A system for maintaining atmospheric conditions in an enclosed building within desired parameters and rapidly evacuating abnormally high amounts of airborne pollutants from localized areas of the building. Conditioned air, including sufficient outside air, is continuously admitted to the building interior from a plurality of air handling units disposed about the building to maintain the interior of the building under a slight positive pressure throughout. The air handling units, at least in areas where concentrations of airborne contaminants are generated include, in addition to outside air and building air inlets and a building air outlet, an outlet exhausting to the outside. Sensors and/or scanning units located throughout the building monitor various atmospheric conditions and transmit signals indicative of the noted conditions to a central computer. The computer, in turn, compares the observed conditions to predetermined desired conditions and controls the air handling units as necessary to maintain the conditions within desired parameters. When an abnormal airborne pollutant condition is noted in a particular area, the outside air inlet and building air outlets are closed and the building return air inlet and exhaust outlet are opened so that contaminated air is withdrawn from the region and exhausted to the outside.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention pertains broadly to control of atmospheric conditions within an enclosed space, and move particularly to detection of hygienically offensive and/or hazardous atmospheric conditions within an enclosed work place, and rapid evacuation of the offensive or hazardous atmosphere and replacement with atmosphere of suitable quality. Potentially offensive or hazardous conditions are detected and corrective measures are implemented so as to maintain the enclosed atmosphere within predetermined hygienic parameters.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Until recently industrial-type buildings, that is, large buildings having a generally open interior within which manufacturing processes are carried on, were generally heated from a central heating plant, with ducts or pipes delivering heated air, steam or a suitable liquid from the heating plant as a heat carrying medium for distributing heat to various areas of the building. Cooling, if it was available, was likewise provided by delivering cooled air from a central unit through duct work to specific discharge areas. More than likely, any attempt at cooling involved merely opening doors and windows to allow random fresh air circulation, perhaps augmented by the use of numerous exhaust fans and fans directing air toward workers. Air quality was not deemed of great significance, and if working conditions became intolerable, an attempt was made to extract stale or polluted air by means of exhaust fans through vents in the roof or side walls. There was little or no correlation between the heating or cooling and the ventilation, and no monitoring to assure that air quality was maintained within environmentally and hygienically safe predetermined parameters.
More recently, direct-fired space heating units have come into use for heating relatively large industrial type buildings. Such units are generally disposed exteriorly of the building as on the roof or along the side walls, and include a cabinet housing a burner and a fan. The fan draws fresh air from the outside, as well as return air from the interior of the building. During periods when heat is required for the building, a portion of the fresh air is drawn over the burner to be heated, and the remaining fresh air is mixed with recirculated building air in selected proportions. The heated and unheated air are combined downstream from the burner and discharged into the building to maintain the building interior at a desired temperature and pressure. Where cooling is to be provided for the building, an appropriate heat exchange unit may likewise be provided in association with the cabinet for conditioning the air prior to discharge into the building.
Such units purportedly maintain temperature and pressure at desired levels by altering, on demand, the complementary proportions of outside air and recirculated building air passing through the unit or units for discharge into the building. No duct work is employed, and once the air is discharged into the building its movement is randomly influenced by various factors such as building infiltration, exfiltration, convection currents, heat producing activities in various areas of the building, outside wind direction and velocity, air density differentials, and ventilation systems. Thus, while the space heating or air handling units themselves may function as intended, their operation often results in objectionable and uncontrollable hot or cold areas within the building. They also are not effective in removing airborne pollutants and contaminants or controlling humidity in localized areas of the building so as to maintain air quality throughout the building within current environmentally acceptable standards.
In order to overcome these shortcomings of the prior art, a system for regulation of atmospheric conditions within a confined space has been devised as described in commonly assigned U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,850,264 and 4,960,041, the disclosures of which are herein incorporated by reference. In accordance with the inventions as fully described in the aforementioned patents, a so-called global control concept is utilized wherein the building interior defines an essentially enclosed system, with sufficient outside air being admitted through air handling units positioned about the building to continuously maintain the interior of the building under a slight positive pressure throughout relative to outside atmospheric pressure. Controllable vents are provided at strategic locations around the perimeter of the building, and sensing units are located throughout the building interior to monitor atmospheric conditions such as temperature, humidity and the level of particulates and pollutants. The sensing units or monitoring stations generate signals indicative of the readings for transmittal to a central computer. The central computer periodically monitors the signals from each sensing unit and compares them to stored data representing desired parameters for the atmospheric conditions in the various zones monitored by the sensors. Signals are generated in response to noted deviations from the prescribed parameters, and the signals are utilized to regulate the controllable vents and the air handling units so as to modify the incoming air and/or cause air to be expelled through an appropriate vent or vents in the area of the monitoring station or stations until atmospheric conditions again fall within the prescribed parameters. Operation of the various air handling units and vents is correlated so that air delivered from the air handling units migrates to specified areas in a controlled manner without the use of duct work to restore and/or maintain atmospheric conditions throughout the building within the prescribed parameters.
The aforedescribed system has been found extremely effective in maintaining atmospheric conditions within desired parameters in most facilities. However, in certain facilities housing production operations which periodically generate and emit abnormally high amounts of airborne contaminants, it has been found that the capability to quickly provide, on demand, accelerated evacuation of such contaminants from particular areas would be highly advantageous. By way of example, such facilities might include those which house foundry activities, welding areas, rubber vulcanizing operations and the like.

Detection and evacuation of atmospheric pollutants from a confined work place


A magnetic resonance imaging system is provided with a fixture which can be mounted to the static field magnet within the patient-receiving space of the magnet. The fixture can support and stabilize the patient.

The present invention relates to imaging techniques and apparatus for performing such techniques, and more specifically to techniques and apparatuses for assisting patient positioning while performing such imaging techniques are performed.
In magnetic resonance imaging ("MRI"), a strong, uniform magnetic field is applied to the region of the patient to be imaged. Radio frequency ("RF") energy is applied to this region of the patient by a transmitter and antenna. The RF energy excites atomic nuclei within the patient's tissues. The excited nuclei spin at a rate dependent upon the magnetic field. As they spin, they emit faint RF signals, referred to herein as magnetic resonance signals. By applying small magnetic field gradients so that the magnitude of the magnetic field varies with location within the patient's body, the magnetic resonance phenomenon can be limited to only a particular region or "slice" of the patient's body, so that all of the magnetic resonance signals come from that slice. Moreover, by applying additional magnetic field gradients, the frequency and phase of the magnetic resonance signals from different locations within the slice can be made to vary in a predictable manner depending upon the position within the slice. Stated another way, the magnetic resonance signals are "spatially encoded," so that it is possible to distinguish between signals from different parts of a slice.
If this process is repeated numerous times to elicit signals using different gradients, it is possible to derive a set of information which indicates one or more characteristics of magnetic resonance signals from particular locations within the patient's body. Such a set of information is referred herein to as an image data set. Because the characteristics of the magnetic resonance signals vary with the concentration of different chemical substances and other chemical characteristics of the tissues, different tissues provide different magnetic resonance signal characteristics. When a magnetic resonance signal image data set is displayed in a visual format, such as on a computer screen or printed image, the information forms a picture of the structures within the patient's body, with different tissues having different intensities or colors.
Typically, a magnetic resonance image data set is stored as a set of individual data elements. The data in each element represents one or more characteristics of magnetic resonance signals from a small volume element or "voxel." For example, the map can be stored as a three-dimensional array of data elements, the dimensions of the array corresponding to three-dimensional space. Data elements corresponding to a given plane in three-dimensional space can be selected for display in a two-dimensional picture such as a screen display or printed image. Each small area element on the surface of the picture, commonly referred to as a "pixel," is assigned an intensity or color value based on the numerical values of the data element for the corresponding voxel.
MRI has been widely adopted in the medical arts. Because MRI does not use X-rays or other ionizing radiation, it offers safety advantages over techniques such as conventional X-ray imaging, fluoroscopy and CAT imaging. Moreover, MRI allows visualization of tissues which are difficult or impossible to depict using other techniques. Magnetic resonance imaging can show abnormal tissues in contrast to surrounding normal tissues. MRI is also particularly useful in imaging the spine. MRI can depict the vertebrae in conjunction with related tissues such as the lamina or "discs," as well as nerves, muscles and other neighboring tissues.
However, magnetic resonance imaging procedures have suffered from significant limitations. Conventional MRI equipment requires the patient to lie in a supine position on a horizontal bed which fits with the patient-receiving space of the static field magnet. Some medical conditions have effects which change with posture. For example, a spinal disc may impinge on a nerve or other surrounding structure only when the patient is in an upright posture so that the disk is compressed by the patient's weight. Various proposals have been advanced to allow MRI procedures to be performed on patients in a posture other than the conventional supplying of posture. For example, Japanese published Patent Application No. 1-242056 published Sep. 27, 1989 depicts a magnetic resonance imaging unit with a tilting bed for supporting the patient in a supine position or in a standing position. Yoshida, U.S. Pat. No. 5,008,624 depicts a magnetic resonance imaging instrument with movable static field magnet in conjunction with a patient carrier which supports the patient in "various postures." Palkovich et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,779,637 discloses a system in which the patient lies supine within the static field magnet during one imaging procedure. The entire system, including the static field magnet and the patient can be pivoted so as to swing the magnet, the patient bed and the patient as a unit to a different position in which the patient bed extends vertically and the patient in an upright posture. A further image is taken in this position. None of these systems have been widely adopted.
Copending, commonly assigned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/718,946, filed Nov. 22, 2000 ("the '946 application"), the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein and copending commonly assigned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/789,460 ("the '460 application") the disclosure of which is also incorporated by reference herein describe additional MRI magnet structures and patient handling devices as well as additional imaging methods. As disclosed for example in certain embodiments of the '946 application, a patient support such as a bed which can both tilt and elevate can be used in conjunction with a static field magnet to allow imaging of a patient in various orientations and to position various portions of the patient's anatomy in the appropriate location relative to the magnet for imaging. Discussion of the '946 and '460 applications in this background section of the present application should not be taken as an admission that the same constitute legally available prior art with respect to the present invention.
The patient support system including the bed and the tilt and elevate mechanisms disclosed in the '946 application can place a patient in positions from which a patient may have a fear of slipping or falling, regardless of whether that fear is justified. For example, a standing patient's longitudinal axis is substantially vertical, the patient may have a fear that he or she will fall away from the bed. The patient may be stabilized, supported or restrained to prevent the patient from falling off the bed, or to give the patient further reassurance. While it is possible to restrain the patient by strapping the patient to the bed, this may be inconvenient and may be physically uncomfortable or disturbing to the patient. For example, one desirable implementation of the system disclosed in the '946 application is a "walk-in" imaging procedure in which a patient can walk onto a footrest associated with the bed, step onto the footrest and lean against the bed as the bed moves and elevates. A significant advantage of this procedure is that it is convenient and psychologically non-threatening to the patient. If the patient has to be strapped to the bed, this advantage is reduced.

