A frequency converter circuit and method is disclosed. The circuit may comprise: two pairs of differential amplifying transistors; two current mirrors, wherein each of the two current mirrors is operable to feed a respective one of the two pairs of differential amplifying transistors; a further pair of differential amplifying transistors, wherein each transistor of the further pair of differential amplifying transistors is operable to feed a repective one of the two current mirrors; and a pair of bypass transistors connected in parallel with a controlling side of the two current mirrors, wherein the bypass transistors reduce a direct current component of a current being mirrored.

The present invention relates generally to electronic circuits. The present invention relates more specifically to frequency converter circuits that may be implemented in CMOS (complementary metal-oxide semiconductor technology) or other semiconductor technologies and operated at RF (radio frequency).
Frequency converter circuits are well known in the electronics field and especially in the RF field. Frequency converter circuits are typically implemented as analog multiplier circuits and are used in many different applications such as modulators, demodulators, upconverters, downconverters and mixers, to name a few.
The use of MOS (metal-oxide semiconductor, including CMOS) offers benefits such as low cost and efficiency as compared with other technologies. However, the linear dynamic voltage range of MOS devices is quite limited. Moreover, significant bias current is required to keep MOS devices in a linear region. Furthermore, MOS devices limited to operation in a linear region operate at relatively small signal levels, and thus may be prone to noise pickup and may therefore be undesirable.
Provided input voltages are small, simple CMOS versions of a GC (Gilbert cell) circuit can be used as a frequency converter.
A conventional GC frequency converter is implemented with three differential-pair amplifiers. Two of the differential-pair amplifiers, which each receive a first differential input, are xe2x80x9cstackedxe2x80x9d on the third differential-pair amplifiers, which receive a second differential input. Each differential-pair amplifier is typically implemented with two transistors.
Typically, if the conventional GC frequency converter is used for an upconverting (modulating) application, the first differential input is the carrier (higher frequency) signal and the transistors of the upper differential pair amplifiers operate in a saturated (i.e., non-linear) region. The second differential input is a baseband signal (which has a much lower frequency than the carrier signal) and the transistors of the lower differential-pair amplifier operate in a linear region. A bias is set for the conventional GC frequency converter to provide a quiescent DC (direct current) that will place the transistors of the lower differential-pair amplifier in a good operating point with a suitable current. The correct current bias depends in particular upon the ratings of the transistors, geometry, and finger multiplier (or m-number) as is well known in the art.
FIG. 1 is a graph 200 illustrating voltage (horizontal axis, in volts) versus current (vertical axis, in microamps) for an exemplifying prior art GC frequency converter. Curve 201 represents current in one leg of the GC frequency converter and curve 202 represents current in the other leg. It should be noted that signal current at the operating point is small and the DC bias level must be appropriately set. Moreover, signal current is only a relatively small fraction of DC bias resulting in poor efficiency. Also, in order for the transistors of lower differential-pair amplifiers to remain firmly in the linear region, signal voltage must be limited to around 50mV, and actually even less voltage may be used if the bias current cannot be set with accuracy. The conditions thus described lead to a number of problems. Firstly, the bias current must be set with care and perhaps with expensive compensation. Secondly, the value of signal voltage which is allowed is too small, especially in a noisy digital signal environment. Thirdly, the second stage of the prior art GC frequency converter is also forced to operate at low signal levels, and therefore prone to noise for both input and output.
Thus, a need exists to provide frequency converter circuits that operate efficiently, with good linearity, and which support higher signal levels.
The publications listed below are considered relevant background material since alternative solutions or components are included in the application:
[1] Keng Leong Fong, Robert G. Meyer, xe2x80x9cMonolithic RF active mixer design,xe2x80x9d IEEE Transactions On Circuits and Systems, Vol. 46, No. 3, March 1999, pp. 231-239.
[2] Shenggao Li, Jerasimos Zohios, Jung H Choi, Mohammed Ismail, xe2x80x9cRF CMOS Mixer Design and Optimization For Wideband CDMA Application,xe2x80x9d Mixed-Signal Design, 2000. SSMSD, 2000 Southwest Symposium, pp. 45-50.
[3] G. Giustolisi, G. Palmisano, G. Palumbo, C. Strano, xe2x80x9cA Novel 1.5-V CMOS Mixer,xe2x80x9d VLSI, 1998, pp. 113-117.
[4] Leonard A. MacEachern, Tajinder Manku, xe2x80x9cA Charge-Injection Method for Gilbert Cell Biasing,xe2x80x9d Electrical and Computer Engineering, 1998. IEEE, Vol. 1, 1998, pp. 365-368.
[5] K.B. Ashby, xe2x80x9cMixer with current mirror load,xe2x80x9d U.S. Pat. No. 6,029,060, issued February 2000.
According to an aspect of the invention, a frequency circuit may be constructed using two pairs of differential amplifying transistors, two current mirrors, a further pair of differential amplifying transistors, and a pair of bypass transistors. Each transistor of the further pair of differential amplifying transistors is operable to feed a respective one of the two current mirrors. Each of the two current mirrors is operable to feed a respective one of the two pairs of differential amplifying transistors. The bypass transistors are connected in parallel with a controlling side of the two current mirrors so that the bypass transistors reduce a direct current component of a current being mirrored.
According to a further aspect of the invention, a bias generating circuit provides a first bias voltage for controlling a current passing through each transistor of the pair of bypass transistors and a second bias voltage for controlling the amount of direct current passing through the further pair of differential amplifying transistors.
According to a still further aspect of the invention, a method for mixing a first signal having a first frequency with a second signal having a second frequency is provided. Included in the method are providing a first differential amplifier for the first signal to produce an amplified first signal, providing a bypass circuit to reduce direct current associated with the amplified first signal to produce a biased signal, applying the biased signal to a current mirror to produce a mirrored signal and applying the mirrored signal and the second signal to a second differential amplifier to produce an output signal.
According to a still further aspect of the invention, a mixer circuit is provided that includes:
A first stage for generating a first current in response to a first frequency signal, the first stage comprising a first pair of differential amplifying transistors.
A current mirror for generating a second current which mirrors some portion of he first current.
A bypass circuit for reducing a direct current component of the first current so that a reduced direct current component is mirrored by the current mirror.
A second stage for generating an output signal in response to a second frequency signal and the mirrored current.
According to another aspect of the invention, a circuit is provided that uses a CMOS GC (Gilbert cell) with the first stage supplying current to an amplifying current mirror, wherein the driving side of the current mirror includes DC (direct current) bypass circuit to optimally place the quiescent current levels.

