A power system (100, 200) for a vehicle, the power system comprising: a hazardous voltage interlock loop (HVIL) circuit (106) configured to disconnect a high-voltage energy source (102) from a high-voltage system (104); a low-voltage energy source (108) coupled to the HVIL-circuit for supplying operational power to the HVIL-circuit; and a circuit breaker (110) operable to break a connection between the low-voltage energy source and the HVIL circuit, wherein the HVIL-circuit is configured to disconnect the high-voltage energy source from the high-voltage system if the low-voltage energy source is disconnected from the HVIL-circuit.

In vehicles comprising electrical or hybrid drive systems, it is important to be able to safely disconnect the high-voltage energy source from the other high-voltage vehicle systems, for example for allowing the vehicle to be serviced and repaired in a secure manner. There are typically ways of manually shutting down or otherwise disconnection the high-voltage system. However, due to the potentially great hazards of working with a high-voltage system that has not been properly shut down, back-up systems for ensuring that no high-voltage components are accessible to a user are desirable.
Moreover, in the event of an accident, rescue personnel need to ensure that the high-voltage components of the vehicle are disconnected from the high-voltage power source in order to prevent personnel from being exposed to hazardous voltage levels. A known approach for disconnecting the high-voltage energy source is the use of a High Voltage Interlock Loop (HVIL) which is implemented to ensure that the high-voltage system can be de-energized and thereby safely disconnected.
However, in an emergency situation it might be difficult to locate and to find a suitable place to open the break the connection to the high-voltage system. Accordingly, it is desirable to provide an improved system for securely disconnecting a high-voltage energy source in a vehicle.

Disconnection of vehicle electric system using low voltage switch


An ion electrode extraction assembly comprising an ion source 20 and at least one electrode 50 having a gap through which a beam of extracted ions passes in use. An electrode manipulator assembly 55 is provided to move the electrode so as to vary the width of the gap transversely to the ion beam, move the electrode transversely to the ion beam, and move the electrode in the direction of the ion beam. The three degrees of movement being carried out independently of one another.

This invention relates an ion extraction assembly for generating a beam of ions. In particular, the invention relates to an improved electrode manipulator for such an assembly.
Extraction assemblies are known in the art having several electrodes positioned adjacent to an ion source to extract a beam of ions from the source. Each electrode has a slit through which the beam of ions passes.
WO 97/04474 discloses an ion beam apparatus in which a pair of extraction electrodes are mounted so as to be movable in a first direction towards or away from the ion source (i.e. the direction of the ion beam), and independently movable in a transverse direction (i.e. across the ion beam).
Each of the extraction electrodes is provided with a pair of apertures which can be selectively brought into line with the ion beam upon transverse movement of the electrodes. The apertures have different sizes each defining the extraction optics for a particular range of extraction conditions. While this is an improvement on a conventional electrode assembly, it is still limited to two discrete sets of extraction conditions.
The present invention provides an improvement of this assembly.
According to the present invention, there is provided an ion extraction assembly comprising an ion source, at least one electrode for extracting ions from the source, the electrode having a slit through which a beam of extracted ions passes in use, and an electrode manipulator on which the electrode is mounted, the manipulator having first and second actuators for selectively varying the width of the electrode slit transversely to the ion beam and moving the electrode transversely to the ion beam, and a third actuator to move the electrode in the direction of the ion beam.
By offering control of the width of the slit as well as the position of the electrode, the invention provides a manipulator which allows the electrodes to be used across a wide dynamic range. Across this wide range, the adjustments can be made continuously allowing fine adjustment of the extraction conditions. This is extremely useful in practice where it is becoming increasingly important to be able to switch quickly between a variety of extraction conditions.
The actuators may be arranged such that the first actuator is operative to move the electrode as a whole transversely to the ion beam, and so that the second actuator is operative to move one part of the electrode with respect to the other part which is fixed to control the slit width. Alternatively, the two parts of the electrode may each be movable under the control of a respective first and second actuator in the transverse direction to control both the transverse position and the slit width. However, neither of these alternatives allows independent control of the slit width and transverse position of the electrode, as the movement caused by one actuator to change either the slit width or the transverse position will require a compensatory movement of the other actuator to maintain the desired slit width and transverse position.
Therefore, preferably the first actuator is operative to vary the width of the electrode slit, and the second actuator is operative to move the electrode transversely to the ion beam, the first, second and third actuator arranged to operate independently of one another. This provides independent control of the slit width and transverse position.
As the electrode comprises two parts which are movable relatively to one another, precise alignment of the two parts of the electrode in the direction of the ion beam may be difficult to achieve on assembly. Therefore, preferably the electrode comprises two parts which between them form the slit, wherein part of the electrode is movable relatively to the other part of the electrode in the direction of the ion beam. This allows any misalignment of the parts of the electrode in the beam direction to be corrected. This may be achieved by using the third actuator to move both electrode parts together in the direction of the ion beam and providing a fourth actuator to move one part of the electrode relatively to the other in this direction. Alternatively, the third actuator could move one part of the electrode in the direction of the ion beam and a fourth actuator could move the other part in this direction.
Preferably, the first actuator is mounted on and moveable with one of the second and third actuators, the one of the second and third actuators being mounted on and movable with the other of the second and third actuators. By mounting the first actuator to one of the other actuators, the slit width control can be carried out using a simple actuator while remaining independent of the operation of the actuator on which it is mounted.
The electrode is preferably movably mounted by at least one air bearing. Preferably, the air bearing is a porous plate type air bearing provided with differentially pumped seal. Such bearings have been found to be particularly advantageous in this application as they offer high stiffness and precision, low friction and high speed servo capabilities. This type of air bearing is preferably used at least for the actuator for varying the width of the electrode slit transversely to the ion beam, and for moving the electrode transversely to the ion beam. In order to shield the air bearing from contaminants, when the electrode is supported on at least one shaft, the or each shaft is preferably surrounded by a shield plate movable with the shaft to shield the air bearing in all positions of the electrode.
The first actuator preferably comprises a first motor for driving a first lead screw having a first portion with a screw thread, and a second portion with a screw thread of oppositely handed configuration to the first screw thread, the electrode being provided in two halves, one of which is threadably coupled to the first screw threaded portion, and the other of which is threadably coupled to the second screw threaded portion, so as to be movable in opposite directions upon rotation of the first lead screw.
The first actuator is preferably slidably mounted on a plate, and the second actuator is preferably fixed to the plate and comprises a second motor and a second lead screw threadably coupled to the first actuator in order to move the entire first actuator and electrode transversely to the ion beam upon rotation of the second lead screw.
A pair of air bearing side guides are preferably provided to depend from the plate in order to restrain the electrode to move only in the direction transverse to the ion beam.
The third actuator is preferably fixed to a housing and comprises a third motor driving a third lead screw, threadably coupled to a top plate, the top plate being slidably retained on the housing so as to be movable in the direction of the ion beam, upon rotation of the third lead screw.
The invention also extends to a method of adjusting an electrode in an ion extraction assembly comprising at least one electrode for extracting ions from an ion source, the electrode having a gap through which a beam of extracted ions passes, in use, and an electrode manipulator on which the electrode is mounted, the method comprising the steps of varying the width of the electrode slit transversely to the ion beam, adjusting the electrode transversely to the ion beam, and adjusting the electrode in the direction of the ion beam, all three movements being carried out independently.
The method preferably further comprises, providing at least one porous plate air bearing with a differentially pumped seal to support the electrode, supplying air to the air bearing, and pumping the differentially pumped seal.
The electrode manipulator can be used for any type of electrode where the three degrees of motion provided by the present invention are required. One particular preferred application for the present invention is to a triode assembly comprising a source electrode, and a pair of electrodes being movable together by the electrode manipulator. The invention is equally applicable to a tetrode assembly.


This invention relates to a composition of photopolymerizable coatings forming cosmetic films that are especially useful for human and animal nail coatings. The coating compositions are based on certain cellulose ester derivatives, which possess groups capable of free radical addition reactions with unsaturated ethylenic pendant groups on other compounds upon exposure to actinic radiation in the presence of an photoinitiator. The coating compositions contain solvents, pigments, modifying resins, plasticizers, and other compounds mixed and maintained in a liquid solution.