Magnetic resonance imaging system including a transpolar fixture


An apparatus and method for the disassembly of an ultra high bypass turbine engine having an outer engine portion and an inner engine portion. A plurality of fan blades and acoustic panels are removed from the inner portion of the engine. The outer portion of the engine which includes a plurality of fan outlet guide vanes and fan casing are disconnected from the engine and axially removed. Certain outer portions of the engine including a hinged thrust reverser and hinged fan cowling may be coupled to an aircraft pylon and used interchangeably with replacement engines.

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for the disassembly of a turbofan gas turbine engine. More particularly, the present invention relates to an apparatus and method for removing substantially intact the inner portion of the engine so that no disconnection of shafts or intricately aligned components is necessitated.
Turbofan gas turbine engines generally include a core engine coupled in driving relationship to a forward mounted fan module. The fan module, in a high-bypass ratio engine, includes a large diameter single stage fan and a multiple stage intermediate pressure compressor or booster. The fan is surrounded by a fan casing supported by a plurality of structural members which are, in turn, supported on a casing surrounding the booster. The core engine includes a high pressure compressor, a combustor and a multi-stage turbine for extracting energy from combustion gases exiting the combustor for driving the compressors and fan.
Mounting of such high-bypass engines on an aircraft generally requires one or more structural supports which connect the engine to a structural member, sometimes referred to as a strut or pylon, on a wing or fuselage, depending upon the mounting location. The structural supports extend through an aerodynamic cowling, sometimes referred to as a nacelle, and couple to the engine casing. Coupling may be to the fan casing (or shroud) and to the casing surrounding the turbine. In general, some form of structural yoke is attached to the engine casing and the structural supports attach to the yoke.
As gas turbine engines have become more powerful and larger, a concern has developed with handling and transporting of such engines. In particular, engines are now being developed with fans and fan casings having diameters in the range of twelve feet. Transporting of such engines by air or ground is not practical with current commercial aircraft and over-the-road transportation guidelines. Accordingly, it is desirable to provide method of assembly and disassembly of such engines which permits transport without exceeding aircraft or ground transport size limitations.
The problems associated with handling and transporting of such large engines extends beyond shipments to the installation, removal, and handling of the engines in aircraft servicing. It is therefor further desirable to provide a method and apparatus for servicing of such engines which overcome the problems associated with such large diameter fans.

Apparatus and method for the diassembly of an ultra high bypass engine


A polymeric composition is provided comprising a random copolymer polypropylene, a hydrogenated block copolymer comprising at least two polymeric block containing predominately monoalkenyl aromatic hydrocarbon monomer units and at least one block containing a predominately hydrogenated, conjugated diene unit, and an elastic metallocene-based polyolefin. The polymer has improved impact strength and clarity, particularly at low temperatures.

Random Copolymer Polypropylene (RCPP) is a polypropylene copolymer containing a small (2-6% w) amount of ethylene. RCPP is used for applications that require improved clarity over homopolymer polypropylene. For example, the properties of RCPPs make them attractive for use in the manufacture of food containers for refrigerator and freezer use. However, RCPP, like homopolymer polypropylene, has a low impact strength, which leads to whitening under minor impact events, a phenomenon commonly known as blushing or hazing. The tendency towards blushing makes RCPPs unattractive for certain uses, such as food containers.
In U.S. Pat. No. 4,904,731, which disclosure is incorporated herein by reference, it was found that a hydrogenated block copolymer comprising at least two polymeric blocks containing predominately monoalkenyl aromatic hydrocarbon monomer units and at least one block containing a predominately hydrogenated, conjugated diene unit, or a blend of the hydrogenated block copolymer and linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) can be combined with the RCPP to improve impact resistance and clarity. However, impact related hazing problems are still seen in this polymer when it is are used at low temperature. Therefore, even greater impact resistance and clarity, particularly at low temperatures, would be very desirable.


A catheter device for renal denervation ablation includes a flexible catheter shaft having an electrically insulating expandable member in its distal portion with at least one electrode located proximal to the member, at least one electrode located distal to the member, and with openings in the distal shaft with at least one opening proximal to the proximal electrode and one opening distal to the distal electrode of said electrode pair, said openings connected through an inner lumen in the catheter that provides a path for blood to flow through the expandable member. In one embodiment, the device comprises a flexible catheter shaft with a multiplicity of recessed paired electrodes disposed in recessed spaces in its distal portion, such that an electrically conducting portion of each electrode is exposed to the exterior of the catheter within a recessed space, and with an electrical insulator separating the electrodes of each pair.

This application is in the general field of therapeutic electrical energy delivery, and it pertains more specifically to electrical energy delivery in the context of ablation of nerves in the vascular or vessel walls of renal arteries or renal denervation, a therapeutic procedure that can lead to reduced hypertension in patients with high blood pressure. The ablation energy can be in the form of high voltage DC pulses that generate irreversible electroporation of cell membranes and destroy tissue locally for therapeutic purposes, or it can be applied as RF energy that generates thermal energy.
The past two decades have seen advances in the technique of electroporation as it has progressed from the laboratory to clinical applications. Known methods include applying brief, high voltage DC pulses to tissue, thereby generating locally high electric fields, typically in the range of hundreds of Volts/centimeter. The electric fields disrupt cell membranes by generating pores in the cell membrane, which subsequently destroys the cell membrane and the cell. While the precise mechanism of this electrically-driven pore generation (or electroporation) awaits a detailed understanding, it is thought that the application of relatively large electric fields generates instabilities in the phospholipid bilayers in cell membranes, as well as mitochondria, causing the occurrence of a distribution of local gaps or pores in the membrane. If the applied electric field at the membrane exceeds a threshold value, typically dependent on cell size, the electroporation is irreversible and the pores remain open, permitting exchange of material across the membrane and leading to apoptosis or cell death. Subsequently, the surrounding tissue heals in a natural process.
While pulsed DC voltages are known to drive electroporation under the right circumstances, the examples of irreversible electroporation applications in medicine and delivery methods described in the prior art do not provide specific means of limiting possible damage to nearby tissue while it is desired to ablate tissue relatively farther away. There is a need for selective energy delivery methods and devices that generate tissue ablation where it is desired, while leaving tissue elsewhere relatively intact and unchanged. In the specific context of minimally invasive renal denervation for the treatment of hypertension, known ablation devices are generally positioned in the renal arteries for electrical energy delivery to the renal artery walls. The outer layers of the renal arteries, or adventitia, have a distribution of renal nerve endings. When these nerve endings are destroyed by application of a high electric field, the consequent reduction in renal sympathetic activity can result in decreased hypertension. During this process, the vessel wall must be maintained intact; the local electric field in the vessel wall must not be too large, in order to avoid generating locally large current densities in the vessel wall which can lead to local thermal "hot spots" that can unintentionally damage or perforate the renal vessel. Thus it is desired to maintain vessel integrity and reduce and/or avoid local thermal hot spots driven by locally large current densities while still maintaining an electric field magnitude that is still above the threshold of irreversible electroporation.
There is a need for selective energy delivery for electroporation in such a manner as to preserve overall vascular integrity while destroying the nerve endings in the adventitia of the renal artery where ablation is to be performed.

Apparatus and methods for renal denervation ablation


The level of toner color mixture in a developing device is maintained within the range not affecting the color shade of a final color image. In an image forming apparatus including four imaging units and placed along a moving intermediate transfer body, the imaging units having developing devices for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on a photoconductor to create a toner image and for collecting toner remaining on the photoconductor after transfer of the toner image, the developing device in the imaging unit performs forcible toner discharge operation when a toner mixture amount in the developing device of the imaging unit, which was computed from toner consumption of the imaging unit located on an upstream side, exceeds a predetermined value.