Frequency converter with direct current suppression


A system and method for unattended control of an access barrier comprises a barrier operator having a timer capable of being updated at predetermined intervals. The barrier operator is configured to receive an auto-close signal that is periodically sent from a wall station, keyless transmitter, or remote transmitter that is compatible with the barrier operator. When the auto-close mode is invoked, the barrier operator initiates the timer when it detects that the access barrier has been opened. As such, the access barrier is closed via the barrier operator when both the timer has expired, and the auto-close signal is received by the barrier operator from one of the transmitters.

As is well known, access barriers, such as garage doors or gates enclose an area, and allow selective ingress and egress thereto. In the past, garage doors were moveable by hand, but due to their weight, and the inconvenience of opening and closing the door, motors were added to move the door between opened and closed limit positions. Control of the motor may be achieved by a hard-wired push button, which when actuated, sends a signal to a barrier operator that initiates the motor so as to move the door to one of its limit positions. After the door has stopped, and the button is pressed again, the barrier operator directs the motor to move the door in an opposite direction. In addition, to the basic motor control functions discussed, barrier operators are now provided with safety features, which stop and reverse the door travel when an obstruction is encountered. Other safety devices, such as photocells and sensors when combined with the barrier operator, detect whenever there is an obstruction within the path of the door and send a signal to the barrier operator to take corrective action. Remote control devices are now also provided to facilitate the opening and closing of the door without having to get out of the car. In addition to these basic features, the prior art also discloses various other features, which enhance the convenience of opening and closing an access barrier such as a garage door.
One feature offered by various barrier operators relates to an auto-close mode. The auto-close mode allows the barrier operator to close a currently opened access barrier without any interaction from the user or other individual. Such a feature allows a user that does not have a remote transmitter to exit an area whose access is controlled by the access barrier, while ensuring that the access barrier will close a short time later. As such, the auto-close mode of the barrier operator provides an enhanced level of security and convenience to its user. While several attempts have been made to provide a suitable auto-close feature, most attempts are lacking in one or more aspects, as discussed below.
For example, one attempt to provide a barrier operator with an auto-close mode is achieved by use of a delay-close button that is provided by a wireless wall station. When actuated, the delay-close button generates a signal received by the barrier operator which pauses for a predetermined period of time before the access barrier begins to close. Unfortunately, if a user forgets to press the delay-close button, the access barrier remains open allowing unwanted individuals to gain access to the area controlled by the access barrier.
Other barrier operator systems developed to provide an auto-close feature utilize a timing module that is configured to be added to an existing barrier operator installation. Once installed and configured, the timing module initiates a count once the access barrier is opened. If another command signal is not received by the barrier operator before the remaining time expires, then the barrier operator closes the access barrier. However, because the timing module is an add-on feature to an existing barrier operator, it may be improperly installed by an unqualified layperson. Moreover, due to the vast range of individual barrier operator models available on the market, an incompatibility may arise when the timing module is utilized therewith. As a result, the timing module may work improperly with a particular barrier operator, causing erratic and inconsistent actuation of the barrier operator.
There are also automatic controllers for barriers, such as garage doors, that are referred to as "hands-free" devices where the proximity of the mobile unit, in a car, to the stationary unit, in the garage, will open and close the barrier based on a number of conditions. One such device provides an automatic barrier operator system for operating a gate or upward acting garage door which includes a controller for operating a reversible motor, a base radio frequency transmitter and a base radio frequency receiver. One or more remote control units include a radio frequency remote receiver and remote transmitter. The controller is operable to automatically close or open the barrier in response to a query signal sent from the base transmitter to the remote receiver and when the remote receiver is within range, returning a signal to effect movement of the barrier. The system is operable to effect operation or maintain the status quo of the barrier depending on the state of the barrier and a particular signal or lack of signal received by the controller from an authorized remote control unit or units. The system provides essentially hands-free automatic operation of opening and closing a garage door and the like. Although these devices normally move the barrier from a non-user initiated command, there are no provisions to close the barrier after a period of time if for some reason the controller leaves the barrier in the open position.
Therefore, there is a need for a system and method for unattended control of an access barrier that provides a barrier operator that performs a timing function. In addition, there is a need for a system for unattended control of an access barrier that utilizes a remote transmitter or wall station which sends an auto-close signal to the barrier operator automatically, without being initiated by a user. Still yet, there is a need for a system for unattended control of an access barrier, wherein the auto-close signal sent by the remote transmitter, or wall station is sent periodically.

