A display holder provides product information to loaders and pickers of products stored on industrial-sized pallet racks in warehouses. The display holder is disposed on a column in a substantially vertical orientation at a height above the floor of the warehouse that is approximately at or near eye level of an operator seated within a fork-lift or like material handling vehicle. The holder displays product information for all goods stored at the various rack elevations adjacent the column of the rack to which the display holder is mounted. Thus, warehouse loaders and pickers can readily determine the particular type of goods stored on the rack adjacent the display holder, and labels can readily be re-applied, as needed.

The present invention relates to a system for bulk warehousing and inventorying of products, and more particularly, the present invention relates to an apparatus and method for displaying information identifying the specific type and location of products stored on a storage, or pallet, rack so that products can be accurately loaded onto, and/or removed from, the rack.
Typically, numerous rows of vertically-extending pallet racks are arranged within a warehouse with aisles running adjacent the open front of each rack to afford access by fork-lift trucks or like material handling vehicles to the multi-tiered storage bays of the racks. Each pallet rack generally includes a plurality of horizontally-spaced vertical columns that support beams spanning lengthwise between the columns. The beams support shelves on which cartons of products are stored. Typically, the vertical tiers of storage bays extend well above the floor of the warehouse.
It is conventional practice to place labels, or label holders, on or adjacent beams directly above, or below, each shelf location to identify the specific product stored at that location on the rack. An example of such an arrangement and a holder for a label is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,625,441 issued to Fast. Other examples of pallet rack labeling systems are disclosed by U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,655,675, 5,526,945, 5,492,231, 5,368,174 and 5,749,482 issued to Clark et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 6,378,711 B1 issued to Skulnik et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,769,249 issued to Lascara; U.S. Pat. No. 5,120,941 issued to Reilley et al.; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,003,697 issued to Ferchat et al.
As discussed in the above referenced Clark patents, the labels typically include machine readable indicia such as bar-codes, human-readable indicia such as alpha-numeric characters, or preferably both. An electronic bar-code reading wand can be used for reading the labels and for inventory management purposes. However, reading labels located directly above or below products on shelves can be difficult for an operator of a fork lift truck or like vehicle, particularly if the labels are located at high or low elevations relative to the operator. A bar-code reader functions properly only if the face of the label is perpendicular relative to the line of sight of the bar-code reader so that the beam emitted by the reader is reflected from the label along the line of sight back to the reader. In addition, the line of sight to the label must not be obscured by the protective roof of the fork-lift truck, the stored products, the adjacent shelves, as well as the light emitted by the overhead warehouse lighting.
Although the aforementioned pallet rack labeling and inventory management systems may function in a satisfactory manner for their intended purposes, there is a need for a system that enables the ready reading of labels, such as bar code labels, by operators of fork-lift trucks or like vehicles used in warehouses. All labels should be capable of being read by conventional hand-held bar-code scanners or the like regardless of the elevation of the location of the products in the rack. In addition, the function of applying and/or reapplying labels on pallet racks should be capable of being safely accomplished with minimal effort and time.

Method and apparatus for facilitating bar-code scanning of rack contents using rack column mounted display


The invention concerns the elimination of the image steadiness error in the projection of films, which consist of individual images.. For this purpose, the image steadiness error is detected by a sensor and is compensated for by a device for step size compensation.. An apparatus for the measurement of the image position in the projection films which consist of individual images has a sensor for the measurement of the image steadiness error by making use of the perforation.. In a device for the correction of an image steadiness error of films which consist of individual images, an optical compensator is arranged before the films as an optical storage medium and/or before the optical photography medium.

The invention concerns a method for the reduction of the image steadiness error in the projection of films, which consist of individual images, in accordance with the preamble to claim 1, an apparatus for the measurement of the image position in accordance with the preamble to claim 13, and a device for the correction of an image steadiness error in accordance with the preamble to claim 20.
When making a film, the film in the camera is moved step by step past the screen window for the exposure.
After the development and the production of a copy, which is conventionally produced in the contact exposure process, the film strip is available with its sequence of individual images. For reproduction by means of a projector, the film strip is moved step by step past the projection lens, whereby because of the rapid succession of the projection of the phase images, physiologically the impression of a continous movement process is caused.
The transport step is realized by mechanical step switch mechanisms (Maltese cross/projector, gripper drive/camera) or also by step motors or controlled direct current drives.
The attainable precision of the step size of the camera drive, of the reproduction drive and the division of the film strip define the image steadiness which is to be achieved. If the image steadiness is unsatisfactory, the next image will not be as exactly projected on the same position of the screen as the previous image. This error is described as the image steadiness error.
A reduction of the image steadiness error below the range which is visible to the observer or even only an approximation to this order of magnitude is yet not possible, to this day.
The camera producers of film cameras attempt to minimize the image steadiness errors caused by the camera. The same applies to the producers of film projectors. The exactnesses of the film strip are defined in a corresponding norm.
Everything is done on the premise of keeping the partial errors below 0.1% and from the aspect that the errors of the others are predetermined. The partial errors are time offset, position offset and are dependent on different apparatus, users and methods, and therefore they cannot be influenced. Even if one's own partial errors, which can only be influenced from this point of view, can be reduced to zero, there remains a theoretical residual error of 0.2%. But in practice, the largest share of errors is due to the projector.
As a further complication, there is the fact that it is necessary to make all the methods compatible with the immense quantities of film material which are available today on the market and which arrive day by day. It makes no sense to deprive these films of their economic usefulness by special solutions.
A method, as decribed in the introductory part of claims 1, 13 and 18 is disclosed in DE 39344 20 C2. For measuring the steadiness of image sensors are provided, and a compensation of deviations is provided by generating error tables and by an adaptive empirical control of the drive motor.
In the U.S. Pat. No. 5,175,580 a photo camera is disclosed which provides an optical compensation of vibrations at free hand photography, i.e. an image stabilisation.

Method, apparatus and device for the reduction of the image steadiness error in the production of films


A method for performing scanned defect inspection of a collection of contiguous areas using a specified false-alarm-rate and capture-rate within an inspection system that has characteristic seek times between inspection locations. The multi-stage method involves setting an increased false-alarm-rate for a first stage of scanning, wherein subsequent stages of scanning inspect only the detected areas of probable defects at lowered values for the false-alarm-rate. For scanning inspection operations wherein the seek time and area uncertainty is favorable, the method can substantially increase inspection throughput.