The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus having a plurality of imaging units.
In an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of a uniformly charged photoconductor by exposure, and the electrostatic latent image is developed by a developing device to make a toner image, which is transferred to recording media such as recording paper or to intermediate transfer bodies such as intermediate transfer belts. The toner which has remained on the photoconductor after the transfer becomes waste toner if it is scraped and recovered by a cleaner, thus increasing a toner waste. Consequently, a so-called cleanerless process is known in which the residual toner on the photoconductor is adsorbed by a developing roller of the developing to be collected into the developing device so that the toner is provided for recycle.
However, if the cleanerless process is adopted in a tandem-type color image forming apparatus composed of a plurality of imaging units, each of which includes a photoconductor and a developing device and which is parallely placed along an intermediate transfer belt, some toner in the toner image, which was formed with the imaging unit placed in the upstream with respect to the moving direction of the intermediate transfer belt and which was transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt, is reversely transferred onto the photoconductor of an imaging unit located in the downstream so that toner of a different color is collected to the developing device of the imaging unit. This leads to color mixture and ends up causing the adverse influence on the color shade of a final color image.
Accordingly, in order to prevent generation of the color mixture, in JP 2000-181169 A, the toner is not collected in the second and further imaging units from the upstream.
in JP 2001-188394 A, when the image ratio of a toner image formed with an imaging unit on the downstream side is smaller than the image ratio of a toner image formed with an imaging unit on the upstream side, a toner image, which will not be transferred to the recording medium in the end, is formed in the imaging unit on the downstream side and is transferred to the intermediate transfer belt so as to be collected by a cleaner. This allows forcible consumption of the toner with color mixture and allows supply of new toner.
As for JP 2001-188394 A, the color mixture is a phenomenon in which the color mixture rate gradually increases as toner of different colors is mixed inside the developing device. Therefore, high image ratio of an imaging unit on the upstream side does not immediately cause any significant change in the color shade of the toner, and even if the image ratio of the imaging unit on the downstream side is below the image ratio of the imaging unit on the upstream side, color mixture such as causing change of color shade, which is unacceptable in formed images, may still occur after repeated operations.

Image forming apparatus including a toner discharge operation

Konica Minolta Business Technologies, Inc.


A support apparatus for supporting a headstone, the apparatus comprising: a pile having a top end and a bottom end; a helical member secured to the bottom end of the pile; and a pile head secured to the top end of the pile, the pile head having a mounting portion engaging the top end of the pile and a holding portion extending away from the mounting portion for engaging a bottom end portion of the headstone to maintain the headstone in a vertical orientation.

Headstones have been used for centuries to mark graves and can take many forms. A typical headstone includes a stone slab having a lower portion which is generally rectangular and an upper portion which can have a semicircular or an arcuate profile.
When the headstone is installed over a corresponding grave, at least part of the lower portion is buried underground in the soil, under a ground surface, and the rest of the lower portion and the top portion extend over the ground surface.
Headstones of this design typically have an inscription or engraving on their front and/or rear face. Alternatively, the headstone could include a statue or another type of representation which is adapted to be viewed properly when the headstone is generally vertical.
For aesthetic and practical reasons, it is therefore desirable that the headstone remain in a generally vertical orientation once installed, preferably permanently.
Unfortunately, there can be movement of the soil over time, which can result in the headstone becoming angled relative to the vertical, and even to the headstone becoming completely unsupported and falling over.
There is therefore a need for an apparatus which would overcome at least one of the above-identified drawbacks.

Support apparatus for supporting a headstone


A modular trapping system that functions in a holding or a terminating mode on dry land, adjacent water or in water. The system comprises several interchangeable, user selectable components that may be conveniently assembled into a desired trap configuration in a minimal time period. The primary components are a cylindrical body with a tapered end, an entrance, and a terminus. In the preferred embodiments, the entrance and terminus may be threadably secured to the body. The entrance components generally comprise a hollow elongated tubular frame supporting a door controlled by a conventional actuating mechanism. The terminus components comprise a hollow elongated tubular frame with a transparent end wall. Several optional inserts may be placed inside the body to enhance the trap. An optional stand may also be used to place the trap adjacent or in bodies of water. The configured trap may be deployed in either a holding or extermination mode. In the holding mode, target animals are held in the interior after entering the trap. In the extermination mode, the target animals are exterminated after entering the trap. When the system is used adjacent a body of water or in the water, the water may be used advantageously. Alternatively, water may be stored internally in the annulus and released appropriately for extermination purposes.

Most conventional prior traps can be classified as either "holding" or "terminating" traps. Holding traps generally capture a live animal and detain the animal until released by the trapper. Terminating traps typically exterminate captured animals immediately.
Holding-type traps usually have at least three elements: 1) a body (holding area), 2) a trigger, and 3) a door (generally either gravity or spring-loaded). While terminating traps can be structurally simpler than a holding trap, they are often just holding traps to which an exterminatory method has been added.
Both types of traps often use bodies comprising a metal frame that is covered with heavy wire. Some traps use an enclosed body made of metal or other materials.
Most conventional trigger designs employ pressure-sensitive release mechanisms. When actuated (i.e., stepped on by an animal), the mechanism normally moves a metal rod that releases the door. The door is typically held in the open position and biased in the closed position with the release of the holding rod, the door falls and latches. The door may also be cooperatively or alternatively spring-loaded to close and latch.
Kass, U.S. Pat. No. 1,382,425 shows the use of combination holding and terminating water trap to kill mice, rats or other small vermin.
Smith U.S. Pat. No. 4,763,439, shows a device that use an air-tight cylindrical tube as a holding area. Preferably, a knock-out or an asphyxiating pellet exterminates the animal.
Another cylindrical tube trap is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,583,316, issued to Holtgrefe. The Holtgrefe device traps the animal inside a cylindrical tube using a trigger that is roughly in its center.
A variety of vertically moving trap doors of general relevance are shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,310,984, issued to Burbaker, Jr., 2,541,681, issued to Andrews, 5,345,710, issued to Bitz, and 1,654,434, issued to Senecal.
An interesting device is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 1,858,096, to Lementy. Apparently, the trap only captivates the animal's head. Another interesting device is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,318,241, issued to Frassauer. Once the mouse enters the trap, the trap rotates and releases an asphyxiating foam material that fills the trap.
Notwithstanding the above prior art, adverse weather conditions prevent most conventional outdoor traps from functioning correctly. For example, no known conventional land trap will continue to function properly after being exposed to snowfall or freezing rain. Thus, an improved trap should be able to continue functioning properly during adverse weather conditions.
Another advantage lacking in most prior land traps is the adaptability to be appropriately reconfigured so that animals may also be trapped adjacent water or in the water. Such a trap could be utilized to catch a live animal or drown a captured animal.
Yet another problem with many prior traps involves the use of bait. Federal statutes prohibit the use of uncovered baits if the bait can be seen by predatory birds (i.e., eagles, hawks, etc.). Thus, an improved trap would permit the selective use of live bait and other types of baits as well as scents.
Furthermore, many prior traps look exactly like what they are--"traps" or "cages". An improved trap would need to be disguised, preferably looking like a portion of the target animals natural environment. For example, many target animals regularly use pipes or culverts as convenient paths. Thus, a trap that looked like another pipe or culvert (i.e., a hole to be explored or a shortcut to be traveled) would be ideal.
An ideal trap must work equally well on the land and in the water. Thus, the trapper may selectively use the trap on dry land, adjacent water or actually deployed in the water, either floating on it or submerged beneath it. Furthermore, such a trap should also permit the trapper to either capture live animals or terminate target animals.


A robotic assembly (20) is provided which is adapted to traverse the surface of a member (138) for inspection and/or work on or about the surface of the member (138). The preferred assembly (20) includes two or more robots (10a-10c) spaced about the body (138) with a tether assembly (140) interconnecting the robots (10a-10c) in order to hold the latter in tractive engagement with the surface of the body (138). Each of the robots (10a-10c) includes rotatable traction wheel assemblies (16) which are independently controllable through respective drive motors (86), as well as independently controllable takeup reels (98) for adjusting the tension of the tether assembly (140). Each robot (10a-10c) preferably includes an elongated body (12) having four corner-mounted wheel assemblies (16) pivotally secured thereto, and a carriage (14) pivotally coupled to the body for pivoting thereof independently of the wheel assemblies (16) and about an axis transverse to the wheel assembly pivot axes. An operating unit (18) such as an imaging device is carried by the carriage (14). A microprocessor-based control (22) allows precise, remote operation of the assembly (20).

