The present invention relates to mixed catalyst system of at least one bridged, bulky ligand metallocene-type compound, and at least one bridged, asymmetrically substituted, bulky ligand metallocene-type compound, a method of making the mixed catalyst system and to there use in a polymerization process to produce polymers having an unexpected improvement in processability.

The present invention relates to a mixed catalyst useful in a process for polymerizing one or more olefin(s). The mixed catalysts are bulky ligand transition metal metallocene-type catalyst compounds where at least one catalyst is a bridged, bulky ligand metallocene-type compound, and at least one catalyst is a bridged, asymmetrically substituted, bulky ligand metallocene-type compound. Polymers produced using the mixed catalyst of the invention are easier to process into end-use applications such as films or molded articles.
The use of bulky ligand transition metal metallocene-type catalyst systems in polymerization processes to produce a diverse array of new polymers for use in a wide variety of applications and products is well known in the art. Typical bulky ligand transition metal metallocene-type compounds are generally described as containing one or more ligands capable of xcex7-5 bonding to the transition metal atom, usually, cyclopentadienyl derived ligands or moieties, in combination with a transition metal selected from Group 4, 5 or 6 or from the lanthanide and actinide series of the Periodic Table of Elements. Exemplary of the development of these and other metallocene-type catalyst compounds and catalyst systems are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,017,714, 5,055,438, 5,096, 867, 5,198,401, 5,229,478, 5,264,405, 5,278,119, 5,324,800, 5,384,299, 5,408,017, 5,491,207 and 5,621,126 all of which are herein fully incorporated by reference.
Commercial polyethylene generally has a trade-off between their processability and their physical properties. Processability is the ability to economically process and shape a polymer uniformly. Processability involves such elements as thermal stability, how easily the polymer flows, melt strength, and whether or not the extrdudate is distortion free. Linear polyethylenes, known as Linear Low Density Polyethylene (LLDPE) made with traditional Ziegler-Natta catalysts, are more difficult to process than high pressure produced low density polyethylenes (LDPE) because linear polyethylenes exhibit a higher viscosity at a higher shear region which requires more motor power, produces higher extruder pressure and prone to melt fracture at the extrusion rates of LDPE""s. Linear polyethylenes also have poor bubble stability compared to LDPE due to a lower melt viscosity at low shear rates and/or lower melt strength. On the other hand, however, linear polyethylenes exhibit superior physical properties as compared to LDPE""s.
In order to take advantage of the superior physical and mechanical properties of linear polyethylenes, expensive antioxidants and processing aids are added to the polymer, and extrusion equipment must be modified to achieve commercial extrusion rates.
It is also common practice in the industry to add low levels of an LDPE to a linear polyethylene to increase melt strength, to increase shear sensitivity, to increase flow at a given horse power; and to reduce the tendency to melt fracture.
A second technique to improve the processability of linear polyethylenes is to broaden the molecular weight distribution by blending two or more linear polyethylenes with significantly different molecular weights, or by changing to a polymerization catalyst that produces a polymer having a broad molecular weight distribution.
Thus, in order to obtain polymer products having improved physical properties as well as easier processing polymers, the industry has focused on the physical blending of two or more polymers in the hopes that the polymer blend will exhibit the best characteristics of its component polymers. Others have looked at using two or more reactors to produce blends in situ in the reactor or use two or more catalysts to produce the desired polymer product.
There are various publications in the art discussing mixed metallocene-type catalysts. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,530,914 discusses a catalyst system for producing polyethylene having a broad molecular weight distribution using two different metallocene-type catalyst compounds having different propagation and termination rate constants for ethylene polymerization. U.S. Pat. No. 4,937,299 is directed to a homogeneous catalyst system of at least two metallocene-type catalyst compounds each having different reactivity ratios for use in a single reactor to produce a polymer blend. U.S. Pat. No. 5,470,811 discusses producing polymers having improved product properties using an isomeric mixture of two or more substituted metallocene-type catalyst compounds. EP-A2-0 743 327 discuss the use of meso and racemic bridged mixed metallocene-type catalysts compounds to produce ethylene polymers having improved processability. U.S. Pat. No. 5,516,848 relates to a process for producing polypropylene using a bridged mono-cyclopentadienyl heteroatom containing compound and an unbridged, bis-cyclopentadienyl containing compound. EP-B 1-0 310 734 discusses the use of a mixed bridged bulky ligand hafnium and zirconium metallocene-type catalyst compounds to produce a polymer having broad molecular weight distribution. U.S. Pat. No. 5,696,045 describes using at least two different bridged, bulky ligand zirconium metallocene-type catalyst compounds to produce propylene polymers having a broad molecular weight distribution where one of the stereorigid zirconocenes has as a bulky ligand, an indenyl ligand having a substituent on the six-member ring. EP-B 1-516 018 describes using two different bridged bulky ligand zirconium metallocene-type catalyst compounds to produce a broad molecular weight distribution polypropylene polymer where one of the bridged metallocenes has as the bulky ligands, indenyl ligands, that are substituted in at least the two position.
Others in the art discuss using a polymerization process in which two or more polymerization reactors are joined in series, where one catalyst is used in a first reactor to produce a first polymer that is then fed into a second reactor with the same or different catalyst, typically under different reactor conditions. In this way, the resulting polymer from a series polymerization process is a combination or blend of two different polymers. These polymer blends, typically, contain a high molecular weight and a low molecular weight component. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,665,818 discusses using two fluidized gas phase reactors in series using a transition metal based catalyst to form an in situ polymer blend having improved extrudability. EP-B 1-0 527 221 discusses a series reactor process using metallocene-type catalyst systems for producing bimodal molecular weight distribution polymer products. However, series or multistage reactor processes are expensive and more difficult to operate.
Thus, it would be highly advantageous to have a catalyst system capable of producing an easier processing polymer having good properties, preferably in a single polymerization process.
This invention provides for a mixed bridged metallocene-type catalyst compounds of at least two different such catalyst compounds, at least one having bridged bulky ligands and the other having bridged bulky ligands that are asymmetrically substituted. The mixed bridged metallocene-type compounds of the invention together with an activator form a catalyst system useful in a polymerization process for producing polymers having improved processability.
For purposes of this patent specification and appended claims the bridged, bulky ligand metallocene-type compounds of the invention are different from the bridged, asymmetrically substituted bulky ligand metallocene-type catalyst compounds of the invention.
In another embodiment, the invention relates to a process for polymerizing olefin(s) in the presence of at least two different catalyst compounds, one being a bridged, bulky ligand transition metal metallocene-type catalyst compound and the other being a bridged, asymmetrically substituted, bulky ligand transition metal metallocene-type catalyst compound.
In yet another embodiment, the invention provides for a method for making a supported mixed catalyst of at least two different catalyst compounds, where a bridged, bulky ligand transition metal metallocene-type catalyst compound is combined with a bridged, asymmetrically substituted, bulky ligand transition metal metallocene-type catalyst compound, at least one activator, and at least one carrier. In a preferred embodiment, the bridged, bulky ligand metallocene-type catalyst compound is mixed the bridged, asymmetrically substituted, bulky ligand metallocene-type catalyst compound to form a catalyst mixture; and then contacting the catalyst mixture with a carrier.
In still yet another embodiment, the invention provides for a polymerization process using the supported mixed catalyst as described above.

Mixed catalysts for use in a polymerization process


A substrate for a display apparatus includes a barrier layer disposed on a base substrate. The barrier layer includes a silicon oxide layer, and the silicon oxide layer includes a first part and a second part along a thickness direction of the barrier layer. The amount of silicon in the first part is different from the amount of silicon in the second part.

1. Field
One or more embodiments described herein relate to a display apparatus.
2. Description of the Related Art
A variety of advanced display technologies have been used in mobile devices, including digital and video cameras, personal digital assistants, and cellular phones. In order to meet consumer demand, the displays in these devices are often required to be thin and lightweight, and at the same time generate high quality images. However, many displays have been shown to deteriorate over time because of moisture, contamination from foreign substances, and other effects.

Substrate for display apparatus, and display apparatus using the same


A case structure for card-type electronic product includes an intermediate frame having insertion slots spaced thereon; a lower cover connected to a lower side of the intermediate frame by lower hooking members upward inserted into the insertion slots, and each of the lower hooking members including two spaced latch legs; and an upper cover connected to an upper side of the intermediate frame by upper hooking members downward inserted into the insertion slots corresponding to the lower hooking members, and each of the upper hooking members including two laterally outward extended latch hooks. When the upper and lower covers are assembled to the upper and lower sides of the intermediate frame, the latch hooks of the upper hooking members are abutted on lower edges of the latch legs of the lower hooking members to firmly hold the lower cover to the upper cover in three directions.

