The present invention provides an improved process for manufacturing a polypropylene monofilament suture comprising aging a polypropylene filament that has been drawn in two separate drawing steps in the range of from about 4.times.to about 8.5.times.for less than two days then annealing the polypropylene filament to provide a polypropylene suture.

Surgical sutures made from polypropylene have been successfully used by the medical profession for more than twenty years. One of the first commercially successful polypropylene suture to gain wide acceptance was described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,630,205 to Gregory J. Listner. Listner disclosed a process for manufacturing polypropylene suture that comprised the steps of drawing an extruded polypropylene suture to about 6.6 times its original extruded length in a single step and then relaxing or shrinking the monofilament to between about 91 to 76 percent of the stretched length.
Others have described sutures fabricated from polypropylene homopolymers and copolymers and from polymer blends containing polypropylene have also been described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,359,983, 4,520,822, 4,557,264, 4,620,542, 4,621,638 and 4,911,165.
Recently issued U.S. Pat. No. 5,217,485 describes a process for making polypropylene suture consisting of extruding, stretching (orienting), permitting the monofilament to equilibrate (age) for a period of at least 2 days prior to annealing the monofilament. The process described in the U.S. Pat. No. 5,217,485 (except for the specific storage time) is similar to the process single step draw process described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,630,205. The improvement supposedly obtained by this process was a reduced 0-5% and 0-10% strain energies, however, the data present in the patent do not support this conclusion. The strain energy exhibited by a fiber is indicative of the processing conditions used to manufacturing the fiber. Strain energy can be affected by several fiber processing steps such as the draw ratio used in orienting the fiber and any subsequent relaxation and/or annealing steps. Therefore, unless fibers with identical process histories are compared, it will be difficult to attribute decreases in strain energies to any specific factor. The U.S. Pat. No. 5,217,485 did not compare sutures with the same processing conditions, therefore, did not establish that equilibrating a suture after drawing the suture has any affect on suture properties.
It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved process for manufacturing polypropylene sutures which does not require a holding period of at least 2 days.

Process for manufacturing a polypropylene monofilament suture


The present invention is a method and apparatus for attracting the attention of people in public places and engaging them in a touch-free interaction with a multimedia display using an image-capturing system and a set of Computer Vision algorithms as a means of informing the public as well as collecting data about/from the users. The invention is named, Virtual Touch Entertainment (VTE) Platform. The VTE Platform comprises of a series of interaction states, such as the Wait State, the Attraction State, the User Engagement State, the User Interaction State, and the Interaction Termination State. The modules in these interaction states handle complicated tasks assigned to them, such as attracting the users, training the users, providing the multimedia digital content to the users, and collecting the user data and statistics, in an efficient and intelligent manner. The user is able to experience a whole new way of interaction paradigm while getting information and entertainment through the rich digital multimedia. The system operates automatically and dynamically in real-time throughout the whole interaction process.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention is a method and apparatus for attracting the attention of people in public places and engaging them in a touch-free interaction with a multimedia display using an image-capturing system and a set of Computer Vision algorithms as a means of informing the public (useful for advertising) as well as collecting data about/from the users.
2. Background of the Invention
In the digital generation, people require a new paradigm for getting information and entertainment, especially in a public place. With the overflow of information, such as the flood of emails, the new paradigm should be able to provide an outstanding and unique experience to the user in order to attract them to the information efficiently. The invention, disclosed in this document, is named, Virtual Touch Entertainment (VTE) Platform. The VTE Platform is a system, which not only informs the public with a whole new way of interaction but also creates an entertaining virtual experience with the rich multimedia content. While it enhances the user interaction, the VTE Platform is also able to measure the user experiences providing an information database about the users to the owner of the particular embodiment of the VTE Platform. Some of the key terms in the VTE Platform are "Public Engagement", "Touch-Free Interface", "Interactive System", and "Infotainment Platform".
The VTE Platform is primarily targeted for public engagement. In a particular standalone embodiment, which will be shown later in this document, the VTE Platform is hard to miss in the public place, such as the exposition, at nearly 10 feet tall with a rich multimedia display. The embedded VTE Platform, as another form of the embodiment of the invention, can also be used seamlessly in any public place without the obtrusive structure to the pre-exiting setup, yet adapting to the new paradigm of the interaction and infotainment provision. The Touch-free Interface is another strong feature what makes the VTE Platform unique because it provides a new paradigm of user interaction and creates an exciting experience to the user.
In the VTE Platform, the users are able to experience interactive and creative digital multimedia Infotainment. The "Infotainment" is the composite word of "information" and "entertainment". In other words, the VTE Platform is an interactive digital multimedia management system, which provides such a creative infotainment experience to the user. Rich digital images, delivered through high quality displays, and audio, emitted through a sound system, can have any creative content in the VTE Platform. If the VTE Platform is connected to the network, the Internet connectivity enables the accurate and timely delivery of new rich multimedia content and information update.
Advertisement is one good exemplary domain, where the VTE Platform can be applied successfully. The VTE Platform provides an unsurpassed opportunity for the owner of a specific system to create a personalized interaction with the customers. The user of the VTE Platform could become the model in the advertising content, using the Computer Vision based technologies, such as face detection and superimposition, strongly imprinting the owner's brand in the user's mind. The interactivity with the VTE Platform by Touch-free interaction technology based on the body movements can further increase the advertisement effect.
Education is another exemplary domain where the VTE Platform can be applied successfully. With a slight variation for this specific context, the VTE Platform can become an entertaining educational tool for kids, and this can be termed as "edu-tainment" VTE Platform for kids.
The VTE Platform not only creates the infotainment experience to the user, but also gathers data about the users in the view of the image-capturing system. The data gathering services utilize computer vision technologies to provide visibility to customer traffic, composition, and behavior. This is explained in detail by R. Sharma and A. Castellano, "Method for augmenting transaction data with visually extracted demographics of people using computer vision", U.S. Provisional Patent, 60/402,817, Aug. 12, 2002, and by R. Sharma and T. Castellano, "Automatic detection and aggregation of demographics and behavior of people using computer vision", U.S. Provisional Patent, 60/399,246, Jul. 29, 2002. These services include detection of customers, their classification into segments based on demographics, and the capture of information about their interaction with the VTE Platform. The exemplary statistics gathered by the VTE Platform can include;                the total number of people who entered the capture zone in a give time period;        the total number of people who actually interacted with the system (or entered the "hot spot");        the division of people in demographic groups, including gender, race, broad age group;        the traffic measurement, such as traffic composition by time of day, day of week, and demographic shifts; and        the customer behavior, such as the time spent in the queue, in the store, at a display or whether the purchases are made or not.
This data collection in the VTE Platform enables immediate feedback of marketing initiatives, better understanding of customer behavior, and automated means of measurement. Retailers are constantly seeking to unlock the secrets to customer behavior, captivating them with meaningful communications in order to convert them into buyers of products and services. The data collection based on the computer vision technologies in the VTE Platform can provide the solutions for this business needs to make informed business decisions.

Method and system for virtual touch entertainment


Compression stress applying portions 20 of SiGe film are formed in the source/drain regions of the p-MOSA region 30a. Then, impurities are implanted in the p-MOS region 30a and the n-MOS region 30b to form shallow junction regions 22a, 22b and deep junction regions 23a, 23b. The impurity in the shallow junction regions 22a, 22b is prevented from being diffused immediately below the gate insulation film 15 by the thermal processing in forming the SiGe film, the short channel effect is prevented, and the hole mobility of the channel region of the p-MOS transistor 14a. The operation speed of the p-MOS transistor 13a is balanced with that of the n-MOS transistor, whereby the operation speed of the complementary semiconductor device 10 can be increased. The semiconductor device fabricating method can increase and balance the operation speed of a p-transistor with that of an n-transistor.