System and method for unattended control of an access barrier


The present invention provides a semiconductor device including an insulating layer, a conductive layer bonded to one main surface of the insulating layer, a semiconductor element arranged such that the upper surface of the semiconductor element faces a direction same as the one main surface of the insulating layer, an upper electrode provided on the upper surface of the semiconductor element, a wiring member that has one end electrically bonded to the upper electrode of the semiconductor element and has another end electrically bonded to the conductive layer, and has a hollow portion, a first sealing material, and a second sealing material, in which the first sealing material seals at least part of the semiconductor element so as to be in contact with the semiconductor element, and the second sealing material seals the wiring member so as to be in contact with the wiring member.

In recent years, speeding up communication of mobile communication devices such as mobile phones and smart phones has become a trend with the spread of the Internet. Also, demand for safety is increasing, such as necessity of transmission and reception of images through disaster prevention radio communication. Along with this, increasing the reliability of high frequency communication packages, which are key devices, is urgently needed.
High frequency packages are semiconductor devices that input and output signals of frequencies higher than several tens of MHz, while amplifying and matching the signals. With the demand for speeding up communication, high output of semiconductor devices is required. In a semiconductor device with a high output, a package structure with high heat dissipation is required. In a package structure with high heat dissipation, a base plate is adopted, the base plate being obtained by bonding an insulating layer such as glass epoxy to a heat dissipation plate formed of a material, such as copper (Cu), excellent in heat dissipation.
For such a base plate, a package is formed by: cutting the glass epoxy layer by machining or the like: die-bonding a semiconductor element to a metal plate exposed in a recess of a metal base substrate; forming wiring by wire bonding; and performing resin sealing for dustproof.
The thermal expansion coefficients of silicon (Si), gallium arsenide (GaAs), silicon carbide (SiC), gallium nitride (GaN), and the like, which are substrates of semiconductor elements, are within the range of about 3 ppm/K to about 6 ppm/K (inclusive). These values are remarkably small compared to the thermal expansion coefficient (16 ppm/K) of Cu that constitutes a base plate to be used for heat dissipation. Therefore, there is the possibility that a crack or the like may occur in a die-bonding portion where the semiconductor element and the base plate are bonded together, due to thermal stress generated: in a die-bonding step of a manufacturing process; in temperature cycles in reliability evaluation; or the like, so that heat dissipation deteriorates. Then, measures have been taken, the measures including sealing the semiconductor element with a sealing material, such as an epoxy resin, in which fillers are dispersed to reinforce the die-bonding portion, for example. However, there has been the possibility that the sealing material may be peeled off the base plate since a warp is caused in the base plate due to the difference between the expansion coefficients of the sealing material and the base plate. There is the concern that a wire bonding portion may be damaged due to the peeling of the sealing material.
For example, in Patent Document 1, a method is proposed, in which the periphery of a flip-chip mounted element and other portions are sealed with materials having different physical properties. In Patent Document 2, a method of ensuring reliability is provided, in which the periphery of an element is sealed with hard epoxy and the whole is with a flexible urethane resin.

Packaging of a semiconductor device with dual sealing materials


The present invention relates to a method for inhibiting the adhesion of one cell to another comprising interfering with the interaction between the extracellular matrix receptor and its ligand.