FIGS. 1 and 2 are exploded and assembled perspective views, respectively, of a case structure for a flash memory card disclosed in Taiwanese Patent Publication No. 545656. As shown, the flash memory card case structure includes a base 3 and a cover 4. A groove 31 is formed along a periphery of the base 3. A plurality of retaining holes 32 is formed on an inner bottom of the groove 31 at predetermined intervals. Each of the retaining holes 32 includes an inward tapered upper hole 321 and a lower locating hole 322. A plurality of latch plates 41 are formed along a periphery of the cover 4 corresponding to the retaining holes 32 of the base 3. Each of the latch plates 41 has two laterally opposite L-shaped hooking legs 412 with a narrow space 411 existed between them. A curved section 413 is formed on an outer side of each of the hooking legs 412. Being guided by the curved sections 413, the hooking legs 412 of the latch plates 41 can be easily extended through the tapered upper holes 321 into the lower locating holes 322 of the retaining holes 32 and be held therein, so that the cover 4 is connected to the base 3 to form an integral case structure. However, in practice, the above-described structure has some defects as follows:
First, the hooking legs are made of a metal material while the base is made of a plastic material, which has a relatively weak mechanical strength compared to the metal material. Therefore, the plastic retaining holes tend to become worn out and even broken if an end user frequently inserts and extracts the metal hooking legs into and from the plastic retaining holes.
Second, since the cover is connected to the base via engagement of the hooking legs with the retaining holes in two directions in the same plane, the case structure is apt to break apart when it is carelessly dropped or subjected to a sideward impact.
Third, after the latch plates 41 of the cover 4 are inserted into the retaining holes 32 of the base 3, it is uneasy to extract the latch plates 41 from the retaining holes 32. In the event the latch plates 41 are forcedly extracted from the retaining holes 32, the lower locating holes 322 in the plastic groove 31 would become damaged. Therefore, the case structure of FIGS. 1 and 2 does not allow examination and repair of a half-finished electronic product.
FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a case structure for a memory card receiving device disclosed in Taiwanese Patent Publication No. 549688. The memory card receiving device includes a rectangular intermediate frame 60, a top panel 61 connected to a top of the intermediate frame 60, and a bottom panel 62 connected to a bottom of the intermediate frame 60. A wall portion 601 is formed on each of four sides of the intermediate frame 60. A plurality of insertion slots 602 are formed on an inner side of each wall section 601. A plurality of complementary male and female latch plates 611, 612 are spaced along a periphery of the top panel 61 corresponding to the insertion slots 602. Also, a plurality of complementary male and female latch plates 621, 622 are spaced along a periphery of the bottom panel 62 corresponding to the insertion slots 602. When the top panel 61 and the bottom panel 62 are connected to the top and the bottom of the intermediate frame 60, respectively, with the latch plates inserted into the insertion slots 602, the male latch plates 611 and 621 are engaged with the female latch plates 622 and 612, respectively, in the insertion slots 602. The above-structured male and female latch plates have low binding strength. Therefore, the top panel 61 and the bottom panel 62 are not firmly locked to one another in the intermediate frame 60.
FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a conventional memory card case structure including an intermediate frame 70, a first cover 71, and a second cover 72. A plurality of insertion slots 702 are spaced along the intermediate frame 70 to extend in a thickness direction of the intermediate frame 70. A plurality of male and female latch plates 711, 712 is spaced along a periphery of the first cover 71. Also, a plurality of complementary female and male latch plates 722, 721 is spaced along a periphery of the second cover 72. When the first and second covers 71, 72 are connected to two opposite sides of the intermediate frame 70, the male and female latch plates 711, 721, 712, 722 are extended into the insertion slots 702 with the male latch plates 711 and 721 engaged with the female latch plates 722 and 712, respectively. In practice, the above-described structure has some shortcomings as follows:
First, the latch plates have complicated configurations and therefore require complicated punching dies to manufacture the first and the second cover 71, 72. As a result, the memory card case structure requires higher designing and manufacturing costs and longer manufacturing time to adversely affect the product development.
Second, the latch plates have complicated configurations and require high accuracy to enable correct assembly of the half-finished and finished products with a tolerance less than 0.10 mm. This leads to increased manufacturing cost and has adverse influence on the competition ability of the products in the market.
It is therefore tried by the inventor to develop a case structure for card-type electronic product to eliminate the drawbacks in the conventional similar products.

Case structure for card-type electronic product


The present invention is directed to an apparatus and process for heating and cooling semiconductor wafers in thermal processing chambers. In particular, the apparatus of the present invention includes a cooling device for actively cooling the wafers after the wafers have been heated. During use, the cooling device can be movable towards and away from a wafer placed in the chamber for selectively cooling the wafer at desired times. In an alternative embodiment, a gas can be directed towards the wafer for rapidly reducing the temperature of the wafer at the completion of the process. Alternatively, the wafer can be lowered to close proximity of a cooling member to achieve active and selective cooling.

A thermal processing chamber as used herein refers to a device that rapidly heats objects, such as semiconductor wafers. Such devices typically include a substrate holder for holding a semiconductor wafer and a thermal energy source, such as a light source that emits light energy for heating the wafer. During heat treatment, the semiconductor wafers are heated under controlled conditions according to a preset temperature regime. For monitoring the temperature of the semiconductor wafer during heat treatment, thermal processing chambers also typically include temperature sensing devices, such as pyrometers, that sense the radiation being emitted by the semiconductor wafer at a selected band of wavelengths. By sensing the thermal radiation being emitted by the wafer, the temperature of the wafer can be calculated with reasonable accuracy.
In alternative embodiments, instead of or in addition to using radiation sensing devices, thermal processing chambers can also contain thermocouples for monitoring the temperature of the wafers. Thermocouples measure the temperature of objects by direct contact.
Many semiconductor heating processes require a wafer to be heated to high temperatures so that various chemical and physical reactions can take place as the wafer is fabricated into a device. During rapid thermal processing, which is one type of processing, semiconductor wafers are typically heated by arrays of lights to temperatures, for instance, from about 400° C. to about 1,200° C., for times which are typically less than a few minutes. During these processes, one main goal is to heat the wafers as uniformly as possible.
More particularly, in the past, semiconductor wafers were heated according to a predetermined heating cycle. For instance, the wafers were typically heated from an initial temperature to a desired temperature at a very fast heating rate. The wafers were then maintained at the desired temperature for a time sufficient for desired processes to take place. For instance, during these heating cycles the wafers can be annealed or various coatings and films can be deposited onto the wafers, such as oxide films.
In order to complete the heating cycle, the light sources are switched off and the wafers were allowed to cool after being maintained at a desired temperature for a predetermined amount of time. In general, the wafers were allowed to cool naturally by simply removing or turning off the heating source. In particular, the wafers would cool by the loss of energy through radiation from a hot body. The amount of energy that is lost from the wafer is proportional to the difference between the temperature of the wafer and the temperature of the surrounding atmosphere. Consequently, during these processes, the cooling rate of the wafers is relatively fast at high temperatures and then slows down exponentially as the temperature of the wafer decreases.
Recently, emphasis has been placed upon forming integrated circuits having thinner and more uniform layers that are more efficient and require less power to operate. In this regard, recent focus has turned to not only more precisely forming coatings and films in thermal processing chambers but also on reducing the length of time it takes to complete a heating cycle in the chamber. Unfortunately, however, conventional methods for cooling wafers in thermal processing chamber have frustrated these objectives.
For instance, as described above, conventional methods for cooling wafers in thermal processing chambers have a tendency to greatly increase the time it takes to complete a heating cycle within the chamber in that the wafers are cooled relatively slowly. Further, during this slow cooling phase of the cycle, unwanted chemical and physical reactions can occur which can adversely affect the electrical properties of coatings and films formed on the semiconductor wafer.
As such, a need currently exists for an improved apparatus and process for cooling wafers in rapid thermal processing chambers. In particular, a need currently exists for a rapid thermal processing chamber that is capable of actively cooling semiconductor wafers very rapidly after the wafers have been heated.

Fast heating and cooling apparatus for semiconductor wafers


The present invention is directed to a new cellulase composition for finishing of cellulose-containing textiles, especially cotton. The improved properties of the cellulase composition are based on an elevated content of CBHII cellobiohydrolase type component in an otherwise normal background cellulase composition. When the composition with elevated CBHII contents is used improved color properties, increased lightness, improved visual appearance and reduced pilling tendencies are achieved. The strength properties of the textile materials are essentially unchanged as compared to previously used cellulase compositions.