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention is broadly concerned with improved mobile, remote controlled robots and robotic assemblies which can be used for the inspection of, or operations on or about, upright members such as bridge piers and abutments or generally horizontal or obliquely oriented members such as pipelines. More particularly, it is concerned with such mobile robots which have independently shiftable traction elements pivotally coupled to the robot body along with a carriage pivotally coupled to the body and adapted to support an operating unit such as a visual imaging device. In preferred forms, two or more such robots can be used in conjunction with a tether assembly operatively coupled to the respective robots and extending around the member to be inspected or otherwise worked upon. Control means is provided for selectively adjusting the tension of the tether assembly in order to hold the individual robots in tractive engagement with the member.
2. Description of the Prior Art
In order to maintain the safety of bridges, it is necessary to periodically inspect both the visible superstructure and underwater substructure of the bridges. It is obviously much more difficult to properly inspect the underwater portions of bridges and similar structures, owing to the harsh environment affecting the mobility and visibility of the inspectors. Generally speaking, underwater bridge inspections are presently carried out by divers, necessitating use of highly skilled inspectors knowledgeable of diving equipment, safety requirements, communication techniques and the inherent dangerous conditions of such inspections. Thus, the inspector must be capable of working under adverse water conditions such as deep, cold water and poor visibility (indeed under certain circumstances a diver/inspector can only use tactile methods of inspection) and have a comprehensive knowledge of the design and construction features of bridge substructures. A qualified inspector must also be able to properly interpret and report what is observed, be able to recognize structural deficiencies and to identify incipient problems so that preventive action can be taken.
In an effort to eliminate or minimize the need for diver/inspectors, sophisticated equipment such as echosounders, ultrasonic thickness gauges and remotely operated vehicles (ROV) have been used. ROVs have assumed an importance in the marine industry, and off-shore petroleum and salvage operations have increasingly relied upon information supplied by ROV cite investigations to aid in planning and execution of underwater tasks. Initially, ROV design tended to be generic, i.e., diverse applications were sought or a technology developed to provide general inspection and simple task performance capabilities. However, while prior ROVs have found utility in certain contexts, the inability of these fairly expensive systems to operate under strong currents in streams and rivers seriously limits their use for underwater inspection of bridges.
Surface inspection and/or work is also often required with horizontal or obliquely oriented bodies such as large pipelines. These pipelines extend for considerable distances through many types of terrains and conditions, and there is also a need for an improved system allowing remote control inspection or work upon these types of structures.
There is accordingly a need in the art for improved mobile robots and multiple-robot assemblies which can be used for the inspection of members or bodies such as bridge pillars, supports and pipelines, even under the sometimes extremely adverse conditions encountered in these environments.

Kansas State University Research Foundation


In a semiconductor device having multilayer wiring, upper metallization layers and elements or lower metallization layers are eletrically connected via embedded metals in contact holes or through holes. A diameter of each of the embedded metals is set larger than a width of each of the upper metallization layers, the lower metallization layers and/or terminals of the elements.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a semiconductor device, and more particularly, to a wiring or interconnection structure of the semiconductor device.
2. Description of the Prior Art
FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 are sectional views of a conventional semiconductor device. In FIG. 1, metallic upper wiring layers 105 are depicted to be perpendicular to the figure space. In FIG. 2, metallic lower wiring layers 102 are depicted to be perpendicular to the figure space.
According to the prior art, as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, contact holes or through holes are connected to adjacent wiring layers so that multilayer interconnections of the semiconductor device are constructed. Then it is required that wiring layers are set thick to leave margins in matching by lithography where the contact or through holes are connected to the wiring layers.
In FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, a numeral 101 represents a substrate structure including wiring layers or elements, a numeral 102 metallic lower wiring layers or a structure including elements, a numeral 103 an inter-layer insulating film, a numeral 104 contact holes or through holes (the contact holes are used when the ground layer includes elements whereas the through holes are used when the ground layer includes metallic wiring), a numeral 105 metallic upper wiring layers, and a numeral 106 an inter-layer insulating film or a passivation film.
FIG. 3 shows positioning of the contact or through holes 104 and each wiring layer.
As shown in FIG. 4, recent semiconductor devices are provided with a high density wiring structure called a borderless structure in which the diameter of each of the contact or through holes 204 is set equal to a width of the metallic lower (or upper) wiring layer 202.
However, as shown in FIG. 1, the wiring layers are set larger in width at the contact areas with the contact or through holes to leave margins in matching by the photolithography. Accordingly, a pitch between the wiring layers is essentially decided by an interval between the wiring layers at the contact areas of the contact or through holes and the upper or lower layers. The width of the wiring layers is decided not only by design rules but also by an efficiency of steppers and flatness of a device accomplished by the photolithography, etc. As for a conventional device, there is left a margin of 0.2 to 0.3 micron on one side of each wiring layer. It is implied that a width of each wiring layer as broadened by 0.4 to 1.0 micron on both sides. Accordingly, the device is highly integrated, and requires a superficial width of the wiring layers broadened by the above values as compared to an actual width of the wiring layers, which causes an obstacle to realize a high density.
In more detail, as shown in FIG. 5, when the contact or through holes 304 are arrayed to be aligned with each other in a single line margins in matching the contact or through holes 304 and each layer decide the minimum interval between the wiring layers. Realization of high density requires, as shown In FIG. 6, that the contact or through holes 308 connected to adjacent wiring layers 306 should be arrayed alternately without being aligned in a single line with each other, which restricts a layout of the contact or through holes 308 connected to adjacent wiring layers 306. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 6, a high density can not be realized, because a pitch between the wiring layers requires at least a margin in matching on one side of each wiring layer.
As shown in FIG. 4, it is possible to realize a high density of the wiring pitch without leaving margins in matching by the photolithography, when the borderless structure, instead of the margin, is employed and a diameter of each contact or through hole is set equal to a width of each wiring layer. In practical manufacturing, when a misalignment of masks in the photolithography occurs, contact areas of the contact or through holes and the wiring layers decrease, which reduces the reliability of wire-connections, that is, allowable current density. In conclusion, there is a disadvantage not to sufficiently realize a high density structure without deciding a pitch between the wiring layers taking into account the misalignment of masks.

Semiconductor device incorporating multilayer wiring structure


A scan type projection exposure apparatus which includes an illumination optical system for forming a slit-shaped illumination area on a pattern on a mask by using illuminating light, and a projection optical system for forming an image of a portion of the pattern in the illumination area on a substrate, includes: a mask stage which moves at least in one direction while holding the mask; a substrate stage which moves two-dimensionally while holding the substrate; a control system for synchronously scanning the mask stage and the substrate stage; and an image forming performance adjusting system for adjusting image forming performance of the projection optical system and having a component placed in an area through which the illuminating light incident from the illumination area on the mask to the projection optical system does not pass.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a projection exposure apparatus which, for example, is used in the process of manufacturing semiconductor devices. More particularly, it relates to a so-called step-and-scan type projection exposure apparatus for scanning a mask and a photosensitive substrate synchronously in one-dimension at the time each of shot areas on the photosensitive substrate is exposed.
2. Related Background Art
Up to this time, in manufacturing semiconductor devices or liquid crystal display devices, etc. under photolithography technique, projection exposure apparatuses have been utilized in which a pattern formed on a reticle (or a photomask, etc.) is exposed via a projection optical system on a wafer (or a glass plate, etc.) with photoresist or the like applied thereto. In such projection exposure apparatuses, step-and-repeat type (batch exposure type) projection exposure apparatuses have been principally utilized in which a reticle and a wafer are exposed under a stationary state thereof after setting each of shot areas provided on the wafer to the exposure position by stepping actuation of a wafer stage like a stepper.
Generally, with the projection exposure apparatuses, it is required to keep image forming performance of the projection optical system (aberration caused by heat deformation of a lens absorbing exposure light, defocus or the like) within an allowable range, so that a mechanism for adjusting the image forming performance (also including its measurement) is provided. For example, an image forming performance adjusting device is used, which includes a mechanism for adjusting gaseous pressure of hermetically sealed spaces between groups of lenses constituting the projection optical system according to the exposure amount, a mechanism for adjusting a predetermined position or inclined angle of lenses constituting the projection optical system, or the like. Also, an oblique incidence type focal position detecting device or the like is used for measuring a degree of defocus, in which an image of slit-pattern is projected relative to the exposure surface of the wafer so that the focal position of the wafer is measured based on the position of the image formation of the reflected light.
With the recent trend toward increasing the size of a chip pattern of a semiconductor, a projection exposure apparatus is required to expose a larger area of the pattern of the reticle onto the wafer. Therefore, a projection exposure apparatus of a so-called step-and-scan type or a slit scan type (scan type exposure apparatus) has been proposed in which the reticle is illuminated with a rectangular-shaped or circular-shaped illumination area (hereinafter, called the "slit-shaped illumination area") and the reticle and the wafer are synchronously scanned with respect to the projection optical system so as to expose the pattern of the reticle.
Even in such a scan type exposure apparatus, it is required to keep image forming performance of the projection optical system within an allowable range. However, a conventional mechanism for the batch exposure type projection exposure apparatus has still been utilized for adjusting the image forming performance. Also, in the scan type exposure apparatus, although it is required to include an alignment device for positioning each of the shot areas on the reticle and the wafer, and a focus leveling device for positioning the photosensitive substrate in the direction of the optical axis of the projection optical system, the conventional mechanism for the batch exposure type projection exposure apparatus has been similarly utilized for the alignment device and the focus leveling device.
FIG. 14 shows a conventional scan type projection exposure apparatus which includes such a mechanism as a sensor or the like. In FIG. 14, an alignment microscope 27 of through-the-lens type (TTL) is provided in the neighborhood of an upper end of a projection optical system 14 for detecting positions of alignment marks of the respective shot areas on a photosensitive substrate 17 via the projection optical system 14. Also, another alignment microscope 28 is provided in the neighborhood of the lower end of the projection optical system 14 for detecting the alignment marks on the photosensitive substrate 17 according to an off-axis system. The alignment microscopes 27 and 28 position the photosensitive substrate 17.
Then, a through-the-lens type focus leveling sensor (not shown) for positioning the photosensitive substrate 17 in the direction of the optical axis of the projection optical system 14, i.e., for focussing and leveling, or a so-called oblique incidence type focus leveling sensor placed in a space between the projection optical system 14 and photosensitive substrate 17 are provided. FIG. 14 only shows a floodlight system 29 of the oblique incidence type focus leveling sensor. In addition, although the alignment microscope 28 and the floodlight system 29 are practically placed in asymmetric positions relative to the optical axis of the projection optical system 14, they are shown on the same plane in FIG. 14 for convenience.
The sensor for positioning means is required to be out of contact, so that an optical sensor is chiefly used. When performing accurate measurement with such an optical sensor, it is important to avoid air fluctuation of an optical path of probe light as much as possible. For this, an exclusive air conditioning device 130 can be provided between a reticle 6 and the projection optical system 14.
Further, in FIG. 14, an actuator 131 is attached for actuating, for example, a lens element 15 out of lens elements of the projection optical system 14. The position or the inclined angle of the lens element 15 is finely adjusted through the actuator 131 so that some aberrations of the projection optical system 14 are adjusted, thereby obtaining abetter projected image.
Lens elements other than the lens element 15 can be actuated by the actuator 131 inside the projection optical system 14.
As described above, in the conventional scan exposure type projection exposure apparatus, the batch exposure type mechanism is utilized for adjusting the image forming performance (including its measurement). Also, the batch exposure type mechanism is utilized as the alignment device for the conventional scan exposure type projection exposure apparatus. However, the scan exposure type projection exposure apparatus tends to make the allowable range more narrow with respect to the image forming performance of the projection optical system being in a stationary state. Accordingly, it has been desirable to provide a more highly accurate mechanism for adjusting the image formation.
Similarly, it has been desirable to improve the alignment mechanism used for the scan exposure type projection exposure apparatus. For the purposes of this specification, the alignment mechanism is to be considered in a broad sense as to constitute a kind of adjusting mechanism for adjusting image forming performance of the projection optical system. Also, an image forming property, such as distortion or curvature of field, is to be considered as a kind of image forming performance.
In the conventional scan type projection exposure apparatus, various mechanisms (an air conditioning mechanism, an alignment mechanism and the like) are mounted around the projection optical system so as to secure very high accuracy. As a result, the mounted mechanisms may mechanically interfere with each other under certain circumstances, which presents a problem in that the system can be difficult to design or install, or in that a desired performance cannot be obtained because of an unreasonable arrangement.