2.1. Extracellular Matrix Receptors
Specific cell surface receptors (R) for extracellular matrix (ECM) components such as collagen, fibronectin and laminin have been described (reviewed by Hynes, 1987, Cell, 48:549–554; Hemler, 1988, Immunol. Today, 9:109). The functions of the extracellular matrix receptors (ECMRs I, II and VI) have been defined by affinity chromatography (Wayner and Carter, 1987, J. Cell Biol., 105:1873–1884; Staatz et al., 1989, J. Cell Biol., 198:1917–1924) and by preparing monoclonal antibodies that specifically inhibited the interaction of cells with purified ligands (Wayner and Carter, 1987, J. Cell Biol. 105:1873–1884) or ECM (Wayner et al., 1988, J. Cell Biol. 107:1881–1891).
A variety of ECMRs have been identified using these techniques. Using monoclonal antibodies, Wayner and Carter (1987, J. Cell Biol. 105:1873–1884) identified two classes of cell surface receptors for native collagen in human fibrosarcoma cells; class I was involved in cell adhesion to collagen, fibronectin and laminin, whereas class II was involved in cell adhesion only to native collagen. Wayner et al. (1988, J. Cell Biol. 107:1881–1891) identified monoclonal antibodies that inhibit human cell adhesion to collagen (P1H5), fibronectin (P1F8 or P1D6) and both collagen and fibronectin (P1B5); P1F8 and P1D6 were found to react with a 140 kD surface receptor known as ECMR VI. Kunicki et al. (1988, J. Biol. Chem. 263:4516–4519) reported that P1H5 (supra) also specifically inhibited adhesion of unactivated human platelets to collagen types I and III, but not to fibronectin. A complex comprising at least three glycoproteins was isolated from chicken embryo fibroblasts, using monoclonal antibodies which block cell adhesion to fibronectin (Knudsen et al., 1985, Exp. Cell Res. 157:218–226; Chen et al., 1985, J. Cell Biol. 100:1103–1114) whereas a complex of two glycoproteins was isolated from mammalian cells using vitronectin affinity chromatography (Pytela et al., 1985, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 82:5766–5770; Pytela et al., 1986, Science 231:1559–1562). Major platelet surface glycoproteins IIb and IIIa have been found to exist as a noncovalent 1:1 complex in the platelet membrane (Jennings and Phillips, 1982, J. Biol. Chem. 257:10458–10463) and to serve as an ECMR for fibrinogen (Bennett et al., 1983, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 80:2417–2421; Marguerie et al., 1984, Eur. J. Biochem. 139:5–11), fibronectin (Gardner and Hynes, 1985, Cell 42:439–448; Plow et al., 1985, Blood 66:724–727), von Willebrand factor (Ruggeri et al., 1982, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 79:6038–6041) and vitronectin (Pytela et al., 1986, Science 231:1559–1562).
Structural homology is shared by the multitude of extracellular matrix receptors. The ECMRs are members of the integrin family of cell adhesion molecules and possess unique a subunits complexed to the integrin β1 subunit (Hynes, 1987, Cell 48:549–554; Wayner and Carter, 1987, J. Cell Biol. 105:1873–1884; Wayner et al., 1988, J. Cell Biol., 107:1881–1891). Additional members of the integrin receptor family include leukocyte adhesion proteins and the VLA antigens. The leukocyte adhesion proteins include LFA-1, Mac-1, and P150/95, and are dimeric glycoproteins composed of different α chains and a common, 95 kDa β chain, (Kishiomoto et al., 1987, Cell 48:681–690). VLA antigens are named for their very late appearance on cultured T lymphocytes (Hemler et al., 1983, J. Immunol. 131:334–340; Hemler et al., 1984, J. Immunol. 132:3011–3018; Hemler et al., 1985, Eur. J. Immunol. 15:502–50°). Antisera to the VLA-β subunit were found to block cell adhesion to fibronectin or laminin (Takada et al., 1987, Nature 326:607–610).
Interrelationships between these ECMRs have been identified. ECMR VI is identical to the prototype fibronectin receptor (Pytela et al., 1985, Cell, 40:191–198), α5β1, platelet glycoprotein (gp) Ic/IIa and VLA 5, ECMR II is identical to α2β1, platelet glycoprotein Ia/IIa and VLA 2 (Hemler et al., 1987, J. Biol. Chem., 262:11478–11485), and ECMR I is identical to α3β1 and VLA 3 (Kunicki et al., 1988, J. Biol. Chem., 263:4516–4519; Takada et al., 1988, J. Cellular Biochem., 37:385–393; Wayner et al., 1988, J. Cell Biol. 107:1881–1891). Monoclonal antibodies to α2β1, α3β1 and α5β1 (P1H5, P1D6 and P1B5) inhibit fibroblast or platelet adhesion to collagen, fibronectin and laminin-coated surfaces (Kunicki et al., 1988, J. Cell Biol. 107:1881–1891; Wayner et al., 1988, supra). Table I lists some of the members of the integrin family described supra, and Table II lists a number of monoclonal antibodies that recognize various ECMRs.