Not Applicable
Not Applicable
1. Field of the Invention
This invention pertains generally to integrated circuit fabrication, and more particularly to a scanning method for use in a defect inspection system.
2. Description of the Background Art
During the process of integrated circuit fabrication, masks and wafers at various stages are inspected for defects. The inspection process consists typically of sequentially scanning areas of the mask, or wafer, with a beam of light while taking accurate measurements to detect if a defect exists at each location scanned. The beam is retained at any particular spot on the item under inspection for a period of time related to the accuracy of the measurement required, and the measurement results are compared against a threshold value to determine if the location contains a defect. The measurement accuracy, and thereby the time required to perform the measurement, depends largely on the number of false alarms which are permissible per unit of area when performing the test.
Properties of a defect inspection system include such important metrics as throughput, capture-rate, and false-alarm rate for a defect of a given size. The throughput is the number of units (i.e. mask blanks, or wafer blanks) that can be inspected per unit of time at a specified capture-rate and false-alarm-rate. Throughput is dependent on scanning speed, which is defined as the time to scan a unit area of the mask blank. False-alarm-rate is the probability of a non-defective area being considered defective during the test scan. The capture-rate is the probability that a defect of a given size will be detected by the test scan. Both false-alarm-rate and capture-rate depend on quality of the measurement. Within an inspection system that employs single level scanning, the quality of the measurement can also be considered as the signal-to-noise ratio that should be achieved so that a measurement threshold value can properly distinguish a defect.
To more fully exemplify defect scanning, the scanning of (Extreme UltraViolet Lithography) EUVL mask blanks is described. One form of defect inspection is to inspect reflective EUVL mask blanks using an at-wavelength inspection tool. Reflective masks contain multiple reflective layers whose spacing relates to the intended wavelength to be reflected. Reflective masks therefore can only be accurately tested for subsurface defects if the test is performed with an at-wavelength beam. One form of testing EUVL mask blanks involves scanning the area of the mask with a small diameter EUV beam (approximately 1.7xc3x975 xcexcm) and measuring changes in reflected intensity (bright field detection), scatter intensity (dark field detection), and/or the photoemissive current. In order for small defects to be detected, the size of the incident beam is very small, while the measurement itself must be taken over a large enough interval to assure accuracy. An inspection station used for this testing process typically comprises a mask blank held on a moveable stage within a vacuum chamber operating at about 10xe2x88x926 Torr. A small spot of EUV light is created by demagnifying a beam from an illuminating pinhole through a pair of Kirkpatrict-Baez (KB) mirrors. The beam is focused on the sample at approximately 9xc2x0 off-normal. A channeltron electron multiplier may be used for a bright field detector, while a microchannel plate with a reflective beam aperture for the bright field may be used as a dark field detector. To attain accurate defect inspection by this method the mask is generally inspected as a set of pixels, each about 3xc3x975 xcexcm, wherein each pixel is tested for approximately 50 mS.
A mathematical description of a defect inspection device as a shot-noise limited system can provide further explanations of capture-rate and false-alarm-rate for a defect of a certain size. A shot-noise system is one in which the dominant noise source is a shot-noise due to the finite number of photons detected by the detector. In a shot-noise limited system the distribution of signal can be represented by a Gaussian distribution with a mean m and standard deviation "sgr".                               f                                (            x            )                          =                              (                          1                                                                    2                                                              xe2x80x83                                                            π                                                  xc3x97                σ                                      )                                          e                                          -                                                      (                                          x                      -                      m                                        )                                    2                                            /                              (                                  2                                                        xe2x80x83                                                                          σ                    2                                                  )                                                                        (        1        )
The signal from the clear region, or the region where there is no defect, can therefore be represented by a Gaussian distribution centered at m2, furthermore a signal from a 100 nm defect provides another Gaussian distribution centered at m1. Assuming simple area scaling of signal strength from a defect, and the spot size of 1 um, m1=0.99 m2. Simplified for m2=1, then m1=0.99. The standard deviation "sgr", is determined by the number of photons detected per pixel, wherein the area of each pixel is assumed to be the same as the spot size. The following relationship then holds for "sgr".
"sgr"=1/Ndxe2x80x83xe2x80x83(2)
The value Nd is the number of photons detected per pixel. Based on these assumptions, the capture-rate is determined by the probability of a 100 nm defect generating a signal smaller than threshold value s. A defect herein is assumed to cause a reduction of bright field signal such that the measured signal is smaller than the threshold.
capture_rate=P(x less than s;m1,"sgr")xe2x80x83xe2x80x83(3)
False-alarm rate is the probability of the clear region giving a signal smaller than the threshold value.
false_alarm_rate=P(x less than s;m2,"sgr")xe2x80x83xe2x80x83(4)
As described above, the false-alarm-rate is the probability P of the signal (or pixel value) being lower than a threshold value s, when the distribution is characterized by mean m2 and standard deviation "sgr". FIG. 1 shows a distribution corresponding to m1, and a second distribution corresponding to m2, both of which are shown in relation to the threshold value s.
Using the error function erf(x), the capture and false-alarm rates can be cast into a form which is an integration of the Gaussian distribution. The error function erf(x) is given by:                               erf                                (            x            )                          =                              2            xc3x97                                          ∫                0                x                                                          e                                  -                                      t                    2                                                                                π                                              (        5        )                                          P                                (                                                            x                   less than                   s                                ;                                  m                  1                                            ,              σ                        )                          =                              ∫            s            ∞                                          f                                      (              t              )                                                          (        6        )
where f(t) is the normalized Gaussian distribution. The integration variable is changed and the following is therefore derived:                               P                                (                                                            x                   less than                   s                                ;                                  m                  1                                            ,              σ                        )                          =                              1            +                          erf                                            (                                                      s                    -                                          m                      1                                                                                2                                                                    xe2x80x83                                                                  σ                                                                      )                                              2                                    (        7        )
The capture-rate and false-alarm-rate can therefore be expressed as:                               capture_rate                                (                          s              ,              σ                        )                          =                              1            +                          erf                                            (                                                      s                    -                    0.99                                                                              2                                        xc3x97                    σ                                                  )                                              2                                    (        8        )                                          false_alarm                    _rate                                (                          s              ,              σ                        )                          =                              1            +                          erf                                            (                                                      s                    -                    1                                                                              2                                        xc3x97                    σ                                                  )                                              2                                    (        9        )
The scanning time required per unit area is given by:                                                                         T                /                A                            =                              xe2x80x83                                                                            (                                      dwell time per pixel                                    )                                xc3x97                                  (                                      no. of pixels per unit area                                    )                                                                                =                              xe2x80x83                                                                                Nd                    /                                          F                      0                                                        xc3x97                  Np                                =                                  Np                  /                                      (                                                                  F                        0                                            xc3x97                                              σ                        2                                                              )                                                                                (        10        )
where F0 is the total number of photons focused onto the 1 xcexcm spot per unit time, while Np is the total number if pixels per unit area (Np=108 per cm2 for 1 xcexcm spot size). Therefore, for any given spot size, minimum capture-rate, and maximum false-alarm-rate, the scanning time is mainly determined by the standard deviation of the Gaussian distribution of the signal.
As an example, when the signal to noise ratio is at 2 (i.e. "sgr"=0.5%) and the threshold is set at 0.99, the capture-rate is 50% and the false-alarm-rate is 2.28% with the false-alarm count being 2.28e6 per cm2. The scanning time for F0=1.4e8 is therefore approximately 8 hours per cm2. The value F0=1.4e8 is one that has been achieved using a 10xc3x97 Schwarzchild with a 100 xcexcm2 aperture with 100 xcexcm exit slit with a grating. Using white light with a 20xc3x97 Schwarzchild, the number increases about 4*50=200. The factor of 50 results from the expected flux increase anticipated from using the white light approach. Therefore it appears that at least F0=2.8e10 can be achieved.
As a further example, if we wish to obtain a capture-rate of 90% and a false-alarm-rate less than 1 count per cm2, the value of s would need to be set for s=0.9916 and "sgr"=0.15%, with a scanning time of 95 hours per cm2 for F0=2.8e10. Since the false-alarm-rate is so sensitive to "sgr" while the scanning time is only the inverse square of "sgr", the false-alarm-rate can be lowered without sacrificing too much of the scanning time.
Inspection of mask blanks and wafers in the above described single stage process has been shown above to often be a slow, and therefore costly, process.
Accordingly a new method is needed that will speed the process of inspecting blank masks and wafers for defects. The present invention satisfies that need, as well as others, and overcomes deficiencies in current inspection techniques.
The present invention is a multi-level scanning method that can increase throughput when used with defect inspection systems, such as the one described for inspecting reflective EUVL mask blanks. The use of multiple scanning stages under many circumstances, although counterintuitive, can provide additional throughput in relation to single stage scanning.
Conventional defect scanning techniques teach the use of a single scan in which measurements are taken at a signal to noise ratio adequate for determining which pixels are clear of defects. The measurements are taken to a level of measurement accuracy that will generate a rate of false-alarms below a given threshold. In a single scan, the number of false alarms resulting by the end of the scan should be less than the desired false-alarm-rate upon which the signal to noise of the measurement was based for the device being tested. In contrast, the present invention provides a multiple scanning approach that can increase throughput. By way of example, and not of limitation, a first stage of scanning employs a lower signal to noise ratio (more false alarm errors), such that the entire area can be inspected in a fraction of the time required to reach the desired false-alarm-rate in a single stage of scanning. Subsequent stages of defect inspection check only those areas failing the defect threshold comparison in the previous inspection stage, and the positionally uncertain areas around these probable defects, with a measurement that provides a higher signal to noise ratio corresponding to a lower false alarm rate. In the final stage of subsequent scanning, the areas which have been found as defects within the prior stage are tested at the final signal to noise ratio corresponding to a final allowed false alarm rate. The benefit of the method depends on the comparative times required to reach the various false-alarm-thresholds, the repeatability of the scanning system, and the speed of the scanning system to seek defect areas. This multi-level inspection method provides the same results as single-level testing, yet it can in many cases be performed in less time than that required for the single-level measurement. In other words, since progressively smaller regions are scanned within each stage, the overall throughput of defect inspection can be increased in situations where a favorable relationship exists between the inspection variables.
An object of the invention is to increase the throughput of defect inspection systems.
Another object of the invention is to retain precise control of the false-alarm-rate allowed by the defect inspection process.
Further objects and advantages of the invention will be brought out in the following portions of the specification, wherein the detailed description is for the purpose of fully disclosing preferred embodiments of the invention without placing limitations thereon.