1. The Technical Field of the Invention
The present invention is directed to a cellulase composition having an elevated content of CBHII type cellulase. Said cellulase composition is obtainable from bacteria or fungi, especially from Trichoderma. The invention is also related to treatment media containing said cellulose composition as well as to methods for treating and finishing textile materials.
2. The State of the Art
Cellulase treatment of cellulose-containing textile materials during their manufacture or finishing is known per se in the art. The enzymatic treatment for finishing of cellulose-containing textile materials is called biofinishing. Biofinishing has been used to remove all kinds of impurities and individual loose fibre ends that protrude from the textile surface. The key benefits offered by biofinishing with cellulases are permanent improval of depilling, cleared surface structure by reduced fuzz, improved textile handle, such as softness, smoothness and a silkier feel, improved drapability and brighter colors of the textile and improved moisture absorbability.
Significant strength loss of the fabric as a result of cellulase treatment is a problem associated with cellulase treatment. The strength loss is caused by cellulase-induced hydrolysis of beta-1,4-glucosidic bonds of cellulose, which in turn results in partial degradation of cellulosic polymer, and further, can result in strength loss of the fabric.
In the treatment of fabrics, cellulase derived from fungi, for example from Trichoderma reesei, is generally employed, such cellulase being composed of cellobiohydrolase (CBH), endoglucanase (EG) and beta-glucosidase (BG) type components. The CBH and EG components can further be divided into CBHI and CBHII types and into several various EG types, the main types of the latter being EGI and EGII. The BG components do not react with cellulosic polymers, but further cleave the degradation products, for example cellobiose, that are formed as a result of the synergistic effect of the CBH and EG components.
A method for treating cotton fabrics, prior to dyeing and finishing, with cellulase solution in order to remove lint and loose surface fibres to impart a better appearance to the fabric is disclosed in the U.S. Pat. No. 5,232,85. The employed cellulase can be produced, for example, by Trichoderma reesei, T. koningii, Penicillium sp or Humicola insolens species. In the given examples, CYTOLASE 123-cellulase (Genencor Int.) was used with no detailed composition given in said publication. In addition to cellulase, the cellulase solution may contain buffers, surfactants, abrasion agents, and the like. After treatment, the tensile strength of the cotton woven fabric was reported to be at least 50 percent of the tensile strength of untreated fabric.
The original natural cellulase composition obtainable from the fermentation medium, which is derived directly from the microbes, for example from T. reesei fungi, is seldom suitable as such to give a desired result. The original cellulase composition may comprise about 45-80% CBHI, 10-25% CBHII, 5-15% EGI and 8-15% EGII of the total cellulase protein content. The interrelations of the CBH and EG components contained in a composition may hence be changed by various methods known to persons skilled in the art. Such methods include, for example, fractionation and genetic engineering.
The U.S. Pat. No. 5,120,463 for example discloses a detergent composition comprising a surfactant and additionally 0.002 to 10 weight percent of cellulase composed of CBHI type and EG type components with the ratio of CBHI to (EGI+EGII) being .gtoreq.10:1.
The International Patent Application WO 93/22428 discloses a method for treating cotton fabrics with fungal cellulase compositions comprising CBHI type and EG type components in a weight ratio greater than 10:1. The application mentions that the tensile strength of treated fabric is at least about 50 percent of the tensile strength of untreated fabric. No test results, however, are given.
In the International Patent Publication WO 94/23113 a method for treating cotton-containing and non-cotton cellulosic fabrics during manufacture to reduce lint generation is also described. The cellulase compositions contains all EG type components to all CBH type components in a ratio of greater than 5:1.
In the International Patent Publication WO 92/06221 cotton-containing fabrics treated with a cellulase solution essentially free from CBHI type cellulase components are said to have a decreased strength loss as compared to fabrics treated with cellulase solution containing a complete cellulase composition.
It is also known in the art that the activity of the cellulase composition depends on the acidity of the environment in which the treatment is carried out. Most generally, the activity is at its highest at slightly acid pHs, even though compositions functioning in a neutral environment may also be employed, and even such cellulase compositions are known to act in alkaline conditions. However, compositions used in a neutral or alkaline environment have a prolonged reaction time, i.e. the compositions are acting slower. Because time means money, time consuming treatments are not only less time-effective but also less cost-effective. Alternatively, more equipment is required to treat the same amount of fabrics in the same time. This is also expensive and requires additional space and facilities. Naturally, buffers known to persons skilled in the art are used to adjust the acidity of cellulase treatment media, but it does not solve all the problems.
The problem of obtaining improved color retention/restoration properties as well as improved softening and feel and visual appearance properties to cotton fabrics has been discussed in several patents and patent applications.
In the U.S. Pat. No. 5,090,474 for example a detergent composition containing substantially pure EGIII is described. The composition contains no more than 5 weight percent of CBHI type components.
The International Patent Publication WO 92/06210 describes a cellulase composition, which is enriched with unspecified endoglucanase type components. The ratio of EG type components to all CBHI type components is greater than 5:1. The composition is said to impart improved softening properties as well as retention/restoration properties to the detergent composition when used in acidic, neutral or alkaline washing media.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,246,853 discloses an improved method for treating cotton-containing fabrics with fungal cellulase compositions which are essentially free from CBH I type cellulase components, but contains at least 10% of unspecified EG type components based on the total weight of proteins in the cellulase solution.
In the International Patent Publication WO 92/06165 a cellulase composition is disclosed which composition contains 0.01-5 weight percent cellulase components. The compositions contains one or more unspecified EG type components and of all cellulase components less than 5 weight percent is of CBH I type components.
The International Patent Publication WO 95/25840 describes a cellulase composition, which is essentially free from CBH I type cellulase components and has a weight ratio of all EG-type components to all CBH I type components of greater than 5:1. Said International Patent Application corresponds to U.S. Pat. No. 5,525,507, which discloses a composition useful for treating non-cotton material. The composition is essentially free of all CBHI type cellulase components and the improved properties are achieved by modifying the naturally complete fungal cellulase composition by adding at least 10 percent of unspecified endoglucanase components.
The International Patent Publication WO 92/17572 describes a cellulase composition, which is essentially free from CBH I type cellulase components and comprises at least about 20 weight percent of unspecified EG type components.
The International Patent Publication WO 92/17574 describes a cellulase composition, which comprises one or more unspecified EG component and one more CBHI component and the ratio of all EG to all CBHI components is greater than 5:1.
In view of the above, the primary problem of using cellulase compositions in the treatment and finishing of cellulose-containing textile materials has not only been the strength loss of the fabric as a result of the cellulase treatment but also the fact that even if the proportions of CBH and EG type components have been changed in the most subtle ways as suggested in the prior art patents and patent applications no significant change in the biofinishing properties has been achieved. It seems as if the different ratios of CBH and EG type components are varied more or less randomly and the results, such as removal of impurities and individual loose fibre ends that protrude from the textile surface are as randomly obtainable. The key benefits claimed by the patents and patent application using different ratios of EG and CBH type components in biofinishing, i.e. permanent improval of depilling, cleared surface structure by reduced fuzz, improved textile handle, such as softness, smoothness and a silkier feel, improved drapability and brighter colors of the textile and improved capability of absorbing moisture seems to be essentially unchanged even if the ratios of EG and CBH vary.
Furthermore, the removal of certain components and addition of other components to the natural complete fungal cellulase composition is not necessarily sufficiently cost-effective.
We have now surprisingly found that it is not the different ratios of CBH components others than CBHII and EG components that gives the improved properties in manufacturing and finishing of textiles, but an increased level of CBHII is responsible for the improvement. The same or even better results in manufacturing and finishing are obtained as soon as even small amounts of CBHII type component(s) are added to the natural complete cellulase composition background. This improvement is totally independent of the ratios of CBH and EG disclosed in prior art.
Thus, the objective of the present invention is to provide an improved cellulase composition for treating cellulose-containing textile materials that gives a smooth feel, improved appearance and softness and improved depilling properties to the textile.
In particular, the objective of the present invention is to provide an improved cellulase composition for treating cellulose-containing textile materials that would not result in significant strength loss of the textile as a result of the treatment.
Further, the objective of the present invention is to provide an improved treatment medium for cellulose-containing textile materials that may comprise, in addition to the cellulase composition of this invention, for example, surfactants, polymers, buffers, bulk agents, preservatives, stabilizers and/or abrasion agents.
The objective of the present invention is to provide compositions with a decreased reaction time, i.e. compositions which act more rapidly. This means more time- and cost-effective treatment procedures and savings in equipment as well as treatment facilities.
The objective of the present invention is additionally to provide an improved method for treating cellulose-containing textile materials so as to preserve the strength properties, as well as to obtain an improved appearance and smooth feel of the textile.
The described objectives of the present invention have been achieved by employing a cellulase composition invention which comprises elevated amounts of CBHII type cellulase as compared to the natural complete cellulase compositions as well as those cellulase compositions known from prior art.
The improved cellulase composition of the present invention is obtainable from a cellulase solution produced by cultivating fungi or bacteria and collecting the spent essentially cell-free fermentation broth or medium containing the naturally occurring complete background cellulase components such as CBH and EG components, but above all an elevated content of CBHII components as compared to the natural complete cellulase compositions and the prior art cellulase compositions with different CBH and EG ratios. The elevated content of CBHII should be such that the desired effects are achieved. The CBHII type cellulase being the component which is essential for obtaining the objectives and benefits of the present invention.

Cellulase composition for biofinishing cellulose-containing textile materials


A bending area structure of a flexible display panel is disclosed and includes a flexible substrate layer, a circuit layer, and at least one organic layer. The circuit layer is disposed on the flexible substrate layer. The at least one organic layer is disposed on the circuit layer. A plurality of protrusions are arranged on an upper surface of the at least one organic layer.

The present disclosure relates to a bending area structure of a flexible display panel, and more particularly to a bending area structure of a flexible display panel in which a protrusion is disposed on an organic layer to reduce stress received by the bending area.
As the next generation of mainstream display panels, flexible panels have attracted more and more attention. Flexible display panels enable a screen to display a complete picture when the screen is bent freely like a paper. The flexible display panels possess advantages of small size and light weight, which can be used for computers, televisions, personal portable devices, etc.
The flexible display panel is composed of a display area and a non-display area. When preparing a narrow frame or a full screen, a chip of the non-display area must be fixed to a back surface of the display panel. At that time, the bending area is bent 180 degrees. When the bending area is bent 180 degrees, each film layer of the bending area is subjected to a bending stress and stretching thereof for a long time may cause bending cracks to form between the film layers or inside the film layers, thereby reducing a service life of the device.
Therefore, it is necessary to provide an improved bending area structure of a flexible display panel to solve the above technical problems.