TABLE ITHE INTEGRIN RECEPTOR FAMILYSubunitKnownReceptorCompositionLigandsKnown FunctionsChicken Integrinα0β1FN, LM, VNCell adhesion,Complexα3β1Cell migration,CytoskeletalconnectionFibronectinα5β1FNAdhesion toreceptorFibronectinVitronectinα5β1VNAdhesion toreceptorVitronectinGlycoproteinαIIβ3FN, FB,Platelet adhesion andIIb/IIIaVN, VWFaggregationLFA-1α1β2ICAM-1,Leukocyte adhesion toICAM-2EndotheliumMAC-1αmβ2C3biC3b receptormonocyte andleukocyte adhesionp150/95α1–6β1C3biNeutrophil adhesionVLAs 1–6α1–6β1FN, COL,Cell adhesion,LAMmigration and Cyto-skeletal connectionEpithelialα6β4LAMEpithelial adhesionEpithelialαvβ5VN, FNEpithelial Celladhesion to VN, FNECMRs I,α2β1COL, LAMAdhesion to COL, LMII, VI, Vα3β1COL, LM, FNAdhesion to COL,α4β1FNLM, FNα5β1Previously unknownAdhesion to FN
TABLE IIANTI-ECMR ANTIBODIESAntibodyReceptorLigandReferenceP1H5α2β1Collagen(Wayner et al., 1987, J.LamininCell Biol. 105:1873–1884;Wayner et al., 1988, J. CellBiol. 107:1881–1891)P1B5α3β1Collagen(Wayner et al., 1987 J. CellFibronectinBiol. 105:1873–1884)P4C2α4β1Fibronectin(CS-1)P1D6α5β1Fibronectin(Wayner et al., 1988, J.Cell(Arg-Gly-Asp-Ser)Biol. 105:1873–1884)P4C10β1FN, COL, LAMP4119β2(CD18)
The β1 integrins are differentially expressed in cultured cells and tissue, and demonstrate clear differences in activation dependent expression. For example, expression of α5β1 in hematopoietic cells is restricted to subpopulations of thymocytes and peripheral blood lymphocytes, monocytes, acute lymphocytic or myelogenous leukemias, activated T cells, migrating hemopoietic precursor cells, and some cultured T, B or erythroleukemia cell lines (Bernardi et al., 1987, J. Cell Biol., 105:489–498; Cardarelli et al., 1988, J. Cell Biol., 106:2183–2190; Garcia-Pardo et al., 1989 Garcia-Pardo et al., 1989, Exp. Cell Res., 181:420–431; Giancotti et al., 1986, J. Cell. Biol., 103:429–437; Liao et al., 1987, Exp. Cell Res., 171:306–320; Wayner et al., 1988, J. Cell Biol. 107:1881–1891.
2.2. Fibronectin
Fibronectin is a protein found in the extracellular matrix as well as in plasma and on the surface of certain types of cells (Akiyama and Yamada, 1987, Adv. Enzymol. 59:1–57). In plasma, fibronectin exists as a glycoprotein heterodimer consisting of two similar subunits (called A and B chains), each having a molecular weight of approximately 220 kDa (Aidyama and Yamada, 1987, Adv. Enzymol. 59:1–57; Erickson et al., 1981, J. Cell Biol. 91:673–678). Multiple specialized intramolecular domains (Ruoslahti et al., 1981, J. Biol. Chem. 256:7277–7281) of the fibronectin molecule may be cleaved into fragments which, in turn, are capable of interacting with collagen, fibrin, heparin, and cell surfaces in a manner analogous to that of the intact molecule (Hynes and Yamada, 1982, J. Cell Biol. 95:369–377).
Cellular and plasma fibronectin heterodimers comprise similar but not identical polypeptides. The variability in the structure of fibronectin subunits derives from variations in fibronectin mRNA primary sequence due to alternative splicing in at least 2 regions of the pre-fibronectin mRNA (the ED and IIICS regions).
Fibronectin is capable of promoting adhesion of a variety of cell types, such as fibroblasts (Grinell et al., 1977, Exp. Cell Res. 110:175–210), macrophages (Bevilacque et al., 1981, J. Exp. Med. 153:42–60), polymorphonuclear leukocytes (Marino et al., 1985, J. Lab. Clin. Med. 105:725–730), platelets (Koteliansky et al., 1981, Fed. Euro. Biochem. Soc. 123:59–62) and keratinocytes (Clark et al., 1985, J. Invest. Dermatol. 84:378–383), to name but a few (Liao et al., 1989, Exp. Cell Res. 181:348–361). Interaction between fibronectin and a cell surface protein having a molecular weight of approximately 140 kDa has been observed in fibroblasts (Brown and Juliano, 1985, Science 228:1448–1451; Aidyama et al., 1986, J. Cell Biol. 102:442–448; Brown and Juliano, 1986, J. Cell Biol. 103:1595–1603; Wylie et al., 1979, J. Cell Biol. 80:385–402), endothelial cells (Plow et al., 1986, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 83:6002–6006), lymphoid cells (Brown and Juliano, 1986, J. Cell Biol. 103:1595–1603; platelets (Pytela et al., 1986, Science 228:1559–1562; Gardner and Hynes, 1985, Cell 42:439–448), muscle cells (Horowitz et al., 1985, J. Cell Biol. 101:2134–2144; Dambsky et al., 1985, J. Cell Biol. 100: 1528–1539; Chapman, 1984, J. Cell Biochem. 259:109–121), and osteosarcoma cells (Pytela et al., 1985, Cell 40:191–198).