Multi-level scanning method for defect inspection

The Regents of the University of California


A multi-filar helical antenna comprising a helical radiating element extending along a longitudinal axis, comprising an elongate body having a free first end and a second end opposite the first end and coupled to a feeding port, and a tail member, extending away from the body at the second end. The tail member has a geometry that is selected for modifying at least one of an impedance of the radiating element, and broadening the antenna's resonance bandwidth. The radiating element may comprise a positioning member extending away from the second end along a direction substantially parallel to the axis. An end portion of the positioning member is secured to an electrically conductive surface in connection with the feeding port. The second end is positioned at a given distance above the conductive surface and the radiating element is fed through the feeding port at the given distance above the conductive surface.

Multi-filar helical antennas are often used to achieve antenna diversity and have been applied for applications, such as Land Mobile Satellite (LMS) communication and other satellite communications and navigation systems. Advantages of multi-filar helical antennas include increased capacity, low correlation between antenna elements, as well as reduced size and space compared to traditional antennas, such as monopoles. Multi-filar helical antennas are typically tuned using a feed network located on a horizontal printed board provided below the helix of antenna elements. This typically requires additional space and increases the cost and complexity of the overall antenna design.
Therefore, there is a need for an improved multi-filar helical antenna.


A corner guard for reinforcing an edge or corner of a mattress of a bed is disclosed. The corner guard is constructed from a flat sheet of material formed into two flat panels intersecting to define a 90 degree primary angle, wherein the panels together further define interior areas facing the mattress and exterior areas facing away from the mattress. Each panel has a tab extending therefrom at right angles toward the interior. Each tab also has a fin extending therefrom toward the primary angle. Fastener openings are provided in each fin and tab. At the intersection of the base of each fin, tab, and panel is a circular cut-out. The corner guard can be punched and formed from metal or molded from polymer.

1. Field Of The Invention
The present invention relates to a component for reinforcing a mattress. More precisely, the present invention relates to a corner guard with attachment tabs with adjustable fins.
2. Description Of Related Art
A certain component in reinforcing and protecting the edges and corners of a mattress for a bed is known as a corner guard. Typically, corner guards are attached to the lower, exterior rounded corners of a mattress or box spring. The corner guard protects the mattress and reinforces its form. Corner guards usually extend around the corner of the mattress with attachment means at the bottom of the corner guard.
Some examples of corner guards include U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,628,080 and Des. 384,537 to Quintile, which disclose a curve formed protective and decorative bedding foundation corner guard. The corner guard is mold formed in a curved configuration from a plastic material to include a curved wall with four securement tabs extending approximately 90 degrees from that wall.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,265,291 to Callaway discloses an improved box spring corner support that includes a corner guard that supports the upholstered fabric on a box spring. The corner guard is formed from a plastic and snap fits over the border wire to partially cover the corner of a typical wood slat base of a mattress.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,406,411 to Reis discloses a corner reinforcement for an upholstered article such as a box spring. The corner reinforcement is constructed from a self-supporting member extending around one corner of the frame of the box spring. The corner reinforcement further has flexible walls overlapping the frame adjacent the corner and extending vertically from a base surface of the frame to a point space above the frame.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,710,405 to Watts discloses a bedframe having corner members and rails, wherein the raised corner members prevent the box spring unit from slipping off the frame and protect the edge thereof. U.S. Pat. No. Des. 235,957 to Mills discloses a bedframe corner.
There are other innovations in protecting the components of a bed, including U.S. Pat. No. 3,546,725 to Tambascio, which discloses a bedframe with decorative trim strip. U.S. Pat. No. 2,951,252 to Roche discloses end caps used on a bedframe side rail. The end cap retains itself in engagement with the side rail by sliding thereon. The end caps prevent tears in the box spring or mattress, and minimizes snagging clothing or stockings of a person walking by the bedframe.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,005,237 to Luchonok discloses a mattress corner adhesion patch, which is a webbing made of a laminated, spun bound polyester encased in PVC. The patches are attached to the four corners of the water filled mattress to create friction between the bedding and the mattress. The friction thus prevents sliding of the bedding on the mattress.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,030,728 to Wesman discloses cushioning corner pieces fabricated by molding resilient rubber or plastic material. Each corner piece has spaced closed internal grooves that improve the cushioning function of the resilient material. The corner piece is placed on the sharp corners and edges of furniture for the protection of children and adults against injuries occasioned by accidental contact. In view of the foregoing, however, there is still a need for a corner guard for a mattress that provides a superior mechanism for attaching the corner guard to the mattress.


A method of testing, such as for a bit error rate (BER), of multiple data packet signal transceivers during which a tester and the data packet signal transceivers exchange sequences of test data packets and summary data packets. The tester provides the test data packets which contain respective pluralities of data bits with respective predetermined bit patterns. Responsive thereto, the data packet signal transceivers provide the summary data packets which contain respective summary data indicative of the number of data bits with the respective predetermined bit patterns that are correctly received by corresponding ones of the data packet signal transceivers.

The present invention relates to methods for testing multiple data packet signal transceivers in parallel, and in particular, to testing such devices under test (DUTs) using frequency hopping spread spectrum signal technologies, including Bluetooth technology.
Wireless devices featuring Bluetooth connectivity technology have become increasingly ubiquitous. Such devices are tested during manufacturing to ensure that they are operational and meet standards-prescribed signal characteristics that ensure proper operation and minimal interference with other Bluetooth devices as well other wireless devices operating in accordance with other wireless signal technologies. Such testing is intended primarily to identify manufacturing defects in the devices during large volume production.
Consumer products featuring wireless technologies, such as smartphones, laptops and tablets, are highly sophisticated devices that are produced and sold in very large numbers in markets noted for extreme pricing and cost pressures. Manufacturing test is a key area of concern with regard to cost containment. With no compromises allowed in the quality of test results, test system designers must cut no corners when it comes to accuracy in test results, but must also work to reduce required test times for testing the various wireless technologies.
Bluetooth wireless technology is found in a great variety of consumer products. An overarching standard governs the signal characteristics, such as frequency spectrum, modulation characteristics and power levels, to which Bluetooth equipped devices must adhere. Within the bounds provided by this standard, Bluetooth device makers constantly work to reduce the costs of building and testing in accordance with this technology.
One of the areas of focus for a cost containment is concurrent (e.g., parallel or simultaneous) testing of Bluetooth devices. The most direct way to achieve concurrent testing is to test multiple devices with multiple concurrently operating test systems, or testers, with each such system equipped with the means for testing the capabilities of a device for transmission and reception of Bluetooth-specified signal characteristics (e.g., adherence to the prescribed frequency spectrum, modulation characteristics and quality, power levels, sensitivity, etc.). However, the capital cost of having one tester dedicated for each tested device, or DUT is high. Therefore, test system designers using a single test system having a single signal source and single received signal analyzer have made use of signal splitters and multiplexors to accommodate multiple DUTs with a single tester.
However, significant compromises are required to achieve the cost savings to be realized when avoiding the need for a tester for each DUT. For example, whereas one can use signal splitter functions to replicate a single source signal concurrently, received signals cannot be examined concurrently by a single received signal analyzer. Instead, such signals need to be multiplexed and captured successively rather than concurrently.
The challenge, therefore, is how to optimize test speed and minimize tests costs, and do so while using test systems where the number of signal sources and received signal analyzers is less than one-to-one with the number of DUTs to be tested concurrently.

Method of testing multiple data packet signal transceivers concurrently


A pneumatic transfer system includes a service provider terminal and a customer terminal. A carrier is moved through a transfer conduit between the customer and service provider terminals by a differential pressure generating mechanism. Each of the customer terminal and the service provider terminal includes a valve assembly to control air flow on the lower side of the carrier as it moves in the transfer conduit. Each valve assembly includes elongated valve openings in the terminal housing and a gate assembly for selectively blocking air flow through the valve openings. The valve openings are angularly disposed from the carrier transfer opening in the terminal. The valve assemblies may be selectively operated to control air flow during dispatch of the carrier from one terminal and descent of the carrier into the other terminal.

Systems which transport items between stations are known in the prior art. Some prior art transfer systems include systems in which items are moved between a service provider and a customer in a carrier that is moved through a transfer conduit. The carrier is moved through the transfer conduit by differential pressure that is selectively produced in areas of the conduit. The differential pressure is commonly produced by drawing a vacuum in the area into which the carrier is to be moved, or by producing a positive pressure in the area behind the carrier, or both. In either event the differential pressure between the areas in front and behind the carrier propels it through the transfer conduit.
It has been observed that undesired carrier movement and/or excessive noise has been associated with prior transfer systems. Thus, there exists a need in the art for a pneumatic transfer system that eliminates or reduces the unwanted effects associated with prior systems. In particular, there exists a need in the art for a pneumatic transfer system that controls movement of a carrier to reduce jouncing or other undesirable movement of the carrier in the terminal. In addition, there exists a need in the art for a pneumatic transfer system that utilizes a valve mechanism in which air flows along a path which does not interfere with other system mechanisms.