Cellulose esters are used extensively in lacquer coatings, such as nail polishes, because they are compatible with many resins, solvents, and additives, they exhibit good gap-filling properties, they dry quickly, they exhibit low toxicity, and they form a very aesthetically-pleasing coating on a variety of substrates. Nail polishes include thermoplastic coatings which harden after application by the evaporation of the solvents contained in the polishes. The thermoplastic coatings have contained cellulose esters, resins, solvents, pigments and other additives. Because thermoplastic nail polishes are soft and easily scratched, they are often modified or "hardened" by addition of formaldehyde-based resins, as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,424,061 (Pappas et al.), U.S. Pat. No. 4,749,564 (Faryniarz), and U.S. Pat. No. 4,712,571 (Renz et al.). Such resins can cause hardening of the nail coating to the point of film embrittlement and can even lead to release of formaldehyde, which can react with the nail surface. Many nail polishes use nitrocellulose as the major film former as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,424,061 (Pappas et al.) and U.S. Pat. No. 4,749,564 (Faryniarz et al.). Nitrocellulose is well-known for its tendency to become embrittled and yellow over time, and even lead to staining or yellowing of the nails. Because of its flammability, nitrocellulose requires special storage and handling. Such disadvantages have served to prompt a search for suitable substitutes.
Because of their clarity, compatibility with many resins and solvents, gap filling properties, pigment wetting properties, and rapid solvent release, cellulose acetate, cellulose acetate butyrate, cellulose acetate propionate, and mixtures thereof may be substituted for nitrocellulose. Such is described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,483,289 (Michaelson et al.), U.S. Pat. No. 4,409,203 (Gordon et al.), U.S. Pat. No. 4,712,571 (Remz et al.), U.S. Pat. No. 5,130,125 (Martin), U.S. Pat. No. 5,424,061 (Pappas et al.), and U.S. Pat. No. 5,512,273 (Martin). However as with other thermoplastic films, those described in said patents are prone to scratching and have essentially no solvent resistance.
Photopolymerizable nail polish formulations are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,896,014 (Rosenberg), U.S. Pat. No. 4,058,442 (Lee et al.), U.S. Pat. No. 4,682,612 (Giuliano), 4,704,303 (Cornell), and U.S. Pat. No. 5,407,666 (Patel). None describe the use of photopolymerizable cellulose esters or their use in nail coating applications. Some formulations described in said patents incorporate the use of non-polymerizable cellulose esters as a viscosity modifier, but these esters are unable to participate in a crosslinking process to form a hardened, scratch resistant coating.
For the foregoing reasons, there remains a need for nail coatings that are hardened by exposure to ultraviolet light, are scratch resistant, clear in clarity after application, and non-toxic after application.

UV-curable nail coating formulations containing cellulose esters with ethylenically unsaturated pendant groups


In a computer system comprising first through N-th processors which are provided with first through N-th processor input/output information transmission paths, respectively, an n-th processor is connected to an (n-1)-th processor, an (n-2)-th processor, an (n+1)-th processor, and an (n+2)-th processor, where n represents each of 1 through N, both inclusive. Coupled to the first through the N-th processor input/output information transmission paths and to a system input/output information transmission path for a controlled system, an input/output information path control device connects the system input/output information transmission path to one of the first through the N-th processor input/output information transmission paths. The n-th processor comprises an n-th central processing unit (CPU) for managing the whole of the (n-1)-th processor, an n-th failure detecting circuit for always monitoring an operation state in the (n-1)-th processor, and an n-th input/output information transmission path acquisition control circuit for directing control operation for the input/output information transmission path control device.

This invention relates to a computer system comprising a plurality of processors arid, in particular, to a fault-tolerant computer system comprising an active processor and a backup processor wherein the active processor carries out control for a controlled system when a failure does not occur in the active processor and the backup processor carries out control for the controlled system when a failure occurs in the active processor.
Such a fault-tolerant computer system is, for example, described by J. Gray et al and translated by E. Watanabe et al into Japanese in a book published by McGraw-Hill, Inc., (October, 1986) and entitled "FAULT TOLERANT SYSTEM." The fault-tolerant computer system comprises a first processor acting as an active processor, a second processor acting as a backup processor, and an input/output control device serving as a channel connection switching control device. The first processor is connected to the input/output control device via a first input/output channel while the second processor is connected to the input/output control device via a second input/output channel. The input/output control device is connected to a controlled system via a system input/output channel.
The first processor comprises a first central processing unit (CPU) and a first failure detecting circuit. The second processor comprises a second CPU and a second failure detecting circuit. The first CPU periodically produces a first periodic signal indicative of a first operation state of the first CPU. The second CPU periodically produces a second periodic signal indicative of a second operation state of the second CPU.
The first failure detecting circuit always monitors the second operation state of the second CPU by receiving the second periodic signal. The first failure detecting circuit delivers a first monitored result signal indicative of its monitored result. Inasmuch as the first monitored result signal indicates the second operation state of the second CPU, the first monitored result signal is called a second processor operation state signal. When the first CPU supplies a first input/output channel acquisition signal to the input/output control device, the input/output control device connects the first input/output channel with the system input/output channel.
Likewise, the second failure detecting circuit always monitors the first operation state of the first CPU by receiving the first periodic signal. The second failure detecting circuit delivers a second monitored result signal indicative of its monitored result. Inasmuch as the second monitored result signal indicates the first operation state of the first CPU, the second monitored result signal is called a first processor operation state signal. When the second CPU supplies a second input/output channel acquisition signal to the input/output control device, the input/output control device connects the second input/output channel with the system input/output channel.
The input/output control device carries out connection and switching of the first and the second input/output channels and the system input/output channel on the basis of the first and the second input/output channel acquisition signals supplied from the first and the second processors.
Operation of the fault-tolerant computer system will be described. Description will be at first made as regards an operation in a case where no failure occurs in both of the first processor and the second processor.
The first CPU of the first processor periodically sends the first periodic signal indicating that no failure occurs in its own CPU (the first CPU) to the second failure detecting circuit of the second processor. The first failure detecting circuit receives the second periodic signal from the second processor and supplies the first CPU with the first monitored result signal indicating that no failure occurs in the second processor.
Each of the first and the second failure detecting circuits may be composed of general electronic circuit elements. Each of the first and the second failure detecting circuits may be, for instance, a "watchdog timer" which is described in detail by Yoshihiro Tohma et al in a book published by Maki Shoten (March 1991) and entitled "Structure and Design of Fault-Tolerant System," on pages 159-160. In the first failure detecting circuit using the "watchdog timer", the second periodic signal includes a second timer start condition signal and a second timer reset condition signal. Responsive to the second timer start condition signal, the first failure detecting circuit makes a timer operate. If the first failure detecting circuit cannot receive the second timer reset condition signal before the timer expires, the first failure detecting circuit judges that a failure occurs in the second processor.
In order to require connection of the first input/output channel and the system input/output channel, the first CPU supplies the input/output control device with the first input/output channel acquisition signal.
When the input/output control device receives the first input/output channel acquisition signal from the first CPU, the input/output control device connects the system input/output channel with the first input/output channel. Such an input/output control device is disclosed in the above-mentioned book entitled "FAULT TOLERANT SYSTEM," on pages 104-106. In this event, the input/output control device accommodates the first and the second input/output channels and the system input/output channel. On reception of the first or the second input/output channel acquisition signals, the input/output control device connects the system input/output channel with one of the first and the second input/output channels for the processor which produces the input/output channel acquisition signal in question.
The second processor is similar in structure to the above-mentioned first processor. When the second CPU recognizes that no failure occurs in the first processor by receiving the first periodic signal supplied from the first CPU, the second CPU makes the second processor operate as the backup processor. For this purpose, the second CPU does not supply the input/output control device with the second input/output channel acquisition signal, thereby the second processor does not use the system input/output channel.
As apparent from the above-mentioned operation, the first processor acquires the system input/output channel to carry out control of the controlled system. The second processor waits as the backup processor.
Description will be made as regards operation in a case where a failure occurs in the first processor which is operable as the active processor.
When the failure due to abnormality in software and fault in hardware occurs in the first processor, the first CPU stops delivery of the first periodic signal to the second failure detecting circuit of the second processor. In this event, the second failure detecting circuit recognizes that a failure occurs in the first processor and the second failure detecting circuit supplies the second CPU with the second monitored result signal indicating that a failure occurs in the first processor.
On reception of the second monitored result signal, the second CPU supplies the input/output control device with the second input/output channel acquisition signal to switch control of the controlled system from the first processor to the second processor. The input/output control device disconnects the system input/output channel from the first input/output channel and connects the system input/output channel with the second input/output channel. Connected to the controlled system, the second CPU carries out transmission and reception of control information to the controlled system by using the system input/output channel.
As apparent from the above-mentioned operation, when switching of the processors is carried out, the second processor acting as the backup processor carries out control of the controlled system instead of the first processor serving as the active processor.
As described above, in a conventional fault-tolerant computer system, the CPU, which detects the failure in its mating processor, produces the input/output channel acquisition signal to be operable as the active processor. However, it is impossible in the conventional fault-tolerant computer system to prevent the CPU where a fault occurs in the processor from supplying the input/output channel acquisition signal to the input/output control device. When the CPU where a failure occurs in the processor accidentally supplies the input/output control device with the input/output channel acquisition signal, the system input/output channel is connected to the processor in which the failure occurs. Under the circumstances, erroneous control information is supplied to the controlled system.