The binding of fibronectin to cell surfaces may be competitively inhibited by fragments of fibronectin (Akiyama et al., 1985, J. Biol. Chem. 260:13256–13260). Using synthetic peptides, a sequence of what was thought to be the only minimal cell-recognition site was identified as the tetrapeptide Arg-Gly-Asp-Ser (RGDS) (SEQ ID NO: 1) Pierschbacher and Ruoslahti, 1984, Nature 309:30–33; Pierschbacher et al., 1982, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 80:1224–1227; Pierschbacher et al., 1984, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 81:5985–5988; Akiyama et al., 1985, J. Cell Biol. 102:442–448). The RGDS sequence present in the "cell binding" domain of fibronectin is the ligand for the prototype of fibronectin receptor described by Pytela et al. (1985, Cell 40:191–198).
Various observations suggested that regions other than RGDS may function in fibronectin binding (Humphries et al., 1986, J. Cell Biol. 103:2637–2647). For example, the binding affinity of synthetic peptides was found to be substantially lower than the binding affinity associated with larger fragments or intact fibronectin (Akiyama et al., 1985, J. Biol. Chem. 260:10402–10405; Akiyama et al., 1985, J. Biol. Chem. 260:13256–13260). McCarthy et al. (1986, J. Cell Biol. 102:179–188) reported binding affinity between a 33 kDa fragment of plasma fibronectin and B16-F10 melanoma tumor cells. Bernardi et al. (1987, J. Cell Biol. 105:489–498) reported that lymphoid precursor cells adhered to two different sites on fibronectin; the BaF3 cell line interacted with the RGD binding domain, whereas the PD31 cell line appeared to interact with a different domain located in the carboxy terminal segment and associated with a high affinity binding site for heparin.
Humphries et al. (1986, J. Cell Biol. 103:2637–2647) compared the ability of fibronectin fragments to form adhesive interactions with melanoma versus fibroblastic cells. Fibroblastic BHK cells were observed to spread rapidly on a 75 kDa fragment representing the RGDS containing cell-binding domain, whereas B16-F10 melanoma cells did not appear to spread on the 75 kDa fragment, but, instead were observed to spread on a 113 kDa fragment derived from the portion of fibronectin containing the type III connecting segment (CS) difference region, or V-region (in which alternative splicing of mRNA may occur). In this IIICS region, located near the fibronectin carboxyl terminus, the sequence Arg-Glu-Asp-Val (REDV) (SEQ ID NO: 2) appeared to have functional significance. Humphries et al. (1987, J. Biol. Chem. 262:6886–6892) of overlapping synthetic peptides spanning the IIICS region. Two nonadjacent peptides, CS1 and CS5, were found to be competitively inhibitory for adhesion of fibronectin to melanoma, but not to fibroblastic, cells, with CS1 showing greater inhibitory activity than CS5. Liao et al. (1989, Exp. Cell Res. 181:348–361), reported that MOPC 315, IgA-secreting lymphoid cells, in addition to binding to the cell binding domain via an RGD interaction, bound preferentially to the carboxy-terminal heparin binding domain by an RGD-independent mechanism. However, the adhesion sequence(s) present in the carboxy terminal regions of fibronectin and the cell surface receptor(s) responsible for adhesion of cells to these adhesion sequences have not been identified.
2.3. Biological Functions of Cell Adhesion Molecules
Adhesive interactions between cells have been found to occur during many important biological events, including tissue differentiation, growth and development, and also appear to play a critical role in the pathogenesis of various diseases (Humphries et al., 1986, J. Cell Biol. 103:2637–2647; Grinnell, 1984, J. Cell Biochem. 26:107–116; Hynes, 1986, Sci. Am. 254:42–51).
