A multi-purpose framing square has an elongate blade having a T-shaped slot with an L-shape at the base of the T-shaped slot. A handle has a top end has a handle thumbscrew hole. The handle is boltably attached through the handle thumbscrew hole to the blade through the blade T-shaped slot. The handle has a handle cavity through which the blade can move. A handle support pin is detachably connectable to the handle.

1. Field of the Invention
The present embodiment of the invention relates to a multi-purpose framing square for use in connection with carpentry framing squares. The multi-purpose framing square has particular utility in connection with multi-purpose framing squares that have handle support pins and angle lock pins.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Multi-purpose framing squares are desirable for use in carpentry to make right angle markings on wood. The multi-purpose framing square, such as the popular Swanson SPEED SQUARE, combines the features of the traditional framing square along with tri, mitre and protractor squares. A need was felt for a multi-purpose framing square that could be locked at a specific angle, had a handle support, could be used both by left handed users and right handed users and that could be easily adjusted for inside or outside edges.
The use of carpentry framing squares is known in the prior art. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,503,624 to Whiteford discloses a combination square, scribing tool and plumb level is basically a carpenter's square in which an elongate blade is connected perpendicularly to an elongate handle. The blade has measuring scales on opposite edges each of which commence at the adjacent edge of the handle, and lines extend across the blade to permit easy visual alignment of both scales. Elongate apertures are formed along each line to facilitate use of the square as a scribing tool. The handle is a clear plastic hollow shell which is substantially filled with a liquid except for a small bubble so that the handle can function as a plumb level. However, the Whiteford '624 patent does not have a movable handle support pin, an angle lock pin, a handle that can be angularly adjusted on either side of the blade and does not have handle finger grips.
Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 5,813,126 to Dahl discloses a Framing square extension bar and saw guide having a channel extending longitudinally through an extension bar snugly but slidably receives the base flange of a framing square. The extension bar can be locked in a desired position relative to the square, and has mechanism for mounting a stop peg at a desired position along the length of the bar. The position of the square relative to a board to be marked or cut is set by engaging the stop peg against the end of the board while the extension bar is held flush against a longitudinal edge of the board. Each of several different boards can be marked at a predetermined desired length and/or an edge of the framing square can be used as a guide fence for a portable power saw. However, the Dahl '126 patent does not have a movable handle support pin, an angle lock pin, a handle that can be angularly adjusted on either side of the blade and does not have handle finger grips.
Further, United States Patent Number Des. 451,831 to Szumer discloses a carpenter square that has angular markings thereupon. However, the Szumer '831 patent does not have a movable handle support pin, an angle lock pin, a handle that can be angularly adjusted on either side of the blade and does not have handle finger grips.
Further still, U.S. Pat. No. 5,253,426 to Mosbrucker discloses a multi-purpose square having a handle and two legs that extend away from the handle in the same direction, both perpendicular to the handle. The handle includes a level to allow angular measurements against level, as well as for plumbing and leveling purposes. The legs correspond in width to standard dimensions of construction materials to facilitate the measuring and marking of those dimensions on materials. One leg is marked along its edges with linear and angular measurement marks for measuring and marking lines and angles, and has holes disposed selectively along its length for receiving a marker, such as a carpentry pencil. The other leg is marked with angular measurement marks along its edges and has a window with pitch marks along the edges thereof to facilitate the measurement and marking of angles and pitch. However, the Mosbrucker '426 patent does not have a movable handle support pin, an angle lock pin, a handle that can be angularly adjusted on either side of the blade and does not have handle finger grips.
Yet further still, U.S. Pat. No. 6,209,213 to Moe discloses a multi-purpose measuring tool has an elongate base and arm pivotally connected at rounded ends thereof in an angularly variable relation to perform multiple functions, including measuring inclines, measuring corner angles, measuring distances, use as a square, use as a bevel gauge and use as a torpedo level. A retractable measuring tape housed within the arm has a terminal finger gripping end adapted to be pulled away from the arm and removably attached to a distal end of the base. The measuring tape is dual purpose in that one side of the tape is used for determining the angle of the arm relative to the base to perform some of the above functions, and the other side of the tape is used for traditional linear distance measurements. The tool's base includes a "vertical" bubble level and the arm includes a "horizontal" bubble level to perform some of the above functions. However, the Moe '213 patent does not have a movable handle support pin, an angle lock pin, a handle that can be angularly adjusted on either side of the blade and does not have handle finger grips.
Lastly, U.S. Pat. No. 4,404,753 to Klok discloses a lightweight portable carpenter's saw guide and square that singularly performs the functions of triangle, ruler, square, protractor, and leveling device. The special protractor function allows for continuous same plane usage in order to scribe material or to guide a power saw across a given material. However, the Klok '753 patent does not have a movable handle support pin, an angle lock pin, a handle that can be angularly adjusted on either side of the blade and does not have handle finger grips.
While the above-described devices fulfill their respective, particular objectives and requirements, the aforementioned patents do not describe a multi-purpose framing square that allows multi-purpose framing squares that have handle support pins and angle lock pins. The Whiteford '624, Dahl '126, Szumer '831, Mosbrucker '426, Moe '213 and Klok '753 patents make no provision for a movable handle support pin, an angle lock pin, a handle that can be angularly adjusted on either side of the blade and do not have handle finger grips.
Therefore, a need exists for a new and improved multi-purpose framing square which can be used for multi-purpose framing squares that have handle support pins and angle lock pins. In this regard, the present embodiment of the invention substantially fulfills this need.
In this respect, the multi-purpose framing square according to the present embodiment of the invention substantially departs from the conventional concepts and designs of the prior art, and in doing so provides an apparatus primarily developed for the purpose of multi-purpose framing squares that have handle support pins and angle lock pins.


An apparatus includes an optical semiconductor element comprising: a waveguide into which input light is input; a plurality of ring modulators that have different optical perimeter lengths and are optically coupled to the waveguide; and a control unit configured to selectively apply a modulation signal to at least one of the plurality of ring modulators having a resonant wavelength that is the same as a wavelength of the input light.

In order to reduce the size and power consumption of an optical transceiver and increase the capacity of the optical transceiver, it is important to dispose an optical device on a silicon substrate. Since an optical device formed on a silicon substrate may use an optical waveguide with a large relative refractive index difference, the optical device contributes to the reduction in size of an optical transceiver and may be integrated with an electronic circuit. Accordingly, one chip may include many optical transceivers.
In particular, the characteristic of a modulator that is an optical device has a large effect on the power consumption and size of an optical transceiver. Since a ring modulator has a small element size, a small modulation voltage, and a small optical loss, the ring modulator contributes to the reduction in size and power consumption of an optical transceiver.

Optical semiconductor element having ring modulators


An extract of Cynanchum sp. in use of arthritis treatment is provided. The extract of Cynanchum sp. and an active ingredient contained therein, antofine, are applicable to a method, pharmaceutical composition and dietary supplement for treatment of arthritis. A mass production of antofine from plant extracts is also provided.

Arthritis is predominantly a disease of the elderly and morbidity has increased with civilization. The treatment of arthritis includes administration of corticosteroids to eliminate inflammatory symptoms and inhibit the immune system, or administration of non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as COX-1 inhibitors, COX-2 inhibitors, Celebrex or Ibuprofen, to ameliorate pain and inflammation. However, severe side effects and limited effects of these drugs drive new-generation of drugs to be developed.
The new-generation of drugs for the treatment of arthritis focus on the role of the cytokine, TNF-α, during the development of arthritis. A series of bioagents to decrease the secretion of TNF-α in arthritis patients has been developed, like the anti-TNF-α antibody, Adalimumab and Infliximab, or TNF-α antagonist, Etanercept. Studies show that a combination of an immunoinhibitory agent, methotrexate, and the TNF-α antagonist, etanercept, may increase the treatment effect of arthritis (Tracey D, et al., Tumor necrosis factor antagonist mechanisms of action: a comprehensive review, Pharmacology & Therapeutics 117 (2008) 244˜279.). The agents for inhibition of other cytokines, such as IL-6 antibodies and IL-β-ra, have also been known for the treatment of arthritis. However, the limited efficacy, side effects and single administration present in these agents has lead to an urgent desire to develop new drugs.

INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE


A necktie personalization kit includes a fabric necktie, a two-sided disposable necktie-shaped blank to test designs, a plurality of paint containers, each containing a quantity of individually colored fabric paint for painting the disposable necktie blank and subsequently the fabric necktie and packaging for containing the fabric necktie, disposable necktie-shaped blank and plurality of paint containers therein.

Neckties are often presented to men as gifts for birthdays, father's day and on certain holidays. Usually the tie is just one of many similar ties having a machine applied printed pattern or design. The receiver will often see "his" tie being worn by other men who have either purchased or received the same tie.
It is desirable to provide an original, one of a kind necktie personalized by the giver so that the receiver can be reminded of the giver(s) when wearing the necktie.


A needle shield assembly and method of manufacturing a needle shield are provided. The needle shield assembly includes a needle hub having a needle cannula extending therefrom. A needle shield base is pivotably coupled to the needle hub. A locking assembly including a needle engagement member is coupled to the needle shield base. One or both of the needle shield base and the locking assembly include a cavity for receiving the needle cannula. The needle shield is manufactured by providing a needle shield base and a separate locking assembly including a needle engagement member, and connecting the locking assembly to the distal end portion of the needle shield base.