Fault-tolerant computer system capable of preventing acquisition of an input/output information path by a processor in which a failure occurs


The invention is directed to a BGA package and method for making a BGA package in which warpage, delamination and package cracking are reduced. The inventive BGA package has a die attached to one surface of a substrate. The substrate may terminate at its opposite surface in an array of connection ports which is an integral part of the substrate. Alternatively, the array of connection ports is attached to the opposite surface of the substrate. The connection ports may be attach pads attached to the opposite surface of the substrate and solder balls or metal bumps attached to the attach pads. A matrix of molding compound fully encapsulates the substrate, die and the array of connection ports. The matrix molding compound is then ground to provide a flat surface and to expose portions of the connection ports. Another array of connection ports, such as an array of solder balls or metal bumps, may be attached to the existing array of connection ports. In another embodiment, retracting pins are positioned over the solder attach pads. The mold compound fully encapsulates the substrate, die, solder attach pads and portions of the retracting pins. Removing the retracting pins, after the encapsulation, exposes portions of the solder attach pads so that solder balls or metal bumps are attached to the exposed portions of the solder attach pads.

Ball grid array (BGA) packages, which connect to printed circuit boards (PCBs) using balls instead of pins or leads, are an alternative to existing peripheral-leaded surface mounted packages which require fine lead pitch for high I/O count packages.
For low I/O count devices (30-150 pins), fine pitch leaded packages offer body sizes and profiles that are comparable to currently offered BGA packages. However, BGAs are superior to fine pitch leaded packages for high pin count devices (208 pins or more). Additionally, the assembly process margins and yields with BGAs are substantially superior to fine pitch leaded packages.
BGA packages offer other advantages over the peripheral-leaded counterparts. For example, a BGA package has a large ball (i.e., lead) pitch of 1.27-1.5 mm as opposed to state of the art 0.3 mm lead pitch for a peripheral leaded QFP, (Quad Flat Pack). This large pitch enables good adaptability to existing SMT (Surface Mount Technology) manufacturing processes which use solder paste screen printing, component placement, then mass reflow.
For surface mount attachments of BGA packages, the solder deposit areas are larger and separated at larger pitches as compared to conventional SMT. This simplifies stencil solder printing. A larger and circular shaped opening in the stencil alleviates the problem often encountered in the conventional SMT of difficulties in forcing solder through narrow rectangular openings in the stencil.
The relatively large lead spacing of BGA packages also reduces placement tolerances that are critical in 0.5 or 0.4 mm pitch QFP packages. Thus, BGA packages are considered superior both for distribution of large I/Os (Inputs/outputs) on a small package footprint as well as ease in surface mount assembly.
Ease in assembly is exemplified by the fact that the surface tension of the molten solder ball provides a self-centering mechanism. A placement accuracy of 124 .mu.m between the land and the solder ball is often sufficient. This can be easily achieved by currently available mounting machines.
FIG. 1 illustrates a conventional ball grid array (BGA) package 10 known as "OMPAC" or Overmolded Plastic BGA package developed by Motorola. The overmolded plastic BGA package 10 has an organic substrate 15, such as BT resin based (Bismaleimide Triazine). A die 20 (i.e. an integrated circuit (IC) chip) is attached to the substrate 15 using a die attach adhesive 22.
The substrate 15 contains embedded multiple horizontal layers of metal conductors (not shown) connected by vertical conductors (not shown). The die 20 is positioned over the top surface 25 of the substrate 15. I/Os of the die 20 are connected to these embedded conductors by bonding wires 30. The bonding wires 30 are bonded to die bonding pads 32 on the die 20 and bonded to bond pad sites 35 on the top surface 25 of the substrate 15. The bonding wires 30 are attached as follows. A ball is formed at one end of a bonding wire 30 which is typically made of gold or aluminum. This ball is then attached by thermocompression jointly employing ultrasonic vibrations to the die bonding pad 32 on the die 20. A similar process is used to attach the bonding wires 30 to the bond pad sites 35 on the top surface 25 of the substrate 15. This process is done in the temperature range of 180.degree. C. to 200.degree. C., and typically at 180.degree. C.
The I/Os of the die 20 are routed to the bottom surface 40 of the substrate 15 through the metal conductors embedded in the substrate 15. In addition, through going vias 45, and thermal vias 50 used for heat transfer, may also be formed between the top and lower surfaces 25, 40 of the substrate 15. The through going vias 45 may serve to relieve mechanical stress.
Solder balls 55 are attached to land sites 60 at the bottom surface 40 of the substrate 15 and function as the I/O pins of the plastic BGA package 10. These sites 60 are connected to the die 20 via the metal conductors embedded in the substrate 15. The top surface 25 of the package 10 is encapsulated or overmolded by an epoxy molding compound 65 using a transfer molding process. In its final form, the package 10 is soldered to a printed circuit board (not shown).
FIG. 2 shows a bottom view of the package 10 shown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the bottom surface 40 of the substrate 15 has an array of solder balls 55 connected thereto. The package 10 is mounted to a PCB (not shown) using a vapor-phase or infrared solder reflow process. In either of these reflow processes, solder paste is deposited on the PCB and the array of solder balls 55 of the package 10 is positioned over the solder on the printed circuit board. A heat treatment is carried out so that the solder balls 55 reflow and attach the package 10 to the PCB.
Several other variations of conventional plastic BGA packages have been developed. These variations include different package configurations, encapsulation approaches, and substrate types.
In spite of the advantages of the conventional plastic BGA packages over peripheral-leaded surface mounted packages, the conventional plastic BGA packages have many problems, such as warpage, delamination and cracking.
In conventional plastic BGA packages, warpage of the substrate occurs after the overmolding process. This warpage poses a problem in SMT placement and attachment of the solder ball joints. Unlike the ceramic BGA packages, BT substrates of plastic BGA packages are vulnerable to warpage due to their low stiffness. Overmolded structures, such as the conventional BGA package 10 shown in FIG. 1, have a mismatch in their CTE (Coefficients of Thermal Expansion) between the epoxy molding compound 65 and the substrate 15. The substrate 15, as mentioned above, is BT resin based, which has a CTE (z-direction) of 4.7.times.10.sup.31 5 /.degree.C. The die or chip 20 is formed of silicon and has a CTE of 2.6.times.10.sup.-6 /.degree.C. This CTE or thermal mismatch creates interfacial stress as the overmolded structure is cooled to room temperature from elevated processing temperatures, such as during the die attach, wire bonding and overmolding processes.
The presence of the mold compound encapsulant 65 on only one side of the substrate 15 creates an unbalanced situation and leads to stress on the substrate 15. This causes warpage of about 140 microns for a 225 pins overmolded package. Warpage creates reliability concerns because it interferes with solder ball attachments and also impacts the integrity of other interfaces present in the package, such as the interface between the mold compound 65 and substrate 15.
In addition to warpage, delaminations occur between the overmold compound 65 and the substrate 15. The delaminations are caused by excessive interfacial and thermal stresses at the adjoining interface between the overmold compound 65 and the substrate 15. These residual thermal stresses may arise during both the manufacture and use of the package.
When molded, the entire package is at the mold temperature of approximately 180.degree. C. Upon cooling to room temperature, mismatches in the coefficients of thermal expansion (CTE) for the mold compound 65 and the substrate 15 result in residual stresses at the interface of these two materials. Furthermore, during soldering of the package 10 to the main circuit board of an electronic device (i.e., to a PCB), the soldering temperature of about 235.degree. C. creates additional thermal stresses at the interface between the substrate 15 and overmold compound 65. This is because the thermal expansion coefficients of the two materials are different. These interfacial stresses often lead to delaminations between the overmold compound 65 and the substrate 15. This is considered to be a primary failure mechanism in the overmolded BGA package 10.
Package cracking is another problem with the overmolded BGA package 10. Organic substrates and mold compounds absorb moisture from their environment, particularly for FR-4 type of substrates. When the packages are exposed to high temperatures, such as those involved in the solder reflow process (about 225.degree. C.), package cracking occurs due to thermal mismatch and the evaporation of expanded super steam under solder reflow conditions.
In addition, the thermal mismatch and the evaporating moisture weaken the interfacial bonds (between the mold compound 65 and the substrate 15 or between the die 20 and the substrate 15) leading to delaminations. The expanding moisture aggravates the delaminations and at the same time imposes high pressure at the interfacial bonds, causing package cracking. To alleviate this problem, the overmolded BGA package 10 is baked to dry (so that moisture is removed), and packed in hermetic bags. This is costly and not always a practical solution.
As shown in FIG. 1, the overmolded BGA package 10 has only one of the six faces of the substrate 15 encapsulated by the mold compound 65. The epoxy resins of the substrate 15 material is typically FR-4 or BT-glass. Both of these materials exhibit high moisture absorption. In addition, epoxy resins may contain high levels of chloride ion contamination. The absorbed moisture in conjunction with the chloride ions lead to galvanic corrosion of conductors and therefore reduce reliability.
Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide a BGA package and method for making a BGA package in which warpage, delamination and package cracking are reduced.