The present invention relates to a semiconductor device fabricating method for fabricating a semiconductor device of complementary MIS (Metal Insulation Semiconductor) type having compression strain induced in the channel of the p-transistor.
In semiconductor devices, for high achievements, as of speedy operation, low power consumption and high integration, etc., the minimum processing dimension has been increasingly nanonized. In the generation of the minimum processing dimensions of below 65 nm including 65 nm, the nanonization is technologically very difficult, and the higher achievements resorting to the nanonization alone are being limited.
Here, as a high achievement transistor which does not resort to the nanonization is noted the so-called strained silicon transistor having strain induced in the silicon single crystal of the channel of the MIS or MOS transistor. In the strained silicon transistor, an Si single crystal film is formed on an SiGe film whose lattice constant is larger than that of the Si single crystal, whereby the electron mobility of the Si single crystal film can be improved. The n-transistor using such strained Si single crystal film as the channel to thereby improve the operation speed is proposed.
The hole mobility (1900 cm2/(V*s)) in the usual Si single crystal is lower than the electron mobility (3900 cm2/(V*s)). In the complementary semiconductor device including a p-transistor and an n-transistor, the operation speed of the p-transistor is lower, which makes low the operation speed of the semiconductor device as a whole. Furthermore, even when the operation speed of the n-transistor by using a strained silicon substrate, the operation speed of the semiconductor device as a whole cannot be achieved, but the cost increase, etc. by the use of the strained silicon substrate are problems.
To improve the operation speed of the p-transistor, as illustrated in FIG. 1, a semiconductor device including an SiGe film 101, 102 in the source/drain regions of the p-transistor to thereby apply compressive strain to the channel (Si single crystal) 104 below the gate oxide film 103 by the SiGe films 101, 102 to improve the hole mobility is proposed (refer to Patent Reference 1). Patent Reference 1 is U.S. Pat. No. 6,621,131.
In Patent Reference 1, impurity diffused regions each formed of a shallow junction region 105 and a deep junction region 106 of a p-transistor are formed, then trenches 101a, 102a are formed in the source/drain regions, and the SiGe film 101, 102 is formed on the surfaces of the trenches 101a, 102a by thermal CVD.
However, when the SiGe film 101, 102 is formed after the impurity diffused regions have been formed, the thermal processing is performed up to about 740 C, which diffuses the impurity, and short channel effect takes place. Especially, the transistor whose gate length is below 100 nm including 100 nm has the problem that the roll off characteristics of the threshold voltage is deteriorated.
Patent Reference 1 does not disclose a specific method for fabricating a complementary semiconductor device including a p-transistor and an n-transistor.

Method of fabricating a complementary semiconductor device having a strained channel p-transistor


The present invention provides an overhead hoist transport system, which includes a rail, a stocker disposed under the rails, wherein the stocker can move along the direction of the rail, and a cleaning station, disposed on the rail to clean the stocker directly when the stocker is moving.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to semiconductor manufacturing process technologies, in particular, to an overhead hoist transport system.
2. Description of the Prior Art
In the manufacturing process for forming a semiconductor device, the wafer is an important substrate material. In order to decrease the possibility of the waters being damaged when the wafers are transported, the overhead hoist transport (OHT) system is usually to be used for transporting the wafers. The overhead hoist transport system is not only smooth, but also the transportation time can be precisely controlled, thereby enhancing the stability of the wafer transporting effectively.
However, the conventional overhead hoist transport system mainly comprises a rail and a stocker with wheels, and the stocker is moving along the rail through the wheels. Since the wheels directly contact the rail, some particles and dust will be formed during the rubbing between the wheels and the rail, and these particles most likely to drop down on the top surface of the stocker. If the positioning sensor chip is covered by these particles, the position system of the stocker will be affected, may even increase the possibility of the overhead hoist transport system shut down, and this will require more labor to be spent to correct the overhead hoist transport system malfunction.
Therefore, the applicant provides an overhead hoist transport system, which can effectively reduce the shutting down possibility of overhead hoist transport systems occurring when particles drop down.

Hwa-Ya Technology Park Kueishan, Taoyuan


Disclosed are antifouling compositions that can include a biopolymeric matrix which is substantially zwitterionic. The compositions may include a biopolymer matrix having positively charged functional groups, negatively charged functional groups, zwitterionic functional groups, or a combination thereof, such that the composition is substantially zwitterionic. The compositions can be used as additives and as compositions further containing a base material such as paint or lacquer. Methods of making and using such compounds and compositions are also disclosed.

The phenomenon of biofouling is caused by the attachment of microorganisms such as bacteria to a wetted surface, which is followed by the attachment and growth of colonies of larger organisms on the surface such as plants algae or animals. Wetted surfaces are those exposed to water, moisture, humidity, water vapor, steam, condensation or ice.
Biofouling is a multistep process. Exposure of a surface or structure to water results in the adsorption of a film of dissolved organic material and colonies of bacteria appear and form a biofilm. In attaching to the surface, the bacteria release substances that provide mechanical stability through electrostatic forces such as hydrogen bonds and van der Walls interactions. As the attached bacterial cells begin to multiply, the biofilm thickens. This process is generally known as microfouling and enables the process of macrofouling. The formation of biofilms plays an important role in the next phase of biofouling known as macrofouling. Macrofouling is the attachment of larger organisms such as plants algae or animals. These larger organisms colonize biofilm coated surfaces and secrete a compound thought to be a hydrophobic glycoprotein biological adhesive which allows these organisms to become nearly permanently attached to a surface.
Biofouling represents a significant problem for any wetted surface or structure and may result in interference with the normal use and condition of the surface or structure. Such interference can lead premature break down of wetted structures and surfaces and can have significant economic implications to a number of industries.
In addition to interfering with the normal use and condition of wetted structures and surfaces, biofouling can in some cases also represent health and safety hazards due to the accumulation of microorganisms on a particular surface or structure.
Biofouling has a particularly significant impact on marine vessels. The outer hulls of marine vessels are an attractive habitat for algae and small life forms such as barnacles, which latch on and begin to form a layer of biological material attached to the ship. This phenomenon is known as "biofouling". Biofouling is caused by the attachment of bacteria, which is followed by the attachment and growth of colonies of larger organisms on the surface.
Biofouling in a marine environment is also a multistep process. Within just minutes of placing a clean surface into seawater it adsorbs a film of dissolved organic material and colonies of bacteria appear within a few hours and form a biofilm. In attaching to the hull, the bacteria release substances that provide mechanical stability through electrostatic forces such as hydrogen bonds and van der Walls interactions. As the attached bacterial cells begin to multiply, the biofilm thickens and can reach as much as 500 microns in thickness. This process is generally known as microfouling and enables the process of macrofouling. The formation of biofilms plays an important role in the next phase of biofouling known as macrofouling. Macrofouling is the attachment of larger organisms such as mussels and barnacles. These larger organisms colonize biofilm coated surfaces and secrete a compound thought to be a hydrophobic glycoprotein biological adhesive which allows these organisms to become nearly permanently attached to a surface.
Once on a vessel's hull, biofouling results in an increase in overall surface roughness, which leads to an increase in hydrodynamic drag. The associated costs include increased fuel consumption, labour costs of cleaning a vessels' hull, as well as removing and replacing damaged paint, in addition to costs associated with the downtime required for such services. Studies have found that biofouling may result in a 10% increase in a vessel's drag, which in turn results in a 40% increase in fuel consumption. Existing antifouling solutions include tin and copper compounds added to a vessel's paint coating. Although initially effective, these compounds are inadequate as they leach out of the cured paint coatings of vessels resulting in limited prevention, inhibition, delay, alleviation or reduction of biofouling and have been shown to be harmful to aquatic life. Removal of this biofouling material often requires mechanical efforts as well as refinishing (e.g. painting). Such efforts require docking the vessel and in some cases dry docking the vessel. All of this results in costly downtime of the vessel.
Accordingly, more and better ways of hindering or delaying the biofouling process on wetted surfaces are desirable.

Zwitterionic lignin derivatives for marine antifouling coatings


An apparatus for generating signals and energy for transmission to a large mass. The apparatus incorporates a pulsed generator such as a compensated pulsed alternator for storing and for discharging large amounts of energy in a controlled manner for transmission through a vibrator or similar electromechanical device. In the field of seismic exploration, the apparatus discharges seismic source energy into a land mass or water to generate seismic waves which are reflected from the interface between subsurface geologic formations. The pulsed generator permits the seismic source energy to be discharged in a controlled manner to shape the energy signal, and permits large quantities of energy to be discharged to increase the penetration depth and strength of the reflected signals.