For example, adhesive interactions are known to be extremely important in the immune system; in which the localization of immune mediator cells is likely to be due, at least in part, to adhesive interactions between cells. Recirculation of lymphoid cells is non-random (Male et al., in "Advanced Immunology", J. B. Lippincatt Co., Philadelphia, p. 14.4–14.5); lymphocytes demonstrate a preference for the type of secondary lymphoid organ that they will enter. In trafficing through a secondary lymphoid organ, lymphocytes must first bind to the vascular endothelium in the appropriate post-capillary venules, then open up the tight junctions between endothelial cells, and finally migrate into the underlying tissue. Migration of recirculating lymphocytes from blood into specific lymphoid tissues, called homing, has been associated with complementary adhesion molecules on the surface of the lymphocytes and on the endothelial cells of the high endothelial venules.
Likewise, the adherence of polymorphonuclear leukocytes to vascular endothelium is believed to be a key event in the development of an acute inflammatory response, and appears to be required for an effective chemotactic response as well as certain types of neutrophil-mediated vascular injury (Zimmerman and McIntyre, 1988, J. Clin. Invest. 81:531–537; Harlan et al., 1987, in "Leukocyte Emigration and its Sequelae", Movat, ed. S. Karger A G, Basel, pp. 94–104; Zimmerman et al., ibid., pp. 105–118). When stimulated by specific agonist substances, the polymorphonuclear leukocytes Tonnensen et al., 1984, J. Clin. Invest. 74:1581–1592), endothelial cells (Zimmerman et al., 1985, J. Clin. Invest. 76:2235–2246; Bevilacque et al., J. Clin. Invest. 76:2003–2011), or both (Gamble et al., 1985, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 82:8667–8671) become adhesive; as a result, polymorphonuclear leukocytes accumulate on the endothelial cell surface.
In addition, studies with specific anti-glycoprotein antibodies in patients with immune deficits indicated that one or more components of the CD18 complex are required for effective neutrophil chemotaxis and other adhesion-related functions (Zimmerman and MacIntyre, 1988, J. Clin. Invest. 81:531–537). The CD18 complex is identical to the β2 integrin subfamily (supra).
During maturation and differentiation, lymphocyte sub-populations localize in different anatomical sites; for example, immature T cells localize in the thymus. Similarly, IgA-producing B cells are observed to localize in the intestinal mucosa (Parrott, 1976, Clin. Gastroenterol. 5:211–228). In contrast, IgG-producing B cells localize primarily in lymph nodes, from which IgG is secreted into the systemic circulation (Parrott and deSousa, 1966, Nature 212:1316–1317). T cells appear to be more abundant in skin epidermis than in mucosal linings (Cahill et al., 1977, J. Exp. Med. 145:420–428).
The physiologic importance of leukocyte adhesion proteins (supra) is underscored by the existence of a human genetic disease, leukocyte adhesion deficiency (LAD; Anderson et al., 1985, J. Infect. Dis. 152:668; Arnaout et al., 1985, Fed. Proc. 44:2664). Various studies have indicated that the molecular defect associated with LAD results in either lack of synthesis of the common β chain or normal rate of synthesis followed by rapid degradation (Liowska-Grospierre et al., 1986, Eur. J. Immunol. 16:205; Diamanche et al., 1987, Eur. J. Immunol. 17:417). In the severe form of LAD, neither LFA-1, Mac-1, nor p150/95 are expressed on the leukocyte membrane; low levels of leukocyte membrane expression have been observed in patients suffering from the moderate form of the disease. This leads to a defective mobilization of polymorphonuclear leukocytes and monocytes from the vasculature to the issues during the inflammatory response, with consequent recurrant bacterial infections (Anderson et al., J. Infect. Dis. 152:668; Arnaout et al., 1985, Fed. Proc. 44:2664).
ECMRs have also been observed to be associated with functions outside of the immune system. Loss of the IIb/IIIa platelet surface glycoprotein complex appears to result in defective platelet function in a genetic disease known as Glanzmann's thrombasthenia, (Hynes, 1987, Cell 48:549–554). Humphries et al. (1988, J. Cell Biol. 106:1289–1297) observed that neurons of the peripheral nervous system were able to extend neurites onto substrates bearing both the central cell-binding domain and the IIICS region of fibronectin. Furthermore, we have recently shown that neurite formation on laminin or fibronectin can be inhibited by antibodies to ECMRs.