Method for forming a highly reliable and planar ball grid array package


The present invention relates to replication defective recombinant viruses which contain at least one inserted gene encoding all or part of the protein GAX or of a variant of this protein, and to their therapeutic use, in particular for treating post-angioplastic restenosis.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention is directed to methods and compositions for treating pathologies associated with hyperproliferative disorders. Among the hyperproliferative disorders which may be treated according to the invention are various tumors and cardiovascular diseases, such as vascular restenosis resulting from mechanical injury at an angioplasty site during treatment of an atheroscerotic lesion.
Atherosclerosis is a complex, polygenic disease which is defined in histological terms by deposits (lipid or fibrolipid plaques) of lipids and of other blood derivatives in blood vessel walls, especially the large arteries (aorta, coronary arteries, carotid). These plaques, which are more or less calcified according to the degree of progression of the atherosclerotic process, may be coupled with lesions and are associated with the accumulation in the vessels of fatty deposits consisting essentially of cholesterol esters. These plaques arc accompanied by a thickening of the vessel wall, hypertrophy of the smooth muscle, appearance of foam cells and accumulation of fibrous tissue. The atheromatous plaque protrudes markedly from the wall, endowing it with a stenosing character responsible for vascular occlusions by atheroma, thrombosis or embolism, which occur in those patients who are most affected. These lesions can lead to very serious cardiovascular pathologies such as infarction, sudden death, cardiac insufficiency, and stroke.
The technique of angioplasty has been developed to permit a non-surgical intervention of the atherosclerotic plaque. However, the treatment of an atherosclerotic lesion by angioplasty results very frequently (up to 50% of cases in some studies) in a restenosis following mechanical injury of the arterial wall A key event in this mechanism is the proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) from the media to the intima, as a result of the absence of protection and/or feedback control exercised by the endothelial cells of the intima.
Treatment of restenosis by administration of chemical or proteinaceous substances capable of killing vascular smooth muscle cells has been proposed. For example, psolaren derivatives, incorporated by proliferative cells and then sensitizing these cells to the action of light, have been used (March et al., 1993, Circulation, 87:184-191). Similarly, some cytotoxins consisting of a fusion protein between a plant or bacterial toxin fragment and a growth factor have also been used (Pickering et al., J. Clin. Invest., 1993, 91:724-729; Biro et al., 1992, Circ, Res., 71:640-645; Casscells et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 1992, 89:7159-7163). However, these treatments have many drawbacks, such as their low specificity, their indifferent efficacy; a considerable delay in acting and a potential toxicity. The present invention provides an effective, gene therapy approach for the treatment of hyperproliferative disorders, including restenosis.
2. Description of Related Art
Various genes have been isolated which are linked to the arrest of cell division. The gas (growth-arrest specific; gas 1-6) and gadd (growth-arrest and DNA damage-inducible; gadd34, gadd45 and gadd153) genes are strongly expressed in quiescent cells, that is cells which are blocked in the G0 phase of the cell cycle (Schneider et al., Cell 1988, 54; 787-793, Del Sal et al., Cell 1992, 12:3514-3521; Cowled et al., Exp.Cell.Res. 1994, 211:197-202; Brancolini and Schneider, J.Cell.Biol, 1994, 124:743-756; Zhan et al., Mol.Cell.Biol. 1993, 13:4242-4250; Jackman et al., Cancer Res. 54:5656-5662, 1994). In agreement with these findings on gene expression, microinjection of the gas-1 protein blocks the synthesis of DNA (Del Sal et al., Cell, 1992, 70:595-607). Conversely, the addition of growth factors such as PDGF (platelet-derived growth factor) or foetal calf serum decreases the expression of these genes in in-vitro models (Coccia et al. Mol.Cell.Biol. 1992, 12:3514-3521). This specificity of expression in relation to the state of cell proliferation also appears to have its counterpart in vivo. Thus, the gas-1 gene is strongly expressed in the rat uterus following ovariectomy (Ferrero and Cairo, Cell.Biol.Int. 1993, 17, 857-862). In this same animal model, treatment with oestrogeos results in a cell proliferation which is reflected, within the uterus, in an increase in the expression of the proto-oncogene c-myc and by a decrease in the expression of the gas-1 gene. Similarly, in a hepatic model of proliferation/regeneration, expression of the gas-6 gene is strongly reduced four hours after partial heptatectomy, i.e. in the period of transition from G0 to G1; this expression returns to normal, probably once division of the hepatocytes has been initiated (Ferrero et al. J.Cell.Physiol. 1994, 158:263-269).
Homeobox genes encode transcription factors which, at a cellular level, control growth, differentiation, and migration. The homeobox gene GAX (growth arrest-specific homeobox) is expressed in adult cardiovascular tissues and in muscular embryonic tissues. The GAX gene was initially identified in a cDNA library prepared from rat aorta. It encodes a protein of 303 amino acids. Its sequence has been characterized and its cDNA has been cloned (Gorski et al., Mol.Cell.Biol. 1993, 6, 3722-3733) The GAX homeobox gene is normally expressed in quiescent VSMCs and rapidly downregulated under conditions that induce VSMC dedifferentiation and proliferation. The GAX gene possesses certain properties which are similar to those of the gas and gadd genes, since it also appears to regulate the G0/G1 transition in the cell cycle. In the same way, the levels of GAX mRNA are decreased in the rat VSMCs by a factor of 10 after two hours of exposure to PDGF (Gorski et al., Mol.Cell.Biol. 1993, 6, 3722-3733). Expression of the GAX gene is therefore repressed during the VSMC mitogenic response. Gax expression is also rapidly down-regulated in vascular tissue immediately following balloon injury.
The present invention is directed to viral vectors comprising a GAX gene, compositions including the same, and using said composition for specifically arresting cell division. The GAX gene possesses properties which are particularly advantageous for use in the gene therapy of hyperproliferative disorders, in particular restenosis, by overexpression of the GAX gene in the vascular wall.
Methods of the invention comprise blocking proliferation of vascular smooth-muscle cells (VSMC) by in vivo delivery of a GAX gene in a viral vector, preferably replication defective recombinant adenoviral vectors.
The invention provides replication defective recombinant adenoviruses comprising at feast one inserted gene encoding all or part of a GAX protein or a variant thereof.
The invention provides methods for the treatment or prevention of a pathology linked to a hyperproliferative disorder, said method comprising administration of a replication defective recombinant adenovirus comprising at least one inserted gene encoding all or part of a GAX protein or a variant thereof.
The invention provides a method of treating restenosis comprising administering to a patient in need of such treatment a replication defective recombinant adenovirus comprising a GAX gene, in an amount effective to inhibit vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation and migration at a predetermined site. More preferably, the site is a site of mechanical injury to an arterial wall produced by treatment of an atherascterotic lesion by angioplasty.
The invention provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising one or more replication defective recombinant adenoviruses comprising at least one inserted gene encoding all or part of a GAX protein or a variant thereof.
These and other embodiments of the invention are discussed in detail below.

Viral vectors and their use for treating hyperproliferative disorders, in particular restenosis


The present invention relates to the utilization of wave energy and its conversion into operating motion of an electrical energy generating system. The system for generation of electrical energy through the conversion of aquatic wave motion includes floating bodies and a constant rotation mechanism, which converts the two-way linear motion of an inflexible transmission shaft or a flexible transmission shafts into one-way rotation of an output shaft of the constant rotation mechanism. This mechanism allows utilization of wave energy in two directions caused by the rise and fall of waves. The output shaft of the constant rotation mechanism is coupled to a force multiplier that is further coupled to a generator which generates electrical energy. Constant rotation mechanism can be driven by inflexible transmission shaft pivotally coupled to the floating bodies at one end, and the other end to an input gear of the constant rotation mechanism. Depending on the height of the wave and the wavelength, various constructions of floating bodies are used. Certain floating bodies are designed for the waves of a smaller amplitude and smaller wavelength, while other floating bodies are designed for bigger amplitude and bigger wavelength.

The present disclosure relates to the utilization of energy from waves and converting the linear motion of waves into operating motion of a generator which then produces electricity. According to the present disclosure, this system uses a floating working body for conversion of linear motion of aquatic waves either into circular or linear motion of the generator.

System for conversion of wave energy into electrical energy


A method and apparatus for the assessment of neuromuscular function by estimating motor unit F-wave component time of arrival (TOA), comprising: (i) determining and comparing F-wave component features so as to accurately identify individual F-wave components; (ii) repeatedly searching the individual F-wave components and extracting individual F-wavelets from the F-wave components so as to build a complete F-wave TOA profile; and (iii) computing and reporting TOA results for the assessment of neuromuscular function.