The present invention relates to the field of signal generation through vibration of a large mass. More particularly, the invention relates to a seismic exploration device for storing large quantities of energy and for selectively discharging such energy to vibrate a large mass.
Seismic exploration methods indicate the physical properties and spatial disposition of geologic formations underlying the earth surface. In land based seismic systems, mechanical vibrators or explosive charges initiate a pressure wave in earth materials. In marine systems, a seismic source array comprising air guns or other pressure source wave generators are towed by a vessel through the water. Source waves from a seismic source travel downwardly through the subsurface formations, and portions of the seismic wave energy are reflected, refracted and transmitted by geologic interfaces between subsurface geologic units. The returning reflected waves are detected by a sensor or sensor arrays located at a known position relative to the energy source.
Seismic sensors in land based or marine systems comprise transducers which convert pressure, velocity and acceleration into electric signals. The output signals are recorded and processed to indicate mechanical, acoustic and structure characteristics of geologic units. For example, the propagation time of a seismic wave reflected from a point is proportional to the depth of the reflection point. Travel times from multiple, spatially diverse source and receiver pairs facilitate construction of maps representing the spatial disposition of subsurface geologic units.
Seismic source energy can be provided by explosive charges such as dynamite or other explosive compounds. In U.S. Pat. No. 4,324,310 to Wener et al. (1982), a high resolution seismic data acquisition system used an electronically fired shotgun source. One disadvantage of explosive charges are that they are typically self destructive and cannot be used multiple times. Explosive charges also present a multitude of handling and storage problems, can destroy natural and anthropogenic structures, and can destroy plant and animal life.
Conventional land based seismic vibrators transmit vibration energy to the earth land mass over a period of time. Seismic vibrators are typically driven by an oscillating hydraulic piston engaged to a stiff plate in contact with the ground. The hydraulic cylinder is also engaged with a substantial reaction mass. When hydraulic pressure is applied to the piston within the cylinder, opposing forces are applied to the reaction mass and the baseplate. The force applied to the baseplate is transmitted into the earth as pressure waves or shear waves into the earth material contacted. The duration and strength of waves introduced into the earth depends upon the amount of energy available to drive the pump, capacity of the hydraulic pump, characteristics of the storage device, and mechanical efficiency of the system. The hydraulic cylinder is powered by a hydraulic pump typically driven by an internal combustion engine. An electronically actuated valve system controls the flow of hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic cylinder and is capable of varying the pressure as a function of time. It is also possible to store hydraulic energy by compressing a gas with hydraulic oil in an accumulator or other pressure vessel.
Vibratory seismic sources impart energy into the land mass and water over a period of time at typically lower energy levels than explosive systems. A variety of mechanisms have been employed to produce vibratory seismic source signals. U.S. Pat. No. 4,692,672 to Okuno (1987) disclosed a vibration wave motor which applied a periodic voltage to an electro-restrictive element. The speed of the movable member was reduced without reducing the amplitude of the periodic voltage, a synchronizing pulse generator produced a rectangular pulse, and this pulse was subsequently modulated and amplified.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,734,894 to Cannelli et al. (1988) disclosed a seismic source having an electro-acoustic transducer connected to a set of capacitors. A high voltage power supply provided power to the capacitors, and the discharge produced an acoustic pulse through a transducer in a liquid medium to generate seismic waves.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,850,449 to Cheung (1989) and 5,005,665 to Cheung (1991) disclosed a seismic vibrator driven with piezoelectric transducers to produce improved signal resolution at higher frequencies than hydraulic or pneumatic vibrators. The piezoelectric vibrators could be used at the earth surface, within an open borehole, or when buried below the earth surface. A conventional power source such as an electric generator supplied power which was then amplified and provided to piezoelectric vibrators within a baseplate.
Conventional seismic sources are limited by the power sources and the deliverability of such power to the target mass. Conventional capacitor banks provide relatively low storage density for certain power requirements. Accordingly, a need exists for an improved apparatus for storing and discharging large amounts of energy suitable for use as a seismic energy source. The apparatus should be portable, should be capable of generating large quantities of seismic source energy, and should be capable of generating a signal which can be modified to address different conditions and applications.


In an optical disk apparatus having an exclusive RF detector plane mounted therefore, as a method of obtaining a synthesized readout signal based on band-synthesis is used in order to obtain a readout signal having a good S/N ratio, a waveform distortion easily caused by a delay time difference or a sensitivity difference in the playback at higher speeds can be prevented. In order to correct the delay time difference or a sensitivity error in two channels of RF signals to be band-synthesized according to the selection of the sensitivity or playback speed, a delay time controller, a sensitivity controller, and a selector for selecting a combination method are engaged. An information holder for such control or selection is also provided.

The present invention relates to an optical pickup and an optical information reproduction system.
One of prior arts related to the technical field of the present invention is disclosed, for example, in JP-A No. 114165/2006. In this Publication, there is such a description that "A detector plane exclusive to radio-frequency (RF) signals is provided to improve an S/N ratio using band synthesis with a signal from another detector plane. A diffraction grating is used for light beam splitting to remarkably relax an adjustment accuracy requirement. An alternating-current (AC) amplifier can be employed as an RF signal photocurrent amplifier.".

Optical pickup and optical information reproduction system


An rotor assembly (30) for an imaging X-ray tube (32) is provided. The imaging X-ray tube rotor assembly (30) includes at least partially a magnetic non-corrosive material. A method of producing the imaging tube X-ray rotor assembly (30) is also provided including forming a rotor core (52) at least partially from a magnetic non-corrosive material.

The present invention relates generally to diagnostic imaging systems containing a rotating anode X-ray tube. More particularly, the present invention relates to a non-rusting and non-particulating imaging tube rotor assembly and to a method for forming the same.
Various diagnostic imaging X-ray tube systems are presently used, each of which have different system functionality requirements. Because of the different functionality requirements, internal system components vary depending upon the application, the manufacturer, and the system model.
The imaging system includes an X-ray tube that contains an electric motor assembly for rotating an anode. The motor assembly generates a magnetic field that causes an X-ray tube rotor assembly, which is coupled to the anode, to rotate. In order for the X-ray tube to operate properly, the inside of the X-ray tube needs to be free of rust and particulate. Rust can directly and negatively affect rotating efficiency and emissitivity of the X-ray tube as well as create particulate, which may indirectly and also negatively affect X-ray tube operation. Particulate can also be created by spalling of coatings or layers on various X-ray tube components. Particulate within the X-ray tube not only negatively affects rotating efficiency and emissitivity like rust, but also may negatively affect other X-ray tube operation parameters, such as for example, X-ray production, which can degrade image quality. Rust and flaking may occur early in the production and use of an X-ray tube or may occur over time and usage of the X-ray tube.
A large amount of heat is generated within the X-ray tube. In order to dissipate the heat, a coating, having a high emissitivity value, is used over an exterior surface of the X-ray tube rotor assembly. The coating prevents degradation of X-ray tube components by radiating away the heat. Unfortunately, the coating layer tends to flake off over time and form more particulate, which further decreases the performance of the X-ray tube.
Traditionally, X-ray tube rotor assemblies are fabricated from a combination of copper, copper alloy, aluminum, and magnetic steel, or less frequently from a combination of copper, copper alloy, and aluminum. The magnetic steel forms a rotor core. The copper forms a conductive exterior surface on the rotor core. The magnetic steel is the conventional material of choice for the rotor core, due to its magnetic properties and consequential ability to produce electromagnetic torque.
An undesired result of oxidation and rusting has been encountered in production of the X-ray tube rotor assemblies that contain a steel core. The encountered rust is painstaking and costly to prevent and remove from the X-ray tube rotor assemblies.
Two types of X-ray tube rotor assembly design styles that are typically used include a "sheet" design and a "squirrel cage" design. The sheet design includes a copper, a copper alloy, or aluminum conductive sheet formed over a magnetic steel core. The squirrel cage design includes a steel core having integrally formed slots containing copper, copper alloy, or aluminum bars formed therein. Such bars may be exposed on the X-ray tube rotor assembly exterior surface or may be enclosed by the exterior surface of the rotor core. The bars are integrally formed along with a first end cap and a second end cap to form a single component. The squirrel cage design directs current along the bars between the two end caps, which allows for increased current flow, fewer power losses, and increased torque production over the sheet design. The use of either the sheet design or the squirrel cage design depends upon application requirements.
X-ray tube rotor assemblies of both the sheet design and the squirrel cage design have several associated disadvantages. Both designs have the propensity to develop rust over time, thereby generating particulate. Also, both designs have surfaces of low emissitivity, when left uncoated.
Therefore, it would be desirable to provide an improved apparatus and method for preventing generation of particulate within an X-ray tube.

Non-rusting and non-particulating imaging X-ray tube rotor assembly


Disclosed are methods for automatic categorization of internal and external communication, the method including the steps of: defining groups of entities that transmit data; monitoring data flow of the groups; extracting the data, from the data flow, for learning traffic-flow characteristics of the groups; classifying the data into group flows; upon the data being transmitted, checking the data to determine whether the data is designated as group-internal; and blocking data traffic for data that is group-internal. Preferably, the step of monitoring includes assigning data weights to the data using Bayesian methods. Most preferably, the step of classifying includes classifying the data using Bayesian methods for evaluating the data weights. Preferably, the step of blocking includes blocking data traffic between members of two or more groups. Preferably, the method further includes the step of: enabling an authorized entity to unblock the data traffic.