Accidental needle sticks from used hypodermic needles can transmit disease. Accordingly, various types of needle shields have been designed to reduce the possibility of accidental needle sticks.
A needle shield that is hinged near the base of the needle has the advantage of allowing one handed needle reshielding. A number of prior art needle shield assemblies include hinged needle shields.
Various means have been provided for locking a hinged needle shield in the closed, needle protecting position. Deflectable members have been provided in the needle shield for engaging the needle upon shielding and preventing subsequent unshielding of the needle. Such members trap the needle within the needle shield. Locking has also been accomplished by locking engagement of the needle shield with the needle support structure.

Hinged needle shield assembly having needle cannula lock


A clasp for securing a first strap with a second strap includes a first clasp portion having a first frame member and a first set of magnets movable from a first to a second position, the first clasp portion adapted to be attached with the first strap; and a second clasp portion adapted to selectively connect with the first clasp portion, the second frame clasp portion having second frame member and a second set of magnets positioned in a fixed location within the second clasp portion, the second set of magnets positioned adjacent the first set of magnets when the second clasp portion is connected with the first clasp portion, the second clasp portion adapted to be attached with the second strap. When the first and second set of magnets create an attractive magnetic force therebetween in the first position and a repulsive magnetic force therebetween in the second position.

Buckles and clasps are used to secure items to a user's body, such as a clasp for a watch band to hold a watch on the wrist of a wearer.
Many conventional clasps have a length adjustment that requires the wearer to pass a strap with holes through a rotatable pin member that passes through one of the holes. Typically, the user has to perform this process each time the user wears the item or removes the item from their wrist.


A nonvolatile memory device includes first to N-th memory blocks, wherein N is an integer and N≧3. Each memory block, of the first to N-th memory blocks comprises first to (M−1)-th strings, wherein each string, of the first to (M−1)-th strings, includes drain-side memory cells, source-side memory cells, and a pipe transistor connecting the drain-side memory cells and the source-side memory cells, where M is an integer and M≧2, and an M-th string, including drain-side memory cells formed adjacent to the first string, of a first to (M−1)-th strings, and including source-side memory cells formed adjacent to an (M−1)-th string of the first to (M−1)-th strings.

1. Field
Exemplary implementations of the present invention relate to a nonvolatile memory device, and more particularly, to a nonvolatile memory including memory cells stacked arranged in a three-dimensional manner.
2. Description of the Related Art
A demand for high integration of memory devices is increasing. Conventionally, an integration degree of a memory device has been increased by reducing the size of memory cells that are two-dimensionally arranged over a semiconductor substrate. However, there is a physical limit to reducing the size of memory cells. For this reason, a method for increasing the integration degree of a memory device by three-dimensionally arranging memory cells over a semiconductor substrate has been proposed, as disclosed in Korean Patent Laid-open Publication No. 2013-005434. When the memory cells are arranged in a three-dimensional manner, the area of the semiconductor substrate may be efficiently utilized, and the integration degree may be improved more than when the memory cells are arranged in a two-dimensional manner.
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a conventional three-dimensional nonvolatile memory device.
Referring to FIG. 1, the three-dimensional nonvolatile memory device includes a plurality of memory blocks BLK1 to BLK3.
In an X-Y plane of FIG. 1, one memory block includes two cell strings. For example, the memory block BLK2 includes two cell strings formed in a U-shape. A first cell string of the memory block BLK2 includes memory cells stacked between a drain select transistor, controlled by a drain select line DSL0, and a pipe transistor, corresponding to a left transistor of transistors controlled by a pipe gate PG, and memory cells stacked between the pipe transistor, corresponding to the left transistor of transistors controlled by the pipe gate PG, and a source select transistor corresponding to a left transistor of transistors controlled by a source select line SSL. The memory cells stacked between the drain select transistor and the pipe transistor are controlled by word lines WL8 to WL15 and the memory cells stacked between the pipe transistor and the source select transistor are controlled by word lines WL0 to WL7. Furthermore, a second cell string of the memory block BLK2 includes memory cells stacked between a drain select transistor, controlled by a drain select line DSL1, and a pipe transistor, corresponding to a right transistor of transistors, controlled by the pipe gate PG and memory cells stacked between the pipe transistor, corresponding to the right transistor of transistors controlled by the pipe gate PG, and a source select transistor corresponding to a right transistor of transistors controlled by the source select line SSL. The memory cells stacked between the drain select transistor and the pipe transistor are controlled by the word lines WL8 to WL15, and the memory cells stacked between the pipe transistor and the source select transistor are controlled by the word lines WL0 to WL7.
Each of the memory blocks BLK1 to BLK3 corresponds to the unit of an erase operation among operations of the nonvolatile memory device. Furthermore, except for a bit line BL and a source line SL in FIG. 1, lines represented by the same symbols but belonging to different memory blocks are different from each other. For example, different voltages may be applied to the cord line WL of the memory block BLK1 and the word line WL3 of the memory block BLK2, respectively.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 1. Referring to FIG. 2, it can be seen that cells strings are arranged in a Z-axis direction as well as on the X-Y plane of FIG. 1. In FIGS. 2, 201, 202, 203, and 204 represent insulators for isolating word lines WL of the respective memory blocks BLK1, BLK2, and BLK3. For example, the insulator 202 electrically isolates word lines WL<15:8> of the memory block BLK1 from word lines WL<15:8> of the memory block BLK2. Thus, the memory blocks BLK1 and BLK2 may independently operate.
Since two adjacent cell strings share the word lines WL<7:0>, among the word lines of the memory blocks BLK1 to BLK3, the word lines WL<7:0> may have a large width. However, since adjacent cell strings do not share the word lines WL<15:8>, the word lines WL<15:8> have a width smaller than the width of word lines WL<7:0>. Since the word lines WL<15:8> have a smaller width, they have a large resistance value. Thus, the word lines WL<15:8> may degrade the performance of the nonvolatile memory device. Furthermore, when the word lines WL 15:8>, having a smaller width, are stacked to fabricate the nonvolatile memory device, the difficulty level of the fabrication process inevitably increases.

3D non-volatile memory device having wordlines with large width


A movable socket disposed between a casing and a circuit board is disclosed. An opening structure is disposed on the casing. The movable socket includes a first connector, a second connector, a soft cable and a driving mechanism. The first connector is slidably disposed on the casing. The second connector is disposed on the circuit board. The soft cable is disposed between the first connector and the second connector in a structurally deformable manner. Two ends of the soft cable are respectively connected to the first connector and the second connector. The driving mechanism is disposed between the first connector and the casing, the driving mechanism moves the first connector relative to the casing, to drive a part of the first connector to pass through the casing via the opening structure.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a USB socket and a related electronic device, and more particularly, to a movable USB socket and a related electronic device.
2. Description of the Prior Art
With the development of information and computer technology, the size of a computer is becoming smaller and the computer is utilized in a wide variety of fields. In order to expand functions of a computer system for satisfying user's various demands, various external devices of the computer system come with the trend. For example, an external hard disk drive and a portable storage device can expand the memory capacity of the computer system. An external optical disk drive and an optical disk writer can expand multimedia access function of the computer system. A network cable allows the computer system to be connected to an internet so as to gather information online or surf webpage. However, because of the thinning size of the notebook computer, it brings more challenges for mechanical design. Connecting ports disposed on a side of the notebook computer will constrain the thickness of mechanism of the notebook computer.
For example, the USB connector for connecting to the datum transmission cable has a fixed size of the opening. So, the notebook computer needs to increase its thickness in order to match the size of the USB connector. Alternatively, the USB connector is exposed out of the notebook computer so as to affect an aesthetic feeling of appearance. Thus, the conventional connector mechanism has importance issues of satisfying the height specification as well as keeping the aesthetic feeling of appearance.

Movable socket capable of moving a connector relative to a casing and related electronic device


A fuel assembly for a boiling water nuclear reactor contains a plurality of vertical fuel rods, which are arranged between a bottom-tie plate and a top-tie plate (12) in a surrounding vertical casing part. The fuel rods extend through a number of spacers which are arranged in a spaced relationship in the vertical direction and which together with the bottom-tie plate and the top-tie plate retain the fuel rods in a spaced relationship in the lateral direction. The fuel assembly is designed for conducting water in through the bottom-tie plate, through the space between the fuel rods in the vertical casing part, and out through the top-tie plate. To counteract unfavourable temperatures caused by dryout, each fuel rod, in at least a majority of the fuel rods, is adapted to give off a considerably lower power in those parts of the fuel rod which are located immediately below the spacers in at least the uppermost one-third of the active length of the fuel rod than in the remaining parts of the active length of the fuel rod.

The present invention relates to a fuel assembly for a nuclear reactor of boiling water type containing a plurality of vertical fuel rods, which are arranged between a bottom-tie tie plate and a top-tie plate in a surrounding vertical casing part and which extend through a number of spacers which are arranged in spaced relationship in the vertical direction and which together with the bottom-tie plate and the top-tie plate retain the fuel rods in a spaced relationship in a lateral direction. Each fuel rod in the fuel assembly comprises a cladding tube containing a nuclear fuel material and the fuel assembly is formed with an inlet for water for conducting water in through the bottom-tie plate, through the space between the fuel rods in the vertical casing part, and out through the top-tie plate.
In the operation of a nuclear reactor with a core containing several fuel assemblies of the above-mentioned kind, there may be a risk of so-called dryout occurring, that is to say the disappearance or breaking down in limited regions of the water film which is present on the surface of each fuel rod, which locally leads to a considerably deteriorated heat transfer between the fuel rod and the water conducted through the fuel assembly, resulting in a greatly increased wall temperature of the fuel rod. The increased wall temperature may lead to damage with serious consequences arising on the fuel rod.

