomy sutures are available from a number of companies such as the MYO/WIRE.RTM. suture available from A & E Medical Corporation, 5206 Asbury Road, Farmingdale, N.J. 07727.
In general, history has shown that sternotomy wires are the most safe and effective method for closing the sternum during the period of time necessary for the sternum halves to heal together. The wires are usually left implanted for life because they are atraumatic and removal could cause difficulties especially if bone has grown around the wire. Surgeons prefer the use of wires because they are simple to apply, produce the least post surgical complications, and are relatively inexpensive. The prior art methods, however, have presented some installation and post operative problems described below.
The first major problem is that band tightening by twisting wires together with a pair of pliers is an inexact method. The surgeon has to develop a very sensitive "feel" for how much torque he or she can apply to properly tighten the band without breaking the wire. Consequently, it is common for a great number of suture wires to break during installation. As a counter to this, new wires have been developed which are more resistant to breaking during band tightening. A wire break, however, generally requires the surgeon to undo all finished sutures and start the process all over again. For fear of breaking a wire, a surgeon will tend to under torque the suture resulting in less than optimal closure pressure on the sternal knit line. This can lead to dehiscence problems.
A second major prior art problem relates to the consequence of movement along the sternum knit line. For a number of reasons, many patients develop a chronic cough after surgery that places a heavy stress on the suture wire bands. Stress is even greater for heavy, large chested persons. This can cause the bands to loosen or break. The resulting dehiscence (movement along the sternum knit line) is very bad especially if infection sets in. This condition usually requires a completely new operation to replace and tighten new sternal suture wires along with aggressive antibody treatment for the resulting infection. A reasonable estimate is that dehiscence and/or sternal infection complications incur in 1.5 to 2.0% of all heart surgery patients. Hospitals estimate that the additional cost to treat each of these patients averages $20,000 per patient or $300,000 minimum cumulative cost to a hospital performing 1,000 heart operations a year. Hence, an improvement in sternal closure that reduces dehiscence could be very cost effective and desirable.
The prior art patent literature discloses a handful of loop type surgical devices for other purposes. Note, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,259,846 entitled LOOP THREADED COMBINED SURGICAL NEEDLE-SUTURE DEVICE. That disclosure describes incorporating two ends of a looped suture into a surgical needle to facilitate quick knotting and tying as may be needed during critical surgical procedures.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,762,418 entitled SURGICAL SUTURE discloses a double strand, but not looped, suture preferably having needles at both ends. This enables double suturing simultaneously in a single procedure.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,089,012 entitled SURGICAL SUTURE, IN PARTICULAR FOR STERNOTOMY CLOSURE, discloses a typical prior art single needle surgical suture incorporating a single monofilament portion.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,602,636 entitled SUTURE WIRE WITH INTEGRAL NEEDLE-LIKE TIP is of possible relevance for its teaching of a suture having an integrated needle tip therein attached to a single homogenous piece of wire.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,092,868 entitled APPARATUS FOR USE IN THE TREATMENT OF SPINAL DISORDERS teaches an endless loop of wire flattened to form two strands which are employed along with a T-shaped handle to attach a bracket to the spinal cord. It is noted, with interest, however, that the two portions of the strands are mechanically held next to each other and can be manipulated as a unit to guide it through a spinal opening.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,501,688 entitled SURGICAL DEVICE FOR MANIPULATING WIRE discloses a tool and method for tightening a single strand suture having loops at both ends.
Lastly, the following patents are all cited as describing the general state of the art and appear to be of lesser relevance to the disclosed invention: U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,201,215; 4,512,346; 4,535,764; 4,813,416; and, 4,901,721.
Insofar as understood, none of the disclosed prior art appears to teach, hint or suggest a loop suture suitable for enclosing a split sternum such that optimal force is applied. Moreover, none of the prior art appears to disclose a method and procedure for fastening a suture to itself at the optimal tension T.sub.crit when double cabling begins.
It was in the context of the foregoing that the present invention arose.


Provided is an organic light emitting display panel. The organic light emitting display panel includes a pixel unit including a plurality of pixels I displaying mutually different colors, a plurality of data pads electrically connected to wirings extending from the data lines, each of the plurality of data pads being connected to corresponding data lines, respectively, and an array test unit applying an array test signal to the plurality of pixels of the pixel unit, and sensing a current outputted from the plurality of pixels. The array test unit includes an array test pad electrically connected to a plurality of data pads through a plurality of array test switches.

1. Field of the Invention
Embodiments of the present invention relate to an organic light emitting display panel.
2. Description of the Related Art
Organic light emitting display apparatuses display images using organic light emitting diodes (OLED) and attract public attention due to outstanding brightness and color purity.
Conventional organic light emitting display apparatuses have high-density integrated circuits integrated with driving circuits which generate and apply scan signals and data signals to pixels. The high-density integrated circuits are manufactured and connected to array substrates, on which pixels are arranged, by using a tape automated bounding (TAB) method. However, organic light emitting display apparatuses to which driving circuits and pixel-array substrates are connected by using the TAB method need a plurality of leads for connecting pixel-array substrates and driving circuits. This process may cause difficulties in manufacturing processes and may deteriorate reliability and yields of organic light emitting display apparatuses. Since costs of high-density integrated circuits are generally expensive and thus, costs of organic light emitting display apparatuses may be increased.
To overcome such limitations, chip-on-glass (COG) or system-on-panel (SOP) technologies are used for organic light emitting display apparatuses. These technologies implemented by directly bonding pads of the integrated circuits or integrating driving circuits on pixel-circuit array substrates on which pixel circuits are arranged. As described above, since COG or SOP types of organic light emitting display apparatuses eliminate additional processes for connecting driving circuits and pixel-circuit array substrates through another device such as flexible printed circuit board, reliability and yields of products may be increased. However, it is difficult to test arrays in the panel.