A fluid ejection device includes a first fire line adapted to conduct a first energy signal having energy pulses, a second fire line adapted to conduct a second energy signal having energy pulses, a first address generator configured to provide first address signals, a second address generator configured to provide second address signals, first drop generators and second drop generators. The first drop generators are electrically coupled to the first fire line and configured to respond to the first energy signal to eject fluid based on the first address signals. The second drop generators are electrically coupled to the second fire line and configured to respond to the second energy signal to eject fluid based on the second address signals.

An inkjet printing system, as one embodiment of a fluid ejection system, may include a printhead, an ink supply that provides liquid ink to the printhead, and an electronic controller that controls the printhead. The printhead, as one embodiment of a fluid ejection device, ejects ink drops through a plurality of orifices or nozzles. The ink is projected toward a print medium, such as a sheet of paper, to print an image onto the print medium. The nozzles are typically arranged in one or more arrays, such that properly sequenced ejection of ink from the nozzles causes characters or other images to be printed on the print medium as the printhead and the print medium are moved relative to each other.
In a typical thermal inkjet printing system, the printhead ejects ink drops through nozzles by rapidly heating small volumes of ink located in vaporization chambers. The ink is heated with small electric heaters, such as thin film resistors referred to herein as firing resistors. Heating the ink causes the ink to vaporize and be ejected through the nozzles.
To eject one drop of ink, the electronic controller that controls the printhead activates an electrical current from a power supply external to the printhead. The electrical current is passed through a selected firing resistor to heat the ink in a corresponding selected vaporization chamber and eject the ink through a corresponding nozzle. Known drop generators include a firing resistor, a corresponding vaporization chamber, and a corresponding nozzle.
As inkjet printheads have evolved, the number of drop generators in a printhead has increased to improve printing speed and/or quality. The increase in the number of drop generators per printhead has resulted in a corresponding increase in the number of input pads required on a printhead die to energize the increased number of firing resistors. In one type of printhead, each firing resistor is coupled to a corresponding input pad to provide power to energize the firing resistor. One input pad per firing resistor becomes impractical as the number of firing resistors increases.
The number of drop generators per input pad is significantly increased in another type of printhead having primitives. A single power lead provides power to all firing resistors in one primitive. Each firing resistor is coupled in series with the power lead and the drain-source path of a corresponding field effect transistor (FET). The gate of each FET in a primitive is coupled to a separately energizable address lead that is shared by multiple primitives.
Manufacturers continue reducing the number of input pads and increasing the number of drop generators on a printhead die. A printhead with fewer input pads typically costs less than a printhead with more input pads. Also, a printhead with more drop generators typically prints with higher quality and/or printing speed. To maintain costs and provide a particular printing swath height, printhead die size may not significantly change with an increased number of drop generators. As drop generator densities increase and the number of input pads decrease, printhead die layouts can become increasingly complex.
For these and other reasons, there is a need for the present invention.

Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.


A mainboard fixing device, a display module and a display device are provided. The mainboard fixing device includes a printed circuit board (PCB) mainboard, a first elastic member and a second elastic member. The first elastic member and the second elastic member are disposed at a first side and a second side of the PCB mainboard, respectively. The first side and the second side are symmetric with each other.

At present, liquid crystal display (LCD) device has occupied the dominant position and become necessary equipment in people's daily works and lives. Due to its high utilization, people also have stricter requirements on the LCD device, not only seeking for intelligentizing but also for ultra-thinning, so that it can be more convenient for living needs.
As is well-known, LCD module is a component which is disposed inside the LCD device and used for cooperating with respective functions of the LCD device. An existing LCD module includes a LC screen, a backlight source, a printed circuit board (PCB) mainboard and the like; the PCB mainboard is provided with electronic elements, wirings, and interfaces connected with a device mainboard.
The existing LCD module is fixed by bonding the PCB mainboard inside a housing (or a backlight backplane). During an assembling process of the LCD module, or when a certain component in the LCD module is damaged and needs to be replaced, it has to detach the PCB mainboard from the housing or the backlight backplane for repair. Because the existing fixing is achieved by way of bonding, the detaching process will be extremely troublesome, an adhesive residue may be left and the PCB mainboard may not be completely removed, which causes damage to the PCB mainboard or waste of material.
Therefore, the technical solution of related technology still has room for improvement.
It should be explained that, information disclosed in the BACKGROUND part above is merely used to enhance the understanding of the background of the present disclosure, and hence may include information which doesn't constitute the related technology well-known for those skilled in the art.

Mainboard fixing device, display module and display device

Beijing BOE Optoelectronics Technology Co., Ltd.


A three piece beverage carrier has an outer ply, a partition assembly, and a box with the outer ply secured to the partition assembly and the partition assembly expanded and secured to the box. The outer ply comes from a rectangular blank folded lengthwise and the partition assembly comes from another blank that extends the transverse and cross partitions. The box takes shape from a third blank having wall panels and bottom flaps. The bottom flaps fold and glue together forming the bottom of the carrier. The partition assembly includes a transverse partition and at least one cross-partition. The partition assembly blank has a first body section, a second body section, and a handle section. The first and second body sections have a hinged connection at the handle section and form the transverse partition of the assembly. The first and second body sections further include at least one fold out section that defines the at least one cross-partition of the assembly. The outer ply can be printed separately from the box and prior to assembling of the partition assembly.

The three piece beverage carrier relates to beverage packages in general and more specifically to the divided open top containers for long neck beer bottles. Interlocking longitudinal and transverse partitions become a grid-like divider with the edges of the partitions folded and glued for stiffness. The partitions, when placed in an expanded condition within a carton, receive and separate the bottles from contact with each other.
Basket carriers have had much use carrying bottles of soda, beer, and other beverages. Prior art basket carriers start from a single blank of material. The four walls and the bottom of the carrier, and the partition assembly start as separate flat blanks later folded and formed into a basket for carrying beverages. Complicated machinery performs the intricate folding and gluing that forms a blank into a carrier. Made from a single blank, the carriers do not nest together. Further, printing must be applied to the prior art blanks before assembly of the carriers, adding a step and cost to the production process.


In some embodiments, systems, methods and devices for using passive pressure sensors to measure pressure at an inaccessible location are provided. In some embodiments, a system for determining pressure in a ventriculoperitoneal shunt implanted in a subject is provided, the system comprising: an acoustic source emitting signals over a range of frequencies; the ventriculoperitoneal shunt, comprising: a lumen that provides a conduit for cerebrospinal fluid between; and a passive acoustic element in a wall of the ventriculoperitoneal shunt filled with a gas, wherein the passive acoustic element emits a second signal at a resonant frequency that varies based on the pressure on the passive acoustic element; an acoustic receiver that detects the second signal and outputs an electrical signal that represents at least the resonant frequency; and a processor programmed to: receive the electrical signal; determine the pressure using the resonant frequency; and present the pressure using a display.

In areas of medicine and medical research, it is often desirable to monitor the pressure within the body. In particular, treatment of neurological conditions often involves the careful monitoring and treatment of changes in intracranial pressure (ICP). The ICP refers to the pressure within the skull, which can become elevated due to trauma or disease. Increased ICP can be a serious or life-threatening condition, and medical practitioners often need to take steps to decrease the ICP.
One such condition is hydrocephalus, a state that occurs when there is an overaccumulation of the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord. That fluid is called cerebrospinal fluid ("CSF"). Hydrocephalus is often treated with an implanted device called a shunt to allow excess CSF to drain. At one end, a catheter is implanted within the CSF-filled space, generally within the space in the brain called the ventricle. Tubing then allows the excess CSF to flow to another region of the body, such as the peritoneal space, where the fluid can be resorbed. Often, shunts include devices like programmable or non-programmable valves, anti-siphon devices, and flow-regulating devices which are used to control the flow of fluid.
Although shunts are critical in managing hydrocephalus, they fail at a tremendously high rate: one third of pediatric patients with shunts require surgery to revise or replace the shunt within the first year. Common reasons for failure include the shunt becoming clogged where the CSF enters or exits the shunt, or at a valve mechanism. It is often not possible to determine whether the shunt is operating correctly without resorting to invasive measures such as shunt taps or exploratory surgery.
Intracranial pressure sensors in current use typically attach to wires that pass through the skull and skin to connect to an external monitor; these are only temporary measures used for a few days or weeks at a time. Implantable systems have previously been proposed to measure pressure, both intracranially and within shunts. However, none have been adopted clinically. These methods often require relatively complex machinery, such as electronics which must be implanted and powered, and pressure transducers whose measurements drift over time.
It is desirable to provide passive pressure sensors and methods of making and using same.