Fuel assembly for a boiling water nuclear reactor


This invention is directed to methods of treating solid tumor cancers, particularly refractory cancers by administration of a drug capable of inhibiting mTOR and/or inhibiting an efflux pump and/or inhibiting HIF-1α and VEGF, the drug in particular being selected from the group consisting of sirolimus, everolimus, zotarolimus, tacrolimus, iolimus A9, deforolimus, AP23572, tacrolimus, temsirolimus, pimecrolimus, novolimus, 40-O-(3-hydroxypropyl), 40-O-[2-(2-hydroxy)ethoxy]ethyl-rapamycin and 40-O-tetrazolylrapamycin, the drug being administered along with a chemotherapeutic agent and/or radiation therapy.

Cancer is currently the second greatest cause of death in the United States behind coronary heart disease. Even though there is trend toward lower death rates from cancer in the U.S., it has been estimated that the annual personal and financial cost of cancer will be $1.62 trillion dollars by 2017. Further, according to the World Health Organization cancer is set to become the leading cause of death world-wide by 2010.
Cancer is an extremely elusive treatment target in that different types of cancer tend to display different biochemical characteristics and even within one type of cancer, the disease can evolve to become refractory to treatments that once were effective against that variety. This makes treatment choices difficult and is a prime reason for the large number of chemotherapeutics currently available to treat the disease as well as for the huge outlay of research dollars, at present approximately $6 billion dollars per year, spent in the effort to find new more efficacious drugs.
One of the more daunting problems is the ability of cancers to develop resistance to previously effective treatment regimes including both chemotherapeutic agents and radiation therapy. It has been postulated that among the causes of resistance several seem to be particularly ubiquitous across a broad spectrum of solid tumor cancers, those being the up-regulation of the Akt/mTOR pathway, which works to prevent chemotherapeutically induced apoptosis of cancer cells, the up-regulation of protein synthesis that can either directly inhibit the activity of a chemotherapeutic or that can develop an efflux pump to efficiently remove the chemotherapeutic from the cancerous cell before it has a chance to have any beneficial effect and activity of HIF-1α concurrent with the up-regulation of VEGF, which has the effect of stimulating angiogenesis and endothelial cell proliferation in the tumor.
What is needed is a means of inhibiting up-regulation of the Akt/mTOR pathway and/or the up-regulation of direct drug resistance or the development of efflux pump capability in the cancerous cells and/or inhibition of HIF-1α and VEGF. The current invention provides such a means.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Method of treating malignant solid tumors


A hysteretic power converter includes a comparator, a calibration circuit, and an output node having an output voltage. The calibration circuit is configured to supply a calibrated voltage to the comparator. The comparator controls the output voltage based on the calibrated voltage and a feedback voltage representing at least a portion of the output voltage.

A power converter, e.g., a direct current (DC) to DC converter, is utilized in many electrical circuit applications, e.g., a Light Emitting Diode (LED) driver circuit. A DC-DC converter includes a hysteretic comparator with a reference voltage as one of its inputs. A controlled voltage of the converter is compared to hysteretic levels, and a high-side switch is turned on if the controlled voltage level is lower than a low threshold point while a low-side switch is turned on if the controlled voltage level is higher than a high threshold point.
However, a conventional DC-DC converter suffers an output offset problem that causes an output current inaccuracy, because of the response time of the hysteretic comparator and/or a loop delay. In an integrated circuit, the current inaccuracy problem becomes worse over process, voltage, and temperature (PVT) variations. For example, the controlled voltage of the converter is supposed to have an average level between two hysteretic threshold points, assuming that the high-side or low-side switch activates immediately when the controlled voltage level crosses a corresponding threshold point.
In a real comparator circuit, there is a response time for the switching action, which causes equivalent threshold levels to deviate. The deviation levels depend on the slew-rate rate of inputs to the comparator as well as PVT. The overall loop delay from output of the comparator corresponding to respective high/low side switching also causes the threshold levels vary with PVT variations. The threshold variation causes inaccuracy of controlled voltage and current.

Hysteretic power converter with calibration circuit

TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.


A concealed adjustable temperature switch includes a fixed plate, an adjusting block threadedly engaged with a screw hole of the fixed plate, a bimetal plate, and a metal plate. Mounted on the adjusting block are upper and lower positioning rings and a fixing ring between the positioning rings. The fixed ring includes a hole through which the adjusting block extends. The fixing ring includes a stop projecting toward the fixed plate. The stop includes two sides having a height greater than a thickness of the fixed plate. A distance between the stop and a center of the hole of the fixing ring is greater than that between a front edge of the fixed plate and a center of the screw hole of the fixed plate and than that between either one of two sides of the fixed plate to the center of the screw hole of the fixed plate.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an adjustable temperature switch. More particularly, the present invention relates to a concealed adjustable temperature switch for an electric appliance such as a hot melt glue gun for preventing damage.
2. Description of the Related Art
A typical hot melt glue gun comprises a concealed adjustable temperature switch in a body thereof for adjusting the temperature for melting a solid glue stick into liquid. FIG. 5 of the drawings is a conventional hot melt glue gun comprising a body 4′ and a concealed adjustable temperature switch 1′ that is connected by wires 2′ to a heating member 3′. The adjustable temperature switch 1′ includes an adjusting block 11′ with an outer threading 111′, a fixed plate 12′ with a screw hole 121′, a bimetal plate 13′, and a metal plate 14′. The bimetal plate 13′ includes a first plate and a second plate that are bonded together, wherein the bimetal plate 13′ has different bending extents at different temperatures. The outer threading 111′ of the adjusting block 11′ is threadedly engaged with the screw hole 121′ of the fixed plate 12′. The bimetal plate 13′ is electrically connected to an electrode, and the metal plate 14′ is electrically connected to the other electrode.
A tool T can be extended into the body 4′ to turn the adjusting block 11′, moving the adjusting block 11′ toward or away from the bimetal plate 13′ to thereby cause the bimetal plate 13′ to be in tight contact or loose contact with the metal plate 14′. When the adjusting block 11′ is turned in a direction, the adjusting block 11′ moves toward the bimetal plate 13′ and causes the bimetal plate 13′ to be in loose contact with the metal plate 14′. In this case, slight bending of the bimetal plate 13′ at a relatively low temperature is sufficient to cause disengagement of the bimetal plate 13′ from the metal plate 14′, resulting in an open circuit. Thus, electricity supply to the heating member 3′ is cut off.
On the other hand, when the adjusting block 11′ is turned in a reverse direction, the adjusting block 11′ moves away from the bimetal plate 13′ and causes the bimetal plate 13′ to be in tight contact with the metal plate 14′. In this case, greater bending of the bimetal plate 13′ at a relatively high temperature is required to cause disengagement of the bimetal plate 13′ from the metal plate 14′ to cut off electricity supply to the heating member 3′.
However, since the adjustable temperature switch 1′ is concealed in the body 4′, the user could not know the contact between the bimetal plate 13′ and the metal plate 14′. In a case that the user misjudges a tight contact as a loose contact and turns the adjusting block 11′ in the tightening direction, the bimetal plate 13′ will be in an overtight contact with the metal plate 14′ such that great bending of the bimetal plate 13′ still could not cause disengagement from the metal plate 14′. As a result, overheating of the heating member 3′ occurs, leading to overload and damage. Further, excessive rotation of the adjusting block 11′ may cause disengagement from the screw hole 121′ of the fixed plate 12′, leading to falling of the adjusting block 11′. On the other hand, if a loose contact is misjudged as a tight contact, the adjusting block 11′ is turned in the wrong direction such that the bimetal plate 13′ could not be in contact with the metal plate 14′, resulting in an undesired open circuit.
Applicant's U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/961,196 filed on Oct. 12, 2004 discloses a concealed adjustable temperature switch electrically connected to a heating member. The concealed adjustable temperature switch comprises a fixed plate with a screw hole, an adjusting block having an outer threading threadedly engaged with the screw hole of the fixed plate, a bimetal plate that has different bending extents at different temperatures, and a metal plate. The bimetal plate is electrically connected to one of two electrodes, and the metal plate is electrically connected to the other electrode. A positioning ring is securely mounted on the adjusting block to turn therewith. The positioning ring is fixed on the adjusting block by a fixing ring. The positioning ring includes a projection. Two spaced stops are provided to stop the projection of the positioning ring, thereby limiting turning of the adjusting block. The positioning ring, the fixing ring, and the stops prevent the adjusting block from disengaging from the fixed plate and prevent the electric appliance from being damaged. However, in a case that the hot melt glue gun is disassembled, the positioning ring is disengaged from the stops such that the projection of the positioning ring could not be stopped by either stop. Unintentional rotation leading to overtight contact between the bimetal plate and the metal plate might occur, resulting in overheating and damage.


A vehicle cleaning system in accordance to one embodiment of the present invention includes a horizontally movable carriage suspended above the vehicle, and a vertically moveably support mechanism suspended from said carriage. The support mechanism includes a pair of horizontal spray bars for dispensing liquids that are attached at one end to a dual-pivotal connection defined by the support mechanisms, while the spray bars other end is magnetically aligned with the other end of the other spray bar. The system also includes a the profile of a vehicle positioned between said columns and a controller to communicate with the plurality of sensors control the movement of the carriage and the support mechanisms in response to the profiles of the vehicle.