The present invention relates to methods for automatic categorization of internal and external communication for preventing data loss.
Data loss occurs when data that belongs to a group of people is exposed to someone outside of the group. Typically, data loss occurs when a person who has access to data passes the data to another person who, by policy, should not have access to the data (e.g. by e-mail). The action causing the data loss may be accidental or intentional. In order to prevent such a situation, organizations typically install a data-loss prevention (DLP) system. Common DLP systems perform the following processes:
(1) classify all data in the organization;
(2) define who can access which data;
(3) monitor data flow; and
(4) block communication if data goes to an unauthorized user.
The classification process is resource- and time-consuming. In addition, it is an ongoing process, since new data is constantly being created over time. In some cases, it is impossible to access all data a priori, and there is no one that has sufficient privileges to even classify the data.
The problem of preventing data loss is in some ways similar to other data classification problems, such as that of preventing unwanted incoming e-mail, also known as "spam". However, it is a distinct and separate problem from spam detection.
In the prior art, Bayesian methods are used in numerous systems to identify spam e-mail messages (e.g. POPFile). Recommind, Inc., San Francisco, Calif., has an e-mail categorization product that uses a Bayesian approach, but does not proactively prevent data-loss events. U.S. Pat. No. 7,376,618 by Anderson et al. (hereinafter Anderson '618), teaches detecting and measuring risk with predictive models using content mining. Anderson '618 uses Bayesian methods to estimate the risk of commercial transactions (i.e. fraud) while categorizing such transactions. Similar techniques are being used to perform prior-art searches automatically (see US Patent Publication No. 20080086432 by Schmidtler et al. on data classification methods using machine learning techniques).
Code Green Networks, Inc., Sunnyvale, Calif., uses a Bayesian method to detect documents such as resumes, source code, and financial statements, relying on a pre-defined "dictionary" of reference terms. Preparing such a dictionary in advance is problematic for the reasons mentioned above. Reconnex Corporation, Mountain View, Calif., also uses a Bayesian method to detect document similarity as disclosed in US Patent Publication No. 20070226504 by de la Iglesia et al. for signature match processing in a document registration system.
Seo et al, in IEEE International Conference on Intelligence and Security Informatics (ISI 2006), May, 2006, pp. 117-128, discusses the use of statistical document classification in the context of access control decisions when users need to access document repositories. Titus Labs, Ottawa, ON, Canada, and Liquid Machines, Inc., Waltham, Mass., have also developed a joint DLP solution that uses document categorization.
CipherTrust, Inc. (owned by Secure Computing Corporation, San Jose, Calif.) uses machine learning to categorize/classify documents. The documents are subsequently used to enforce security policy, including outbound e-mail Categorization by CipherTrust does not distinguish between "internal" and "external" document classes (see U.S. Pat. No. 7,124,438 by Judge et al. on systems and methods for anomaly detection in patterns of monitored communications).
It would be desirable to have methods for automatic categorization of internal and external communication for preventing data loss, inter alia, using statistical analysis of textual data with no a priori information, to categorize messages (e.g. "internal" or "external"), detect, and prevent data-loss events.

Methods for automatic categorization of internal and external communication for preventing data loss


A vehicular anti-lock braking system includes a source of pressurized brake fluid connected to a pair of diagonally opposed wheel brakes. First and second normally open isolation valves are connected between the source of pressurized brake fluid and the wheel brakes so that fluid reaches one of the wheel brakes after passing through only one of the isolation valves and reaches the other of the wheel brakes after passing through both of the isolation valves. A normally closed dump valve is connected between the source of pressurized fluid and one of the isolation valves so that fluid is selectively routed from both of the wheel brakes and passed through the dump valve to relief fluid pressure at the wheel brakes.

This invention relates in general to hydraulic braking systems for vehicles and in particular to vehicular anti-lock braking systems not having a pump.
Anti-lock braking systems for vehicles are well known. A typical system utilizes a hydraulic control unit (HCU) incorporating several solenoid valves for control of brake fluid pressure to the wheel brakes and/or brake channels. For example, in a system utilizing an isolation valve and a dump valve for each wheel, a total of eight solenoid valves are housed in the HCU. Such a system also includes a pump housed in the HCU for dumping fluid through the dump valves and an electric motor for operating the pump.
It is desirable to reduce the cost of an anti-lock braking system by reducing the number of components required by the system, and in particular the number of components housed in the HCU. Furthermore, a reduction in the number of components housed in the HCU may result in a weight reduction of the HCU. Also, it is desirable to reduce noise emanating from the HCU during an anti-lock mode. A large source of noise is the pump and its electric motor. If the pump and motor are eliminated from an anti-lock braking system, a significant reduction in noise may be obtained.

Pumpless anti-lock braking system using six solenoid actuated valves


A continuous emission monitoring system is disclosed for detecting toxic substances of various types in either stack gas or ambient air. Particular systems are illustrated for monitoring lewisite and chromium(VI). Each system employs a gas sampler that utilizes a high-volume, wet cyclone concentrator unit which scrubs the contaminants from the gas into water or another suitable scrubbing solution. In-line chemical processing of the contaminated sample thus obtained is accomplished either within the sampling unit or by an external chemistry processing module. After processing to provide an analyte in the sample indicative of the presence of a predetermined contaminant, the sample stream is delivered to an ion chromatograph or other analyzer to determine the presence and quantity of the analyte and indicate whether a danger level has been reached. This provides monitoring on an essentially real-time or near real-time basis.

This invention relates to improvements in systems for monitoring harmful emissions that may be present in stack gas or ambient air and, in particular, to an improved system which provides monitoring on a near real-time basis and which employs a wet cyclone concentrator in conjunction with appropriate in-line chemical processing to provide a processed sample that may be immediately analyzed for the presence of a predetermined contaminant.
Existing methods for analysis of toxic contaminants in stack gas and in the workplace typically require the collection of air or gas samples through bubblers for an extended period of time. Analysis of the contaminated samples is conducted in a laboratory. The time thus required for collection and analysis can be a dangerous delay when particularly hazardous substances may be present as either a stack gas emission or an air pollutant in the workplace.
Concentrators capable of extracting trace contaminants from air have been proposed and are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,117,714 and 5,011,517, owned by the assignee herein. The air or other gas swirls in the concentrator in intimate contact with a scrubbing liquid such as water and thus impurities in the air are extracted into the water which thereby becomes contaminated and may be withdrawn and analyzed. However, there is no assurance that the substances scrubbed from the air will be in a readily detectable form, or amenable to analysis on a near real-time basis by conventional analyzers.
Furthermore, the need for continuous emission monitors that will operate on a near real-time basis is increasing with the ever-growing governmental requirements for protection of the environment. Also, demilitarization of weapons stockpiles has added to the number of possible contaminants for which such monitoring systems must be adapted.


A tool box assembly having a first surface with a first aperture therethrough for retaining a tool (such as a drill bit) having a longitudinal axis. A second surface is provided having a second aperture therethrough for retaining the tool. The first surface is retained relative to the second surface whereby the tool may translate along the longitudinal axis thereof through the first aperture in the first surface and the second aperture in the second surface when the first surface is in a first position relative to the second surface land be restrained against translation along the longitudinal axis thereof when the first surface is in a second position relative to the second surface.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to tools. More specifically, the present invention relates to containers for holding drill bits and the like.
While the present invention is described herein with reference to illustrative embodiments for particular applications, it should be understood that the invention is not limited thereto. Those having ordinary skill in the art and access to the teachings provided herein will recognize additional modifications, applications, and embodiments within the scope thereof and additional fields in which the present invention would be of significant utility.
2. Description of the Related Art
Certain applications require a large number of tools that are difficult to maintain in a secure yet orderly arrangement due to the small size thereof. Dentistry is one example, circuit board manufacture is another. In the manufacture of circuit boards, a number of holes are drilled in each board to facilitate the alignment and mounting thereof on a chassis or frame. The number of holes may vary from 10 to several hundred. Generally, these bits are very expensive, small (on the order of 1/8th of an inch in diameter) and made of a high strength material (e.g., carbide).
As the bits generally wear or break after a number of holes have been drilled, it is important to keep an adequate supply of bits on hand. Several tool boxes have been developed over the years to retain such drill bits when the bits are not being used. One such box includes an array of apertures sized to retain the bits in an upright position. A layer of foam was placed over the bits to hold them in place. Unfortunately, the bits often became stuck in the foam and were inadvertently extracted whenever the foam was lifted to remove a single bit. This caused a number of bits to become displaced and, in some cases, led to bits being dropped, broken and/or lost.
A second approach replaced the foam with a plastic retainer having a matching array of apertures for holding the bits in place. However, this design was found to be bulky and awkward to reassemble.
A third approach involved the use of an array of apertures which held the bits by supporting an identifying ring disposed on the bit. Ribs under the cover of the container pressed on the rings or the taper of the bits and thereby held the bits in place. Unfortunately, since this approach required a `top hold-down`, it required a number of parts and was therefore expensive and bulky.
The top hold-down approach was used in various configurations all of which suffered from the cost, complexity and bulkiness associated with a top hold-down structure.
Thus, a need remains in the art for a simple, inexpensive yet effective receptacle for drill bits and other tools that retains the tools in a secure and orderly fashion.