Systems, methods, and devices for using passive pressure sensors to measure pressure at an inaccessible location


A vehicle package design system includes a data store of vehicle packages defined in terms of spatial dimensions relating vehicle hard points. A design engine adaptively renders a vehicle space based on a vehicle package, and, in response to user input defining a required change in a target spatial dimension, alters the target spatial dimension according to the required change, and alters one or more potentially altered spatial dimensions based on alteration of the target spatial dimension. A user interface communicates potentially altered spatial dimensions to the user, including indicating them as potentially altered according to alteration of the target spatial dimension. In further aspects, the user interface is adapted to accept user input expressing a desire whether to allow a potentially altered spatial dimension to change, and the design engine preferentially maintains some potentially altered spatial dimensions while altering other potentially altered spatial dimensions based on the expressed preference.

The process of vehicle packaging is an integral part of the vehicle conceptualization and development process, and directly affects decisions relating to vehicle theme selections. During the vehicle packaging process, designers determine how the vehicle components, including occupants, are fitted into the total vehicle space. Downstream design and engineering changes are often coupled with the packaging results.
It is desirable to employ software technologies to automate the tasks and activities of the vehicle packaging process. It is less desirable, however, to employ software applications that only partially automate the packaging tasks, such as with hard coded applications of process knowledge. Such a software application would not, for example, be adapted to notify a user of potential changes in non-target dimensions based on a required change in the target dimension. Nor would such a software application be adapted to allow a user to express a preference whether to allow a potentially altered spatial dimension to change, and to comply with the expressed preference in an adaptive fashion when altering one or more non-target dimensions in compliance with SAE standards.
The hard coded vehicle package design software would suffer from being unable to adapt to frequent design and engineering changes in an automated fashion. For example, when a user changes the distance from a driver's hip to the driver's heel (H To HeelVertical), the distance between the driver's hip and a first rear passenger's hip (Couple Driver-1st) might automatically change in accordance with SAE standards, while the distance from the first rear passenger's hip to the first rear passenger's heel (1st H To HeelVertical) could remain the same. With the hard coded process, the user would not be able to select to hold the Couple driver-1st constant, while allowing the 1stH to HeelVertical to change. As a result, a user who wished to frequently change the 1st H To HeelVertical in accordance with a change in the H To HeelVertical, while maintaining the Couple Driver-1st at a constant value in accordance with SAE standards, would have to repeatedly enter new values for both the H To HeelVertical and the 1st H To HeelVertical. This problem would be compounded when combined with a circumstance in which a user wished to frequently change up to 12 dimensions in accordance with SAE standards. The need remains, therefore, for a vehicle package design system and method that is able to adapt to frequent design and engineering changes in an automated fashion. The present invention fulfills this need.

Knowledge-based system and method for automated vehicle packaging design


A wind turbine includes a rotor having a hub, at least one rotor blade coupled to the hub, and a rotor shaft coupled to said hub for rotation therewith. The wind turbine also includes an electrical generator coupled to the rotor shaft, and a generator-side frequency converter electrically coupled to the electrical generator for converting variable frequency AC received from the electrical generator into DC. The generator-side frequency converter is electrically coupled to an electrical load and is configured to at least one of supply reactive power to the electrical load and absorb reactive power from the electrical load. The wind turbine also includes a grid-side frequency converter electrically coupled to the generator-side frequency converter for converting DC received from the generator-side frequency converter into fixed frequency AC. The grid-side frequency converter is electrically coupled to the electrical load and is configured to at least one of supply reactive power to the electrical load or absorb reactive power from the electrical load.

This invention relates generally to wind turbines, and more specifically to methods and apparatus for supplying and/or absorbing reactive power with respect to wind turbines.
Wind power is sometimes used to generate electrical power using a wind turbine, wherein an electrical generator is driven by the rotation of a rotor that converts the wind power into rotational energy. However, there may sometimes be inadequate wind power to drive the rotor, such that the wind turbine does not generate electrical power.

Methods and apparatus for supplying and/or absorbing reactive power


Described herein is a system for automatically capturing configuration changes to the cloud computing resources. The system for automatically capturing configuration changes may detect changes to configurations of cloud computing resources across the geographic regions, in real-time. The changes may be stored in a central data storage device instantiated by a central cloud computing account. Furthermore, a relationship graph indicating the relationships between the different cloud computing resources may be generated.

Cloud computing may be the on-demand availability of computer system resources, especially data storage and computing power, without direct active management by the user. The computer system resources may be data centers available to many users over the Internet. They may have functions distributed over multiple locations from central servers or designate edge servers.
Cloud computing environments may provide computing services for storing, processing, and managing data over a networked environment. Cloud computing environments, such as an AMAZON Web Services (AWS) environment available from Amazon Inc. of Seattle, Wash., may include hundreds of thousands of cloud computing resources. Cloud computing resources may include servers, data storage repositories, computing services, communication platforms, virtual development environments, software, and/or the like within a cloud computing environment. Various cloud computing accounts utilizing the cloud computing resources may need the current configuration of the cloud computing resources at all times. The configuration of the cloud computing resources may include server names, database names, security settings, the location of the cloud computing resources, network address of the cloud computing resources, and/or the like.
To determine the current configuration of the cloud computing resources, cloud computing accounts have conventionally had to poll the cloud computing resources individually. Polling-based models may create duplicative efforts to retrieve the same data from the cloud computing resources. Exhaustive Application Program Interface (API) queries may result in a rate limit or throttling issues. Systems performing their normal operations on or with the respective cloud computing resources may be denied or delayed. This is because polling just to retrieve the current configuration of these various cloud computing resources can starve API access of these systems performing their operations using the cloud computing resources.
Furthermore, these cloud computing resources are related to each other. For example, a cloud computing resource may interface with another cloud computing resource. Alternatively, a cloud computing resource may govern the rules of data transmission of another cloud computing resource. Navigating the relationships between cloud computing resources is inefficient, time-consuming, and cumbersome. Conventionally, the relationships between cloud computing resources are stored in a flat structure. The flat structure does not define relationships between the cloud computing resources. To define a hierarchical relationship between the cloud computing resources, this structure forces a user to execute an API call for each cloud computing resource and then infer further relationships between the cloud computing resources based on the results of the API calls. This compounds the inefficiencies in retrieving data.
Methods and systems are needed to observe the current and historical configuration of computing resources in a way that is more efficient and does not starve API access to these cloud computing resources from other processes.
The drawing in which an element first appears is typically indicated by the leftmost digit or digits in the corresponding reference number. In the drawings, like reference numbers may indicate identical or functionally similar elements.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Using captured configuration changes to enable on-demand production of graph-based relationships in a cloud computing environment


A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device, includes forming a first insulating film containing silicon oxide as a main ingredient, on an underlying region, adhering water to the first insulating film, forming a polymer solution layer containing a silicon-containing polymer on the water-adhered first insulating film, and forming a second insulating film containing silicon oxide as a main ingredient from the polymer solution layer, wherein forming the second insulating film includes forming silicon oxide by a reaction between the polymer and water adhered to the first insulating film.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a semiconductor device and a method of manufacturing the same.
2. Description of the Related Art
As the downsizing of semiconductor devices progresses, it becomes difficult to reliably fill an isolation trench with an insulating film. As a solution to such a problem, there has been proposed a method that utilizes a perhydrosilazane polymer (to be called polysilazane hereinafter). (See, for example, Jpn. Pat. Appln. KOKAI Publication No. 2003-258082.) In this method, a polysilazane solution is applied, and the resultant is subjected to coating, baking, curing and densifying processes, etc., thereby obtaining a silicon oxide film (SiO2 film).
Alternatively, there is a technical idea of using a stack film made of a silicon oxide film formed by a CVD (chemical vapor deposition) method (to be called CVD silicon oxide film), and a silicon oxide film obtained from polysilazane (to be called polysilazane silicon oxide film). However, in this case, the polysilazane film is not sufficiently converted into SiO2 film, and therefore the following problem may occur.
A polysilazane silicon oxide film has an etching rate higher as compared to that of a CVD silicon oxide film. Therefore, when etching a stack film of a polysilazane silicon oxide film and a CVD silicon oxide film in the isolation trench, the etching of the polysilazane silicon oxide film progresses faster and therefore a desired etched form cannot be obtained. Thus, due to such a poor controllability of the etching, the etching amount varies from one place to another depending on the pattern, which creates a problem.
Further, the polysilazane silicon oxide film exhibits a large film contraction in a high-temperature heat process such as the curing or densifying process, and therefore a large stress is created. As a result, the peeling-off of the film easily occurs, which serves as a large factor for lowering the yield.
Furthermore, some of the carbon atoms and nitrogen atoms contained in the polysilazane solution remain in the film, which cause an adverse effect on the properties of the semiconductor device. More specifically, carbon atoms and nitrogen atoms are piled up on the side walls and bottom surface of the isolation trench to create a space charge, thereby significantly varying the shift amount of the field inversion voltage of the transistor (ΔVfb).
As described above, in a stack film made of a CVD silicon oxide film and a polysilazane silicon oxide film, the polysilazane film is not sufficiently converted into SiO2 film, which causes such problems as a poor controllability of the etching, a large stress created in the film and degradation of electrical properties. Therefore, it is conventionally difficult to form an insulating film of excellent properties and reliability.