Bending area structure of flexible display panel

Wuhan China Star Optoelectronics Technology Co., Ltd.


A driver assistance system for a motor vehicle having a first assistance subsystem for capturing a first sub-area of an environment of the motor vehicle and having a second assistance subsystem for capturing a second sub-area of the environment. The first assistance subsystem is configured to generate a first image of the first sub-area and the second assistance subsystem is configured to generate a second image of the second sub-area. The driver assistance system has a display device for displaying at least the first image. The display device being configured to display a first augmented reality, the first augmented reality being generated by superimposition of the first image with first assistance information of the first assistance subsystem as the first augmented reality content and by superimposition with second assistance information of the second assistance subsystem as the second augmented reality content.

Electronic mirror systems are already known in the art, with cameras and displays (screens) replacing the actual mirror. This is both a replacement for the traditional exterior rear-view mirrors on the doors and a replacement, e.g. for an interior rear-view mirror in the interior of a motor vehicle. Here, the cameras are preferably located in positions that offer similar perspectives to those of the omitted mirrors, for example on an A-pillar/door panel or a rear edge of the roof. The displays can sometimes also show additional information, for example distance markers or markers of approaching motor vehicles, for example with a lane change assistant, with a blind spot detection assistant or with an overtaking assistant. In the case of support for a parking situation, this support is usually limited to a vertical shift in the image section of the passenger-side image, corresponding to a lowering of the mirror.
Also known are camera-based systems, so-called "view systems", for support in parking and maneuvering situations. These are, for example, rear view cameras or multi-camera systems with, for example, video images composed of four cameras.
Individual views of certain areas are also implemented here. These in turn display distance markers of the parking support as well as auxiliary lines which correspond, for example, to the markers of the found parking spot, the current vehicle driving channel at the current steering angle or the planned trajectory during automatic parking. The displays of separate functions such as the maneuvering assistant, rim protection and the trailer maneuvering assistant are also implemented in the views.
The individual assistance subsystems, such as the electronic rear-view mirror or the reversing camera, work independently of each other in state-of-the-art technology and use separate display locations and displays in particular. In particular, the absence of information, markers, instructions or auxiliary lines from the assistance subsystem which are not found on the other display location or display can make an impression of inconsistency on the driver.
Depending on the image section, the electronic mirrors now show partially overlapping areas to the view systems in accordance with the state of the art, whereby the distance markers of the parking support or auxiliary lines are missing, although surrounding objects can be seen better or at least from a different perspective.
DE 10 2015 122 997 A1 discloses a method for representing a rear outer area of a motor vehicle with at least one camera element on the motor vehicle. The camera element is adjusted in different camera settings and, depending on these camera settings, the camera element senses different exterior, camera setting-dependent capturing areas.

Driver assistance system and method for a motor vehicle for displaying an augmented reality


A process for manufacturing composite sheets includes steps of:                continuously depositing a web of yarns, in the form of a mat of continuous yarns, a woven, a knit or an assembly of continuous non-interlaced yarns on a moving substrate;                    depositing a powder of an organic material capable of forming a coating layer under the action of heat on at least one side of said web;            heating the web coated with the powder to a temperature sufficient to melt the powder;            compressing and cooling the web so as to form a composite strip; and            cutting the strip in the form of sheets or winding the strip up on a rotating support.

More precisely, the invention relates to a process, and to the installation allowing its implementation, which consists in applying, to a web of yarns continuously deposited on a moving substrate, a powder of a material capable of reacting under the effect of heat in order to form a coating layer, said web comprising at least one organic, thermoplastic or thermosetting, material and at least one reinforcing material, and in heating and then compressing the assembly thus obtained in order to form a composite sheet.
The walls of trucks, trailers and containers used for transporting or storing merchandise are formed from panels generally consisting of a thermoplastic or thermosetting material into which reinforcing yarns, especially glass yarns, are incorporated, and of a topcoat whose function is to improve the appearance of the surface visible from the outside. The main purpose of the topcoat is to attenuate the "marking" effect due to the presence of the reinforcing yarns near the surface, in other words to make it smoother and possibly glossier. The esthetic appearance is not the only advantage provided by the coat: since the surface finish is improved, it becomes easier to apply patterns and inscriptions, for example by means of a paint or in the form of stickers, or to maintain the state of cleanliness thereof.
The walls of trucks, trailers and containers each consist of a one-piece panel of large dimensions, possibly up to 3.5 meters in width and 17 meters in length, or even more.
Several known methods are used to manufacture these panels.
A first method consists in forming a continuous strip from a matrix comprising reinforcing yarns, in coating this strip with a film capable of forming the coating layer and in cutting said strip to the required dimensions in order to form the final composite panel.
To obtain very wide panels requires the use of a film at least as wide as that of the panel. It is difficult and also very expensive to produce such films, as the production requires machines that are specially adapted to these large widths. The film may be obtained and deposited directly by extrusion at the time of manufacture of the panel or the film may be provided already wound in the form of reels. For widths greater than 2 meters, it is not conceivable to use extrusion since the cost of the machine is much too high.
With reels, there are additional problems associated with production (size of the reels, quality of the film), with storage and with the requirement to have a specific film for each type of panel, especially as regards the color. Conventionally, these drawbacks are alleviated by using several films of smaller width that are juxtaposed or partially overlapped at the edges in order to be matched to the size of the panel. However, the final panel is unsatisfactory as marks remain visible where the films are joined together.
Another method consists in cutting the strip from the abovementioned first method to the dimensions of the panel and then in applying the coating in paint form.
The nature of the material used does not allow correct bonding of the paint when it is applied directly. It is for this reason that it is generally recommended to pretreat the surface to be coated, for example by applying an adhesion primer or else to carry out a flame treatment ("flame brushing") or a corona treatment. It is general practice to apply a layer of a "lining" primer to the treated surface, said primer having the consistency of a mastic and serving to mask the surface irregularities. The coat of paint that forms the actual topcoat is applied to the primer, possibly after a rubbing-down step.
Although this method allows great freedom in the choice of color, it also has drawbacks. Its implementation requires a painting booth capable of taking large panels, and also having to be equipped with means for the completely safe use of paints based on organic solvents that are undesirable both for users and for the environment, and for keeping the panels free of dust.
The above process is a discontinuous process in which each panel is treated individually in a relatively long treatment cycle: to give an example, with the adhesion primer, several hours of drying are needed before the next layers can be applied.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a process that allows rapid and continuous manufacture of composite sheets which have a coating improving the surface appearance and are of large dimensions, especially a large width.
It is also an object of the present invention to provide a process in which the coating is formed on the composite sheet by applying a powder.

Method and device for making a composite plate


A security document that provides an indication it is a copy when copied by a photocopy machine has printed background pattern and warning printer matter interspersed with blank areas of a substrate to provide a distinct intermeshed pattern so that the warning printed matter is indistinguishable from the printed background by the human eye. The printed background comprises a number of parallel lines of a size such that they will be resolved by a photocopy machine, while the warning printed matter comprises geometric elements (typically circular dots) of a size less than that which can be resolved by a photocopy machine. The dots are disposed in a geometric continuation of at least some of the lines from the printed background, and are configured to form invalidating indicia of the document is copied by a photocopy machine. The printed background pattern and warning printed matter typically have a density of less than 20%, such as about 7-11%. The warning printed matter may be in the form of at least one outline letter configuration, in which case second lines, making an angle of about 20-70% with respect to the first lines, are provided within the outline letter configuration.