A seal ring has an annular body which is constituted so that a disc section extended to a radially inward direction is overlapped with one end of a cylindrical section, and a sensor member for detecting rotation of an inner ring is provided to an outer periphery of the cylindrical section, and an outer case for covering the sensor member is provided by insert-forming. The outer case contracts after it is formed and is press-contact with the cylindrical section so that a gap is hardly generated.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a seal ring which is incorporated in, for example, a rolling bearing and relates to a sealing apparatus so-called a pack seal.
The present invention, more particularly, relates to a seal ring into which a rotation detecting sensor is incorporated, a sealing apparatus into which a rotation detecting apparatus composed of the above sensor and a pulsar ring whose rotation is detected by the sensor, and a bearing apparatus having them.
2. Description of the Related Art
Both a magnetic sensor and a pulsar ring provided with N poles and S poles alternatively in a peripheral direction are incorporated as a rotation detecting device into, for example, a bearing apparatus for an axle of an automobile, and they are used for detecting a wheel speed when anti-locking brake control is made.
The present inventors suggest a structure that such a rotation detecting device is integral with a sealing apparatus called as a pack seal.
The seal pack of this suggestion has an outer diameter side seal ring fixed to an inner periphery of an outer ring of a rolling bearing, and an inner diameter side seal ring fixed to an outer periphery of an inner ring.
The magnetic sensor is attached to an inner diameter side of the outer diameter side seal ring. The pulsar ring is attached to an outer diameter side of the inner diameter side seal ring so as to face the magnetic sensor in a radial direction.
In this case, the magnetic sensor is attached to an inner periphery of an annular body of the outer diameter side seal ring by a mold using a resin material. The resin material is formed integrally with or bonded to the annular body of the outer diameter side seal ring so as to become a outer case which covers a periphery of the sensor.
Such a structure is provided because the annular body of the outer diameter side seal ring is press-fitted into an inner peripheral surface of an outer ring or the like so that the outer diameter side seal ring is attached firmly to the outer ring.
However, in the case of the structure that the magnetic sensor is attached to the inner periphery of the annular body of the outer diameter side seal ring by the mold, since a difference in coefficient of linear expansion between the annular body of the outer diameter side seal ring and the outer case is large, after the outer case is formed, it contracts. As a result, a gap is easily generated on a boundary surface between the inner periphery of the annular body of the outer diameter side seal ring and the outer case.
When such a gap is generated, water which splashes on the seal ring from the outside easily penetrates from the gap into the bearing, and this might cause deterioration of the bearing performance such that lubricant inside the bearing is deteriorated.

Seal ring, sealing apparatus and bearing apparatus


A system and method for preparing an abraded fiber optic ribbon are provided. This system uses a flat abrasion panel containing a design, such as a company logo, and contacting it directly with a fiber optic ribbon, pressing devices to feed and press the panel and the fiber optic ribbon against each other as the design is being processed onto the fiber optic ribbon, and adjustable speed and differential pressure devices are used to drive the pressing devices. In addition, at least one of the pressing devices may be heated to enhance the processing of the pattern onto the fiber optic ribbon. Particularly, the pressing includes a first roller and a second roller defining a nip through which the panel and the fiber optic ribbon are being fed and pressed against each other. Alternatively, the pressing includes a first plate and a second plate defining a pressing zone in which the panel and the fiber optic ribbon are being fed and pressed against each other. Further, shimstock of variable thickness or wedge with a constant sloping thickness attached to a supporting pad can be used between the panel and the fiber optic ribbon in a press plate system to obtain a predetermined pattern along a length of the fiber optic ribbon due to differential pressure or uniform differential pressure respectively, being applied to the length of the fiber optic ribbon.

Fiber optic ribbons are comprised of an array of multiple optical fibers grouped together in any size in a ribbon and secured to a substrate. Typically, the ribbon is about 0.01 to 0.03 inches thick. If one or more surfaces of the ribbon are marred or abraded and a light source is applied to one end of the marred ribbon, light will be emitted from the marred area. Accordingly, efforts have been made to create a specific illumination pattern which can be effectively used to backlight a variety of displays. For example, stamping the ribbon with a roughened plate was used to provide marring of fiber optic ribbons. In this approach, a ribbon would be placed on a cushion and a stamp having a covering, such as emery paper, would be pressed against the ribbon to deform or mar the surface. To increase the amount of surface marring along the ribbon, the cushion was placed on a plate having a particular profile, such as an uprising surface or a symmetrical curved plate. For further details, see U.S. Pat. No. 4,929,169 to Fujigaki et al. entitled "Working Equipment For Roughing The Side of Optical Fiber".
The stamping method can only mar a fixed length of ribbon at a time limited by the size of the stamp. Different sized stamps thus are required to mar different length of ribbons. As such, different forces need to be applied in order to achieve the same desired pressure profile against the cushion and plate. These cumbersome limitations severely restrict the stamping method to produce a desired marring pattern only along a short portion of the ribbon. In addition, the plates on the apparatus need to be changed, a cumbersome and time-consuming procedure, whenever a different marring size is desired. Presently, different patterns are not possible.
An improved method and apparatus for marring the surface of a fiber optic ribbon over the stamping method has been disclosed in pending U.S. application Ser. No. 07/785,130 entitled "Method And Apparatus For Marring Fiber Optic Ribbons", (hereinafter known as the nip method) also assigned to the assignee of the present invention, Poly-Optical Products, Inc., reference to which is being hereby incorporated by reference.
In this nip method, the fiber optic ribbon is being fed between a pair of rotating rollers. One of the roller is coated with an abrasive. The second roller may be hard, have a deformable cover or also have an abrasive coating. Alternatively, one or both rollers may be serrated to produce a ripple pattern in the fiber optic ribbon. This nip method using an abrasive coating on the roller(s) for marring the surface of a fiber optic ribbon has a number of advantages over the earlier stamping method.
For example, because surface marring occurs as the fiber optic ribbon is fed through the gap between the rollers, less force is required to mar the fiber optic ribbon than in the earlier stamping method. The nip or contact pressure line between the rollers is easier to control and accurately maintain than pressure developed across a stamping plate. A further advantage of the nip apparatus and method is that various marring patterns may be created on the ribbon surface by adjusting the speed of the ribbon through the nip and/or altering the pressure in the nip as the ribbon moves therethrough and/or creating a pressure differential along the nip or contact pressure line between the rollers. In other words, most any illumination profile along the surface of the ribbon is possible. Despite its improvements over the earlier stamping method, the nip method is limited. The nip method is limited because the light output is limited by the uniform abrasive coating on the roller(s) rendering it extremely difficult to provide high light output to specific areas as is required to back light a company logo design display. In addition, the nip method is cumbersome because the gap in the nip needs to be adjusted during processing to achieve a gradual differentiation of surface marring along the ribbon. Moreover, the nip method often introduces a "seam" that is transferred onto the ribbon from the roller when the abrasive coating on the roller(s) is used. This seam causes a break in the pattern being marred onto the ribbon and leads to flaws in back lighting of the display.
Therefore, a need has developed for a system and method that permit processing a specific design onto a fiber optic ribbon having different lengths of abrasion or that require different display patterns without interrupting operation of the system to substitute suitable parts. It is also desirable that such a system be capable of gradually and accurately altering the pressure profile applied to the ribbon, again without interrupting operation of the system.

System and method for preparing fiber optic ribbons

264
FSC 83
FSC 51
FSC 425
FSC 385
FSC 362
FSC 65


Disclosed is reflective morphable display with multi-layered depth viewing, low power consumption and few components and a method of activating various features thereof. The disclosed display includes a bi-stable reflective cholesteric liquid display crystal (ChLCD) layered in combination with a display device such as an LCD and a quarter lambda (λ/4) retardation film layer. Linearly polarized light emerging from the front surface of a display device is circularly polarized by the λ/4 layer before entering the ChLCD layer. In its reflective state, the ChLCD layer receiving a portion of the ambient light having the same handedness of the ChLCD is reflected in a mirror-like manner. Also in its reflective state, when it receives light that is circularly polarized by the λ/4 retardation film layer, the ChLCD layer acts as a shutter. A display device with depth viewing is provided as the ChLCD layer pixelated so it is configured to display font and/or other indicia.

Manufacturers constantly strive to differentiate their products from those of others available in the same market. In the mobile communication device market a desirable design feature is a morphable, smart or stealth display, keypad, button, key or indicator which may be illuminated when a particular function, mode or application is active and otherwise darkened. To simplify a user interface of a device to include particular features of interest, a morphing effect typically blackens all or certain portions of a display, keypad, button, key or indicator, leaving illuminated those of interest.
A "switchable" lens or shutter provides a morphing effect. For example, a normally black twisted pneumatic liquid crystal display (TN-LCD) is used as a shutter. In the open state, a voltage is constantly applied to the shutter so that it is transparent. In the off state a black uniform appearance is enabled. For reflective states giving a mirror effect, a combination dual brightness enhancement film Dual Brightness Enhancement Film (DBEF) with TN-LCD and a plurality of polarizers is required, leading to an increased number of components.
Another desirable feature is a display with depth viewing, similar to three dimensional (3D) displays. Layering of displays also allows display of multiple types of information at the various levels. For example, two transmissive LCDs may be used for a depth viewing display. However, the front LCD of the two LCDs requires constant power for use in either the clear state or the display state. Layered displays require high power consumption.

Reflective morphable display device and method of feature activation


A portable scanning laser ophthalmoscope with a wide field of view permits a clinician to directly view the interior of the patient's eye without the use of an external monitor or display. The portable scanning laser ophthalmoscope includes a housing that is sufficiently small to be carried and held by a clinician. The housing contains a source of laser light that is scanned by a scanning system for generating a two-dimensional area of illumination. The housing also includes a battery for providing power to the scanning system. An optical system contained in the housing directs illumination from the scanning system to the patient's eye to illuminate the fundus and also intercepts light reflected by the patient's eye to generate a magnified image of the interior of the patient's eye. The optical system also includes an eyepiece lens through which a clinician looks to directly view the magnified image of the interior of the patient's eye.