Vehicle cleaning systems are well known and include both stationary and moving cleaning systems. In a typical stationary vehicle cleaning system the vehicle remains stationary, and a single cleaning station is equipped with cleaning liquids which are sprayed onto and washed off a vehicle by a single cleaning apparatus. In a typical moving cleaning system, the vehicle is pulled or is diven through different cleaning stations to achieve the same results as the stationary cleaning systems.
Examples of various stationary vehicle cleaning systems include: U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,134,735 and 6,325,863 to Zamensky et al., which are directed to having a plurality of rotating dispensing wands attached to a rotating arm that moves around a stationary vehicle. To determine the end of the vehicle (such that the arm is able to rotate about the vehicle), sensors are positioned about the arm to "sense" or determine the front and rear end of the vehicle; U.S. Pat. No. 5,255,695 to Downey also discloses another rotatable and movable vehicle cleaning arm that includes sensors to determine the length of the vehicle; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,040,485 to Bailey et al. discloses a vehicle wash system that employs a dispensing arm suspended from a linear trolley that incorporates an arm that moves along the length of the vehicle and rotates around the vehicle to wash all surfaces of the vehicle.
These aforementioned systems are equipped to handle both large and small vehicles. In order to accommodate for all types of vehicles, these systems maintain the spray arms at a predetermined maximum distance away from the center of the cleaning area or a safe distance away from where the surface of the largest vehicle would appear. Unfortunately, the cleaning effect is dramatically reduced when a smaller vehicle enters the system, as the smaller vehicle is cleaned by the liquid spray at a reduced pressure (being that the further away the surface of the vehicle is from the dispensing nozzles, the lower the pressure of the liquid is when it actually makes contact with the vehicle).
It is thus an object of the present invention to provide a stationary wash system that provides a more thorough cleaning of a vehicle regardless of the vehicle's size, especially when the vehicle is a truck or includes a trailer. This objective may be accomplished by mapping the surface of the vehicle and moving and rotating the nozzles to maintain a specific distance away from the surface of the vehicle in accordance to the surface or profile of the vehicle.
It is, however, appreciated that the prior art includes the ability to provide a vehicle cleaning system that includes controlling a horizontal spray bar in accordance to the surface of a vehicle in a movable wash system. U.S. Pat. No. 4,981,523 ('523 patent) to Larson et al. discloses a cleaning system that includes a horizontal spray arm that moves horizontally and vertically to closely follow a vehicle's profile as the vehicle is pulled through the vehicle wash system. The spray arm is mounted on one side to a support housing and suspended over the entire vehicle. The mounting of the spray arm to the support housing includes a horizontal pivot connection, such that if the vehicle hits the spray arm, the spray arm will swing away from the vehicle. The cleaning system also includes a plurality of sensors positioned on the spray arm to contour the vehicle. As the vehicle is moved through the cleaning system, the sensors indicate to the controller to move the spray bar to follow the vehicle's profile. In all aspects of the '523 patent the vehicle is constantly moving as it is being pulled through the cleaning system. The controller mechanism, of the '523 patent, must thus be designed to control the movement of the spray arm not only in accordance with the profile of the vehicle, but also to compensate for the continuous movement of the vehicle through the cleaning system.
In addition, the prior art system includes a switch on top of the entrance to the system which, when activated, indicates to the system that a tall van or truck entered the system. When a truck enters the system, the spray bar is automatically raised 80 inches, such that the arm has enough height to clear the trailer. Consequently, the system provided in the '523 patent does not adequately profile and thus clean the front of the truck or tall van. The present system has the ability to adequately clean the front end of any vehicle, especially trucks, and at an optimal distance, which is lacking in the '523 patent.
There is thus a need to provide a stationary cleaning system that provides significant improved profiling of the front end of vehicles, especially trucks that include a grill, hood, windshield, and smoke stack. The improved stationary cleaning system should have the ability to clean between a cab and trailer; between trailers; and between a car and a trailer. Such an improved stationary cleaning system should also include unique safety features to protect the spray bars in case the vehicle moves during the washing cycle.


The present invention serves to vary and adjust the transmitted light illumination in microscopes, particularly with respect to the numerous, different illumination situations. The device, according to the invention comprises modules for darkfield illumination, brightfield illumination, and/or diffuse illumination and/or for adapting the object field in which an illumination unit can be selectively coupled to different modules and in which actuators are provided for implementing the adjustments within the modules and for producing the desired connections, these actuators being operated by means of operating elements of a control unit. The adjustments within the modules and the implemented connections are detected and are stored in the control unit so as to be reproducible. The proposed solution makes possible a broad application by means of an ergonomic arrangement of the operating elements and adjusting and/or changing the illumination situations in a simple and reproducible manner.

a) Description of the Related Art
The present invention is directed to a device for varying and adjusting the transmitted illumination for microscopes, particularly with respect to the numerous different illumination situations.
b) Description of the Related Art
Aside from conventional transmitted brightfield illumination which couples the more-or-less directed illumination light directly into the imaging system of microscopes via the object, solutions for implementing oblique illumination are also known from the prior art. In the simplest case, this oblique illumination can be realized by tilting and/or displacing a mirror used for beam deflection. It is possible to improve contrast by means of oblique and/or one-side illumination.
In the C-DSD 230 transmitted-light illuminator by Nikon, a diaphragm is displaced directly on a deflecting mirror for improved contrast. In many embodiment forms of transmitted illumination systems, it is possible to switch between different adapting optics in order to adapt simple transmitted brightfield illumination to different visual fields which chiefly depend on the adjusted magnification and on the objectives that are used.
In accordance with the user's wishes, the brightness should be adjustable, if possible, with preset desired color temperature. This is often carried out at separate cold light sources so as to avoid impermissible heating of the specimens and microscope.
In some transmitted illumination arrangements, it is possible to insert different filters and/or ground glass diffuser screens to achieve a diffuse illumination.
Further, transmitted darkfield illumination arrangements can be used as an alternative illumination method in modern illumination devices. In this case, the light of the illumination source is guided past the objective and only light that is scattered at the object, diffusely reflected light, interrupted and/or diffracted light is coupled into the objective.
A large number of operating elements are red to dust a particular illumination situation. This is especially true for modern transmitted illumination deices. An illumination situation that has been adjusted one time cannot be reproduced again or, if so, only with considerable effort. This is because intermediate positions must often be adjusted and the large number of operating elements makes this very complicated.
Some of the operating elements must be combined in a certain way to enable useful illumination conditions. These combinations must be adjusted manually by the user. Particularly users who seldom work with the microscope in question do not possess the required knowledge about useful combinations, and this knowledge cannot be acquired without considerable effort.
Further, the arrangement of operating elements is often disadvantageous in ergonomic respects. This poses another obstacle to ease of use and manageability. Further, the large number of moving operating elements renders the construction of the stand very costly. Stability must be maintained in spite of the many openings. Moreover, scattered light must be prevented from exiting and the penetration of liquid and dust must be prevented. Considerable construction resources must be expended to prevent the disadvantages effects mentioned above while maintaining the desired large range of operations of the transmitted illumination device, which makes manufacture extremely expensive.

Device for varying and adjusting transmitted illumination for microscopes


A system, method and program product for determining contamination of an ion beam are disclosed. In the event of an isobaric interference, or near isobaric interference between a contaminant ion and an expected ion of an ion beam, which is difficult to detect, it is possible to measure a third ion in the ion beam and estimate, based on the amount of the third ion measured, a relative amount of the contaminant ion compared to the expected ion. The estimated relative amount of the contaminant ion is used together with a measured mass resolution of the ion implantation system to determine whether an ion implantation process needs to be suspended.

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates generally to ion implantation, and more particularly, to a system, method and program product for determining an ion beam contamination.
2. Related Art
Ion implantation is a standard technique for introducing conductivity altering impurities into, or doping, semiconductor wafers. A typical ion implantation process uses an energetic ion beam to introduce impurities (ions) into semiconductor wafers. During ion implantation, when a source feed material is energized to form an ion beam, species of different chemical elements may be energized to generate ions having the same or very similar mass/charge ratio as the expected ion, which may be difficult to separate from the expected ions in the ion beam in a commercially productive manner. As a consequence, the contaminant ions will also be implanted into the semiconductor wafers, which may cause serious divergences in the desired parameters of semiconductor devices made from the wafers, and lead to scrap.
To avoid an implantation of a contaminated ion beam, measurements need to be taken to determine the existence and/or seriousness (i.e., the relative amount of a contaminant ion) of an ion beam contamination. However, if the mass/charge ratio of a contaminant ion is very close to that of an expected ion, it is difficult to detect the existence of the contaminant ion directly because a peak of the contaminant ion and a peak of the expected ion may be difficult to separate in a mass spectrum graph. As such, there is a need to determine the existence and/or seriousness of an ion beam contamination indirectly. There is also a need to determine whether an ion implantation system has a capacity to filter out contaminant ions sufficiently to make a potential contamination meet a preset threshold.

Varian Semiconductor Equipment Associates, Inc.


A frame transfer image sensor having a lateral overflow drain and a structure for controlling the charge transfer to the drain during charge collection to improve exposure latitude.