There are numerous prior art patents and commercial products relating to security documents that have different types of printing on them. One type of printing can be resolved by conventional photocopy machines (such as xerographic copiers), while the other printing cannot be resolved by conventional photocopy machines and, therefore "disappears" if the document is copied. By providing the disappearing printed matter in a particular configuration that provides a warning indicia (such as the words "VOID"), a clear indication will be provided on the copied document that it is not an appropriate document and, therefore, hopefully will not be able to be used for illegal purposes. Security documents to which these techniques are applied typically are bank checks, titles to real and personal property, and the like.
While prior art security documents have been successful in preventing accurate nefarious production under many circumstances, some prior art security documents having this capability look somewhat unusual to many users. On some such documents, the warning indicia are not effectively hidden, which can make a legitimate document subject to question, while on other such documents the warning indicia are provided on only a small part of the document, or in an unusual and un-esthetically dense pattern.
According to the present invention, a security document is provided that has the same utility as prior art security documents in providing a warning indicia if copied by conventional photocopy machines, but the configuration of the printed matter is such that it is more pleasing esthetically than many conventional security documents, does not have inordinately dense printed areas, and in general has an interspersing of blank areas with printed areas in a distinct continuous intermeshed pattern such that the warning printed matter is indistinguishable from the printed background by the human eye.
According to one aspect of the present invention, a security document that, if copied by a photocopy machine, provides an indication that it has been copied comprises the following elements. A substrate having a surface receiving printing. A first plurality of printed elements visible to the human eye as lines extending in a first direction parallel to each other, and dimensioned so that they can be resolved by a photocopy machine. A second plurality of printed elements visible to the human eye as lines extending in the first direction and parallel to each other, and appearing to the human eye as continuations of the first plurality of printed elements, and dimensioned so that they cannot be resolved by a photocopy machine, the second plurality of elements disposed in a configuration forming invalidating indicia if the document is copied by a photocopy machine. The printed elements have a density of less than 20%, and the printed elements are disposed in a pattern that is continuous over the majority of the surface, interspersed with blank areas of the surface, so that the elements collectively establish a pattern that is seen by the human eye as a continuous pattern in which the invalidating indicia are not visible unless the document is copied by a photocopy machine. Typically, the first printed elements are lines and the second printed elements are dots.
Normally the substrate has a quadrate configuration including two end edges and two side edges, and the first lines are preferably parallel to two of the edges of the substrate. To provide an appropriate density some of the dots may be disposed in additional in-line configurations parallel to the geometric continuations of some of the first lines, and disposed equidistant between two of the geometric continuations.
The techniques according to the present invention are particularly applicable for utilization when the warning printed matter is disposed in the form of at least one outline letter configuration, and normally in a plurality of outline letter configurations such as the letters making up the word "VOID". An outline letter configuration per se is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,420,175, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein. According to the present invention, when an outline letter configuration is provided for the first warning printed matter, a second printed background pattern is disposed on the surface within the outline letter configuration, and comprises a plurality of second parallel lines extending in a third direction, the second lines of a size such that they will be resolved by a photocopying machine. This third direction makes an angle of between 20-70.degree. (e.g., 45.degree.) with respect to an edge of the substrate. For certain letter configurations (such as the "O" and "D" in the word "VOID"), second warning printed matter dots in a repeat form of the same outline letter are disposed inside of the second parallel lines forming a continuation of some of the second parallel lines, and a third printed background pattern may be provided on the surface disposed within the second dots outline configuration and providing lines which are a geometric continuation of the first lines.
The density of the various printed portions will be varied depending upon the color, particular pattern (e.g., herringbone) of the printed matter, and the like, but typically are within the range of about 7-15%, e.g., 7-11%, and more particularly about 9-11% for the background printed matter. The dots, which may be circular, have an average maximum cross dimension of no more than 0.0076 cms (three thousandths of an inch) so that they do not reproduce accurately. The lines -- since they have a significant length -- may have a width that is about 0.0076 cms, and will reproduce.
It is a primary object of the invention to provide a simple yet effective security document that in its normal configuration presents a distinct continuous intermeshed pattern in which warning printed matter is indistinguishable from the background printed matter by the human eye, yet when copied by a photocopy machine provides clear warning indicia. This and other objects of the invention will become clear from an inspection of the detailed description of the invention and from the appended claims.


An operation switch device includes a circuit board and a push switch disposed on the circuit board and including a movable part exposed to an outside for reacting to an external pressing operation. Also provided on the circuit board is a touch detecting electrode formed in proximity to the push switch. The operation switch device further includes an operation detecting circuit connected with the push switch and the touch detecting electrode, and an operation member disposed to oppose the circuit board with the push switch interposed between the operation member and the circuit board. The operation member is displaceable such that the pressing operation on the operation member causes depression of the movable part of the push switch. The operation detecting circuit detects a touch operation on the operation member using the touch detecting electrode, and detects the pressing operation on the operation member using the push switch.

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to an operation switch device capable of detecting both a touch operation and a pressing operation.
2. Description of the Related Art
Operation switch devices capable of sensing both touching and pressing of an operation switch by a finger or the like are disclosed, for example, in Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent No. 4438648), Patent Document 2 (JP-T-2010-532030), Patent Document 3 (Japanese Patent No. 4629621), Patent Document 4 (Japanese Patent No. 4594229), and the like.
The operation switch devices described in these patent documents have a structure, in which a sensor section for sensing a touch operation is integrally formed with a switch section for sensing a pressing operation, as a whole.
The sensor section for sensing a touch operation in each of the operation switch devices in Patent Documents 1 to 4 is configured to detect the touch by a finger of a user as a change in capacitance. On the other hand, the switch section for sensing a pressing operation in Patent Documents 1 and 2 uses a dome-shaped electrode, which provides tactile feedback of the pressing operation to a user and which restores itself to its original switch state. The switch section for sensing a pressing operation in Patent Documents 3 and 4 uses an elastically deformable thin skirt-shaped member, which provides tactile feedback of the pressing operation to a user and which restores itself to its original switch state.
FIG. 11 shows an exemplary construction of the operation switch device disclosed in Patent Document 2. The operation switch device includes a capacitive touch screen (capacitive touch sensing device) 101 formed by a flexible board having a conductive layer formed thereon, and a metallic switch dome 102 formed on a printed circuit board 103.
In the operation switch device of FIG. 11, when a user touches the touch screen 101 with a finger 104, the touch screen 101 senses the touch of the finger 104 with a capacitive touch detection system. When the switch dome 102 is depressed by the finger 104 of the user via the touch screen 101, the switch dome 102 provides an on-off signal corresponding to the depression.
FIG. 12 shows an exemplary construction of the operation switch device disclosed in Patent Document 3. The operation switch device includes an operation key 106 disposed so as to be movable in a vertical direction with respect to a device main body 105, a touch detecting electrode 107 embedded in the operation key 106, an electrode section 109 disposed on a printed circuit board 108, and a proximity sensor 110.
The electrode section 109 includes a fixed electrode 111 fixed to the printed circuit board 108 and a movable electrode 112. The movable electrode 112 is coupled to the fixed electrode 111 via electrode flexible sections 113a and 113b that form a thin skirt-shaped member, and is thus movable in the vertical direction. The touch detecting electrode 107 is electrically connected to the movable electrode 112.
The proximity sensor 110 is disposed on the printed circuit board 108. The movable electrode 112 is separated from the proximity sensor 110 by a predetermined distance when the operation key 106 is not depressed. When the operation key 106 is depressed, the movable electrode 112 approaches the proximity sensor 110 according to the depression based on bending displacement of the electrode flexible sections 113a and 113b that form the thin skirt-shaped member.
In the operation switch device of FIG. 12, a high-frequency signal is supplied to the touch detecting electrode 107, and the high-frequency signal is output as a touch detection signal. In the operation switch device, when a user touches the operation key 106 with a finger 104, a capacitance formed between the finger 104 and the touch detecting electrode 107 changes the level of the high-frequency signal supplied to the touch detecting electrode 107. The touch of the finger 104 on the operation key 106 is detected by detecting this level change.
When the movable electrode 112 approaches the proximity sensor 110 due to the depression of the operation key 106, a switch signal corresponding to the depressing operation is output from the proximity sensor 110.


An awning wind protector apparatus and method of preventing flapping of the center extended sides of an awning is disclosed, whereby an adjustable clamping arrangement can be firmly, and adjustably enclosed around the outward extending awning support arm of an awning for a recreational vehicle, or other awning use, and having two clamping surfaces extending inwardly from the support arm, and clamping onto the upper, and lower surface of the awning, and located somewhat in the center of the sides of the extended awning, said clamping means preventing the flapping of the center section of the sides of the extended, or, unrolled awning.

This invention relates to an apparatus and method of supporting the sides of an extended awning onto the awning support framework, and preventing the center sides of the awning from flapping in a wind storm. The awning can be attached onto the side of a recreation vehicle, or, onto the side of a dwelling, or other installations.
It has been customary to affix an awning onto the side of a recreational vehicle (RV) to provide shade when the RV is parked. The awning is normally provided on a roller type apparatus, one end of the awning attached onto the side of the RV and the other end of the awning affixed onto the roller apparatus, thusly allowing for the awning to be rolled onto the roller, and the roller affixed into the affixing apparatus on the side of the RV, thereby allowing the RV to be moved from one location to another location, at highway speeds, without damage to the awning. When the RV is parked in a stationary location, the roller is unattached from the side of the RV, unrolled to its extended length, and anchored in this position by means of a supporting framework, said framework being affixed onto the side of the RV also, and provided with an unfolding arrangement, and a telescoping arrangement, providing means for supporting the awning in its extended position, and thusly providing shade, and protection from the elements to the occupants of the RV.
Elaborate telescoping frameworks have been taught in the prior arts for holding the awning in the extended position, and these prior arts have met with some success in protecting the awning. However, as the awning is subjected to the elements, especially damaging winds, during normal camping trips, the side lengths of the awning tends to flap during these winds, creating a dangerous, and sometimes disatrous situation. In some cases, this flapping creates an air foil in the awning surface, thereby creating a lifting force to the awning, which magnifies the problem. Therefore, the awning must be continually monitored by the owner, and rolled onto the roller, during these storms, or, the entire awning, and the supporting framework can be torn from the side of the RV, with the accompanying expense.
Several approaches have been provided for protecting the awning from these winds. Clark, in U.S. Pat. No. 3,789,903, teaches a telescoping, and locking framework, affixed onto the side of the RV, and, when the awning is extended to its useful length, the telescoping arrangement is intended to apply a tension onto the sides of the awning, thereby preventing the awning from flapping in the wind. This art does provide a certain amount of protection to the awning, however, as the awning tends to stretch in random locations during normal use, it is nigh impossible to keep the awning from flapping, using this art. Also, to apply the amount of tension to the awning, required during these wind storms, tends to tear the entire support framework from the sides of the RV, thereby creating more damage to the RV.
Another approach is taught by Turner, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,640,332, whereby a support strap is attached to the roller ends, when the roller is in the extended position, thereby trying to prevent the entire awning assembly from becoming airborne, with the resulting damage to the awning and the RV. These type supports do tend to support the ends of the roller, however, they do not address the flapping of the awning in the wind storms, with the resulting air foil problem, which will tend to shred the awning, bend the roller, and other major damage.
Still another approach is taught in the art of Jones in U.S. Pat. No. 4,801,119, wherein a center bracing framework is attached onto the side of the RV, in the center of the awning framework, and extended outward from the RV to be attached onto the roller assembly, thereby providing support in the outermost center section of the roller, and some tensile strength to the awning itself. This art has the same problem as the other arts studied, in that no support is provided to the sides of the awning, where the problem with the wind begins, which is the forming of air foils in the surface of the awning, which tend to make the surface of the awning act as an airplane wing.