Nerve conduction studies (NCS) play a key role in the assessment of neuropathies, including focal entrapments such as carpal tunnel syndrome and lumbosacral radiculopathies, as well as for neuropathies resulting from diabetes and acquired inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathies.
NCS are generally conducted by applying an electrical stimulus to a nerve. This electrical stimulation depolarizes a short segment of the nerve (whether a motor nerve or a sensory nerve) at the point of stimulation. If this electrical depolarization exceeds a certain threshold, an action potential impulse is initiated. This action potential impulse propagates along the nerve, both distally and proximally, from the point of stimulation.
In the case of a motor nerve, distally-propagating nerve impulses reach the muscle and depolarize the muscle fibers, typically causing a response or "twitch" in that muscle. This electrical activity of the muscle is measured as a compound muscle action potential (CMAP).
Proximally-propagating impulses reach the motor neuron cell bodies located in the anterior horn of the spinal cord. In a small, and random, fraction of the stimulated neurons, the neuron depolarizes again (i.e., it "backfires"), resulting in a new distally-traveling impulse (this is sometimes referred to as "back propagation"). The muscle responses resulting from these back-propagating impulses are generally referred to as F-waves.
F-waves travel through a longer segment of the nerve than CMAPs and are therefore more sensitive to systemic changes in the conduction properties of the nerve fibers and/or localized changes in the proximal segment of the nerve fibers. F-waves have been routinely used as a clinical measurement to provide useful diagnostic information in the evaluation of neuromuscular function and neuropathies.
The recorded muscle activities which result from an electrical stimulus are generally referred to as a response trace. The temporal segment of the response trace, which corresponds to the time frame of possible F-wave activities, is called an F-wave trace. FIG. 1 shows a set of five F-wave traces, marked as trace A through trace E.
Current approaches for using F-waves to evaluate neuromuscular function generally identify the time of the earliest F-wave activity in each trace (denoted as solid dots in FIG. 1), and define the onset time of this earliest F-wave activity, which is also known as the F-wave latency (FWL). For a given group of F-wave traces, the minimum, average and maximum FWL values (i.e., times) are calculated for that group of F-wave traces and defined to be the minimum FWL, the mean FWL and the maximum FWL parameters for that group of F-wave traces, respectively. These and other FWL parameters, such as F-wave persistence and chronodispersion, are frequently used by clinicians for multiple clinical applications. These clinical applications include (i) the detection of lumbosacral radiculopathy; (ii) the detection of dynamic changes associated with lumbar spinal stenosis; (iii) the early detection of axonal and demyelinating polyneuropathies; (iv) the demonstration of therapeutic response of pharmacological agents such as baclofen; and (v) the monitoring of changes in the motor neuron pool and central nervous system. Thus, determining FWL is frequently of significant interest to the clinician looking to assess neuromuscular function and/or treat neuropathies.
Another F-wave parameter which can be used to assess neuromuscular function is the time of arrival (TOA) of the F-wave components (F-wavelets). Each backfiring motor neuron produces a nerve impulse traveling along its own nerve fibers (i.e., its axons) before reaching the muscle fibers of the muscle group which is to be studied. The propagation time of each nerve impulse determines the TOA of an F-wavelet (a component of a complete F-wave complex) that may vary according to variations in axonal conduction velocity. For example, conduction velocity may vary due to partial or incomplete injury that affects only some, but not all, axons.
For any given stimulus, when only one motor neuron backfires, or when a few motor neurons backfire but they all have relatively close conduction speeds, one F-wavelet (with only one determinable TOA) may be formed. See, for example, FIG. 1, where F-wave traces C, D and E contain a single F-wavelet c, d and e, respectively.
However, when several motor neurons backfire with different conduction speeds, multiple F-wavelets may appear and form a complex F-wave response. See, for example, FIG. 1, where the F-wave trace A contains two distinct F-wavelets, a=d+e, and only the earliest TOA (i.e., the TOA of F-wavelet d) defines the FWL for the whole F-wave (i.e., the FWL of the complete F-wave complex in trace A). Similarly, and still looking at FIG. 1, F-wave trace B contains two distinct F-wavelets, b=c+e, and only the earliest TOA (i.e., the TOA of F-wavelet c) defines the FWL for the whole F-wave (i.e., the FWL of the complete F-wave complex in trace B).
If only FWL is considered, any clinically relevant TOA information contained in later F-wavelets (e.g., the TOA of F-wavelet e in trace A, and the TOA of F-wavelet e in trace B) is effectively lost. This essentially creates a masking effect with respect to the TOA of the later F-wavelets, and hence reduces the F-wave diagnostic sensitivity. One example where such a masking effect results in reduced sensitivity is in the detection of lumbosacral radiculopathies.
Due to the difficulties in accurately determining the TOA of the later F-wavelets in a complete F-wave complex, clinical F-wave analyses have traditionally relied heavily on FWL, and minimized reliance on TOA.
In addition to aforementioned complexities associated with clinical F-waves analyses, and particularly with using clinical F-waves analyses based on TOA, F-waves also exhibit other characteristics which can complicate their use in clinical assessment and analyses. For example, when compared to CMAPs, F-waves appear to have a highly variable morphology and a very low amplitude due to the small and random number of neurons backfiring at any given time. The acquired F-wave signals also contain noise, power-line frequency interference (PFI) and baseline disturbances.
Thus, there is a need for an automated method to accurately identify and extract individual F-wavelets from a complete F-wave complex, determine the TOA for each F-wavelet, and thereafter construct a TOA profile for the patient nerve based on the TOAs of the specific F-wavelets.

Estimation of F-wave times of arrival (TOA) for use in the assessment of neuromuscular function


An apparatus for lifting a cylindrical barrel includes a first arm having a lifting frame at one end and a chime gripping arch at the other end. A second arm is pivotally connected at one end thereof to the lifting frame and includes a second chime gripping arch at its other end. During operation, the chime gripping arches are placed on the barrel outer surface just under the barrel chime and by lifting the lifting frame, the two chime gripping arches are forced toward one another and against the barrel surface just under the chime. A locking arm is pivotally connected to the first arm and is selectively pivotable for engaging the second arm and creating a locking triangle. The locking arm effectively, selectively locks the first and second arms with respect to each other preventing radial movement thereof and preventing movement of the chime gripping arches away from the barrel.

Barrels or "drums", as they are now commonly referred to, are presently being used for storing and transporting both liquids and numerous different component parts, articles and things. A common size is 55 gallons. Such barrels are normally made of steel or fiberglass and are cylindrically shaped and closed at each longitudinal end thereof with a disk-shaped cap or cover. These drums normally also have a radial lip at each longitudinal end thereof extending radially beyond the barrel outer surface. This lip is commonly referred to as a "chime".
Although these barrels are easily manufactured and inexpensive, due to their shape, they are generally difficult to move around and transport, especially when they are full with a heavy liquid or other material. So as to accommodate the transporting of such barrels, various devices have been developed whereby the barrel can be grasped at one longitudinal end thereof and lifted vertically upwardly and thus moved to another location. During this transporting, the longitudinal axis of the barrel remains substantially vertical so that, if the barrel is open at the top, the liquid or material therein is not spilled.
Examples of barrel lifting devices are shown in U.S. Pat. No. 2,576,193 and U.S. Pat. No. 3,915,488. These devices include three arms extending radially outwardly from a common center lifting pivotal point. Each of the arms include a semi-circular or arch portion at their radial ends thereof adapted for fitting just under the barrel chime and against the barrel outer cylindrical surface. When the device is placed on the drum and lifted vertically upwardly at the center lifting pivotal point, the arms collapse radially inwardly forcing the semi-circular portions against the barrel just under the chime. Thus, the barrel can be lifted from the lifting pivotal point and transported as needed to another location.
Another device similar to the three arm type devices has also been developed and marketed. This device includes a first arm having a semi-circular portion or shoe at one end and a lifting frame at the other end. The lifting frame is situated at an obtuse angle with respect to the first arm and is rigidly connected thereto. A second arm is pivotally connected to the lifting frame at one end and includes a semi-circular portion or shoe at the other end thereof. Similar to other barrel lifting devices, this two arm device is placed on one longitudinal end of the barrel with the semi-circular portions just under the chime and against the barrel outer surface. When the lifting frame is pulled upwardly, the two arms along with their semi-circular portions are forced toward one another. Thus, the semi-circular portions are forced against the outer surface of the barrel just under the chime and the barrel can be lifted and transported as needed.
Although the two arm devices function adequately, because the chime is relatively small, if the arms were to pivot slightly allowing the semi-circular portions to move away from the barrel outer surface, it is possible for the barrel to be inadvertently released by the lifting apparatus. As can be appreciated, this can be a safety hazard, especially if the barrel is filled with a heavy or dangerous liquid or material. Further, although the vertical lifting force on the lifting frame causes sufficient corresponding forces on the two arms and semi-circular portions towards the barrel outer surface, it is possible for the arms to be bumped or otherwise be jarred in a manner whereby one of the semi-circular portions could slip over the chime thus releasing the barrel.
Accordingly, a need exists for a barrel lifting apparatus which is generally easy to use in lifting barrels and which helps prevent the inadvertent potential of the semi-circular portions slipping or the arms pivoting and inadvertently releasing the barrel. A need exists for an improved barrel lifting device that helps positively lock the arms in position after the apparatus has been placed on the barrel with the semi-circular portions under the chime and which, thus, prevents the potential release of the barrel during lifting and transport.