Playlists are generated. Each of the generated playlists instructs playback of at least a portion or portions of one or ones selected from contents-data pieces recorded on a recording medium. Playlist management tables are generated. The generated playlist management tables correspond to the contents-data pieces, respectively. Each of the playlist management tables represents a correspondence between related one of the contents-data pieces and a playlist or playlists each instructing playback of at least a portion of the related one of the contents-data pieces. The playlists and the playlist management tables are recorded on the recording medium.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a recording medium. In addition, this invention relates to a contents-data editing apparatus designed to make a playlist for instructing the playback of one or more selected from a plurality of contents of data stored in a recording medium. Furthermore, this invention relates to a method of updating a playlist.
2. Description of the Related Art
The word "content" used here means, for example, a home movie, a motion picture, a television program, an audio visual stream, or a music tune. Data representing one content is referred to as content data, while data representing a plurality of contents is referred to as contents data. Accordingly, contents data is composed of plural pieces representing respective contents.
In some cases, data representing many contents is recorded on a recording medium such as a DVD, a memory, or a hard disc. Generally, a playlist indicates one or more selected from such contents by a user as an object or objects to be played back. The playlist further indicates the order in which the selected contents should be played back.
Japanese patent application publication number 2002-158971 discloses a system designed so that an AV stream, as an entity of contents, is managed by ClipInformation and reproduction of the AV stream is managed by Playlist. Address information on discontinuity points in the AV stream, information associating the address information and time information in the AV stream with each other, and time information on a characteristic image in the AV stream are recorded in the ClipInformation as attribute information of the AV stream. In the system of Japanese application 2002-158971, a portion of a content data can be designated by a playlist.
Japanese patent application publication number 2005-196833 discloses an audio apparatus including a hard disc for storing music files and a management database, and a device for generating playlists and recording the generated playlists on the hard disc. Ones selected from the music files in the hard disc are registered in the playlists. A set of registered music files varies from playlist to playlist. There may be one or more registered music files common to at least two of the playlists. The music files in the hard disc are assigned serial ID numbers, respectively. The playlists in the hard disc are assigned different ID numbers, respectively. The management database is controlled to indicate the relation of each of the music files in the hard disc with a playlist or playlists in which the present music file is registered. Specifically, the management database holds the ID numbers of the music files in the hard disc. For each of the music-file ID numbers, the management database holds the ID number or numbers of a playlist or playlists in which the music file corresponding to the present music-file ID number is registered. Furthermore, the management database indicates the relation of each of the music files with an address on the hard disc at which the present music file starts.
In the audio apparatus of Japanese application 2005-196833, a music file can be deleted from a playlist or playlists. Specifically, the ID number of a target music file (a music file to be deleted) is derived. The management database is accessed in response to the derived music-file ID number to find a playlist or playlists in which the target music file is registered. Then, the target music file is deleted from the found playlist or playlists.
It is desirable that as content data or a file is edited, a related playlist or playlists are updated accordingly. When the number of the related playlists is relatively large, complicated and troublesome data processing tends to be required for updating the playlists.
An explanation is given of the case where content data stored in a recording medium is captured-image data generated by a video camera and relates with a plurality of playlists in the recording medium. When a later portion representative of wrong captured images is deleted from the content data, the related playlists are read from the recording medium. Regarding each of the read playlists, information about an on-recording-medium position at which the recorded region for the content data ends is updated in accordance with the foregoing deletion. Thus, as the number of the related playlists increases, it takes a considerably longer time to update the related playlists in harmony with the editing of the content data.

Contents-data editing apparatus, method of updating playlist of contents data, and recording medium


A touch display apparatus includes a first substrate, a touch electrode, an insulating pattern, a second substrate and a liquid crystal layer. The touch electrode is disposed on a first surface of the first substrate. The insulating pattern is disposed on the touch electrode. The insulating pattern has a refractive index same as a refractive index of the touch electrode. The second substrate faces a second surface of the first substrate opposite to the first surface of the first substrate. The liquid crystal layer is disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate.

1. Field
Exemplary embodiments of the present inventive concept relate to a touch display apparatus and a method of manufacturing the touch display apparatus. More particularly, exemplary embodiments of the present inventive concept relate to a touch display apparatus for improving a display quality and a method of manufacturing the touch display apparatus.
2. Description of the Related Art
As information technology developed, a demand for various display apparatuses increased. Accordingly, much research efforts have been directed to development and improvement of liquid crystal display ("LCD") apparatus, plasma display panel ("PDP"), field emission display ("FED") apparatus, an electrophoretic display ("EPD") apparatus, and organic light emitting display ("OLED") apparatus.
A touch screen panel function may be incorporated into the display apparatus. The touch screen panel is an input device for inputting instructions by touching the screen of the display apparatus with an input object such as a finger or a pen. The touch screen panel can be used as a substitute for an additional input device such as a keyboard or a mouse which is connected to the display apparatus. By eliminating the necessity for extra chords and peripheral devices, touch screen panel became widely adopted.
The touch screen panel may be divided into a resistive type, a photosensitive type and a capacitive type. In the capacitive type touch screen panel, when the input object such as the finger or the pen is touched on the touch screen panel, change of capacitance is sensed by adjacent conductive sensing patterns or by a conductive sensing pattern and a ground electrode. The change of capacitance may be converted into an electric signal representing a touch position.
The touch screen panel may be combined with the liquid crystal display apparatus to form the touch display apparatus. However, a touch electrode of the touch display apparatus may be damaged during manufacturing of the touch display apparatus. In addition, a refractive index of the touch electrode may be different from a refractive index of an insulating layer covering the touch electrode so that the touch electrode may be shown to a user.

Touch display apparatus and method of manufacturing the same


This disclosure provides folded anode assemblies, conjoined cathode assemblies, and flat stack capacitor configurations comprising such assemblies, and methods of preparing the various assemblies. The anode assemblies, conjoined cathode assemblies and capacitor configurations disclosed herein can be used in implantable cardioverter defibrillators.