FIG. 1a schematically shows the general organization of a full frame image sensor having an array of photosensitive elements which serve also as vertical shift registers 26. Several of the photosensitive elements which are shown in FIG. 1 are identified as A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H and I. Elements A-D are in one vertical shift register and elements E-I are in adjacent shift register. The elements are arranged in columns and rows. Photo charge is integrated in each sensor element and, at a predetermined time, appropriate bias voltage pulse signals are applied to the gate electrodes causing the charge to transfer along vertical CCD shift register 26. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the shift registers 26 conveniently can be constructed in two phase buried channel architecture. Each photosensitive element includes two electrodes, 26a and 26b (see FIG. 1c).
Each CCD shift register 26 will be under the control of a plurality of the electrodes 26a and 26b. When a potential is applied to an electrode, a deplete region is formed under that electrode. Consider, for example, a buried channel CCD shift register which is formed with a p-substrate covered with a silicon dioxide layer with an n-buried channel on which there has been deposited a row of closely spaced electrodes for operating a shift register 26. FIGS. 1a-c illustrate a conventional full frame CCD image sensor. If the two electrodes 26a and 26b each contain both a barrier and a storage region, then they provide one complete CCD stage of what we will call a true two phase CCD. Such a two phase CCD is also effective in a non-interlaced interline CCD image sensor. One the electrodes 26b is covered with an opaque shield or covering while the other 26a is exposed to actinic light and accumulated signal charge. (See FIG. 1b). Al or WSi.sub.3 can be sputtered and patterned to form the shield.
The signal charge is shifted vertically down the shift registers, 26, a line at a time, into a horizontal shift register, 27 (see FIG. 1a). The pixel charge information is shifted to a buffer amplifier 28 where it is converted to an output voltage proportional to the pixel charge, and becomes available for off-chip signal processing, storage and/or display.
A desirable feature in image sensors, is antiblooming. Blooming results when an area of the image sensor receives an amount of illumination that generates signal charges in excess of the charge capacity of the photosensitive element of the vertical shift register. The excess charge spreads or "blooms" along the vertical shift register, thus contaminating the signal from other pixels. Blooming control is essential in applications wherein the light level is not controlled. A lateral overflow drain (LOD) is a commonly used technique for controlling antiblooming. See U.S. Pat. No. 4,460,912. Overflow drains have a problem in that they reduce exposure latitude. Typically, after the charge capacity of the photosensitive element is reached, further increases in exposure cannot be measured.
In U.S. Pat. No. 4,626,915 an MOS solid state image sensor is disclosed in which the combined action of a vertical overflow drain (VOD) and vertical readout transfer gate enhances exposure latitude. However, this method suffers from several disadvantages because overflow charge must be removed from the vertical readout. If the vertical registers are bit lines, their capacitance decreases the device voltage sensitivity to photocharge; where as if the vertical readout registers are CCD's, the time required to remove overflowed charge is too long, interferes with readout and overflow timing, and limits the amount of antiblooming achievable. Also, the device construction of the VOD technology is not simple, consisting of 4 alternate n and p layers. Further, the necessity of changing the voltage of the p well induces a general potential fluctuation in other regions of the device which may induce noise and which alters the spectral response of the sensor during integration. The use of a VOD limits the long wavelength sensitivity of the device and requires the device process depend on cell size.

Enhancing exposure latitude of image sensors


An ink composition comprised of a solution comprised of surfactant micelles colored with a dye or dyes covalently attached thereto, and an ink jet printing process utilizing such ink.

The present invention is directed to ink compositions and imaging and printing processes thereof. More specifically, in one embodiment the present invention is directed to ink jet ink compositions comprised of surfactant micelles to which are attached reactive dyes. One embodiment of the present invention is directed to an ink composition which comprises an aqueous liquid vehicle and colored particles comprised of a polyoxyethylene-castor oil or a polyoxyethylene-hydrogenated castor oil (HCO) micelle colored by attachment of a water soluble reactive dye to the surface of the micelle. Optionally, silica is precipitated within the micelles by hydrolysis of a silica precursor within the core of the micelles. The inks of the present invention possess a number of advantages including excellent waterfastness characteristics, such as for example exceeding 80 percent, and from between about 85 to about 95 percent; excellent optical density of, for example, from between about 0.8 and 1.5, depending on the color, acceptable edge acuity, minimal feathering on different paper types and on transparencies, stability with storage, stability in the ink jet printhead, the use of nontoxic surfactant type components, the selection of a wide number of dyes for coloring the inks, and the like. Other advantages of inks associated with the present invention in embodiments thereof include the preselection of the colors desired; excellent color intensity of the prints and images developed; control of the physical characteristics of the core by the selection of the surfactant; the selection of the physical characteristics of the core including, for example, its diameter, its hydrophobicity, and the chemical functionality of its surface allows the control of parameters, such as level of dye incorporation in the colorant, the jettability of an ink comprised of these colorants; the generation of prints with excellent characteristics, that is, for example, the image is substantially uniform in color, optical density, of from about 0.8 to about 1.5, depending on the color of the ink; resistance to highlighter marking; formation of clear images on transparencies; the use of a variety of plain papers, such as Xerox Corporation 4024 paper for ink jet printing; and the like. The inks of the present invention can be selected for a number of known ink jet printing methods and apparatus, including thermal ink jet, or bubble jet processes as described in, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,601,777, 4,251,824, 4,410,899, 4,412,224, and 4,532,530, the disclosures of which are totally incorporated herein by reference.
Ink jet printing systems can generally be classified by two types: continuous stream and drop-on-demand. In continuous stream ink jet systems, ink is emitted in a continuous stream under pressure through at least one orifice or nozzle. The stream is perturbed causing it to break up into droplets at a fixed distance from the orifice. At the break-up point, the droplets are charged in accordance with digital data signals and passed through an electrostatic field which adjusts the trajectory of each droplet in order to direct it to a gutter for recirculation or a specific location on a recording medium. In drop-on-demand systems, a droplet is expelled from an orifice directly to a position on a recording medium in accordance with digital data signals. A droplet is not formed or expelled unless it is to be placed on the recording medium.
Since drop-on-demand systems require no ink recovery, charging, or deflection, they are much simpler than the continuous stream type. There are two types of drop-on-demand ink jet systems. One type of drop-on-demand system has as its major components an ink filled channel or passageway having a nozzle on one end and a piezoelectric transducer near the other end to produce pressure pulses. The relatively large size of the transducer prevents close spacing of the nozzles, and physical limitations of the transducer result in low ink drop velocity. Low drop velocity seriously diminishes tolerances for drop velocity variation and directionality, thus impacting the system's ability to produce high quality copies. Drop-on-demand systems which use piezoelectric devices to expel the droplets also suffer the disadvantage of a slow printing speed.
The second type of drop-on-demand system is known as thermal ink jet or bubble jet. With this type, there are apparently generated high velocity droplets and there is allowed very close spacing of the nozzles. The major components of this type of drop-on-demand system are an ink-filled channel having a nozzle on one end and a heat generating resistor near the nozzle. Printing signals representing digital information originate an electric current pulse in a resistive layer within each ink passageway near the orifice or nozzle causing the ink in the immediate vicinity to evaporate almost instantaneously and create a bubble. The ink at the orifice is forced out as a propelled droplet as the bubble expands. When the hydronynamic motion of the ink stops, the process is ready to start all over again. With the introduction of a droplet ejection system based upon thermally generated bubbles, commonly referred to as the "bubble jet" system, the drop-on-demand ink jet printers provide simpler, lower cost devices than their continuous stream counterparts, and yet have substantially the same high speed printing capability.
The operating sequence of the bubble jet system begins with a current pulse through the resistive layer in the ink filled channel, the resistive layer being in close proximity to the orifice or nozzle for that channel. Heat is transferred from the resistor to the ink. The ink becomes superheated far above its normal boiling point, and for water based ink, finally reaches the critical temperature for bubble formation or nucleation of around 280.degree. C. Once nucleated, the bubble or water vapor thermally isolates the ink from the heater and no further heat can be applied to the ink. This bubble expands until all the heat stored in the ink in excess of the normal boiling point diffuses away or is used to convert liquid to vapor. The expansion of the bubble forces a droplet of ink out of the nozzle, and once the excess heat is removed, the bubble collapses on the resistor. At this point, the resistor is no longer being heated because the current pulse has passed and, concurrently with the bubble collapse, the droplet is propelled at a high rate of speed in a direction toward a recording medium. The resistive layer encounters a severe cavitational force by the collapse of the bubble, which tends to erode it. Subsequently, the ink channel refills by capillary action. This entire bubble formation and collapse sequence occurs in about 10 microseconds. The channel can be refired after 100 to 500 microseconds minimum dwell time to enable the channel to be refilled and to enable the dynamic refilling factors to become somewhat dampened. Thermal ink jet processes are well known as indicated herein, and are described, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,601,777; 4,251,824; 4,410,899; 4,412,224 and 4,532,530, the disclosures of each of which are totally incorporated herein by reference.
Known ink jet inks generally comprise a water soluble dye which is soluble in an ink vehicle such as water or a mixture comprising water and a water soluble or water miscible organic solvent. Inks comprising soluble dyes may exhibit many problems, such as poor waterfastness, poor lightfastness, clogging of the jetting channels as a result of solvent evaporation and changes in the solubility of the dye, dye crystallization, ink bleeding when prints are formed on plain papers, poor thermal stability, chemical instability, ease of oxidation, and low drop velocity. In addition, many of the dyes contained in inks may be potentially toxic or mutagenic. These problems can be minimized by replacing the dyes used in ink formulations with insoluble pigments. In general, pigments are superior to dyes with respect to waterfastness, lightfastness, image density, thermal stability, oxidative stability, the ability to perform intercolor ink mixing, compatibility with both coated/treated and plain papers, image edge acuity, reduced image feathering, and nontoxic and nonmutagenic properties.
Heterophase ink jet inks are known. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,705,567, the disclosure of which is totally incorporated herein by reference, discloses a heterophase ink jet ink composition which comprises water and a dye covalently attached to a component selected from the group consisting of poly(ethylene glycols) and poly(ethylene imines), which component is complexed with a heteropolyanion. In addition, U.S. Pat. No. 4,597,794 discloses an ink jet recording process which comprises forming droplets of an ink and recording on an image receiving material by using the droplets, wherein the ink is prepared by dispersing fine particles of a pigment into an aqueous dispersion medium containing a polymer having both a hydrophilic and a hydrophobic construction portion. The hydrophilic portion constitutes a polymer of monomers having mainly polymerizable vinyl groups into which hydrophilic portions such as carboxylic acid groups, sulfonic acid groups, sulfate groups, and the like are introduced. Pigment particle size may be from several microns to several hundred microns. The ink compositions disclosed may also include additives such as surfactants, salts, resins, and dyes.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,877,451, the disclosure of which is totally incorporated herein by reference, discloses ink jet ink compositions comprising water, a solvent, and a plurality of colored particles comprising hydrophilic porous silica particles to the surfaces of which dyes are covalently bonded through silane coupling agents. In addition, copending application U.S. Ser. No. 07/369,003, the disclosure of which is totally incorporated herein by reference, there are illustrated ink jet inks and liquid developers containing colored particles comprising hydrophilic porous silica particles to the surfaces of which dyes are covalently bonded through silane coupling agents. The ink compositions of this patent are believed to be less stable in the printheads and less stable during storage, disadvantages avoided, or minimized with the inks of the present invention.
The following United States patents are mentioned: U.S. Pat. No. 4,705,567 relating, for example, to heterophase ink compositions comprised of water and a dye covalently attached to a polyethylene glycol, or polyethylene imine component, which component is complexed with a heteropolyanion; U.S. Pat. No. 4,623,689 which discloses, for example, an ink for ink jet recording wherein the ink contains a certain aqueous colored polymer, see the Abstract for example; and as collateral interest U.S. Pat. No. 4,664,708; 4,680,332 and 4,791,165. The disclosures of the aforementioned patents, and all other patents mentioned herein are totally incorporated herein by reference.
Copending application U.S. Ser. No. 544,564 (now abandoned), the disclosure of which is totally incorporated herein by reference, relates, for example, to ink compositions which comprise an aqueous liquid vehicle and colored particles of an average diameter of 100 nanometers or less which comprise micelles of block copolymers of the formula ABA, wherein A represents a hydrophilic segment and B represents a hydrophobic segment, and wherein dye molecules are covalently attached to the micelles. In a specific embodiment of the copending application, the colored particles comprise micelles of block copolymers of the formula ABA having silica precipitated therein and dye molecules covalently attached to the micelles. Another embodiment of the copending application is directed to a printing process which comprises incorporating the ink thereof into an ink jet printing apparatus and causing droplets of the ink to be ejected in an imagewise pattern onto a substrate, thereby generating images on the substrate. Also, in another embodiment of the copending application there is disclosed an ink preparation process which comprises, in the order stated, (1) adding to water a block copolymer of the formula ABA, wherein A represents a hydrophilic segment and B represents a hydrophobic segment, thereby forming a dispersion of micelles of the block copolymer; (2) adding a water-soluble base to the dispersion, thereby bringing the pH of the dispersion to at least 8; (3) adding to the dispersion a solution comprising water and a reactive dye capable of reacting with the block copolymer, thereby forming colored polymeric micelles; and (4) admixing the colored micelles with an aqueous liquid vehicle to form an ink composition.
Heterophase inks containing pigment particles as colorants, however, also exhibit difficulties. For example, the particulate colorant may exhibit a tendency to settle out or separate from the liquid vehicle, particularly when the ink is stored for long periods of time. In addition, inks containing pigment particles as colorants tend to be opaque instead of transparent, which reduces their usefulness for printing images on transparencies for the purpose of overhead projection. Further, inks containing pigment particles as colorants tend to clog the narrow orifices of the printhead resulting in deterioration of the print quality. These and other disadvantages, such as poor resistance to rubbing, by another substrate or by hand, are avoided, or minimized with the inks of the present invention.
In copending patent application U.S. Ser. No. 646,904, the disclosure of which is totally incorporated herein by reference, there is illustrated an ink composition which comprises an aqueous liquid vehicle and colored particles comprised of a dendrimer core colored with a dye or dyes covalently attached thereto. In one embodiment, the inks of the copending application are comprised of a solution comprised of a dendrimer with a colored dye, or colored dyes covalently attached thereto. The aforementioned solution usually contains water, and as optional additive components known humectants and known biocides.
While ink compositions are known, a need remains for ink compositions exhibiting advantages of both dye-based inks and pigment-based inks. There is also a need for ink compositions with excellent waterfastness characteristics. A need also remains for ink compositions exhibiting acceptable lightfastness characteristics. In addition, a need exists for ink compositions for which a wide variety of color choices exists. There is also a need for ink compositions that can be prepared by simple and economical processes. Further, there is a need for ink compositions suitable for printing on plain papers, coated or treated papers, and transparency materials. In addition, there is a need for ink compositions that when printed on substrates exhibit excellent optical density, low feathering, for example there is minimal undesirable bleeding of the ink in areas adjacent to the printed images, and excellent rub resistance, for example after strong hand rubbing for an extended period of time, about up to three minutes, the image is not removed or disturbed. There is also a need for ink compositions that when used to print on transparency materials generate images that project their original colors when light is passed through the image. A need also remains for ink compositions with acceptable thermal stability, for example the inks are not substantially adversely effected in the printhead by heat, and storage stability. Further, there is a need for ink compositions suitable for ink jet printing that do not induce clogging of the printhead. A need also remains for ink compositions that when printed on substrates exhibit no undesirable intercolor bleeding between areas of different color.