Locking mechanism for barrel lifting apparatus


In a suspension in a hard disk drive, a gimbal with asymmetric dynamic properties, in which the two halves of the gimbal may have different stiffness distribution or inertia distribution. Structural difference between the two halves, or materials with different stiffness, may cause the different stiffness distribution or inertia distribution. When the suspension vibrates, the different stiffness and/or inertia distribution increase the friction between the gimbal and a load beam of the suspension, and increase the damping of the suspension.

A. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to hard disk drives. More specifically, the present invention relates to improving dynamic properties of a gimbal in a hard disk drive.
B. Description of Related Art
In hard disk drives (HDD), reading and writing of the information on a disk is accomplished by a transducer on a slider mounted on a suspension. The suspension itself can have a number of components, including a load beam, a gimbal, circuit traces, hinges and a base plate. The suspension supports the transducer mechanically, and connects the transducer and a pre-amplifier electrically.
FIG. 1A illustrates a typical HDD 100, including at least one disk 110, which a spindle motor can cause to rotate around the axle of a central drive hub 120. A read/write transducer or head 130 is attached to a load beam 140 of a suspension via a slider and a gimbal, as shown in more detail in FIG. 1B. The load beam 140 is supported by an actuator arm 150 of an actuator 160. In operation, the disk 110 rotates at high speed, creating an air bearing which causes the head 130 to float over the disk surface. The actuator 160 moves the head 130 across the tracks on the disk until the head is positioned at a target track.
FIG. 1B illustrates the actuator arm 150 in more detail. As shown, the read/write head 130 is mounted on a slider 142. The slider 142 is coupled to the load beam 140 through a gimbal 143. The head 130 is held in a close relative position over data tracks formed on the disk 110 to permit a read or write operation. Because of the flexibility of the gimbal 143, the slider 142 can remain flexible while floating over the disk 110.
The high speed rotation of the disk 110 generates air flow, which cooperates with an air bearing surface (ABS) of the slider 142 to enable the slider to fly above the disk 110. The slider 142 should fly as close to the surface of the disk 110 as possible without contacting the disk. The spacing between the disk and the slider is known as the "flying height," and may be about 10 nm in some HDD.
FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C and 2D illustrate known gimbals in more detail. As shown, the gimbal 143 has three layers: a stainless steel layer 210, a polymer layer 220, and copper circuit traces 230 on the polymer layer. The gimbal 143 is attached to the load beam 140. As shown in FIG. 2C, a dimple 240 may protrude from the back of the load beam and contact a flexure tongue on the stainless steel layer 210 of the gimbal. The center of the dimple 240 is at the center of an XYZ coordinate shown in FIG. 2A. The slider 142 is attached to the gimbal 143 via an epoxy layer 250.
In order to make the slider 142 fly stably and reliably with a small gap between the slider and the disk, suspension design has included a number of requirements, such as vertical stiffness (Kz), gimbal pitch and roll stiffness (Kp, Kr), gimbal static attitude—including pitch and roll static attitude (PSA/RSA), among others. These requirements are mainly static and geometrically based. Another important requirement is that the suspension has no or little dynamic effect on the slider air bearing.
A dynamic effect could be the result of head-disk contact. Another cause of a dynamic effect could be operation at high altitudes, where the air is thinner because there is less air under the slider, causing the flying height to be lower. Under these circumstances, the suspension and the slider both can be set into motion, causing dynamic effects.
Suspension dynamic performance is important in some situations. For instance, it is an important factor affecting what may be called the take-off altitude of a slider in a hard disk drive. For example, to pass a qualification test, a slider must be able to fly over a disk normally to access data on the disk when the HDD is not higher than 10,000 feet (which would mean that the take-off altitude of the HDD is 10,000 feet). At higher altitudes, the slider flies with a lower flying height and/or lower pitch angle. If the slider is disturbed by a shock or a particle, it can contact the disk and vibrate. Below the take-off altitude, the vibration of the slider will dampen, and the slider will settle down and resume normal operation. Above the take-off altitude, the slider will keep bouncing vibration, potentially preventing take off and causing an HDD failure.
The bouncing vibration (resulting from the head hitting the disk surface) is a self-excited vibration. Sufficient damping weakens vibration. If the energy that the slider obtains from the disk is greater than the energy loss due to damping, the vibration will not dampen sufficiently and the drive will fail. A high damping can prevent a sustained vibration. The damping of the suspension comes mainly from material, the friction between the gimbal and the load beam, and the friction between the dimple and the flexure tongue.
The amount of friction depends on the mode shapes of the suspension and the gimbal. Current suspension gimbals have symmetric dynamic properties. Although the copper traces of the gimbal shown in FIG. 2B appear not to be symmetric, the mode shapes of the gimbal are symmetric about the axis of the gimbal, as shown in FIG. 2D, and the dynamic properties of the gimbal are symmetric. This is because the main structure of the gimbal—the stainless steel layer of the gimbal shown in FIG. 2B—is symmetric. A symmetric suspension and gimbal will tend to have smaller amounts of friction, and thus will tend to provide lower damping. With such structure, there is a good chance that when a vibration occurs, it will not dampen, even at a relatively low altitude. A hard disk drive with the gimbal shown in FIG. 2A has a sustained vibration at 54 kHz, which makes the slider take off at 9500 feet, lower than the 10,000 feet required by the qualification test.
It is therefore desirable to have a gimbal, suspension and hard disk drive with improved dynamic properties.

Gimbal with assymmetric dynamic stiffness


There is provided a magnetic recording medium including a surface having a longitudinal direction and a lateral direction. An arithmetic average roughness Ra, a ratio PSDMD,short/PSDTD,short, and a ratio PSDMD,long/PSDTD,long on the surface satisfy Ra≦3.0 nm, PSDMD,short/PSDTD,short≦0.65, and 1.3≦PSDMD,long/PSDTD,long≦2.3, in which PSDMD,short is an average value of PSD values in a range from 0.15 μm to 0.4 μm in the longitudinal direction of the surface, PSDTD,short is an average value of PSD values in a range from 0.15 μm to 0.4 μm in the lateral direction of the surface, PSDMD,long is an average value of PSD values in a range from 0.4 μm to 5.0 μm in the longitudinal direction of the surface, and PSDTD,long is an average value of PSD values in a range from 0.4 μm to 5.0 μm in the lateral direction of the surface.

The present technique relates to a magnetic recording medium. More specifically, the present technique relates to a magnetic recording medium having a surface having a longitudinal direction and a lateral direction.
In recent years, a demand for an increase in the recording density of tape media for data storage has increased due to the development of the IT (information technology) society, the electronization of libraries, Public Record Offices, and the like, and the long-term storage of business documents.
As a high recording density magnetic tape, a magnetic recording medium in which a plurality of thin films are formed on a nonmagnetic base material by a sputtering method or the like has been proposed. For example, JP 2005-196885A discloses a magnetic recording medium in which at least an amorphous layer, a seed layer, a foundation layer, a magnetic layer, and a protective layer are successively formed on a nonmagnetic base material.


A fixed focal-length lens system includes a negative first lens group, a positive second and third lens groups. The first and second lens groups move toward the object side during focusing from an object at infinity to an object at a close-up distance. The first lens group includes a negative lens element having a concave surface on the image side, at least two positive lens elements, and a negative lens element having a concave surface on the image side. The second lens group includes a negative lens element having a concave surface on the object side, and at least two positive lens elements. The third lens group includes at least one negative lens element, and at least one positive lens element. The following condition (1) is satisfied:−0.3<fG2/fG1<−0.05  (1),wherein fG1 and fG2 designate the focal lengths of the first and second lens groups.

Conventionally, a typical low-magnification photographing lens system which is not specifically designed for macro photography (close-up photography) can be used as a macro lens system by advancing the entire lens system to focus on an object at a short distance to obtain an in-focus paraxial object image, however, the optical quality is insufficient due to a large amount of aberration fluctuations occurring during close-up photography compared to when focusing on an object at infinity. Accordingly, in order to maintain a favorable optical quality for a photographing distance ranging from infinity through to a close-up distance, a macro lens system has been proposed that employs a so-called "floating method", in which focusing is performed by moving a plurality of lens groups by differing amounts to suppress aberration fluctuations that occur during close-up photography.
Patent Literature Nos. 1 through 4 each disclose a macro lens system which employs a floating method. In order to achieve a lens system that employs a floating method in a photographing apparatus, in which a further miniaturized image sensor is installed, in theory it is only necessary to scale down each numerical embodiment of the macro lens systems of Patent Literature Nos. 1 through 4. However, when such a scaled-down model is adjusted to lens element thicknesses and distances between lens elements that are determined with consideration of workability and assemblability, the balance of aberration corrections is lost, so that various aberrations increase and the optical quality becomes insufficient.
In each macro lens system of Patent Literature Nos. 1 through 4, an aperture diaphragm is included within a focusing lens group, which moves during focusing. Therefore, when the macro lens system of each of Patent Literature Nos. 1 through 4 is applied to an interchangeable lens, in which a shutter unit is mounted within the lens body, that is typified by a non-reflex camera (mirrorless camera), the shutter unit must be moved with the lens body during focusing, unavoidably complicating and enlarging the floating mechanism. Furthermore, since motors or actuators are required to cater to the number and weight of the focusing lens group(s), the lens system that includes a lens barrel increases in size.