A method for manipulating graphical user interface elements includes displaying a plurality of elements on a touch screen of an electronic device. Based on a first touch screen contact detected on a first side of the electronic device and a slide contact detected on a second side of the electronic device, a first touch screen element is selected and the non-selected touch screen element(s) are manipulated relative to the first element. The slide contact can be interpreted by the electronic device as a drag, push, or rotate relative to the first element. Various features of the slide movement, such as the speed, the length, the pressure, the direction, and/or the pattern may affect the manipulation of the non-selected elements.

Electronic device manufacturers are increasingly using touch-sensitive displays (touch screens), which enable a device to visually convey information to a user as well as to enable a user to interact contextually with displayed graphical user elements and otherwise provide user input to the electronic device. Some electronic device manufacturers are contemplating devices with a touch pad as well as a touch screen. In one contemplated configuration, a touch sensitive display is placed on an obverse side of a housing of an electronic device and a touch pad is placed on a reverse side of the housing. Given this contemplated configuration, there are various opportunities to develop new touch interactions with an electronic device.
The various aspects, features and advantages of the disclosure will become more fully apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art upon careful consideration of the following Drawings and accompanying Detailed Description.

Method for manipulating a plurality of non-selected graphical user elements


A method for processing remotely acquired imagery data includes identifying a region of lowest intensity in each of a plurality of different images for a plurality of different spectral bands and estimating first values for upwelling path radiance for each of the different images according to an intensity in the region in each of the different images. The method further includes selecting a visibility value and calculating second values for the upwelling path radiance for each of the different images, each of the second values based on a radiation transfer model, the radiation model generated using the visibility value and the meta-data. The method can also include comparing the first and the second values for the upwelling path radiance for the different images, adjusting the visibility value based on the comparison, and repeating the calculating, the comparing, and the adjusting steps until a termination condition is met.

1. Statement of the Technical Field
The invention concerns image processing, and more particularly, systems and methods for processing remotely acquired imagery.
2. Description of the Related Art
Some satellite imagery tools are commercially available for characterizing atmospheric conditions and for determining the impact of such conditions on the images obtained. However, such tools typically require specialized data. For example, hyperspectral imaging (>100 bands) is typically used for atmospheric characterization, as it typically includes long-wave IR thermal imagery. The IR imagery is then generally used to determine how the location imaged was illuminated by the sun and sky, and how reflected light was being attenuated by the atmosphere. Therefore, based on this data, surface reflectance for the images can be adjusted to enhance final satellite images.
However, when multi-spectral imagery (˜4 bands) is used, only reflected visible and near-infrared imagery is typically collected and cannot be generally used for atmospheric characterization. For such imagery, atmospheric conditions in satellite imaging tools are typically derived from the meta-data associated with imagery (i.e., collection date, collection time, sensor position, and coordinates of location imaged). As a result, even commercially available atmospheric modeling tools, such as FLAASH (Fast Line-of-sight Atmospheric Analysis of Spectral Hypercubes) developed by Spectral Sciences Inc., typically default to a generic atmospheric model when used for enhancing non-hyperspectral imagery.
Unfortunately, the generic models used with multi-spectral imagery are generally limited to only capturing and modeling the effects of common gases. That is, generic models typically account only for a fixed number of gases and effects in the atmosphere. Therefore, these generic models often fail to capture or properly model the impact due to other atmospheric effects and gases, such aerosol loading or haze. As a result, when a generic model is used to derive atmospheric effects for adjusting multi-spectral imagery, the lack of proper modeling of these other effects can result in improperly adjusted imagery.

Automated atmospheric characterization of remotely sensed multi-spectral imagery


A cache memory system including a cache memory employing a tag including associated touch bits. The system includes a first cache memory subsystem having a first cache storage and a second cache memory subsystem including a second cache storage. The first cache storage may store a first plurality of cache lines of data. The second cache storage may store a second plurality of cache lines of data. Further the second cache memory subsystem includes a tag storage which may store a plurality of tags each corresponding to a respective cache line of the second plurality of cache lines. In addition, each of said plurality of tags includes an associated bit indicative of whether a copy of the corresponding respective cache line is stored within the first cache memory subsystem.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to microprocessors and, more particularly, to cache subsystems within a microprocessor.
2. Description of the Related Art
Typical computer systems may contain one or more microprocessors which may be connected to one or more system memories. The processors may execute code and operate on data that is stored within the system memories. It is noted that as used herein, the term "processor" is synonymous with the term microprocessor. To facilitate the fetching and storing of instructions and data, a processor typically employs some type of memory system. In addition, to expedite accesses to the system memory, one or more cache memories may be included in the memory system. For example, some microprocessors may be implemented with one or more levels of cache memory. As used herein, a the level of the cache refers the cache's proximity to the microprocessor core relative to another cache's proximity to the microprocessor core. In this example, the L1 cache is considered to be at a higher level than the L2 cache. In a typical microprocessor, a level one (L1) cache and a level two (L2) cache may be used, while some newer processors may also use a level three (L3) cache. In many legacy processors, the L1 cache may reside on-chip and the L2 cache may reside off-chip. However, to further improve memory access times, many newer processors may use an on-chip L2 cache.
The L2 cache is often implemented as a unified cache, while the L1 cache may be implemented as a separate instruction cache and a data cache. The L1 data cache is used to hold the data most recently read or written by the software running on the microprocessor. The L1 instruction cache is similar to L1 data cache except that it holds the instructions executed most frequently. It is noted that for convenience the L1 instruction cache and the L1 data cache may be referred to simply as the L1 cache, as appropriate. The L2 cache may be used to hold instructions and data that do not fit in the L1 cache. The L2 cache may be exclusive (e.g., it stores information that is not in the L1 cache) or it may be inclusive (e.g., it stores a copy of the information that is in the L1 cache).
During a read or write to cacheable memory, the L1 cache is first checked to see if the requested information (e.g., instruction or data) is available. If the information is available, a hit occurs. If the information is not available, a miss occurs. If a miss occurs, then the L2 cache may be checked. Thus, when a miss occurs in the L1 cache but hits within, L2 cache, the information may be transferred from the L2 cache to the L1 cache in a cache line fill. As described below, the amount of information transferred between the L2 and the L1 caches is typically a cache line. In addition, depending on the space available in the L1 cache, a cache line may be evicted from the L1 cache to make room for the new cache line and may be subsequently stored in L2 cache. If the cache line that is being evicted is in a modified state, the microprocessor may perform a cache line write-back to system memory when it performs the cache line fill. These write-backs help maintain coherency between the caches and system memory.
Memory subsystems typically use some type of cache coherence mechanism to ensure that accurate data is supplied to a requester. The cache coherence mechanism typically uses the size of the data transferred in a single request as the unit of coherence. The unit of coherence is commonly referred to as a cache line. In some processors, for example, a given cache line may be 64 bytes, while some processors employ a cache line of 32 bytes. In yet other processors, other numbers of bytes may be included in a single cache line. If a request misses in the L1 and L2 caches, an entire cache line of multiple words is transferred from main memory to the L2 and L1 caches.
Generally speaking, a lower-level cache such as an L2 cache, for example, may maintain coherency information for a higher-level cache such as an L1 cache. Inclusive cache implementations typically require back-probes of the higher-level cache in response to a variety of lower-level cache accesses. For example, the L2 cache may perform a "back-probe" of the L1 cache in response to receiving a probe to determine if a copy of an L2 cache line exists in the L1 cache. This back-probing of the higher-level cache may reduce the available bandwidth of the cache bus and thus may increase the latency associated with cache accesses.