1. Field of the Invention
Electrolytic capacitors and, more particularly, multiple anode stacked capacitor constructions comprising folded anode assemblies and/or conjoined capacitor assemblies for use with electrolytic capacitors are disclosed, as well as electrolytic capacitors comprising the anode assemblies and/or capacitor configurations.
2. Background of the Invention
Compact, high voltage capacitors are utilized as energy storage reservoirs in many applications, including implantable medical devices. These capacitors are required to have a high energy density since it is desirable to minimize the overall size of the implanted device. This is particularly true of an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD), also referred to as an implantable defibrillator, since the high voltage capacitors used to deliver the defibrillation pulse can occupy as much as one third of the ICD volume.
Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators typically use two electrolytic capacitors in series to achieve the desired high voltage for shock delivery. For example, an implantable cardioverter defibrillator may utilize two 350 to 400 volt electrolytic capacitors in series to achieve a voltage of 700 to 800 volts.
Electrolytic capacitors are used in ICDs because they have the most nearly ideal properties in terms of size, reliability and ability to withstand relatively high voltage. Conventionally, such electrolytic capacitors typically consist of a cathode electrode, an electrically conductive electrolyte and a porous anode with a dielectric oxide film formed thereon. While aluminum is generally used for the anode plates, other metals such as tantalum, magnesium, titanium, niobium, zirconium and zinc may be used. Flat constructions for aluminum electrolytic capacitors are known, comprising a planar, layered, stack structure of electrode materials with separators interposed therebetween and connections between the various anode and cathode layers made via tabs on each individual electrode layer.
The need for high voltage, high energy density capacitors is most pronounced when employed in implantable cardiac defibrillators. Since the capacitance of an electrolytic capacitor is provided by the anodes, a clear strategy for increasing the energy density in the capacitor is to minimize the volume taken up by paper and cathode and maximize the number and volume of the anodes. For example, a multiple anode flat, stacked capacitor configuration requires fewer cathodes and paper spacers than a single anode configuration and thus reduces the size of the device. A multiple anode stack consists of a number of units consisting of a cathode, a paper spacer, two or more anodes, a paper spacer and a cathode, with neighboring units sharing the cathode between them. In order to achieve higher energy densities, three, four and five anodes can be stacked per layer. Maximization of the anode volume may also be accomplished by etching to achieve more effective anode surface area, and making the relative size of the anode plates larger with respect to the cathode plates.
Current multiple anode flat, stack capacitor configurations comprise on the order of 78 separate components (including anodes, cathodes and separator papers) which leads to substantial manufacturing time and cost, as well as labor intensive assembly processes. In addition, a significant portion (about 13%) of the capacitor volume is used to align the various components of the stack configurations (for example, through alignment holes) and to make the electric connections between the various parts (e.g., by tabs). This reduces the energy density of the capacitor and also increases the volume and mass of the ICD. There is, therefore, a need for improved methods and configurations that reduce the cost and time associated with flat capacitor manufacturing and assembly, while increasing the energy density and reducing the volume and mass of the capacitor configurations.


An embodiment of the invention provides an apparatus and a method. An intensity gradient between first and second optical image data of an optical image produced by an optical scanning device is determined. The first optical image data is a first optical image pixel and the second optical image data is a second optical image pixel. An intensity gradient image comprising a plurality of intensity gradient image pixels is determined, each intensity gradient image pixel representing the magnitude of an intensity gradient. One or more anomalies in the optical image in dependence on the magnitude of the intensity gradient being greater than or equal to a threshold value is identified.

Optical images produced by an optical scanning device are susceptible to anomalies that affect the integrity of the optical image. Such anomalies include striping, which refers to optical image artefacts that can manifest, for example as lines on the optical image in the direction of scanning.
Typically, the direction of scanning is vertically down a target area, which may produce striping vertically down the optical image, and striping may therefore be termed vertical striping. For another example it also possible, however, that striping may occur horizontally if the direction of scanning of the optical scanning device is horizontally across the target area.
When an optical scanning device produces an optical image a target area is scanned by for example a laser over a plurality of scan lines. Light is reflected from the target to allow the optical scanning device to produce an optical image. The target may be, for example, the retina of a human or animal subject, an existing image such as a photograph or any other object or surface of which an optical image is desired to be created.
In certain optical scanning devices, a laser is passed vertically over a target area to produce a first scan line. The laser is then moved horizontally in one direction and passed vertically over the target area again to produce a second scan line adjacent the first scan line. This process is repeated until all of the target area has been scanned. A polygonal mirror may be used in optical scanning devices of this type, each facet of the mirror being used to move the laser beam over a single scan line.
If one or more facets of a polygonal mirror are defective then a striping anomaly may occur. The striping anomaly may exhibit anomalous attenuated or accentuated brightness of one line of an optical image relative to adjacent lines of the optical image because a defective facet may disperse light from the laser beam such that a portion of the light is not reflected from the polygonal mirror onto the target area and therefore is not reflected from the target area to produce the correct/desired intensity of optical image data.
Striping can result in the polygonal mirror or optical scanning device being rejected. This results in a significantly reduced yield with a high cost to manufacturers of polygonal mirrors and optical scanning devices.
Current known solutions for determining the level of striping in an optical image include human observation in which an operative manually determines the level of striping by eye. If the level of striping is considered to be too high then the polygonal mirror or optical scanning device may be rejected.

Identifying and correcting anomalies in an optical image


The present disclosure provides methods useful for producing fatty alcohol compositions from recombinant host cells. The disclosure further provides variant fatty acyl-CoA reductase (FAR) enzymes, polynucleotides encoding the variant FAR enzymes, and vectors and host cells comprising the same.

Reliance on petroleum-derived fuels has depleted the supply of natural resources and has required increased reliance on imported gasoline and diesel products. In addition, the burning of petroleum-based fuels has increased the amount of greenhouse gasses (e.g., carbon dioxide and methane) in the atmosphere that is contributing to the gradual warming of the earth's climate.
Fuels, such as biodiesel, that are made from animal or vegetable products burn cleaner than petroleum-derived fuels and do not produce a net increase in greenhouse gases. Furthermore, they are a sustainable energy source and have the potential to reduce the United States' reliance on imported petroleum-based products. However, there is a concern that using land to produce fuel crops rather than food crops will contribute to world hunger.
Fatty acids are the principal component of cell membranes and are used by nearly all organisms as a primary source of energy storage. Fatty alcohols are the reduction products of fatty acids and, like fatty acids, can be produced enzymatically by cultured cells. Fatty alcohols can be reacted with acids to form ester compositions similar to those present in biodiesel fuel, or reduced to form kerosene-like compositions, or hydrocarbon compositions similar to petrodiesel. Enzymes that convert fatty acyl-thioester substrates (e.g., fatty acyl-CoA or fatty acyl-ACP) to fatty alcohols are commonly referred to as fatty alcohol forming acyl-CoA reductases or fatty acyl reductases ("FARs").
PCT Publication No. WO 2007/136762 discloses genetically engineered microorganisms for the production of fatty acid derivatives and methods of their use.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,370,996 and Metz et al., 2000, Plant Physiology 122:635-644 disclose isolation and characterization of a fatty acyl reductase (FAR) enzyme from the desert shrub Simmondsia chinensis, more commonly known as jojoba.
Moto et al., 2003, Proc. Nat'l Acad. Sci USA 100(16):9156-9161 discloses the isolation and characterization of a FAR enzyme from the silk moth Bombyx mori.
Reiser et al., 1997, J. Bacteriol. 179(9):2969-2975 discloses the isolation and characterization of a fatty acyl CoA reductase enzyme from the wax ester producing bacterium Acinetobacter calcoaceticus that reduces a fatty acyl-CoA substrate with chain lengths from C14 to C22 to the corresponding fatty aldehyde, requiring a dehydrogenase enzyme for conversion of the fatty aldehyde to the fatty alcohol.
In theory, these FAR enzymes could be expressed in heterologous hosts as a means of producing a non-petroleum-based, renewable source of fatty alcohol or derivative compositions for use in biofuels. However, when expressed in heterologous hosts such as E. coli and yeast, the yields of fatty alcohols obtained are insufficient for certain applications. In addition, at most, only a small fraction of fatty alcohols produced are secreted by the microorganisms, increasing substantially the cost of purification.
Accordingly, there is a need in the art for enzymes such as FAR enzymes that can be used efficiently to produce fatty alcohols for use in industrial applications such as but not limited to applications in the chemical industry (e.g., household detergents, including laundry detergents in liquid and powder form, hard surface cleaners, dishwashing liquids, and the like; lubricants and solvents; industrial cleaners; and surfactants), in the food industry, in the personal care industry (e.g., in soaps, cosmetics, shampoos, and gels), in the medical industry, and in the fuels industry (e.g., in diesel fuels).

Fatty alcohol forming acyl reductases (FARs) and methods of use thereof


A method of controlling deposition of a continuous elongated element in building a tire for vehicle wheels, includes: feeding an initial end of a continuous elongated element of elastomeric material through a slit bounded by a first roller and a second roller of a calender; retaining the continuous elongated element against a peripheral surface of the first roller; laying the initial end of the continuous elongated element against a deposition surface; rotating the calender around an oscillation axis that is substantially coincident with a contact generatrix between the first roller and the second roller; and dragging along the continuous elongated element together with the deposition surface.

Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a method of controlling deposition of a continuous elongated element in building a tyre for vehicle wheels, to a process and apparatus for building a tyre for vehicle wheels.
Description of the Related Art
A tyre generally comprises a carcass structure including at least one carcass ply having end flaps in engagement with respective annular anchoring structures, each of them being usually made up of at least one substantially circumferential annular insert to which at least one filling insert is applied. A belt structure is associated with the carcass structure, at a radially external position thereof and it comprises one or more belt layers disposed in radially superposed relationship to each other and to the carcass ply and comprising textile or metallic reinforcing cords having a crossed orientation and/or being substantially parallel to the circumferential extension direction of the tyre. Applied at a radially external position to the belt structure is a tread band also of elastomeric material like other semifinished products constituting the tyre. A so-called "under-layer" of elastomeric material can be interposed between the tread band and the belt structure, which under-layer has properties suitable to ensure a steady union of the tread band itself. Respective sidewalls of elastomeric material are further applied onto the side surfaces of the carcass structure, each extending from one of the side edges of the tread band until close to the respective annular anchoring structure to the beads.
It should be pointed out, to the aims of the present specification that the term "elastomeric material" is understood as indicating a composition comprising at least one elastomeric polymer and at least one reinforcing filler. Preferably, this composition further comprises additives such as a cross-linking agent and/or a plasticizer, for example. Due to the presence of the cross-linking agent, this material can be cross-linked through heating, so as to form the final article of manufacture.
It is presently known to make components of elastomeric material of the tyre directly on one or more supports. Note that by "component of elastomeric material" of the tyre in this context it is intended any part of elastomeric material of the tyre (tread band, sidewalls, liner, under-liner, fillers in the bead region, sidewall inserts in run flat tyres, abrasion-proof inserts, for example) or a portion thereof, or yet the assembly formed with two or more of said parts or portions.
Document EP 1 279 486 discloses a method of making a shaped rubber body, such as a green tyre or a component of this tyre, on a rotary support. This rubber body is made through extrusion of a rubber strip by a movable extrusion system, which comprises a screw extrusion unit, a gear pump and an extrusion head provided with an extruder nozzle, connected in series. The rubber strip is fed to a rotary support along a substantially rectilinear passage extending from the screw extrusion unit to the extruder nozzle. The rubber strip is fed to a rotary support along a substantially rectilinear passageway extending from the screw extrusion unit to the extruder nozzle. The rubber strip is further passed through a slit defined between two presser rollers and applied onto an outer surface of the rotary support by one of said two presser rollers.
Document EP 0 968 814 illustrates how to deposit elastomeric material onto a support driven in rotation using a positive-displacement extruder for feeding the elastomeric material, by disposing a pair of rollers rotating in opposite directions in the vicinity of a radially external surface of a supporting portion and using the slit bounded between the rollers as the calender for the elastomeric material coming from the extruder.
Document WO 2008/053278, in the name of the same Applicant, describes an apparatus for building tyres comprising a forming support and an assembling device for assembling components of elastomeric material on the forming support. The assembling device comprises a feeding unit for supplying a continuous elongated element of elastomeric material, a conveyor having a surface movable along a predetermined direction and towards a proximal end thereof adjacent to the forming support; an application device positioned at the proximal end. The continuous elongated element is advanced on the movable surface until the proximal end, and the forming support is rotated to enable application of the continuous elongated element in the form of coils wound up on the forming support. A holding roller is mounted above the movable surface of the conveyor and cooperates with the conveyor for cutting the continuous elongated element at the end of an application step of the latter onto the forming support. The holding roller retains the just cut end of the continuous elongated element supported by the conveyor. The continuous elongated element is therefore ready for a new application on the forming support.
Document WO 2009/040594 in the name of the same Applicant discloses a process for building tyres for vehicle wheels comprising: building a carcass structure on a first forming drum in a carcass-structure building line; building a crown structure on a second forming drum in a crown-structure building line; shaping the carcass structure into a toroid, assembling it to the crown structure in an assembling and shaping station; vulcanising and moulding the green tyre in a vulcanisation and moulding line separated from the carcass and crown building lines.

Method of controlling deposition of a continuous elongated element in building a tyre for vehicle wheels, process and apparatus for building a tyre for vehicle wheels


Radiation detectors, such as neutron detectors, and methods of detecting radiation, are described.

Certain detectors, such as those used for homeland security or scientific research instruments are capable of detecting radiation, such as neutrons. One type of neutron detector is a gas-based neutron detector. Referring to FIG. 1, a gas-based neutron detector 20 includes a housing 22, an electrode 24, and one or more gases 26 (such as 3He gas), both of which are in the housing. As shown, electrode 24 is a positively charged wire that is isolated from the walls of housing 22, which is held at ground potential or negative relative to the electrode. Gas(es) 26 is filled in housing 22, e.g., from about 1 to about 20 atmospheres.
During use, incident radiation, such as neutrons, interacts with gas(es) 26 to produce charged particles that ionize the gas atoms and produce electrons, which can be detected. More specifically, as neutron radiation traverses through gas(es) 26, the neutrons interact with the gas(es) and produce charged particles, such as protons and tritons (3H). The charged particles then ionize gas(es) 26 to form gas ions and electrons. The gas ions can be accelerated to the walls of housing 22, while the electrons are accelerated to electrode 24, thereby producing a detectable electrical pulse. The intensity of the electrical pulse can provide an indication of the level of neutrons detected.

Radiation detectors and methods of detecting radiation


A selective memory refresh circuit for refreshing a memory cell array. The memory cell array has a plurality of word lines connected to a plurality of word line selection circuits for determining if a particular word line needs to be refresh during a refresh cycle. Each word line refresh selection circuit further has a word line address latching device for receiving a word line pre-decode signal, a release signal, a triggering signal and outputting a word line latching signal and a word line refresh compare circuit for receiving the word line pre-decode signal and the word line latching signal and transmitting the result of comparison to a word line driver. When the word line latching signal is at a high level, memory cells attached to the word line are refreshed. On the contrary, when the word line latching signal is at a low level, memory refresh for that word line is skipped.

This application claims the priority benefit of Taiwan application serial no. 90117784, filed Jul. 20, 2001.
1. Field of Invention
The present invention relates to a memory refresh circuit and a memory refresh method. More particularly, the present invention relates to a memory refresh method or circuit capable of refreshing memory cells along a word line containing stored data.
2. Description of Related Art
In general, a dynamic random access memory (DRAM) unit consists of a transistor and a capacitor. By transferring electric charges to the capacitor or discharging electric charges from the capacitor, different storage states such as xe2x80x981xe2x80x99 and xe2x80x980xe2x80x99 are produced. However, some of the charges residing inside the capacitor may leak out over time, leading to a drop in voltage. When sufficient electric charges leak away, different storage states in a memory cell are hard to distinguish. To maintain a particular storage stage, refresh cycles are conducted from time to time so that charges inside the capacitor are replenished. Although refresh cycles can restore a minimal voltage level, refreshing entails current loss and consequently an increase in power consumption.
At present, memory refreshing is conducted on memory cells along all word lines no matter whether a particular word line holds data or not. In other words, word lines that do not hold anything are still refreshed. Ultimately, a longer refreshing cycle than necessary is carried out and more power than necessary is wasted in the refresh operation.
Following the rapid development of portable electronic equipment and the rapid increase in memory capacity, over-consumption of electric power is an important issue. Too much energy wasted in refreshing shortens workable time. Hence, any circuits or methods that can reduce the number of refresh cycles are highly beneficial.
Accordingly, one object of the present invention is to provide a selective memory refresh circuit and method that refresh memory cells along a word line containing stored data but skip those memory cells along a word line containing no data.
A second object of the invention is to provide a selective memory refresh circuit and method that reduce power consumption and shorten refreshing time in each refresh cycle.
A third object of the invention is to provide a selective memory refresh circuit and method that utilize a release signal to release unused word line addresses so that the unused word lines are skipped during refreshing.
To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, the invention provides a selective memory refresh circuit for refreshing a memory cell array. The memory cell array comprises of a plurality of rows and columns. The memory cell array also includes a plurality of word lines with each column corresponding to a word line. The selective memory refresh circuit includes a plurality of word line refresh selection circuits coupled to various word lines for determining if the particular word line needs to be refresh during a refresh cycle. The word line refresh selection circuit further includes a word line address latching device and word line refresh comparison circuit. The word line address latching device receives a word line pre-decode signal, a release signal and a triggering signal and outputs a word line latching signal. The word line refresh comparison circuit receives the word line pre-decode signal and the word line latching signal and transmitting the result of comparison to a word line driver. When the triggering signal activates the word line, the word line latching signal becomes a first level signal (for example, a high potential level) to indicate the presence of stored data in the memory cells connected to the word line. On issuing a release signal, the word line latching signal switches to a second level signal (for example, a low potential level) to indicate the absence of stored data in the memory cells connected to the word line. During a refreshing cycle, if the word line latching signal is a first level signal, memory cells along the word line are refreshed. On the contrary, if the word line latching signal is a second level signal, memory refresh of the word line is no longer conducted.
This invention also provides a method for conducting a selective memory refresh. The method is applied to refresh a memory array having a plurality of rows and columns as well as a plurality of word lines, wherein each column corresponds to a word line. First, a refresh cycle is initiated. The plurality of memory cells along a word line is checked to determine if the memory cells contain any stored data. If the word line contains stored data, memory cells along the word line are refreshed. Conversely, if the word line contains no stored data, memory cells along the word line are skipped without conducting a refresh operation. The checking and refreshing steps are repeated until all word lines are processed. When all the word lines are appropriately processed, a refresh cycle is completed.
In brief, if the word line contains stored data, the word line is refreshed. On the contrary, if the word line contains no stored data, refreshing of the word line is not conducted. Applying this scheme to refresh the memory array, refreshing time is shortened and overall power consumption for the refreshing operation is reduced.
It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary, and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed.