A plug-in connector between an ignition coil and a spark plug is designed so that the longitudinal tolerances cause no undesired coupling of the plug-in connector to the spark plug. When the plug-in connector is brought together with the ignition coil to form a pre-assembly unit, a latch connection is formed between a first socket of the plug-in connector and a coil stud, which can absorb the joining forces of this pre-assembly unit on the spark plug without deformation. After full coupling with the spark plug, further setup movement of the pre-assembly unit, in which the remaining assembly clearances are compensated, result in the first socket being latched on the coil stud and the longitudinal tolerances being internally compensated by the first socket being slid onto a press-over section of the coil stud. The plug-in connector is intended in particular for use in ignition systems of automobiles.

A plug-in connector is described in European Patent Application No. 713 005. The plug-in connector is arranged in an electrically conductive manner between a high-voltage output of an ignition coil and the terminal section of a spark plug. The plug-in connector is mounted rigidly on the ignition coil and in a longitudinally displaceable manner, via a plug-and-socket connection, on the spark plug. While the spark plug is screwed into a pocket of a cylinder head of the internal combustion engine, the ignition coil rests on a cover surface of the cylinder head at the free end of the pocket and is rigidly secured here as is the spark plug.
When the plug-in connector is mounted, the dimensional tolerances of the spark plug, pit, and ignition coil result in length tolerances of up to 5 mm. Since the plug-in connector is rigidly connected to the ignition coil, the tolerance is compensated at the spark plug. This may result in an undesirable overlapping of the plug-in connector over the terminal section of the spark plug.
As a result of such a partial high-voltage overlapping of the plug-in connector over the connection section of the spark plug, undesirable high-voltage sparkover may occur at the terminal section of the spark plug.
The plug-in connector according to the present invention, in particular for ignition systems of motor vehicles, has the advantage over the related art that the above-mentioned shortcoming is eliminated. For this purpose, the plug-in connector is provided with sockets at both of its ends. A first socket is latched on a stud of the ignition coil so it can be pressed over, forming a pre-assembly unit between the ignition coil and the plug-in connector.
When the pre-assembly unit is mounted on a spark plug, a protective jacket of the plug-in connector slides onto an insulator of the spark plug up to a predefined end position. This slide path is limited by a stop, which is incorporated in a second socket of the plug-in connector and on which a terminal stud of the spark plug comes to rest. In addition, the second socket latches onto the terminal stud.
If the set-up motion continued, the first socket may unlatch and move to a press-over section of the coil stud to compensate the assembly tolerances.
This ensures that the protective jacket always adequately covers the insulator of the spark plug regardless of the assembly tolerances, and tolerance compensation can take place at the connection between the plug-in connector and the ignition coil.

Plug-in connector for an ignition system in a motor vehicle


A multilayer structure includes a layer of a resin composition containing an ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer and a thermoplastic elastomer, wherein a mass ratio of the ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer to the thermoplastic elastomer is from 65/35 to 95/5 and the layer of the resin composition has one surface directly adjacent to a layer of polyolefin with no polar functional group. A multilayer structure is thus provided that is excellent in gas barrier properties, transparency, and flexibility and also has good delamination properties between the layer of the resin composition and the layer of the polyolefin with no polar functional group.

Ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymers (hereinafter, may be abbreviated as EVOH) exhibit excellent gas barrier properties to gases, such as oxygen, and are also excellent in melt moldability, and thus are molded into films, bottles, and the like to be widely used for blocking gases, such as oxygen, including packaging materials for foods and beverages. Patent Document 1 describes a method of producing a molded product, including: blending from 2 to 100 parts by weight of a thermoplastic polyester-polyether block copolymer elastomer having a crystalline melting point from 150° C. to 230° C. and a modulus of impact resilience of 50% or more to 100 parts by weight of a saponified ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer having an ethylene content from 20 to 50 mol % and vinyl acetate parts with a degree of saponification of 90 mol % or more; followed by melt molding. This is considered to allow marked improvement in impact resistance at ordinary temperature and low temperatures without much reducing mechanical, such as tensile and bending, strength.
Patent Documents 2 and 3 describe delaminatable containers using EVOH. Such a delaminatable container here is a type of packaging material for foods and beverages where a decrease of contents causes delamination of an inner layer of the multilayer container from an outer layer and shrinkage to inhibit entrance of air into the container. For example, Patent Document 2 describes a delaminatable container, comprising: a body to store contents; and a mouth to discharge the contents from the body, the body and the mouth having an outer layer and an inner layer, and the inner layer delaminated from the outer layer to be shrunk with a decrease of the contents, wherein the inner layer includes a layer with standard peel strength from 7 to 12 g/15 mm as an outermost layer. This is considered to enable an ideal delaminatable container in which the inner layer is readily delaminated from the outer layer in the body and the inner layer is not readily delaminated from the outer layer in the mouth.
Patent Document 3 describes a delaminatable container, comprising an outer layer and an inner layer, the inner layer delaminated from the outer layer to be shrunk with a decrease of contents, wherein the inner layer includes an internal EVOH layer of an EVOH resin as an innermost layer. This is considered to less reduce the citrus aroma emitted by a citrus-based liquid condiment when the innermost layer of the inner layer is such an EVOH layer of the EVOH resin.


A method of providing text faces to a graphics display system in a data processor. The method includes the steps of receiving a request for a text face from a graphics system and determining whether the requested text face has been saved. If the requested text face has been saved, then it is retrieved. If it has not been saved, then it is generated and saved for access by the graphics system. In this manner, a single generation of a text face is necessary. The storage of the generated text face saves the system from having to generate the same text face repeatedly.

Current computer systems provide individuals with an opportunity to produce documents of professional quality, such as with desktop publishing software and graphics software programs. The ability to manipulate the appearance of the text within these programs is vital in allowing users greater flexibility in creativity in document production. Included in these manipulations are changes in fonts, justification, size, and other aspects of the appearance, such as bolding and italicizing. The process of modifying a character is generally referred to as the operation of text face. For instance, to make the character "A" bold, a system may draw the character "A" twice to make it look bold. To make "A" italicized, the outline of the letter "A" may be drawn, stored, reshaped to look italicized, and displayed.
For ease of understanding the subject matter, some definitions are herein presented. What is meant by the term "text" is words of something written or printed. What is meant by Characters are abstract objects having a single and unique semantic or phonetic meaning. Glyphs, as opposed to characters, represent the visual, graphical appearance of a character. The particular representation of a character by a glyph is done in the context of the font, the font being a collection of glyphs which typically have an element of design consistency in their appearance.
Text face data can be represented as a data structure, a stream of bytes that can be interpreted either in binary or text, or executable code. A text face, as used in this specification, is a specific variation in the appearance of a glyph that can be applied consistently to all the glyphs in a font family, which is produced in an algorithmic way. A detailed explanation of text face data structures can be found in Inside Macintosh: QuickDraw GX, Typography, by Apple Computer, Inc., Addison-Wesley Publishing Company, 1994. Examples of streams of bytes that can be interpreted either in binary or text are picture op-codes and POST SCRIPT.RTM. by Adobe, Inc., respectively.
A problem with the conventional graphics display method and system is that each time a particular text face is desired for a particular character, the graphics system must compute the modification of the character, regardless of whether that particular text face has been requested before. Generating a text face is typically computationally intensive since the required algorithms are processed for every text face of every character for each instance a text face is utilized. Consequently, the graphics display system can be inefficient.
Accordingly, a need exists for a flexible and portable system that allows a single generation of a particular text face for repeated use.


An apparatus for scum removal is disclosed wherein toothed paddle induces turbulent effect on the fluids present in the reactor by means of its rotary motion. This results in both breaking and radial displacement of the scum, accumulated on the fluid during the course of the biochemical or chemical reaction, towards the outlet of the reactor, thereby ensuring that the reaction continues in scum free environment uninterruptedly.