An apparatus and technique for fluid level determination in automatic transmissions. The invention employs an electronic control unit in association with an automatic transmission for a vehicle, the electronic control unit receiving data corresponding to transmission oil level, transmission oil temperature, engine speed, transmission speed, and transmission selected range. Upon determining that such data satisfies certain diagnostic tests, the level of transmission fluid within the transmission is determined and adjusted or otherwise normalized to ideal test conditions. The electronic control unit compensates an oil level signal for deviations in oil temperature from an optimum test temperature, and makes further compensation for deviations in engine speed and settling time at the time that the test data is acquired. Additionally, variations in oil density as a function of oil temperature are also compensated.

Automatic transmissions for vehicles are in common use, for they are particularly conducive to vehicle efficiency and operator comfort. However, the operational efficiency of an automatic transmission is, in large part, dependent upon the presence of a proper volume of transmission fluid or oil within the transmission itself. Not only is the proper operation of the transmission dependent upon the presence of an appropriate volume of transmission oil, but the same also assures that transmission wear is minimized, prolonging the useful life of the system.
Presently, the fluid level within an automatic transmission is typically monitored through the use of a dipstick. However, for correct fluid level measurement, the dipstick must be properly calibrated for each installation, and the measurements must be taken under optimum or ideal operating conditions. Included among these conditions are an assurance that the transmission oil is at a normal operating temperature, the engine speed or input speed to the transmission is at a set level, and oil drain back or settling time requirements for the transmission have been satisfied. Of course, operator capabilities also impact the accuracy of the reading taken with the dipstick, since any such measurement requires that the operator correctly observe and interpret the difference between the oil line and the full/add lines upon the dipstick. Quite frequently, the requirements for ideal operating conditions and operator capability are not met when the measurement is taken and acted upon. The resultant incorrect automatic transmission fluid level results in poor shift quality, inefficient operation, operator discomfort, and reduced transmission life.
There is a need in the art for an apparatus and technique for fluid level determination in automatic transmissions which automatically accounts and adjusts for less-than-ideal checking conditions, and removes subjective interpretation of measurements in determining the proper deviation of the fluid level in automatic transmissions from a standard acceptable level.