Scanning laser ophthalmoscopes such as shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. Webb 4,765,730; Webb 4,764,006 and Webb 4,768,873 are known to include a turning mirror to direct a laser beam to a multi-faceted rotating polygonal reflector scanner that scans a laser beam in a first direction to form a line of light. A second scanner is employed in the form of a galvanometer reflector scanner to scan the line of light generated by the first scanner in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction of scanning. The scanned light is directed to a patient's eye by a series of focusing mirrors. Light reflected from the patient's eye follows the same path via the scanners and focusing mirrors back to the turning mirror. The turning mirror is small so that the light reflected from the eye passes around it to an optical detector in the form of an avalanche diode. The output of the optical detector is coupled to the display to provide a two dimensional picture of the patient's retina. Although this type of scanning laser ophthalmoscope is capable of producing an image of the patient's retina without requiring the patient's pupil to be dilated with drugs and without requiring contact with the patient's eye, it has several drawbacks. First, the scanned laser light source employed in Webb's scanning laser ophthalmoscope is very bright and leaves the patient dazzled for some time following the diagnostic procedure implemented with the ophthalmoscope. Further, the Webb system is large, complex and very costly. The Webb system also suffers from a small field of view that is on the order of only 30.degree..
Another type of scanning laser ophthalmoscope is shown in U.S. Patent Kobayashi 4,781,453 that utilizes a first acousto optical modulator for modulating the intensity of a laser beam to project a fixation target. The frequency of the drive signal for the first acousto optical modulator is also varied so as to select, with the use of a lens and device having a slit therein, a single wavelength of a laser beam having a number of wavelengths therein. The single selected wavelength of the laser is then passed to a scanning system. The scanning system includes a second acousto optical modulator that is driven so as to scan the selected wavelength of the laser in a first direction. Prior to scanning, however, the range of the second acousto optical modulator must be changed to accommodate the selected wavelength of the laser. The scanned laser is guided by relay lenses from the second acousto optical modulator to a mirror that is mounted on a galvanometer for scanning the laser in a second direction perpendicular to the scanning direction of the second acousto optical modulator. A small mirror then reflects the scanned light to a patient's eye. The light reflected from the eye passes around the small mirror and is captured by a lens and focused on a photosensor. A filter corresponding to the selected wavelength of the laser is disposed in front of the photosensor to allow passage of the selected light to the sensor. An image of the eye at a depth corresponding to the selected wavelength is stored in a frame memory associated with the selected wavelength, wherein the system includes different frame memories for the different wavelengths that can be selected. The different images stored in the frame memories can be selected via the electronics of the system for individual display in different colors on a color monitor. The Kobayashi ophthalmoscope is an extremely complex device in which the scanning range of the second acousto optical modulator must be changed to accommodate a selected wavelength of the laser light each time a new wavelength is selected via the first acousto optical modulator. Further, the filter disposed in front of the photo sensor must also be changed in accordance with the selected wavelength. The field of view of this scanning laser ophthalmoscope is also small, being on the same order as that described above for the Webb scanning laser ophthalmoscope.
In both the Webb and Kobayashi systems, a mirror is disposed in the optical path of the light reflected from the patient's eye to the detector which causes a shading off effect. This shading off effect is realized as a darkening of the edges of an image feature with a gradual lightening of the image feature towards the center thereof. For example, this effect causes the displayed image of a blood vessel to appear as dark parallel lines with a lighter center therebetween. This effect is further exacerbated by the small aperture diameter employed in the image detection portion of the these systems. This small aperture although eliminating unwanted reflections from detection, brings substantially all of a given scene into focus at the same focal plane. The result is that the image of the patient's fundus appears similar regardless of the wavelength of the laser beam and the portion of the patient's eye at a particular depth therein reflecting the selected wavelength of the light.
Further, the known scanning laser ophthalmoscopes such as described above are large and nonportable. As a result patients must be taken to the instrument for the eye examination which can be difficult with a sick patient that is bedridden. These ophthalmoscopes are also extremely complex and costly due to their optical arrangements and the necessity of image detectors and monitors for displaying an image of the eye.


A heat sink fin that has a first substrate. The first substrate includes a first angular dimple and a first micro air channel in fluid communication with the first angular dimple. The first angular dimple includes a first surface that forms an angle relative to a first plane of the first substrate. The first angular dimple includes a first micro diameter hole in fluid communication with the first angular dimple. The heat sink fin also has a second substrate folded against the first substrate. The second substrate includes a second angular dimple and a second micro air channel in fluid communication with the second angular dimple. The second angular dimple includes a second surface that forms an angle relative to a second plane of the second substrate. The second angular dimple includes a second micro diameter hole in fluid communication with the second angular dimple.

In densely packed electronic systems, heat dissipation is a big challenge due to space constraints that preclude convective thermal solutions involving blowers or fans in proximity to the heat sources. For example, avionics systems with densely packed printed board assemblies (PBA), in which conventional onboard fans/blowers are too bulky to be placed, typically rely on conductive heat sinks made of solid metal plates. However, these solid metal plates are heavy and have limited performance capability.


An apparatus used to control a workpiece inside a vacuum chamber. The workpiece is supported on a workpiece holder in the vacuum chamber. The workpiece is isolated from the atmosphere outside of the vacuum chamber by differentially pumped vacuum seals and an integral air bearing support. The differentially pumped vacuum seals and integral air bearing support allow for multiple independent motions to be transmitted to the workpiece supported by the workpiece holder. The workpiece holder motions provided are (1) rotation about the X axis, (2) translation back and forth along the Y direction of an X-Y plane on the surface of the workpiece holder, and (3) rotation of the workpiece in the X-Y plane about its Z axis. Concentric seals, oval for the translation motion and circular for the rotational motion, are differentially pumped through common ports to provide successively decreasing pressure and gas flow in order to reduce the gas load into the vacuum vessel to a negligible rate.

The manufacture of semiconductors during the front end stages includes a number of process steps whereby a silicon wafer is presented to an incoming ion beam, plasma, molecular beam, or other irradiating elements. In some cases, the irradiating element is scanned across the surface of the silicon wafer to provide a uniform spatial irradiation and the time spent determines the doping level. In others, the wafer is moved across a stationary beam of irradiating elements. High current ion implanters with purely mechanically scanned workpiece holders are examples of systems that scan the wafers through a stationary beam and provide on average uniform spatial doping. Doping uniformity is servo-controlled using the measured doping rate to vary the speed and duration of one mechanical axis while the other is controlled at a constant speed. Doping level is controlled by adjusting the number of completed scan passes in the servocontrolled direction such that the total dose is equally divisible by the number of scan passes. This technique is well known to those knowledgeable in the art and needs no further explanation.
The semiconductor industry is now migrating to 300 mm wafer diameters that cause the vacuum chambers and extent of mechanical motion to increase beyond practical limits for two direction mechanical scan systems. Furthermore, the cost of a single 300 mm wafer is currently very expensive which makes it desirable to process wafers individually rather than in batches because of the cost and wafer handling risks. Finally, the recent requirement of increasing the wafer tilt angles from the current 7 degrees to as much as 60 degrees precludes the use of mechanically scanned batch systems due to the variation in implant angle and twist across the wafer.

Method and apparatus for controlling a workpiece in a vacuum chamber


A discharge lamp (10) based on microwave excitable sulfur gas with enhanced red component of visible light emission from the lamp as a whole, the lamp having an arc discharge tube (18) light source, microwave excitation means (M) and an outer inert zone around the arc discharge tube having a layer of phosphor (16) selected to absorb a portion of blue-green spectral component of the arc discharge tube emission and emit a concentrated red region of spectral range of light to combine with non-red spectral components of light passing through the phosphor. The phosphor can be essentially homogeneous material or may comprise a mixture of distinct phosphor types and/or a multi-layered array.

This invention provides an electrodeless sulfur lamp that has an improved color compared to existing sulfur lamps. As is well known, high power density sulfur lamps tend to have their peak light output around the green region of the spectrum and when one looks at them they have a greenish tinge. The present invention ameliorates this situation and improves the color toward the red such that different color objects look more normal and enriched.

Color sulfur lamp including means for intercepting and re-mitting light of a desired spectral distribution

Matsushita Electric Works R&D Laboratory, Inc.


An overlay is provided which can be adhered over the front and/or rear faces of a transaction card (e.g., a credit card) to protect it from wear, and also to lend it a personalized appearance. The overlay is preferably defined by transparent film having window portions that may be situated over important card indicia (such as card numbers, signature panels, and the like), and printed portions that may rest over and maskless critical regions of the transaction card, and which may bear images and/or text for personalizing the transaction card. The overlay is preferably provided with an adhesive rear face and a peelable backing so that a cardholder may peel the overlay from the backing and apply it to a transaction card.