Selective memory refresh circuit and method


The HCV NS5B polymerase, when complexed with certain inhibitors, adopts a conformation in which the finger loop region defined by amino acid residues 18 to 35 is displaced to expose a binding pocket defined generally by amino acid residues 392, 393, 395, 396, 399, 424, 425, 428, 429, 492, 493, 494, 495, 496, 500 and 503. This newly exposed binding pocket defines a novel target in the search of further chemical entities which are capable of binding to HCV NS5B and modulating, or preferably inhibiting, the polymerase activity of HCV NS5B.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the major etiological agent of post-transfusion and community-acquired non-A non-B hepatitis worldwide. It is estimated that over 200 million people worldwide are infected by the virus. A high percentage of carriers become chronically infected and many progress to chronic liver disease, so called chronic hepatitis C. This group is in turn at high risk for serious liver disease such as liver cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma and terminal liver disease leading to death.
The mechanism by which HCV establishes viral persistence and causes a high rate of chronic liver disease has not been thoroughly elucidated. It is not known how HCV interacts with and evades the host immune system. In addition, the roles of cellular and humoral immune responses in protecting against HCV infection and disease have yet to be established.
HCV is an enveloped positive strand RNA virus in the Flaviviridae family. The single strand HCV RNA genome is of positive polarity and comprises one open reading frame (ORF) of approximately 9600 nucleotides in length, which encodes a linear polyprotein of approx. 3010 amino acids. In infected cells, this polyprotein is cleaved at multiple sites by cellular and viral proteases to produce structural and non-structural (NS) proteins. The structural proteins (C, E1, E2 and E2-p7) comprise polypeptides that constitute the virus particle. The non-structural proteins (NS2, NS3, NS4A, NS4B, NS5A, NS5B) encode for enzymes or accessory factors that catalyze and regulate the replication of the HCV RNA genome. Processing of the structural proteins is catalyzed by host cell proteases. The generation of the mature non-structural proteins is catalyzed by two virally encoded proteases. The first is the NS2/3 zinc-dependent metalloprotease which auto-catalyzes the release of the NS3 protein from the polyprotein. The released NS3 protein contains an N-terminal serine protease domain and catalyzes the remaining cleavages from the polyprotein. The released NS4A protein has at least two roles. The first role is forming a stable complex with NS3 protein and assisting in the membrane localization of the NS3/NS4A complex; the second is acting as a cofactor for NS3 protease activity. This membrane-associated complex, in turn catalyzes the cleavage of the remaining sites on the polyprotein, thus effecting the release of NS4B, NS5A and NS5B. The C-terminal segment of the NS3 protein also harbors nucleoside triphosphatase and RNA helicase activity. The function of the protein NS4B is unknown. NS5A is a highly phosphorylated protein that appears to be responsible for the interferon resistance of various HCV genotypes. NS5B is an RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) that is involved in the replication of HCV.
The open reading frame of the HCV RNA genome is flanked on its 5′ end by a non-translated region (NTR) of approx. 340 nucleotides that functions as the internal ribosome entry site (IRES), and on its 3′ end by an NTR of approximately 230 nucleotides. Both the 5′ and 3′ NTRs are important for RNA genome replication. The genomic sequence variance is not evenly distributed over the genome and the 5′NTR and parts of the 3′NTR are the most highly conserved portions.
The cloned and characterized partial and complete sequences of the HCV genome have been analyzed with regard to appropriate targets for a prospective antiviral therapy. The following four viral enzyme activities provide possible targets: (1) the NS2/3 protease; (2) the NS3/4A protease complex, (3) the NS3 helicase and (4) the NS5B RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (NS5B RdRp). The NS5B RNA dependent RNA polymerase has also been crystallized to reveal a structure reminiscent of other nucleic acid polymerases (Ago et al. 1999; Bressanelli et al. 1999; Lesburg et al. 1999) with an enclosed active site.
Virus-specific functions essential for replication are the most attractive targets for drug development. The absence of RNA dependent RNA polymerases in mammals, and the fact that this enzyme appears to be essential to viral replication, would suggest that the HCV NS5B polymerase is an ideal target for anti-HCV therapeutics. It has recently been demonstrated that mutations destroying NS5B activity abolish infectivity of HCV RNA in a chimp model (Kolykhalov, A. A. et al. 2000). The initial step of viral RNA replication is recognition of the 3′-end of RNA template by NS5B (RdRp), which may occur directly or indirectly with the help of cellular proteins (Lai, 1998; Strauss et al., 1999). HCV polymerase then proceeds to elongate this template and form a complementary RNA product.
Several groups have described the crystal structure of HCV NS5B polymerase (Ago et al. 1999 supra; Bressanelli et al. 1999 supra; Lesburg et al. 1999 supra). It resembles a flattened sphere with the approximate dimensions 70 Å×60 Å×40 Å. The polypeptide chain encircles the active site, forming a cavity at the center of the molecule, and resulting in an appearance that is very different from other U-shaped polymerases. The domain organization of NS5B is consistent with other polymerases in that it is subdivided into finger, palm and thumb domains in which the palm domain, i.e. residues 188-225 and 287-370, is conserved. In contrast to other polymerases, extensive thumb and finger domain contacts result in a globular-shaped HCV polymerase. These contacts are mediated, in part, by loops that extend from the finger to the thumb domain. Knowledge of the crystal structure of NS5B is useful for structure-based drug design and, indeed, structures of NS5B polymerase/inhibitor complexes have been reported recently (Wang et al. 2003; Love et al, 2003; EP 1 256 628). Non-nucleoside analogue inhibitors were found to bind in a wedge-like fashion to a hydrophobic binding pocket located near the C-terminal region of the polymerase thumb domain. In this study, the enzyme was determined to undergo only minor conformational changes in the enzyme/inhibitor complex. At least two NTP binding sites have been characterized on NS5B, one in the active site palm and a second potential allosteric site on the thumb (O'Farrell et al. 2003; Bressanelli et al. 2002).
Interestingly, Labonté et al. 2002 have reported that a mutation of Leu30 in the N-terminal finger loop of the NS5B affects its polymerase activity and speculate that a local alteration in the structure of the Leu30 mutant is responsible for this decrease in activity. However, the authors are silent on the presence of a binding pocket that is "masked" by the finger loop in its native state and becomes exposed by a mutation or displacement of the Leu30 residue. The discovery of this peculiar binding pocket is the subject-matter of the present invention.
Accordingly, the effort to develop effective treatments to HCV infection can be facilitated by increased knowledge of the structure of enzymes critical to HCV replication, most notably, the NS5B polymerase. An increased knowledge of enzyme structure, particularly when complexed with specific inhibitors, will lead to a means of identifying binding sites in the enzyme, as well as the conformation of enzyme/inhibitor complexes and susceptible residues in the enzyme, knowledge of each of which is critical to the process of drug design and optimization.

Hepatitis C Virus NS5B polymerase inhibitor binding pocket


In a method for designing a semiconductor integrated device, there are prepared a first power supply cell having a first decoupling capacitance and a second power supply cell having a second decoupling capacitance larger than the first decoupling capacitance. One of the first and second power supply cells is arranged in each of power supply cell areas of an input/output circuit area of the semiconductor integrated device in accordance with frequency-to-impedance characteristics at a predetermined point of input/output buffers of the input/output circuit area between first and second power supply lines thereof and frequency-to-noise current characteristics of the input/output buffers of the input/output circuit area between the first and second power supply lines.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for designing a semiconductor integrated device, and more particularly, to a method and apparatus for arranging power supply cells in an input/output circuit area of the semiconductor integrated device.
2. Description of the Related Art
Generally, a semiconductor integrated device is partitioned by an internal circuit area and an input/output circuit area surrounding the internal circuit area. The input/output circuit area includes power supply cells and input/output buffers.
The power supply cells receive power supply voltages via pads from the exterior and supply the power supply voltages via power supply lines to the input/output buffers as well as the internal circuit area.
The input/output buffers are connected via pads to external devices, so that the input/output buffers carry out signal transmission between the semiconductor integrated device and the external devices.
In the above-mentioned semiconductor integrated device, noise currents may be generated. That is, when a plurality of input/output buffers are simultaneously switched by the same operating frequency, a simultaneous switching noise (SSN) current may be generated in the input/output buffers between the power supply lines. Also, when circuits in the internal circuit area are operated, a radiant noise current may be generated.
In order to decrease the above-mentioned simultaneous switching noise current, in a prior art semiconductor integrated device designing method (see: JP-2005-196406 A), first, a frequency-to-impedance characteristic curve between two power supply lines is calculated in accordance with circuit design data for a semiconductor integrated device (chip). In this case, assume that a resonant frequency at which the impedance is maximum is very close to the operating frequency of the semiconductor integrated device, so that the noise current would be remarkably increased. Next, the resonant frequency is decreased or increased by increasing or decreasing the inductance and/or capacitance between the power supply lines, to decrease the noise current. Thus, the circuit design data is changed in accordance with the frequency-to-impedance characteristics between the power supply lines and the operating frequency of the semiconductor integrated device, to decrease the noise current. This will be explained later in detail.

Method and apparatus for designing semiconductor integrated device using noise current and impedance characteristics of input/output buffers between power supply lines