Apparatus and technique for fluid level determination in automatic transmissions


A front-wheel-drive transaxle unit for a motor vehicle comprises a differential assembly having a differential mechanism disposed in a differential case and two opposite output shafts outwardly extending from the differential case and a torque-coupling device for selectively restricting differential rotation of the differential mechanism. The torque-coupling device includes a friction clutch assembly for selectively frictionally engaging and disengaging the differential case and one of the output shafts, and a selectively controllable clutch actuator assembly for selectively frictionally loading the friction clutch assembly. The clutch assembly includes at least one first member non-rotatably coupled to the differential case and at least one second member non-rotatably coupled to one of said output shafts. The torque-coupling device provides the differential assembly of the front-wheel-drive transaxle unit with both limited-slip and open differential capabilities.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to front wheel drive transaxle units for a motor vehicle, and more particularly to a front wheel drive transaxle unit having a differential assembly and a torque-coupling device providing the differential assembly with a limited slip capability.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Conventionally, differentials well known in the prior art, are arranged in a power transmission system of a motor vehicle to allow a pair of output axle shafts operatively coupled to an input shaft to rotate at differential speeds, thereby allowing the wheel associated with each output shaft to maintain traction with the road while the vehicle is turning. Such a device essentially distributes the torque provided by the input shaft between the output shafts. However, these types of differentials known in the art as an open differentials, i.e. a differential without clutches or springs, are unsuitable in slippery conditions where one wheel experiences a much lower coefficient of friction than the other wheel; for instance, when one wheel of a vehicle is located on a patch of ice or mud and the other wheel is on dry pavement. In such a condition, the wheel experiencing the lower coefficient of friction loses traction and a small amount of torque to that wheel will cause a "spin out" of that wheel. Since the maximum amount of torque, which can be developed on the wheel with traction, is equal to torque on the wheel without traction, i.e. the slipping wheel, the engine is unable to develop any torque and the wheel with traction is unable to rotate. Thus, the necessity for a differential, which limits the differential rotation between the output shafts to provide traction on slippery surfaces, is well known.
Limited-slip differentials are a relatively common option for rear-wheel-drive (RWD) vehicles, but are non-existent for front-wheel-drive (FWD) vehicles. The FWD vehicles typically utilize transaxles with open differentials.
Given the increased emphasis on high performance FWD vehicles in recent years, there is an increasing need for a controllable limited-slip differential for FWD transaxle units. Packaging the limited-slip differential in the FWD transaxle unit is extremely difficult due to space limitations, and the FWD transaxle housings cannot be economically redesigned to allow for more space.
Thus, what is needed is a FWD transaxle unit having a differential assembly capable to provide a limited-slip function only when required, i.e. limited-slip when one wheel has lost traction, and perform as an open differential when sufficient torque is developed.

Torque-coupling device for front-wheel-drive transaxle unit


An image forming apparatus includes image forming parts, developer containers, developer amount detecting parts, a use setting part and a limit setting part. The image forming parts execute an image forming operation for respective colors of developers. The developer container contains the developer to be supplied to the image forming part. The developer amount detecting part detects a developer amount contained in the developer container. The use setting part sets a use condition indicating whether each developer is usable or unusable. The limit setting part sets a limit condition indicating a limit value of the developer amount to be maintained in each developer container. The image forming part executes the image forming operation in accordance to the use condition set by the use setting part, to the developer amount detected by the developer amount detecting part, and to the limit condition set by the limit setting part.

The present disclosure relates to an image forming apparatus.
Conventionally, an image forming apparatus is configured to be able to implement printing and copying processes, for example, while selecting a monochrome image, a grayscale image, a color image or the like. In companies and schools holding a large number of sections and users, a large amount of developers, such as a toner and an ink, is consumed by a common image forming apparatus. Then, it is demanded to be able to cut a developer consumption amount of such image forming apparatus.
For instance, there is proposed an image printing method achieving the cut of the ink consumption amount of the printer by processing data stream and print command stream such that a number of dots printed by the printer is reduced.
As the developers of the image forming apparatus, a plurality of colors, e.g., magenta, cyan, yellow and black, are prepared. Then, there are many cases when the developer of a specific color is more often used and the plurality of colors is not evenly consumed in the image forming apparatus. However, the conventional image forming apparatus is unable to manage the consumption of the developer for each color.
Still further, in a case where a large number of users or sections use the common image forming apparatus, a specific user or section may excessively use the developer of a specific color. Then, the uneven use of the developers of the plurality of color becomes remarkable, possibly causing such a situation in which the other users and sections are unable to user the image forming apparatus.
If the developers of the plurality of colors are unevenly used, it takes a time to replenish the developers and to maintain the developing unit in terms of management of the common image forming apparatus. Still further, because it is difficult to supervise amounts of the developers used by the respective users and sections, it is unable to make even among the users and sections even if developer consumption costs varies.


A hard disk drive having a disk fluttering reducing unit includes a lower air damper forming member provided on an upper surface of a base plate to face a bottom surface of an outer circumferential side of the disk, and an upper air damper forming member provided on a bottom surface of a cover plate to face an upper surface of an outer circumferential side of the disk. At least one air compression surface is inclined in a circumferential direction of the disk so that a gap formed between the disk and the corresponding air damper forming members decreases along a rotational direction of the disk and is formed at each of surfaces of the air damper forming members facing the disk. The air compression surface is inclined in a radial direction of the disk so that the gap decreases from an inner circumferential side of the disk to an outer circumferential side of the disk. When at least two disks are provided, a middle air damper forming member disposed between the two disks is provided. Thus, disk fluttering is reduced by an air damping operation of the disk fluttering reducing unit so that a reliability of data recording and reproducing is improved.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a hard disk drive, and more particularly, to hard disk drive having a disk fluttering reducing unit which reduces fluttering of a rotating disk.
2. Description of the Related Art
A hard disk drive (HDD) is one of auxiliary memory devices of a computer, which reads out data stored in a magnetic disk or records data on the magnetic disk by using a magnetic head. Recently, a variety of research and development efforts are being performed to realize the hard disk drive having a high speed, a high capacity, low fluttering, and a low noise.
FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a conventional hard disk drive, and FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the hard disk drive of FIG. 1.
Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the hard disk drive includes a magnetic disk (a hard disk) 20 which is a recording medium storing of data, a spindle motor 30 installed on a base 10 to rotate the disk 20, and an actuator 40 having a magnetic head 41 to reproduce the data recorded in the disk 20.
As the disk 20, a single disk or a plurality of disks are installed to be rotated by the spindle motor 30 and separated by a predetermined distance from each other. A parking zone 21 where a slider 42 is located when power of the hard disk drive is off is provided at an inner circumferential side of the disk 20, and a data zone 22 where a magnetic signal is recorded is provided outside the parking zone 21. A servo signal indicating a position of information to be recorded is recorded on several tens of thousands of tracks formed along a circumference of the disk 20.
The actuator 40 is installed to be capable of pivoting by a voice coil motor 48 around a pivot shaft 47 installed on the base 10. The actuator 40 includes an arm 46 coupled to the pivot shaft 47 to be capable of pivoting, and a suspension 44 which supports a slider 42 installed at the arm 46 to be elastically biased toward a surface of the disk 20. The magnetic head 41 is mounted on the slider 42.
When the power of the hard disk drive is off, the slider 42 is disposed in the parking zone 21 of the disk 20 by an elastic force of the suspension 44. When the power is turned on, and the disk 20 starts to rotate, a lift force is generated by air pressure, and accordingly the slider 42 is lifted. The slider 42 being lifted is moved to the data zone 22 of the disk 20 as the actuator 40 pivots. The slider 42 moved to the data zone 22 of the disk 20 maintains a lifted state at a height where the lift force by a rotation of the disk 20 and the elastic force by the suspension 44 are balanced, as shown in FIG. 3. Thus, the magnetic head 41 mounted on the slider 42 records and reproduces data on and from the disk 20 as it maintains a predetermined distance from the disk 20 that is rotating.
However, in the conventional hard disk drive having the above structure, fluttering of the disk 20 is caused by defective parts of the spindle motor 30, eccentricity in an assembly of the disk 20, or an irregular air flow occurring during the rotation of the disk 20 in the hard disk drive. As the fluttering, there is RRO (repeatable runout) that is a component repeated at each of rotations and NRRO (non-repeatable runout) that is a component which is not repeated. The RRO which regularly repeats can be compensated by a servo control system to a certain degree whereas the NRRO is difficult to be anticipated and compensated. The disk fluttering reduces a data recording and reproduction capability of the magnetic head 41 and finally exerts a bad influence on a performance of the hard disk drive.
Conventionally, when the disk fluttering is generated at the disk 20, an interval between the slider 42 and the disk 20 can be maintained to a certain degree by a damping effect by air existing therebetween. However, as a rotation speed of the disk 20 increases, and a thickness of the disk 20 decreases, the disk fluttering is amplified so that accurate recording or reproduction of data is made difficult by only a servo control system and an air damping effect between the slider 42 and the disk 20. Further, as TPI (track per inch) increases recently, the disk fluttering makes an accurate control of a position of the magnetic head 41 difficult.
In light of the above, it is necessary to reduce the disk fluttering occurring during an operation to secure reliability in the performance of the hard disk drive. Furthermore, as the hard disk drive recently exhibits a high speed, a high capacity, and a low noise, it is important to reduce disk fluttering.

Hard disk drive having a disk fluttering reducing unit that uses an air damping effect to reduce the fluttering of a rotation disk


Embodiments for forming a strain image by compensating for displacement in a later direction in an ultrasound system are disclosed. In one embodiment, an ultrasound system includes: an ultrasound data acquisition unit configured to acquire first ultrasound data where compression is not applied to a target object and second ultrasound data where compression is applied to the target object; and a processing unit configured to compensate for displacements in axial and lateral directions in the second ultrasound data based on the first ultrasound data and second ultrasound data, the processing unit being further configured to form a strain image based on the first ultrasound data and the axial and lateral displacement compensated second ultrasound data.