Transaction cards are being more commonly and frequently used as paperless transactions (e.g., electronic money transactions) grow in popularity. As an example, while consumers formerly used credit cards only for large transactions and otherwise used cash for most purchases, consumers now make extensive use of credit and debit cards for "microtransactions"—transactions amounting to only a few dollars, or in some cases for less than a dollar. This shift to use of transaction cards as a primary payment mode is owing to several reasons, including convenience (e.g., avoidance of the need to carry or replenish cash, and the ability to obtain a consolidated statement of spending from the card issuer), security (since the cardholder may have limited liability for spending made on a lost or stolen card), and the ability to obtain rebates or other incentives for use of the transaction cards.
However, when a transaction card is extensively used, it can rapidly wear as the card undergoes frequent "swipes" through card-reading slots and similar machinery used to read data encoded in the card. As examples, a magnetic strip on a transaction card can become worn and difficult to read; signature panels on transaction cards can scrape off, obliterating cardholder signatures and/or other data (e.g., card security codes); and the embossed card number, cardholder name, and/or car expiration dates can erode and become difficult to read. These defects can then lead to difficult or refused transactions.
Additionally, transaction cards tend to have a somewhat standard and bland appearance, and as cardholders increase their use of transaction cards, they often wish to have greater personalization of their cards. Most transaction card issuers provide only a single card design, or otherwise offer a limited selection of card designs from which a cardholder may choose. The usual designs tend to heavily feature the brand of the card issuer, but cardholders usually have little affinity to this brand, and were attracted only to the card issuer owing to some functional feature of the transaction card such as interest rates, incentives, and so forth.
The desire to customize transaction cards is also strong in the field of preloaded value cards. Purchasers often load these with funds, and then give them as a gift to a recipient/cardholder. While such preloaded value cards are becoming increasingly popular as gifts, many gift-givers still avoid them because they seem impersonal. While they are often sold with envelopes and/or greeting cards into which purchasers may inscribe some message to the recipient/cardholder, the ability to personalize the appearance of these preloaded value cards might substantially increase their acceptance.

Protective overlay for a transaction card


In the conventional game machine, a player is mechanically informed of the result of the inner lottery, as it is, for causing the big hit prize and cannot enjoy the pleasure of searching the result of the inner lottery. Therefor in the present invention, a lighting control of the notification lamp 25 is carried out as follows. At first, eleven fixed patterns are referred to (at Step 301), and it is determined (at Step 302) what of the fixed patterns the pattern of the staging mode combination, in a series of flow of the game at this time, of the game starting sound, the reel lamp extinguishing pattern and the reel lamp flashing pattern coincides with. When no coincidence occurs, the routine is finished. When a coincidence occurs, it is then determined (at Step 303) whether or not the notification lamp 25 is being currently lighted. When the notification lamp 25 is not lighted, it is controlled to light by the lamp drive circuit 48 (at Step 304). When the notification lamp 25 is lighted, the routine is finished.

This patent application claims priority based on the Japanese patent applications, H10-172177 filed on Jun. 4, 1998 and H10-186855 filed on Jun. 17, 1998 and the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a game machine having a function to inform a player of a prize mode determined by a random number lottery.
2. Related Art
There has conventionally been, for example, a slot machine as a game machine of this kind. In a general slot machine, as shown in FIG. 1A, three reels 3, 4 and 5 are installed in parallel on the rear side of a front panel 2. Various patterns are illustrated on the outer circumferences of the individual reels 3 to 5, and the patterns are illuminated by built-in light sources (back lights), not shown, installed at the individual reels and are observed via individual windows 6, 7 and 8 formed at the front panel 2. Five prize lines are described in the windows, and the slot machine game is carried out depending upon whether or not a combination of predetermined patterns is set on any of the prize lines.
The game is started when a player puts a coin into a slit and when the coin is put into the slot, as shown in FIG. 1A, all of the back lights are lighted. When a coin of the player has not been put thereinto by the player for a predetermined time period after finishing the game, or the like, all of the back lights are extinguished, as shown in FIG. 1B. The individual reels 3 to 5 are rotated in response to the operation of a start lever by the player, and the individual windows 6 to 8 are displayed with the patterns which move to rotate in the directions of columns thereof. When the individual reels 3 to 5 reach a constant speed, the operation of the individual stop buttons installed in correspondence with the individual reels 3 to 5 becomes effective.
The player operates the individual stop buttons while observing the moving patterns and stops the rotation of the individual reels 3 to 5 thereby to stop and display desired patterns on any of the prize lines. The individual reels 3 to 5 stop rotating in response to the operational timings of the individual stop buttons. When a predetermined combination of patterns is displayed on any of the prize lines at the time of stopping them, a prize in response the combination of patterns is obtained.
There are a big hit prize, a medium hit prize, a small hit prize and so on in prize modes, and the big hit prize or the medium hit prize is caused when three of patterns xe2x80x9c7xe2x80x9d or patterns of a predetermined character are set on the prize line. A special game of big bonus game (BB game) in the case of the big hit prize or regular bonus game (RB game) in the case of the medium hit prize is carried out, and a large amount of coins can be acquired. Further, the small hit prize is caused when a predetermined number of patterns of xe2x80x9ccherryxe2x80x9d or xe2x80x9cbellxe2x80x9d are aligned on the prize line, and several coins can be acquired in the small hit prize. FIG. 1C shows a case in which patterns xe2x80x9cbellxe2x80x9d are aligned on a central prize line, and in this case, the back lights are flashed.
Such prize modes are determined by a lottery of random numbers which is carried out immediately after operating the start lever and has already been determined before the individual reels are operated to stop by the player. The lottery of random numbers is executed by prize mode determining means constituted inside of the game machine. When the big hit prize is determined by the lottery of random numbers, a display such as a notification lamp installed at the front panel of the machine is lighted, and the player is informed of the fact that the big hit prize is caused by the inner lottery of the machine. After this, the rotation of the individual reels is controlled to stop in response to the operation of stopping the buttons by the player, and the prize can be actually experienced by the player when a combination of patterns of the prize determined by the lottery of random numbers is stopped and displayed on the prize line.
In the aforementioned game machine of the prior art, however,when a big hit prize is caused by the inner lottery, the notification lamp immediately lighted, and the player is informed of a result of the inner lottery. According to the conventional game machine, therefore, the player is mechanically informed of the result of the inner lottery, as it is, for causing the big hit prize and cannot enjoy the pleasure of searching the result of the inner lottery as in, for example, searching for the xe2x80x9creach spotxe2x80x9d. Here, the xe2x80x9creach spotxe2x80x9d means a predetermined combination of patterns which is displayed at the timing of stopping the rotation of the individual reels in the circumstance the big hit prize is caused by the inner lottery.
Furthermore, what is informed is only the case in which the big hit prize is caused by the inner lottery, and the information to be conveyed to the player is limited. Therefore, the result of the inner lottery which has been determined by the lottery of random numbers inside of the machine is not known until the patterns are actually stopped and displayed at the individual windows with regard to the prize modes other than big hit prize. Accordingly, the player cannot previously grasp the result of the inner lottery, and therefore, what patterns are to be aligned on the prize line cannot be known to the player at all when the rotation of the reels is operated to stop initially.
According to the invention, as conceived to address those problems, there is provided a game machine which comprises: prize mode determining means for determining a prize mode of a game by a random number lottery; a variable display device for displaying various patterns variably in a plurality of columns and for displaying a combination of the patterns stationarily in said individual columns in accordance with the prize mode which is determined by said prize mode determining means; variable display starting means for starting the variable display of said variable display device; information means for informing a player, at a predetermined probability, of an information corresponding to the prize mode determined by said prize mode determining means; and notification means for notifying to the player the information in a specific informing mode on a condition in which the information is a predetermined one corresponding to a specific prize mode determined by the prize mode determining means.
According to this construction, the prize mode determined by the inner lottery is informed to the player at a predetermined probability by the information means. This allows the player to predict the prize mode to a certain extent.
Furthermore, when a specified prize mode is informed as the predetermined one, the result of the inner lottery of causing the specific prize mode is notified to the player by the notification means. In respect of the specific prize mode, when it is informed through the information other than the predetermined one, the result of the inner lottery is not notified by the notification means. Therefore, the player can be informed of the result of the inner lottery causing the specific prize mode through the information informed by the information means even when the result of the inner lottery of causing the specific prize mode is not notified by the notification means. Therefore, the pleasure for searching the occurrence of the specific prize mode is felt in the game from the information of the information means.
Furthermore, according to another aspect of the present invention, the game machine further comprises variable display stopping means for stopping said variable display for the individual columns. And in this game machine, the information means informs the player, at a predetermined probability, of an information corresponding to the prize mode determined by said prize mode determining means, in a series of flow of the game from the start of said variable display by said variable display starting means to the end of one game stopped by stopping said variable display by said variable display stopping means, and the notification means notifies to the player the information by the specific informing mode on a condition in which the information by the information means is one corresponding to the specific prize mode determined by the prize mode determining means and the predetermined information informed to the player at a probability of 100%.
According to this construction, the prize mode determined by the inner lottery is informed to the player at a predetermined probability by the information corresponding to the prize mode through a series of flow of the game. This allows the player to predict the prize mode to a certain extent with the information mode according to the progress of the game.
Furthermore, when the specific prize mode is informed at the probability of 100%, the result of the inner lottery of causing the specific prize mode is notified to the player by the notification means. When the specific prize mode is informed at a probability smaller than 100%, that is, in case even when the specified prize mode is caused by the inner lottery, the specific prize mode may not necessarily be informed, the result of the inner lottery is not notified by the notification means. Therefore, the player can be informed of the result of the inner lottery causing the specific prize mode through the information informed through a series of flow of the game by the information means even when the result of the inner lottery of causing the specific prize mode is not notified by the notification means. Therefore, also in this case, the pleasure for searching the occurrence of the specific prize mode is felt in the game from the information of the information means.