Scum is essentially a frothy substance formed in reactors during the course of any biochemical or chemical reaction and is responsible for hindering the reaction rate. The reaction even gets terminated with the accumulation of scum in the reactor. This has been a serious problem of much concern for any biotechnological and chemical industry. Treatment of wastewater and industrial effluent through biological process has attained much focus in the present day scenario. Formation of scum during the course of waste treatment poses a major challenge to the environmental scientists too.
The performance of biochemical/biotechnological process depends mainly on the organic constituents, essentially of lipid, protein and carbohydrates present in the feed material. In the case of wastes treatment, industrial and municipal solid wastes are in general mixtures of biodegradable and non-biodegradable matters and the organic matter contents in the raw feed fluctuate widely. In view of the fluctuations in the constituents of the organic matter, and variation in organic loading rates to the reactors, scum formation and foam generation are bound to take place within the digester. The scum layer formed on the surface of liquid aids foaming when the gas evolution rate is high. The accumulation of foam in the gas space inside the reactors prevents the release of gas from the liquid and also the flow of gas from the reactor to the gas collection facility. The formation of scum layer and foaming leads to increase of backpressure inside the reactor and causes discharge of scum and foamy materials through the overflow arrangement of the reactor. In this situation the reactor cannot be operated at the designed feed rate. The feeding can be resumed only after removal of foam and scum layer from the reactor. This has prompted research into providing options to carry out aforesaid reactions in scum free environment to ensure that reaction is not hindered.
Reference is made to Lingappa et al (U.S. Pat. No. 4,349,355 9, 1982), who worked on Methane generator wherein the gas collector slidably mounted in the upper portion of the generator is provided with rods that extend downward through slotted retainer into the organic material for agitating the organic material within the liquid slurry. The characteristic feature of the system is that the scum formed on the surface is only pierced by the rods and its effect is intermittent as the rate of movement of rods again depends on the rate of gas production and the rotating movement of to and fro in the slots causes piercement of scum only in the surface area covered by the slots where the rods are rotating and the remaining area is undisturbed. The major limitation associated with this arrangement is that it does not remove scum from the surface and it aids gas production only in the area where the surface is pierced and other areas the scum builds up on the surface.
Reference is made to Tamura Tadao (JP6210296, 08, 1994), who worked on scum removal device of purification tank, wherein scum removal device ejects pressurised water to remove the scum only from the wall surface of the overflow trough. The major limitation is that this device does not effectively remove the scum from the surface of liquid where the scum is generated in the purification tank, as the blowing pressurised water cannot cover the entire liquid surface area and physically break the entire scum layer for its efficient removal along with overflow water.
Reference is made to Abe Takao et al (JP2002348948, 12, 2002), who worked on a scum removal system wherein the scum removal device removes the scum in the sewerage. The major drawback is that this system is not provided with any arrangement to break the scum formed in the liquid surface or prevent the scum formation.
Reference is made to Tuomikoski Pekka (WO03045526, 06, 2003), who worked on apparatus for removal of surface scum wherein a scraper assembly pushes the surface scum or supernatant sludge in a rectangular settling tank or clarification basin. The apparatus described is designed only to scrap the scum from the surface to the discharge point. The major limitation associated with this is that this apparatus operates only to push the scum formed on the surface towards the discharge point and it does not have any arrangement to prevent scum formation on the liquid surface itself where the scum layer is formed.
Reference is made to Tuomikoski Pakka (WO03095061, 11, 2003), who worked on apparatus for the removal of surface scum in a circular processing space wherein the surface rake fitted with mechanical aerating device enhances the passage of floating scum to the outlet mechanism in a circular processing space such as settling tank or the like. The major drawback is that this apparatus does not break the scum or prevent formation of scum layer.
In hitherto known devices main drawbacks are inadequate components in the apparatus to prevent formation of scum layer leading to incomplete removal of scum from the liquid surface. In hitherto known devices attempts have been made only to enhance passage of floating scum to the discharge point but not prevention of scum layer formation.

Council of Scientific and Industrial Research


A method for billing in a packet data network (WISP1) comprising at least one user's terminal (MN), comprising the steps of:                forming a data link between the terminal and the packet data network;        requesting a user identity from the terminal;        generating billing data based on the user identity; and        sending the billing data to an accounting server (HAAA) of an external telecommunications network.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to packet data networks and is in particular but not necessarily related to authentication and billing of a mobile station connecting to a mobile IP (Internet Protocol) network.
2. Description of the Prior Art
For authenticating in the Internet, a shared secret must first be provided both to the packet data network as well as to the mobile node so that the secret can be used as a basis for authentication. Then, some authentication procedure has to be executed in order to authenticate a node to another node.
RADIUS (Remote Authentication Dial In User Service) is an Internet standards track protocol described in a memo rfc2138.txt, April 1997, by C. R. Livingston, A. R. Merit, W. S. Daydreamer, and S. W. Livingston. The RADIUS protocol is designed for carrying authentication information, authorization information and configuration information between a Network Access Server which desires to authenticate its links and a shared Authentication server. Servers implementing RADIUS can support a variety of user authentication methods. When the server is provided with a user name and original password given by a user, it can support the Point-To-Point Protocol (PPP), the Password Authentication Protocol (PAP), the Challenge Handshake Authentication Protocol (CHAP), UNIX login and other authentication mechanisms.
A memo rfc2139.txt, April 1997, by C. R. Livingston deals with RADIUS accounting. Here, the RADIUS protocol is used to carry accounting information between a Network Access Server and a shared Accounting Server.


A reusable lid for use with a jar for canning food. The reusable lid comprises a circular disc having a top side with an upper surface, a bottom side with a planar lower surface extending about the outer circumferential section of the disc, and a ring extending outwardly from the lower surface. The second planar surface on the top side of the disc is lowered from the upper surface by a measurement in the range of 0.015″ to 0.035″, and extends along a circumferential segment that extends between 54° and 144° of the radial circumference of the disc.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention pertains to a reusable canning lid for use with canning food.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Metal lids canning lids are well-known to those who can food. These lids have an outer perimeter that is contoured to mate atop a typical glass canning jar. The bottom surface of the lid includes a gummy substance, or sealing compound, that provides the seal between the lid and the jar.
In use, food is placed in the jar and the lid is tightened on the top of the jar using a threaded ring, or screw band. The jar is then placed in a hot water bath or pressure cooker and the food is processed according to the requirements for that particular food item. During processing, the heated seal is softened, which allows pressurized air inside the jar to escape. The jar is then removed from the water bath once processing is complete. It is fairly common for the screw band to loosen up during processing, and so it is common practice to make sure that the screw band is tight upon removal from the heat. This helps ensure that the lid forms a seal with the jar, thereby creating a vacuum inside the jar when the contents have cooled. It is understood that this vacuum holds the lid tightly over jar and keeps the jar's contents sterile and preserved for a year or longer. Once the jar and its contents have cooled, the resulting vacuum is sufficient to hold the lid on the jar, and the screw band is preferably removed.
However, an inherent problem with metal lids is that they are not reusable. The gummy seal on the lids is only designed for a single use. Since many people who can food are fairly prolific, a need has been created for a reusable canning lid.
In reaction to that need, the inventor of the present invention previously invented a first-generation reusable canning lid. That canning lid is made from plastic and uses a ring gasket instead of the gummy seal found on a metal lid. The ring gasket is a separate piece from the plastic lid, but it is reusable along with the plastic lid. This product has been successful in the marketplace for many years.
However, this first-generation reusable canning lid must be used in a slightly different, yet specific, manner than traditional metal canning lids. The ring gasket on the reusable canning lid does not allow the heated jar to vent in the same way as the gummy seal on metal lids. Therefore, the screw band on the reusable canning lid must be tightened onto the jar (over the lid and ring gasket), and then slightly loosened in order to allow the ring gasket and the lid to vent. Once processing is completed, and while the jar is still hot, the screw band is then tightened securely to ensure a seal between the lid, the ring gasket, and the top of the jar. This method of use must be used for the first-generation reusable lid to ensure that the jar both properly vents during processing, and forms a seal during cooling.
That product was met with positive reviews from many customers who have reused that invention year after year, some customers having used their reusable canning lids for decades. However, there is an inherent learning curve involved with the process of initially tightening and then incrementally loosening the screw bands. The objective is to tighten the screw band to a specific torque range, but to achieve that torque range using nothing more than feel by the user. Moreover, users of the product vary in age, gender, health, and strength, and achieving the proper torque level for all users can be a challenge. Furthermore, the step of finger tightening the screw band and then slightly loosening the ring is very counterintuitive to those who are used to using traditional metal lids because those lids do not require the screw band to be loosened whatsoever.
This product was very well-received by those who had mastered the learning curve and were comfortable with using that product. However, product development continued for some time to address the issue of properly tightening the screw bands on the jars, including the potential use of placing indicator lines on the canning lid to help the user gauge how far to loosen the lid once it was tightened. Nonetheless, the problem of overcoming this learning curve was not discovered until recently.
As discussed hereinbelow, the inventor has addressed the issue of correctly tightening the screw band in a manner that is wholly unanticipated in light of the problem and previous attempted solution mentioned above.
The present invention, as is detailed hereinbelow, seeks to provide a canning lid that is fully reusable like its predecessor, but which is used by the customer in the same manner as a traditional metal lid and requires no additional training or skill to properly use the product.