Method of manufacturing a semiconductor device


A container holder assembly includes a recess forming member adapted for mounting in a vehicle, a first container support member pivotally mounted to the recess-forming member for movement in and out of the recess forming member, and a second container support member pivotally mounted to the first container support member for movement through an opening in the sidewall of the first container support member between a retracted position and an extended position. By extending the first container support member and selectively extending or retracting the second container support member, one or two container holder apertures can be selectively formed for supporting one or two containers. The second container support member automatically pivots to the retracted position when the first container support member is pivoted to the storage position in the recess forming member to facilitate closure. In one embodiment, a container holder assembly includes a base having a multi-sided post, and opposing first and second container support members pivotally mounted to the base for movement between a closed position wherein a single container holding aperture is defined, and pivotable outwardly to an extended position wherein a pair of container holder apertures. The single and the double container holder apertures are defined with arcuate surfaces on the first and second container support members in conjunction with corresponding sides of the multi-sided post.

The present invention relates to container holders for vehicles, and in particular to a container holder constructed to selectively hold one or more containers.
There exist a variety of container holders for use in vehicles, some of which are capable of supporting multiple containers. For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,417,764; 4,756,572; 5,060,899; 5,072,989 and 5,195,711 each disclose armrest mounted container holders having structure adapted to support two containers or cups in a vehicle. In particular, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,060,899 and 5,195,711 disclose container holders including a base and container support members movably connected to the base that are selectively moveable between a storage position, a first extended use position for supporting a single container, and a second extended use position for supporting a pair of containers.
However, automotive interior designers continue to demand new container holders designs having shapes and movements specifically adapted for the styling and spacial requirements of particular vehicle models. Further, the container holders must provide secure means for holding the containers in ergonomic and safe positions so that the containers will not be bumped and spilled. At the same time, it is important to maintain the simplicity and durability of the container holder, and also minimize the number of pieces and assembly costs.
Thus, container holders satisfying the above noted needs are desired.


A seat belt cushion apparatus with removable padding is disclosed. The apparatus includes an envelope having an elongate case with an interior compartment formed therein and a flap carried by the case for selectively opening and closing the compartment. A distal portion of the flap is releasably fastened to the case to retain the flap in a closed condition. Padding is removably received by the compartment when the flap is open. The case is generally aligned with and engaged with the seat belt on a side of the seat belt that generally faces the user of the belt and the flap is wrapped about the opposite side of the seat belt and fastened closed to secure the apparatus to the seat belt.

As seat belt use in automobiles and airplanes has increased in recent years, a variety of cushioned seat belt covers have been developed. Typically, these products are designed to make the seat belt more comfortable for the wearer and to protect the wearer and his or her clothing against soil carried by the seat belt. Such seat belt cushions are particularly advantageous for use by small children, who find unpadded seat belts especially uncomfortable.
Unfortunately, conventional seat belt cushions employ a fairly intricate construction, which requires time consuming and expensive manufacturing steps. Moreover, the padding in known seat belt cushions is permanently encased in a fabric or fur cover. The sealed padding material cannot be removed for washing or cleaning and when the padding has lost its resilience or otherwise deteriorated, it cannot be replaced. Rather, the entire seat belt cover must be discarded and an entirely new product must be purchased. This is wasteful because quite often the decorative exterior case or cover remains functional even after the cushion has worn out.


This disclosure provides a method for imaging lymph nodes and lymphatic vessels without a contrast agent. The method includes providing, using an optical source, an infrared illumination to a region of a subject having at least one lymphatic component, detecting a reflected portion of the infrared illumination directly reflected from the region using a sensor positioned thereabout, and generating at least one image indicative of the at least one lymphatic component in the subject using the reflected portion of the infrared illumination.

Lymph nodes, also known as lymph glands, are oval-shaped organs that are widely present throughout the human and animal bodies. Lymph node is an integral part of the lymphatic system, which is responsible for the immune responses to protect the body from diseases and infections. The condition of lymph nodes can be directly indicative to one's health conditions. Swollen lymph nodes can be an indication of bacterial infection, virus infection, cancer, etc. Checking the condition of lymph nodes by imaging them is extremely useful to disease diagnosis, prevention, and treatment.
Currently, there are a number of imaging modalities to visualize and examine the lymph nodes. Traditionally, the standard method is lymphography. Lymphography involves injecting radiocontrast agents into patients and visualize the lymph nodes and lymphatic vessels with X-ray. This procedure is invasive, causes significant discomfort and involves using radioactive agents.
In recent years, cross sectional imaging modalities, including Computational Tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), have become increasingly popular, in replacement of lymphography in lymph node visualization. Ultrasound and Positron Emission Tomography (PET) have also been demonstrated to be useful. Although with these techniques mentioned above, doctors are able to identify lymph nodes and make a reasonably accurate judgment of their conditions, they are general-purpose imaging modalities, so their working mechanisms are not designed to give the best contrast for lymph nodes specifically, unless specific contrasting agents are injected. As a result, other organs and tissues show up in these images with the same or sometimes even better contrast compared to lymph nodes, causing distractions to the task of finding and examining the lymph nodes. These general-purposed imaging modalities are not only not specific to lymph nodes, but also possess their own critical drawbacks. CT involves X-ray exposure and PET involves radioactive agents, which need to be carefully controlled in prevention of health hazards. MM requires expensive instrumentation and is not compatible with patients with metal implants. Ultrasound provides low imaging contrast and resolution mainly because of its long imaging wavelength.
Another common practice for lymph node imaging involves injecting dyes, either blue dyes or fluorescent dyes. The most common dye used for lymph node visualization is methylene blue, which is actually toxic. The dosage of this dye has to be carefully managed. Indocyanine green, a fluorescent dye, has also been used for lymph node imaging. Systems leveraging fluorescence dyes such indocyanine green and methylene blue include systems a FLARE™ system, a fluobeam system, SPY, FDPM, and a Photodynamic Eye system. Most of these use either a single image sensor (typically, a CCD) to capture visible (a reference image) and fluorescence images sequentially, or multiple cameras to image different spectra simultaneously or sequentially.
Dye based methods have numerous drawbacks. One drawback is that dyes can stimulate negative responses to some patients, especially people with kidney complications. Another drawback is that the dye injection method can be unreliable because of the leaky nature of the lymphatic system. Additionally, certain dye-based methods require invasive application of the dye.
For imaging systems that produce multiple images with the use of multiple cameras and/or sequential image acquisition, subsequent image registration is required. To properly coordinate differences in spatial parameters of the multiple images, such image processing must take into account changes in angular coordinate, potential relative motion between the system and the subject, or both. Other types of imagers include specialized CMOS sensors that can collect light via red-green-blue channel(s) (RGB) as well as a single channel in NIR-1.
There are some other reports in academic papers about using novel optical techniques to image lymph nodes, including optical speckle imaging, optical coherence tomography, etc. However, optical speckle imaging is highly susceptible to motion artifact, and optical coherence tomography involves sophisticated instrumentation and offers poor imaging contrast.
In summary, given the critical importance of lymph nodes to human health, there are no convenient and highly effective methods for visualizing lymph nodes. Cross sectional imaging methods are not convenient and not specific for visualization of lymph nodes unless contrasting agents are injected. Dye-based imaging techniques are generally highly invasive and incompatible with clinical settings like routine checks. A new imaging modality that is able to conveniently image lymph nodes with high specificity, high contrast without injecting any imaging contrasting agents will be a powerful tool for medical practitioners to examine the health of the patients, evaluate the effectiveness of a certain treatment, stage one's cancer condition, and so many other medical applications.