An ultrasound system has become an important and popular diagnostic tool since it has a wide range of applications. Specifically, due to its non-invasive and non-destructive nature, the ultrasound system has been extensively used in the medical profession. Modern high-performance ultrasound systems and techniques are commonly used to produce two or three-dimensional images of internal features of an object (e.g., human organs).
Generally, the ultrasound image is displayed in a Brightness-mode (B-mode) by using reflectivity caused by an acoustic impedance difference between the tissues of the target object. However, if the reflectivity of the target object is hardly different from those of the neighboring tissues such as tumor, cancer or the like, then it is not easy to recognize the target object in the B-mode image.
To cope with the problem of recognizing the tumor, cancer and the like in the B-mode, an ultrasound elasticity imaging has been developed to visualize the mechanical characteristics of the tissues based on differences responsive to pre-compression and post-compression. Such imaging proved very helpful for diagnosing lesions such as tumor and cancer, which otherwise are hardly recognized in the B-mode image, in soft tissues (e.g., breast). The ultrasound elasticity imaging may utilize the scientific property that the elasticity of the tissues is related to a pathological phenomenon. For example, the tumor or cancer is relatively stiffer than the surrounding normal tissues. Thus, when stress is uniformly applied, a strain of the tumor or cancer may be typically smaller than those of the surrounding tissues. Strain refers to deformation of a target object due to stress applied per area and Young's modulus may be defined as a ratio of stress over strain.
Generally, if the stress is applied to a target object, then tissues in the target object may be compressed in an axial direction and moved out in a lateral direction. The conventional ultrasound elasticity imaging may use only the displacements in an axial direction to form a strain image without considering the movement in a lateral direction. Thus, there is a problem that an accurate strain image may not be formed due to a calculation error of the displacements.

Ultrasound strain imaging based on lateral displacement compensation


The present invention relates to a method for producing a rubber composition containing a rubber component (A) of at least one selected from natural rubbers and synthetic dienic rubbers, a filler containing an inorganic filler (B), a silane coupling agent (C) and a vulcanization promoter (D), wherein the rubber composition is kneaded in multiple stages, and in the first stage of kneading, the rubber component (A), all or a part of the inorganic filler (B), and all or a part of the silane coupling agent (C) are kneaded, and then on the way of the first stage, the vulcanization promoter (D) is added and further kneaded. The production method enables production of a rubber composition having a low-heat-generation property while successfully preventing the coupling function activity of the silane coupling agent from lowering.

Recently, in association with the movement of global regulation of carbon dioxide emission associated with the increase in attraction to environmental concerns, the demand for low fuel consumption by automobiles is increasing. To satisfy the requirement, it is desired to reduce rolling resistance relating to tire performance. Heretofore, as a means for reducing the rolling resistance of tires, a method of optimizing tire structures has been investigated; however, at present, a technique of using a low-heat-generating rubber composition for tires has become employed as the most common method.
For obtaining such a low-heat-generating rubber composition, there is known a method of using an inorganic filler such as silica or the like.
However, in incorporating an inorganic filler such as silica or the like in a rubber composition to prepare an inorganic filler-containing rubber composition, the inorganic filler, especially silica aggregates in the rubber composition (owing to the hydroxyl group in the surface of silica), and therefore, for preventing the aggregation, a silane coupling agent is used.
Accordingly, for successfully solving the above-mentioned problem by incorporation of a silane coupling agent, various trials have been made for increasing the activity of the coupling function of the silane coupling agent.
For example, Patent Reference 1 proposes a rubber composition containing, as basic components, at least (i) one diene elastomer, (ii) a white filler as a reinforcing filler and (iii) an alkoxysilane polysulfide as a coupling agent (white filler/diene elastomer) along with (iv) an enamine and (v) a guanidine derivative.
Patent Reference 2 discloses a rubber composition containing, as basic components, at least (i) one diene elastomer, (ii) a white filler as a reinforcing filler and (iii) an alkoxysilane polysulfide as a coupling agent (white filler/diene elastomer) along with (iv) zinc thiophosphate and (v) a guanidine derivative.
Patent Reference 3 describes a rubber composition containing, as basic components, at least (i) a diene elastomer, (ii) an inorganic filler as a reinforcing filler and (iii) an alkoxysilane polysulfide (PSAS) as an (inorganic filler/diene elastomer) coupling agent, as combined with (iv) an aldimine (R—CH═N—R) and (v) a guanidine derivative.
Further, Patent Reference 4 proposes a rubber composition basically containing at least (i) a diene elastomer, (ii) an inorganic filer as a reinforcing filer and (iii) an alkoxysilane polysulfide as a coupling agent, as combined with (iv) 1,2-dihydropyridine and (v) a guanidine derivative.
However, in these inventions, nothing is taken into consideration relating to kneading conditions.
As a case of increasing the activity of the coupling function of a silane coupling agent in consideration of kneading conditions, there is mentioned Patent Reference 5; however, it is desired to further improve the effect of enhancing the activity of the coupling function of a silane coupling agent.

Method for manufacturing rubber composition


An equipment hauling apparatus for a vehicle comprises a tang assembly with a longitudinal portion having through-apertures for a typical receiver hitch and a vertical portion for holding a strut assembly. The strut attaches to a transverse trough for holding the equipment. The trough has sidewalls and a floor and cutouts which pass through these features. The ends of the trough have tabs with a lead-in angle for centering the equipment as it is loaded into the trough. The tabs have holes for receiving latch pins to lock the equipment within the trough for transport, and the latch pins are loosely attached to the trough by lanyards to prevent their misplacement. The strut and trough elevation is adjustable at its connection to the tang.

People who use vehicles to travel to recreational areas or job sites often want to carry more equipment than the internal cargo space or a body mounted bed can contain. Also, when transporting equipment which has become dirty from use, it is often preferred to transport the equipment outside of a plushly appointed vehicle interior.


An improved article of footwear for limiting inversion and eversion of the ankle is disclosed. The article of footwear includes at least one support which limits eversion and inversion while permitting a full range of motion in the plantar and dorsi flexion plane. The support includes a plurality of finger-like elements extending vertically upward from the sole along the upper The breadth of each finger-like element is greater than its width so that the element will freely bend in the dorsi and plantar flexion plane and not in the medial and lateral flexion plane. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the article of footwear has supports located in the rear-foot, mid-foot and forefoot regions of the article of footwear for preventing inversion and eversion as well as for enhancing the fit of the article of footwear and containing the foot over the sole.

The ankle is one of the most frequently sprained joints in the body. The most common and often most severe ankle sprains are caused by excessive inversion or eversion. Inversion is the internal rotation of the ankle joint. Eversion is the external rotation of the ankle joint. The occurrence of injury to the ankle can be significantly reduced by limiting inversion and eversion. This can be accomplished by restricting medial and lateral motion of the ankle.
When restricting ankle motion, it is important not to hinder the natural plantar and dorsi motions of the foot and ankle, as this will lead to decreased performance during athletic activities. Plantar flexion is a toe-down motion of the foot at the ankle, and dorsi flexion is a toe-up motion of the foot at the ankle. The axis of motion for plantar and dorsi flexion must be considered when limiting any ankle motion.
Prior art devices and methods for minimizing the risk of a sprain include taping the ankle to immobilize it against excessive rotation and building support systems into articles of footwear. Taping the ankle of an athlete is a time consuming and expensive procedure which generally cannot be performed by the athlete. Rather, it requires a trainer with special knowledge of how to properly and effectively tape an ankle in order to protect it from being sprained. Taping an ankle can severely limit its natural plantar and dorsi flexion.
Prior art articles of footwear have attempted to deal with ankle injuries by incorporating support systems which limit ankle motion. These systems do not provide sufficient protection against inversion and eversion while allowing essentially unrestricted dorsi and plantar flexion. Instead, they use rigid members, elastic materials or straps which unnecessarily add to the overall weight of the article of footwear, make the article of footwear more cumbersome and uncomfortable and restrict plantar/dorsi flexion. An example of such a system is U.S. Pat. No. 2,634,515 to Saitta which discloses a spiked article of footwear having a plurality of stiffeners in the form of flat steel ribs located in pockets along the sides of the article of footwear for preventing eversion and inversion. The steel ribs significantly increase the overall weight of the article of footwear while impeding flexion in the dorsi and plantar flexion directions.
Recent attempts to incorporate ankle support systems into athletic footwear have resulted in footwear which insufficiently prevents inversion and eversion and/or significantly impedes dorsi/plantar flexion. U.S. Pat. No. 5,152,082 to Culpepper discloses an ankle support member formed from a stiff, resilient piece of bendable sheet material. The support member includes a base having a plurality of medial and lateral strips extending upwardly and rearwardly therefrom in the direction of the heel. The width of each strip is significantly greater than the distance it extends away from the interior wall of the article of footwear. Accordingly, each strip has great strength for resisting flexion in the plantar/dorsi flexion plane and little strength for resisting flexion in the medial/lateral plane. As a result, these strips prevent adequate flexion in the plantar and dorsi flexion plane while allowing inversion and eversion.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,989,350 to Bunch et al. discloses a high top article of footwear having sheet springs rigidly fixed to the upper of the article of footwear at points below the wearer's ankle. The springs are not affixed to the upper above the wearer's ankle so they do not move with the flexion of the article of footwear to fully support the ankle and foot no matter their positions. Further, the struts are designed so that they extend a distance along the length of the article of footwear which is greater than the distance they extend away from the article of footwear. As a result, the struts resist plantar/dorsi flexion more than they resist inversion and eversion.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,498,033 to Hoshizaki et al. discloses a hockey skate having a skate boot with a molded plastic overlay for restricting movement of the wearer's ankle. The overlay increases the rigidity of the rear of the skate to restrict medial and lateral movement of the ankle. The material of the overlay also resists dorsi and plantar flexion.
There is a decided need in the art for an article of footwear which limits inversion and eversion while providing the needed amount of flexibility in the plantar/dorsi flexion plane. There is also a decided need in the art for a support which is comfortable and conforms to the contour of the ankle and foot of a user.
It is an object of this invention to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art by providing a lightweight article of footwear having the optimum amount of flexibility, support and comfort.