Cache memory system including a cache memory employing a tag including associated touch bits


A pool access apparatus for moving a disabled person between a pool deck and a pool includes an arm supported for pivotal motion about a base axle and a seat supported for pivotal motion about a seat axle carried by the arm. A driver pivots the arm between a deployed position suspending the seat at least partially within the pool, and a stowed position suspending the seat in a position displaced laterally from the pool. The apparatus may include a chain-driven seat attitude maintenance linkage, an anchoring system comprising a sub-plate embedded in or disposed below the deck to which a base plate of the apparatus is removably connectable, and/or a wheeled portability kit that is removably connectable to the base plate.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) sets forth standards and requirements regarding the accessibility of swimming pools to handicapped or disabled persons. Public pools are required to have at least one method of disabled access, commonly manifested in the form of a ramp or lift, and the act describes extensive systems, design, and operation specifications required for a device to be considered ADA compliant. Common lift engineering challenges include securing the lift to the ground, providing a strong and steady drive system to move the lift, stabilizing the lift's chair to remain upright during deployment, and designing safety systems.


A reconfigurable circuit includes a reconfigurable arithmetic execution unit array including a plurality of arithmetic execution units and a network circuit to provide reconfigurable connections between the arithmetic execution units, a suspension control circuit configured to control suspension and resumption of operation of the reconfigurable arithmetic execution unit array, and a buffer circuit configured to temporarily store data supplied from an external source upon suspension of the operation of the reconfigurable arithmetic execution unit array and to supply the stored data to the reconfigurable arithmetic execution unit array upon resumption of the operation of the reconfigurable arithmetic execution unit array.

A dynamic reconfigurable circuit (hereinafter referred to as a reconfigurable circuit) includes a plurality of arithmetic execution units and a network circuit, such that arithmetic instructions and connections between the arithmetic execution units through the network circuit are set in a reconfigurable manner according to configuration data. In a reconfigurable circuit, instructions applied to arithmetic execution units and connections between the arithmetic execution units may be changed (i.e., context switching) during its operation. This allows the arithmetic execution units to be shared in a time-division fashion, thereby reducing the scale of hardware of the entire circuit. Further, a reconfigurable circuit may perform a pipeline operation, and is thus suitable for needs in which a data stream is processed at high speed.
An external buffer memory may be connected to a reconfigurable circuit. Such a buffer may successively store computation results obtained by the reconfigurable circuit and successively supply data to the reconfigurable circuit clock by clock. The provision of an external buffer presents an issue regarding the exchange of data at the time the reconfigurable circuit suspends its computation. A reconfigurable circuit may suspend its computation when a context switching occurs. In such a case, the flip-flops of the reconfigurable circuit are also stopped and unable to load new data. If data is supplied from the external buffer while the computation of the reconfigurable circuit is suspended, the data (i.e., input data) that are supposed to be loaded end up not being loaded.

Reconfigurable circuit with suspension control circuit


Methods are generally provided for forming a conductive oxide layer on a substrate. In one particular embodiment, the method can include sputtering a transparent conductive oxide layer (e.g., including cadmium stannate) on a substrate from a target in a sputtering atmosphere comprising cadmium. The transparent conductive oxide layer can be sputtered at a sputtering temperature greater of about 100° C. to about 600° C. Methods are also generally provided for manufacturing a cadmium telluride based thin film photovoltaic device.

Thin film photovoltaic (PV) modules (also referred to as "solar panels") based on cadmium telluride (CdTe) paired with cadmium sulfide (CdS) as the photo-reactive components are gaining wide acceptance and interest in the industry. CdTe is a semiconductor material having characteristics particularly suited for conversion of solar energy to electricity. For example, CdTe has an energy bandgap of about 1.45 eV, which enables it to convert more energy from the solar spectrum as compared to lower bandgap semiconductor materials historically used in solar cell applications (e.g., about 1.1 eV for silicon). Also, CdTe converts radiation energy in lower or diffuse light conditions as compared to the lower bandgap materials and, thus, has a longer effective conversion time over the course of a day or in cloudy conditions as compared to other conventional materials. The junction of the n-type layer and the p-type layer is generally responsible for the generation of electric potential and electric current when the CdTe PV module is exposed to light energy, such as sunlight. Specifically, the cadmium telluride (CdTe) layer and the cadmium sulfide (CdS) form a p-n heterojunction, where the CdTe layer acts as a p-type layer (i.e., a positive, electron accepting layer) and the CdS layer acts as a n-type layer (i.e., a negative, electron donating layer).
A transparent conductive oxide ("TCO") layer is commonly used between the window glass and the junction forming layers. For example, the TCO layer may be sputtered from a cadmium stannate (i.e., Cd2SnO4) target by either of two processes: hot sputtering or cold sputtering. When hot sputtered, the TCO layer is typically deposited at sputtering temperatures above about 200° C. in a one step sputtering process. When cold sputtered (e.g., at about room temperature), the TCO layer must be annealed following sputtering of the layer in a second step to convert the layer from an amorphous layer to a crystalline layer.
Though the hot sputtering process is more streamlined (i.e., only requiring a single step), the hot sputtered TCO layers generally have a much higher resistivity than the cold sputtered TCO layers—even when sputtered the same material (e.g., cadmium stannate)—making the hot sputtered TCO layer less attractive for the end use. Although not wishing to be bound by any particular theory, it is believed that this difference in resistivities between the hot sputtered layer and the cold sputtered layer likely stems from a difference in the as-deposited stoichiometry. For example, when sputtering from a cadmium stannate target, it is presently believed that cold sputtering produces a layer having the stoichiometry Cd2SnO4, which is the desired stoichiometry for cadmium stannate. However, other processing issues exist that hinders the viability of cold sputtering to form the TCO layer, especially from a cadmium stannate target. First, the annealing process can sublimate cadmium atoms off of the TCO layer, altering the stoichiometry of the TCO layer, especially along its outer surface. Second, the annealing process can cause cracks and/or delamination of the TCO layer on the substrate, probably forming while increasing the substrate temperature from the sputtering temperature to the anneal temperature, while cooling from the anneal temperature back to room temperature, and/or from the phase change from amorphous to crystalline which also may result in a density/volume change. These two processing issues can lead to the stability problems in the TCO layers of the resulting PV devices, whereas such issues are not present in PV devices formed with TCO layers formed via hot sputtering.
On the other hand, hot sputtering from a cadmium stannate target is presently believed to produce a layer having the stoichiometry CdSnO3+SnO2. Thus, the TCO layer includes a deficiency of cadmium, when compared to stoichiometric cadmium stannate. This change in the as-deposited stoichiometry is believed to be a result of cadmium atoms sublimating off of the surface of the substrate during the hot sputtering process.
Thus, a need exists for a TCO layer having the conductivity of those cold sputtered layers with the processing and device stability found in those hot sputtered layers.

Methods of forming a conductive transparent oxide film layer for use in a cadmium telluride based thin film photovoltaic device


A method comprising receiving control instructions sent from a control device, where the control instructions are configured to instruct a photographing apparatus carried by an unmanned aerial vehicle to perform an image capturing operation; and controlling an indicator light at the unmanned aerial vehicle to indicate an execution status of the control instructions executed by the photographing apparatus.

In conventional technologies, an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is controlled by a remote controller or an application (APP). For example, an operator uses a remote controller or an APP to turn on or off a load carried by the UAV, to set an operation status of the load, and to control a flight mode of the UAV. In order to allow the controller to determine whether control instructions for operations have been sent to the UAV and whether the control instructions have been correctly executed by the load or the UAV, in conventional technologies, an indication is mainly made through an indicator light provided on the remote controller or the APP. At the same time, the operator needs to pay attention to the operation of the UAV in order to avoid harms or damages to surrounding people, properties, and environment due to a misoperation or no operation on the UAV.

Execution status indication method, apparatus, and unmanned aerial vehicle


A coating hopper (10) for coating a radiation-sensitive emulsion on a photographic support (24) is fabricated from hopper bars (12) comprising an inlet slot (16) and a discharge slot (18), said bar (12) comprising a body and hopper lip (22), wherein the body of the bar comprises a metal or metal alloy and the lip area comprises a ceramic insert (30) with a high elastic modulus and low density. The hopper with the ceramic insert prevents the formation of streaks in the emulsion coating layer or layers on the support.