Systems and methods for lymph node and vessel imaging


An antenna device is disclosed, which is intended for a portable radio communication device, in particular a pocket size cellular telephone. The novel antenna device includes a housing (1) having mounting means (2) for mounting on the telephone (3), helically configured first radiator (4) carried by the housing, and an impedance matching means (6) formed by reactive components on a dielectric substrate provided with a printed circuit pattern. The matching means is carried by the housing and it matches an impedance of the first radiator to an impedance of transceiver circuitry of the telephone. The antenna device may include one or more radiators in addition to the first radiator. The disclosed antenna means is particularly advantageous when the antenna device includes at least one radiator of half-wave type.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an antenna device having a carrier structure and a matching means. In particular, the invention concerns an antenna device for a mobile personal telephone. More specifically, the invention is directed towards an antenna device with at least one radiating element having half-wave characteristics.
2. Description of the Related Art
One way of making use of several advantages of the invention, is applying it to an antenna device having a fixed helical radiator in combination with an extendable and retractable straight radiator, at least one being essentially of half-wave type.
In a radio communication device the transmitting/receiving circuits are coupled to the feed point of a radiator means via a feed line. Normally, the transmitting/receiving circuits have a nominal impedance of 50+j0 ohms. If the impedance of the radiator feed point differs substantially from that of the transmitting/receiving circuits, an impedance matching means is required for matching the impedance of the radiator to the impedance of transmitting/receiving circuits.
The radiator and the impedance matching means may then be interconnected by a first feed line or similar having a given length. The first feed line is influenced electromagnetically by different conductive or dielectric bodies in its surroundings, for example, a support on which the radio device is resting, the hand and head of an operator, or the chassis of the radio device or conductive parts thereof. Especially when the radiator feed point impedance is high, the length of the first feed line is significant to the environmental influence on the antenna performance. The higher the impedance of the feed point and the longer the first feed line, the higher the sensitivity to environmental variations.
A radiator of quarter-wave type may not require an impedance matching means to be connected to 50 ohm circuitry. Sometimes, a quarter-wave radiator is preferred since it allows the antenna means to be relatively short and non-obstructive. However, a drawback of quarter-wave radiators, for example in cellular telephones, is that currents are inevitably generated on the chassis of the telephone. The antenna performance is then sensitive to influence by, for example, the operator holding the telephone or pressing it to his ear.
Also, from another point of view, it is desirable to use a radiator with relatively high impedance, for example a half-wave radiator or similar. Generally, a half-wave radiator provides a higher efficiency and a greater overall length resulting in less screening. Particularly, on a small size cellular telephone, screening by the operator's head is a problem with regard to operating range and absorption of radiation in the human body.
An antenna device called RA 3137, designed by Allgon Antenn AB in 1993, includes a housing carrying a straight essentially half-wave radiator, a coaxial connector, and an impedance matching means connecting the radiator and the connector. The impedance matching means consists mainly of a coil located inside a cylindrical ground portion, and interconnecting the radiator feed point and the center pin of the connector. Both the coil and the connector are expensive components in manufacture and assembly. RA 3137 is considered to be the prior art closest to the invention.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,300,940 discloses a similar antenna device for a mobile radio communication device. That antenna device includes a helical or straight radiator and at least one reactive element in the form of, for example, a coil on a core for adapting the radiator impedance and for obtaining a desired bandwidth.
The two above mentioned antenna devices fail to be cost-effective, compact, and provide ease of manufacture in large quantities.
WO 94/10720 discloses an antenna device which comprises a housing carrying a helical radiator and an extendable straight half-wave type radiator, which are connected to an impedance matching means inside a portable telephone. The contents of WO 94/10720 are incorporated herein by reference.
Apparently, problems related to the use of a half-wave type radiator in a mobile radio communication device (a telephone) are: the presence of a high-impedance feed line which is sensitive to disturbance and the need of an impedance matching network which will excessively occupy space inside the telephone or the antenna base.


A carrier that may be used in the manufacture of an olefin epoxidation catalyst is provided that is prepared from a process involving depositing boron on the carrier and subsequently calcining the carrier. Also provided is an olefin epoxidation catalyst comprising a silver component deposited on such a calcined carrier. Also provided is a process for the epoxidation of an olefin employing such a catalyst and a process for producing a 1,2-diol, a 1,2-diol ether, or an alkanolamine employing the olefin oxide.

In olefin epoxidation, a feed containing an olefin and an oxygen source is contacted with a catalyst under epoxidation conditions. The olefin is reacted with oxygen to form olefin oxide. A product mix results that contains olefin oxide and typically unreacted feed and combustion products, including carbon dioxide. The olefin oxide, thus produced, may be reacted with water to form a 1,2-diol, with an alcohol to form a 1,2-diol ether, or with an amine to form an alkanolamine. Thus, 1,2-diols, 1,2-diol ethers, and alkanolamines may be produced in a multi-step process initially comprising olefin epoxidation and then the conversion of the formed olefin oxide with water, an alcohol, or an amine.
Olefin epoxidation catalysts generally comprise silver, usually with one or more additional elements deposited therewith, on a formed carrier. Carriers are typically formed of a refractory material, such as alpha-alumina. In general, higher purity alpha-alumina has been found to correlate with better performance.
Such catalysts are commonly prepared by a method involving impregnating or coating the formed carrier particles with a solution comprising a silver component and possibly other dopants. The carrier is commonly prepared by forming particles from a dough or paste comprising the carrier material or a precursor thereof and calcining the particles at a high temperature, commonly at a temperature in excess of 900° C.
The performance of the catalysts may be assessed on the basis of selectivity, activity, and stability of operation in the olefin epoxidation. The selectivity is the molar fraction of the converted olefin yielding the desired olefin oxide. As the catalyst ages, the fraction of olefin converted normally decreases with time. To maintain a desired constant level of olefin oxide production, the temperature of the reaction generally is increased. However, increasing the temperature generally causes the selectivity of the reaction to the desired olefin oxide to decrease. In addition, the equipment used in the reactor typically may tolerate temperatures only up to a certain level. Thus, it may become necessary to terminate the reaction when the reaction temperature reaches a temperature inappropriate for the reactor. Thus, the longer the selectivity may be maintained at a high level and the epoxidation may be performed at an acceptably low reaction temperature while maintaining an acceptable level of olefin oxide production, the longer the catalyst charge may be kept in the reactor and the more product is obtained. Quite modest improvements in the maintenance of selectivity, activity, and stability of operation over long periods may yield huge dividends in terms of process efficiency.
Over the years, much effort has been devoted to improving the performance of olefin epoxidation catalysts. Such efforts have been directed toward improvements to initial activity and selectivity, and to improved stability performance, that is the resistance of the catalyst against aging-related performance decline. In certain instances, improvements have been sought by altering the compositions of the catalysts. In other instances, improvements have been sought by altering the processes for preparing the catalysts, including altering the composition of the carrier and the process for obtaining the carrier.
For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,858,560-B2 generally discloses a catalyst for the production of ethylene oxide containing silver and a promoting amount of an alkali metal component together with a sulfur component and a boron component. The catalyst is essentially free of rhenium and transition metal components. U.S. Pat. No. 5,663,385 generally discloses an ethylene oxide catalyst comprising silver, a promoting amount of alkali metal, a promoting amount of rhenium, and a promoting amount of a rhenium co-promoter selected from phosphorous, boron, and mixtures thereof, supported on a carrier. GB-1571123 generally discloses a catalyst for the production of alkylene oxides comprising silver, a promoting amount of alkali metal, and a catalyst-life enhancing amount of silicon or aluminum and/or a compound of boron deposited on a porous heat resisting support. These patents do not disclose any benefits obtainable as a result of the order in which boron is added to the carrier/catalyst or the procedures and conditions for such addition.
Not withstanding the improvements already achieved, there is a desire to further improve the performance of olefin epoxidation catalysts.