Game machine notifying formation of a specific prize mode


In an aspect of the subject matter, a “full” amount of the flash cache (e.g., storage cells) is initially utilized to store data i.e., substantially all of the storage space of the flash cache may be designated to store user data, with the remaining storage space designated to store ECC information (e.g., parity bits) associated with a predefined ECC algorithm utilized to encode the user data. When a bit errors associated with the user data reaches a predefined threshold value, the storage space of the flash cache may transition to store less user data so as to accommodate the space needed to store ECC information associated with a stronger ECC algorithm. The storage space of the flash cache designated to store user data is reduced, while the storage space designated to store ECC information is increased to accommodate the stronger ECC algorithm.

Technical Field
The subject matter herein relates to flash devices and, more specifically, to a technique for adaptively strengthening error correction code for a flash cache.
Background Information
Due to the low costs associated with Multi-Level Cell (MLC) flash devices, enterprise storage companies are looking for ways to switch their flash solutions over to MLC technology. Unfortunately, typical MLC devices are only guaranteed for 20,000 program/erase cycles and may have up to 36 bit errors across a 1,040-byte sector. This shorter endurance may cause some challenges to the use of this technology in enterprise storage products. Thus, what is needed is a technique to extend or prolong the life of a flash device, specifically a MLC flash device.

Adaptively strengthening ECC for solid state cache


An idling stop control of the invention attains an auto start and an auto stop of an engine. At a time point t1, pre-set stop conditions are met to cut off a fuel supply to the engine. Preset starting conditions may be met at a time point t2 when the engine still continues rotating in a normal direction by the inertial force. In this state, the idling stop control starts cranking the engine. The preset starting conditions may be met at a time point t4 when a piston does not complete a compression cycle immediately before a stop of the engine but is pressed back by the compressed air to rotate the engine in a reverse direction. In this state, the idling stop control waits until cancellation of the reverse rotation of the engine and then starts cranking the engine. The arrangement of the invention desirably ensures a quick start of the engine, while effectively preventing an excess stress from acting on a gear mechanism, which connects a starter motor to the engine.

A known starting apparatus for an internal combustion engine uses a starter motor, which is always linked to a crankshaft of the engine via a jaw gear, to crank the engine (see, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open Gazette No. 2000-120514). One proposed starting apparatus prohibits the starter motor from cranking the engine until a condition of zero revolution speed, which is triggered by an engine stop, is kept for a predetermined time period in response to a driver's OFF operation of a start switch for starting the engine (see, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open Gazette No. 2002-61554). This prior art starting apparatus prohibits the starter motor from cranking the engine in response to the driver's ON operation of the start switch while the engine does not completely stop the engine. This prohibits cranking the engine in the state of reverse rotation of the engine, where a piston does not complete a compression cycle immediately before a stop of the engine and is pressed back by the compressed air, thus desirably preventing an excess load from being applied to the starter motor.

Starting apparatus for internal combustion engine and automobile


A method of charging a NiMH or NiCd battery such that charging does not occupy a substantial amount of time and such that the operating temperature of the battery is reduced during the lifetime of the battery, thereby extending the life of the battery. This invention is a method of charging that is accomplished using a temperature differential method to continuously regulate the rate of charge injected into the battery. An amplifier is used to amplify the difference in temperature between one or more cases in which the battery is contained and ambient temperature. In this method, the greater the difference in temperature, the lower the charging current is injected into the battery. The method of charging may be incorporated into uninterruptible power supply equipment.

When a NiCd battery or NiMH battery is fully charged, any additional charge current is converted to heat within the cell and needs to be dissipated in order to reduce the damaging effects of high temperature on the battery's service life. The most common method found in many low cost chargers is to inject current into the battery(s) at a very low rate. The benefit of this method is that once the battery is fully charged, the minimal amount of heat generated by the continuous overcharge current can be adequately dissipated through the cell walls and the cell's temperature is not high enough to cause serious damage to the battery. The adverse affect of this method is that it takes many hours (e.g. 20) to recharge the cells to 100% state of charge (SOC). Another problem is that in some climates, the self-discharge rate may be higher than the charge rate from the charger. This results in a no-charging condition or where the battery(s) charges to a finite percentage below 100% SOC or even discharges to zero % SOC.
To cause a faster recharge time, some "fast" chargers are available which inject higher current, but the charge period is terminated by either user intervention (as required by user manuals, quoting "before permanent damage to the battery(s) is incurred.") or by a timer measuring a fixed time interval from the start of charge. In either case, more times than not, the battery(s) is either left charging too long or too short resulting in damaged or undercharged battery(s).
A more sophisticated approach used by higher cost systems is to inject charge at a higher rate, but stop the high-rate charge automatically after an end-of-charge indication is sensed. In NiMH and NiCd batteries, as the 100% SOC charge condition is approached, the temperature and terminal voltage rise rapidly. Therefore, the end-of-charge condition can be sensed by the charger measuring the battery(s) terminal voltage(s), the rate of change of terminal voltage or temperature levels. However, voltage and temperature levels and their rates of change are determined by not only the battery's state of charge but the ambient temperature and charge rates as well. The higher the rate of charge and ambient temperature, the higher the battery's case temperature and its terminal voltage will be at any state of charge. It becomes a daunting task to program a smart charger to take into account all of the environmental and forcing functions to determine the proper 100% SOC point and terminate fast charge for optimum battery performance.
The use of UPS systems having battery backup systems to provide regulated, uninterruptible power for such equipment as computer systems is well known. Typically, most UPS systems use some type of lead acid battery to provide backup power. Lead batteries, however, have performance limitations especially when they are discharged at rates well above their specification rates or when they are operated at temperature extremes. NiMH and NiCd battery chemistries provide advantages when used in UPS systems, detailed below.
While the invention is disclosed as being useful in the charging of NiMH and NiCd batteries in a UPS system, it is understood that it may be used in many other environments, for example, as a standalone charging device or used in other equipment and devices which contain such batteries that would periodically require recharging.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Method and system for charging a NiMH or NiCd battery


In one aspect the invention provides a fluid treatment apparatus for treating contaminated fluid. The apparatus comprises a container having base member and a peripheral containment wall and defining a total interior volume. The apparatus further comprises at least one container inlet to receive said contaminated fluid, at least one container outlet to discharge water separated from said contaminated fluid, a separation region suitable to receive said contaminated fluid, to allow separation of said contaminated fluids into less dense contaminants, water and denser contaminants, and to store said denser contaminants as a sediment layer on the base member. The apparatus further comprises a water collection region suitable to receive water from the separation region and direct said water to said at least one container outlet, and an oil collection region, suitable to receive less dense contaminants from the separation region.

In an oil well fracturing (also known as "fracing") or other stimulation procedures, as well in general oil and gas well exploration, drilling or service operations, significant quantities of contaminated fluids, such as waste water, produced water, fracturing fluids or other contaminated fluids are often produced as a by-product of such operations. These contaminated fluids, in the well drilling sector, often contains many heavy solids, such as sand, proppants, sawdust, clay and gravel, as well as fluid contaminants, such as oils and other hydrocarbons. Containment and disposal of these contaminated fluids is expensive, especially where such fluids have to be transported off-site for subsequent treatment and/or disposal (such as downhole disposal). Moreover, additional fresh water will often have to be supplied to replace the loss in fluid volume due to removal and disposal of the contaminated fluids.
As such the prior art teaches various systems and apparatus for treatment of these contaminated fluids, such as various membrane filter based technologies to remove the various contaminants from the contaminated fluids, so as to allow these fluids to be recycled back into the oilfield operations, rather than being disposed. However, a significant problem with such membrane filter based technologies is that contaminants, such as fracing gels, sands, proppants, oils and other hydrocarbons, will fill up or clog these filters at a rate that is far too fast to allow for these membrane filters to be used economically and/or efficiently.
As such, there remains a need for a safe, simple and efficient system, method and apparatus for treating contaminated fluids from oilfield operations and for subsequent introduction of such treated fluids back into the oilfield operations, rather than disposing same and requiring additional uncontaminated or fresh sources of such fluids.

Contaminated water treatment system, method and apparatus