There exist various methods and apparatus for coating a photographic support. One such coating system uses a bead coating hopper. Another system employs a curtain coating hopper. These systems are used in coating the surface of a support with single or multiple coatings, the latter of which can be coated simultaneously onto the support. The fabrication of photographic light-sensitive elements typically requires the simultaneous coating of multiple emulsions layered on the support.
The coating apparatus, and in particular the coating hopper, can be fabricated from various materials, the selection of which depends largely on the coating environment. To avoid the introduction of contaminants into the product and to prolong the working life of the apparatus, photographic emulsion-coating apparatus is typically fabricated from materials such as AISI 304 or 316 stainless steel which possess good resistance to corrosion and wear. Stainless steel, however, has the drawback of also possessing a high coefficient of thermal expansion, which at high coating temperatures such as at 50 to 100 degrees C. can result in non uniform coatings due to dimensional nonuniformities in the coating hopper caused by uneven thermal expansion, especially with multiple coating hoppers. Multiple hoppers comprise multiple hopper bars stacked one on another, each bar typically about 5 feet long, 6 inches wide, and 2 inches thick and having an intake slot and a discharge slot. The size and configuration of the slot opening tends to fluctuate appreciably due to changes in the emulsion coating temperature and due to bending in the coating bars caused by their weight. Also, streaks and other imperfections can be introduced into the coated layer or layers. The streaks and coating nonuniformities are often considered minor and acceptable in many non photographic coating applications. Even minor such defects, however, can be unacceptable in photographic applications, because they can lead to optical distortion in a developed photographic image that becomes even more apparent and significant upon enlargements or in products having to meet high quality standards, such as professional photographic film and paper products and motion picture film and those for graphic art.
EPA 0361167 discloses a coating apparatus fabricated from a sintered or hot-pressed ceramic material having a higher modulus of elasticity and a lower coefficient of thermal expansion than a metal such as stainless steel. A drawback, however, is that sintered and hot-pressed ceramics are porous and have other surface irregularities, which will be collectively referred to herein as "voids". Voids provide sites upon which a coating liquid can accumulate and interfere with the smooth, continuous flow of the coating liquid, thereby introducing nonuniformities and streaks into the coating layer or layers. Unlike stainless steel, the porosity of such ceramics can cause voids on the coating hopper lip where the coating or coatings flow from the hopper to the photographic support which also introduces streaks and other defects into the coating layers. Another problem caused by the presence of voids is that solidification of accumulation coating liquid in the voids causes difficulty in cleaning the coating apparatus, resulting in more out-of-service time of the equipment.
To minimize or eliminate voids, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/068,468 filed May 27, 1993, now U.S. Pat. 5,484,629, discloses surface treatment such as chemical vapor deposition (CVD) coating followed by grinding and lapping or a densification process hot isostatic pressing followed by grinding and lapping using hopper bars having a ceramic coating surface. Voids provide sites upon which a coating liquid can accumulate and interfere with the smooth, continuous flow of the coating liquid, thereby introducing non uniformities and streaks into the coating layer or layers.
Although ceramics, such as silicon carbide, SiC and silicon nitride, Si.sub.3 N.sub.4, are more ideal emulsion coating hopper materials than metals, it is not always feasible to fabricate production size multiple bar hoppers from the standpoint of economics and having available commercial facilities large enough to accommodate such fabrication. Also from the engineering viewpoint, it is not easy to assemble a monolithic ceramic hopper using metal fasteners. Materials handling during manufacture of the hopper bars and transportation to the production site are major obstacles to produce monolithic ceramic emulsion coating hoppers. Furthermore, threaded holes needed for plumbing are not feasible in brittle ceramics. It is therefore an object of this invention is to fabricate a photographic emulsion coating apparatus and method for producing photographic emulsion coatings on polymeric support that are uniform and substantially free of streaks and are economical.

Hybrid metal-ceramic coating apparatus and method


An adapter for use with a syringe and a power injector includes an outer ring having a first end configured for passage of an end of a syringe having at least one flange. An inner ring is disposed coaxially within the outer ring. The inner ring has a first end including at least one flange slot. A magnet fixed relative to the inner ring such that when the syringe end is disposed in the outer ring and the at least one flange engages the at least one flange slot, rotation of the syringe causes rotation of the inner ring and magnet relative to the outer ring.

This invention relates in general to syringes and syringe adapters used in conjunction with power injectors.
Injectors are devices that expel fluid, such as contrast fluid, into a circulatory system, which is used to enhance medical imaging like, for example, x-ray or magnetic imaging. The contrast fluid or contrast media is injected from a syringe, through a tube, and into an animal subject or human patient. Injectors are well known for use with a powered injector unit that is frequently fixed to a stand or support. Injectors typically include a plunger drive that couples to the plunger of the syringe and moves the plunger forward to expel fluid into the tube thereby injecting the contrast media in the subject.
Powered injectors or motorized injectors often include circuitry that controls the plunger drive unit for setting the rate of injection and/or the amount of fluid injected. Typically, the control circuitry includes switches which allow a user to manually actuate the drive unit to move the plunger within the syringe. The injector may cycle the plunger through the syringe one or more times to fill the syringe with fluid and expel any air bubbles trapped inside. Other syringes come pre-filled, which reduces the number of plunger drive movements needed to prepare the injector for a new injection. After the procedure has ended, the syringe plunger, typically positioned at the forward end of the syringe barrel, is retracted so that the syringe may be removed from the injector. In some injectors, the syringe can only be removed or replaced while the plunger drive is fully retracted.
Excess contrast media remaining in a syringe after an injection must be discarded as is well known in medical procedures to prevent cross contamination and/or infection. However, contrast media can be expensive. For this reason, when preparing for an injection, an empty syringe is filled with only as much media as will be needed for the next procedure. Similarly, pre-filled syringes are sold in a number of sizes, for example ranging from 60 to 200 milliliters, allowing the operator preparing for an injection to select a syringe containing only as much media as is needed for that procedure. Accordingly, the syringes may have one or more characteristic properties or parameters that if communicated to the power injector would assist the operator in the procedure and provide safeguards for ensuring proper use of the contrast media. Examples of such parameters may include syringe diameter or length, syringe material, contrast fluid composition and concentration of the contrast media. These parameters may affect certain procedures like the delivery rate or pressure.
In some situations, customized syringes are intended to be used with certain specific power injectors.


A downhole, hydraulically actuated drilling stabilizer provides versatility in a bottom-hole assembly. The drilling stabilizer can be used in a directional drilling application to help control the inclination in an extended reach or horizontal well. The drilling stabilizer has stabilizer blade members with an angular design portion that provides versatility in a bottom-hole assembly. The stabilizer can also be used in a conventional rotary bottom-hole assembly or positioned below a steerable motor. A drilling stabilizer with adjustable extension diameters provides improved inclination control over currently existing options.

Directional drilling involves controlling the direction of a wellbore as it is being drilled. It is often necessary to adjust the direction of the wellbore frequently while directional drilling, either to accommodate a planned change in direction or to compensate for unintended and unwanted deflection of the wellbore.
A completed measurement of the inclination and azimuth of a location in a well must be known with reasonable accuracy to ensure a correct wellbore path. These measurements include inclination from vertical, azimuth of the wellbore, and length of the drill string in hole. This set of measurements is commonly called a "Directional Survey" and allows a directional driller to compute the 3D position of the drilling bit and hence the path of the wellbore.
Directional drilling typically utilizes a combination of three basic techniques, each of which presents its own special features. First, the entire drill string may be rotated from the surface, which in turn rotates a drilling bit connected to the end of the drill string. This technique, sometimes called "rotary drilling," is commonly used in non-directional drilling and in directional drilling where no change in direction during the drilling process is required or intended. Second, the drill bit may be rotated by a downhole motor that is powered, for example, by the circulation of fluid supplied from the surface. This technique, sometimes called "slide drilling," is typically used in directional drilling to effect a change in direction of a wellbore, such as in the building of an angle of deflection, and almost always involves the use of specialized equipment in addition to the downhole drilling motor. Third, rotation of the drill string may be superimposed upon rotation of the drilling bit by the downhole motor.
In the drill string, the bottom-hole assembly is the lower portion of the drill string consisting of the bit, the bit sub, a drilling motor, drill collars, directional drilling equipment and various measurement sensors. Typically, drilling stabilizers are incorporated in the drill string in directional drilling. The primary purpose of using stabilizers in the bottom-hole assembly is to stabilize the bottom-hole assembly and the drilling bit that is attached to the distal end of the bottom-hole assembly, so that it rotates properly on its axis. When a bottom-hole assembly is properly stabilized, the weight applied to the drilling bit can be optimized.
A secondary purpose of using stabilizers in the bottom-hole assembly is to assist in steering the drill string so that the inclination of the wellbore can be controlled. For example, properly positioned stabilizers with predetermined outer diameter can assist either in increasing or decreasing the deflection angle of the wellbore either by supporting the drill string near the drilling bit or by not supporting the drill string near the drilling bit. The number of stabilizers on the bottom-hole assembly, the position on the drill string and the outer diameter of each one could give rise to a fulcrum effect which helps in building inclination or a pendulum effect which helps in dropping inclination. For bottom-hole assemblies with three or more stabilizers properly spaced, the result could be a combination of both principles which gives rise to holding the angle.
Conventional stabilizers can be divided into two broad categories. The first category includes rotating blade stabilizers which are incorporated into the drill string and either rotate or slide with the drill string. The second category includes non-rotating sleeve stabilizers which typically comprise a ribbed sleeve rotatably mounted on a mandrel so that, during drilling operations, the sleeve does not rotate while the mandrel rotates or slides with the drill string. Some stabilizers have blades that are of a fixed gauge and other stabilizers, typically referred to as adjustable gauge stabilizers, have the ability to adjust the gauge during the drilling process.
Although a stabilizer having straight blades is suitable for slide drilling, straight blades tend to cause shock and vibration in the bottom-hole assembly when rotary drilling. Wrapped blades can limit vibration in the bottom-hole assembly when the drill string is rotated. However, during slide drilling, wrapped blades tend to "corkscrew" themselves into a tight wellbore and get stuck.
While some stabilizers support extension and retraction of pistons to vary the diameter of the stabilizer, existing stabilizers allow only two piston positions while drilling: a flush position and an extended position. This limits the precision to which the inclination of the borehole can be controlled. With only two positions, the flush position may build inclination too aggressively, while the extended position could drop inclination too quickly.