Carrier, a process for preparing the carrier, an olefin epoxidation catalyst, a process for preparing the catalyst, and a process for the production of an olefin oxide, A 1,2-diol, A 1,2-diol ether, or an alkanolamine


The present invention provides a compound having the structure: ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 is a saturated or unsaturated linear or branched chain alkyl group, or a cholestanyl group; wherein R.sub.2 is a 2-indolyl, 3-indolyl, 4-indolyl, 5-indolyl, 4-hydroxyphenyl, 4-(arylalkyloxy)phenyl, 3,4-dihalophenyl, 4-hydroxy-3,5-dihalophenyl, 4-azidophenyl or 4-halophenyl group; wherein R.sub.3 is H, a linear or branched chain alkyl or alkenyl group, or a phenyl, 2-azidophenyl, 3-azidophenyl, 4-azidophenyl group, or an a alkenylacyl, 3-amino-3-butylpropyl, N-[N-(N-{4-azidobenzoyl}aminopropyl) aminopropyl], cis- or trans-cinnamyl, 2-amino-2-[(4'-azidophenyl)acetyl, (trifluoromethyl)aminoacetyl or D- or L-arginyl group bonded through the .alpha.-carbonyl moiety thereof; R.sub.4 is H, or a linear or branched chain alkyl group; wherein R.sub.5, R.sub.6 and R.sub.7 are independently the same or different and are H, a linear or branched chain alkyl group, an aryl group or an arylalkyl group; wherein n, j and t are each 0 or 1; wherein m, o, p, q, r and s are independently the same or different and are 0, 1 or 2; wherein r+s and m+o are each equal to 2; wherein, if j is 0, p+q is 2; wherein, if j is 1, then p is 1, q is 0 and R.sub.6 is H; and wherein * denotes a D or L configuration. The invention also provides a method of synthesizing the compound. Another aspect of the invention concerns a method of treating a subject afflicted by a disorder associated with binding of an etiological agent to a glutamate receptor.

Throughout this application various publications are referenced by arabic numerals within parentheses. Full citations for these publications may be found at the end of the specification immediately preceding the claims. The disclosures of these publications in their entireties are hereby incorporated by reference into this application in order to more fully describe the state of the art as known to those skilled therein as of the date of the invention described and claimed in this application.
Glutamate receptors are believed to be the principal excitatory neurotransmitter receptors in the central nervous system (CNS). Based on the chemicals that activate glutamate receptors, such receptors are generally divided into three major subtypes: quisqualate (QUIS-R), N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA-R), and kainate (KAIN-R). These receptors are involved in development, learning and neuropathology and likely mediate the neurodegenerative consequences of hypoxemia, epilepsy, Alzheimer's disease, and Huntington's disease (1-5). There is considerable interest in developing agents that block glutamate receptors, particularly antagonists of the NMDA type receptor because of their anticonvulsant action and possible protection from ischemic brain damage (7). NMDA receptors are involved in a variety of neurological and psychiatric disorders, and antagonists of this receptor may be therapeutically valuable in movement disorders, such as epilepsy, and in various acute and chronic neurodegenerative disorders.
Studies of glutamate receptors, in particular studies employing biochemical techniques, have been made difficult by the relative paucity of potent antagonists for these receptor proteins. Selective, competitive and non-competitive antagonists of the NMDA receptor have become available during the past few years, but the search for antagonists of the L-quisqualate-sensitive receptor has only recently shown signs of success (8-10). Quisqualate-sensitive glutamate receptors are distributed widely in excitable tissues of multicellular animals (11) and studies of the effects of the venoms of certain wasps and spiders on vertebrate and invertebrate neurons and muscle fibers suggest that one source of antagonists for this class of receptor might be the venoms of some species of predaceous arthropods (12-17).
The solitary digger wasp Philanthus triangulum F., which is a sphecid wasp that preys on honey bees, manufactures a venom which blocks glutamate receptors on locust skeletal muscle (16,17). Piek and colleagues have shown that the venom of this wasp contains a component (termed .delta.-philanthotoxin) which exhibits a number of pharmacological properties including open channel block of junctional glutamate receptors (18) and extrajunctional glutamate D-receptors (19) of locust leg muscle, most of which are quisqualate-sensitive (20). However, Piek and colleagues did not isolate or determine the active compound of the venom component.
In order to deduct the active ingredient contained in venom from the wasp Philanthus triangulum F., a series of extractions were performed to isolate an active fraction. Based on a structure deduced from chemical analysis of the fraction, a series of related compounds were synthesized and their activities and chemical properties compared to those of the venom extract fraction. This resulted in the unexpected discovery of the active compound of the venom. The present invention concerns the active ingredient contained in venom from the wasp Philanthus triangulum F., the chemical structure of this active ingredient, a method for synthesizing the ingredient, designated philanthotoxin-433 PhTX-433, and the use of PhTX-433 as a potent inhibitor of the glutamate receptors. In addition, the present invention involves the synthesis of pharmacologically active analogs of this ingredient, e.g., PhTX-334, PhTX-343 and many others (wherein the numerals denote the number of methylenes between the amino groups of the spermine moiety).

Butyryl-tyrosinyl spermine, analogs thereof and methods of preparing and using same


Microfluidic systems, pumps, valves and applications of the same are provided. The microfluidic system may be a pump or a valve having a fluidic chip and an actuator controlling the opening and closing of the fluidic channel in the fluidic chip. The actuator may be disposed to tilt from the fluidic chip, forming a tilted-rotor peristaltic pump. Alternatively, the actuator may be a rolling ball actuator, and different fluidic chips may be used in different applications. For example, the fluidic chip may be a spiral pump chip having spiral channels, a rotary peristaltic pump chip having multiple output channels, or a multi-port valve chip having one port interconnected with multiple different ports. An analytical valve chip may switchably interconnect bioreactor and rinse/calibration input channels to sensor and waste output channels. The actuator of a random-access valve can move from one valve position to another without opening or closing intermediate ones.

Existing pumps and valves are used in controlling and sensing organs-on-chips. These pumps and valves are implemented in a fluidic cartridge that contains the mechanical, electrical, and microfluidic components necessary for operation thereof. However, further improvement and refinement of the pumps and valves may be required. Therefore, a heretofore unaddressed need exists in the art to address the aforementioned deficiencies and inadequacies.

Microfluidic systems, pumps, valves, fluidic chips thereof, and applications of same


The present invention provides a base station apparatus, a mobile terminal apparatus and a communication control method which can improve the accuracy of channel quality estimation. A communication control method includes the steps of: arranging a CSI-RS, which is a reference signal for downlink channel estimation, in resources of subframes for CSI-RS transmission; setting, in the subframes for CSI-RS transmission, resources to which the CSI-RS is allocated in neighboring areas, to be muting resources; and reporting transmission interval information, which indicates a transmission interval of subframes that are set at the same timing in a transmission cycle of a subframe for CSI-RS transmission in a subject area and in a transmission cycle of a subframe for CSI-RS transmission in the neighboring areas, to a mobile terminal apparatus.

In a UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System) network, for the purposes of improving spectral efficiency and improving data rates, system features based on W-CDMA (Wideband Code Division Multiple Access) are maximized by adopting HSDPA (High Speed Downlink Packet Access) and HSUPA (High Speed Uplink Packet Access). For this UMTS network, for the purposes of further increasing high-speed data rates, providing low delay and so on, long-term evolution (LTE) has been under study (see, for example, Non-Patent Literature 1).
In the third-generation mobile communication system, it is possible to achieve a transmission rate of maximum approximately 2 Mbps on the downlink by using a fixed band of approximately 5 MHz. Meanwhile, in the LTE system, it is possible to achieve a transmission rate of about maximum 300 Mbps on the downlink and about 75 Mbps on the uplink by using a variable band which ranges from 1.4 MHz to 20 MHz. Furthermore, in the UMTS network, for the purpose of achieving further broadbandization and higher speed, successor systems to LTE have been under study (for example, LTE Advanced (LTE-A)). Accordingly, in the future, it is expected that these multiple mobile communication systems will coexist, and configurations (radio base station apparatus, mobile terminal apparatus, etc.) that are capable of supporting these multiple systems will become necessary.
On the downlink of the LTE system, the CRS (Common Reference Signal), which is a cell-common reference signal, is defined. The CRS is used to demodulate transmission data, and, besides, used to measure downlink channel quality (CQI: Channel Quality Indicator) for scheduling and adaptive control, and to measure an average downlink propagation path state for cell search and handover (mobility measurement).
On the other hand, in the downlink of a successor system of LTE (LTE-A system), the CSI-RS (Channel State Information-Reference Signal) for dedicated use of CQI measurement is under study. The CSI-RS supports CQI measurement in a plurality of cells, taking into account coordinated multiple-point (CoMP) data channel signal transmission/reception. The CSI-RS is used for CQI measurement in neighboring cells, and, in this regard, is different from the CRS, which is used for CQI measurement in the serving cell alone.

Base station apparatus, mobile terminal apparatus and communication control method