Inhibition of lymphocyte adherence with CS-1-peptides and fragments thereof

Abstract: The invention is based upon the discovery that the α4β1 extracellular matrix receptor promotes adhesion of lymphocytes to endothelial cells via attachment to a defined peptide sequence. Prior to the present invention, the ligand of the α4β1 receptor had not been identified, nor had the function of the α4β1 receptor in lymphocyte attachment been known. By preventing the interaction between the α4β1 receptor and its ligands using antibodies or defined peptide sequences, the present invention enables, for the first time, specific intervention in the migration of lymphocytes through the vascular endothelium and into tissues. The present invention, therefore, has particular clinical utility in suppression of the immune response; in various specific embodiments of the invention, the adherence of lymphocytes to endothelium may be inhibited systemically, or may, alternatively, be localized to particular tissues or circumscribed areas. Accordingly, the present invention provides for treatment of diseases involving autoimmune responses as well as other chronic or relapsing activations of the immune system, including allergy, asthma, and chronic inflammatory skin conditions.


A coupling device includes a coupling seat unit connected pivotally to pivot portions of two rod members of a foldable frame such that an engaging end portion of each rod member extends into an accommodating space of the coupling seat unit when the rod members are aligned with each other in an extended position. A spring-loaded latch unit is mounted movably in the accommodating space and is operable from an engaging position for retaining the rod members in the extended position to a releasing position for permitting movement of the rod members to a folded position. An actuating member has a connecting portion extending into the accommodating space and mounted movably on the coupling seat unit, and an actuating portion operably externally of the accommodating space for moving the actuating portion so as to drive the latch unit to move from the engaging position to the releasing position.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a coupling device for a foldable frame, more particularly to a coupling device for a foldable frame that can be operated with relative ease.
2. Description of the Related Art
FIGS. 1 to 4 illustrate a conventional coupling device for a foldable frame, such as a baby crib, disclosed in US 2003/0061658. The conventional coupling device includes a pair of elongate rod members 11, each of which has an engaging end portion 110, and a pivot portion 111 connected to the engaging end portion 110. The conventional coupling device interconnects pivotally the pivot portions 111 of the rod members 11 such that the rod members 11 are operable so as to move from an extended position, where the rod members 11 are aligned with each other in a horizontal direction (see FIG. 2), to a folded position, where the rod members 11 are generally parallel to each other and extend in a vertical direction (not shown).
The conventional coupling device includes a hollow coupling seat body 10, a spring-loaded latch unit 2, and an actuating member 3. The coupling seat body 10, which is configured with an accommodating space, has a top side, a bottom open side, and opposite lateral open sides that are connected pivotally and respectively to the pivot portions 111 of the rod members 11 such that the engaging end portion 110 of each rod member 11 extends into the accommodating space in the horizontal direction via a respective one of the lateral open sides when the rod members 11 are in the extended position, as shown in FIG. 2. The latch unit 2, which is mounted movably in the accommodating space of the coupling seat body 10, includes a pair of engaging blocks 20 spaced apart from each other in the horizontal direction. Each engaging block 20 has an upper coupling end portion formed with an engaging groove 200, and a lower pivot end portion opposite to the upper coupling end portion and connected pivotally to the coupling seat body 10 such that each engaging block 20 is rotatable relative to the coupling seat body 10 about a respective pivot axis transverse to the horizontal and vertical directions. Each engaging block 20 is formed with an engaging rib 22 that extends from the lower pivot end portion thereof toward the other engaging block 20. The latch unit 2 is operable from an engaging position, where the engaging grooves 200 of the upper coupling end portions of the engaging blocks 20 engage the engaging end portions 110 of the rod members 11 so as to retain the rod members 11 in the extended position, as shown in FIG. 2, to a releasing position, where the engaging grooves 200 of the upper coupling end portions of the engaging blocks 20 are unable to engage the engaging end portions 110 of the rod members 11 so as to permit movement of the rod members 11 from the extended position to the folded position, as shown in FIG. 4. The latch unit 2 further includes a coiled compression spring 21 interconnecting the upper coupling end portions of the engaging blocks 20 for restoring the latch unit 2 from the releasing position back to the engaging position. The actuating member 3 has an actuating portion 31 that extends into the accommodating space of the coupling seat body 10 via a front slot 101 in the coupling seat body 10, and that is mounted movably on the coupling seat body 10 via mounting pieces 13, 14 so as to be movable relative to the coupling seat body 10 in a transverse direction transverse to the horizontal and vertical directions, and an operating portion 30 connected to the actuating portion 31, disposed in front of the coupling seat body 10, and operable externally of the coupling seat body 10 for moving the actuating portion 31 along the transverse direction toward a rear side of the coupling seat body 10 such that a bevel plate 311 formed on the actuating portion 31 abuts against and drives the engaging ribs 22 on the engaging blocks 20 to move downwardly so as to enable the latch unit 2 to move from the engaging position to the releasing position.
The following are some of the drawbacks of the aforesaid conventional coupling device:
1. Since the engaging ribs 22 on the engaging blocks 20 are driven to move downwardly by the bevel plate 311 as a result of pressing the operating portion 30 of the actuating member 3 for moving the actuating portion 31 toward the rear side of the coupling seat body 10, a relatively greater amount of force is required to be exerted by the user.
2. Since the operating portion 30 of the actuating member 3 is disposed externally of the front side of the coupling seat body 10, accidental operation of the actuating member 3 is likely to occur.
3. Due to the presence of the engaging ribs 22, the mounting pieces 13, 14, and the bevel plate 311 on the actuating portion 31 of the actuating member 3, the conventional coupling device has a relatively complicated configuration.


A novel and versatile table tennis game and method of play thereof is disclosed. The table tennis table game is played on a playing surface in the shape of a hexagon having three pairs of equal length opposing edges. A net is placed in the center of the table to divide the playing surface into two or three separate playing areas. Two playing areas accommodates a maximum of three individuals on both sides of the net. Three playing areas accommodates either three individuals playing against each other or three teams of two individuals playing against each other. A folding support mechanism provides both support and storage for either a 2-piece or a 6-piece table top.

The traditional table tennis game, developed during the 1800s in England, has for years been a table game played by young and old both for recreational pleasure and for competitive sport. In the traditional table tennis game, however, a rectangular playing surface permits either two people to play against each other (one on each side) or two teams of two (two on each side) can play against each other. Thus, with two teams of two people each, a maximum of four players can realistically play at any one time. In terms of scoring, the traditional table tennis game provides for a maximum number of points per rally of one single point.
Often times, however, it is desirable if more than two or four people can play a game of table tennis at one time. The ability to accommodate a third player on a team would permit more people to enjoy the game together either for recreation or competition. Further, it would be desirable if the rules of game play permitted scoring other than a single point on each serve.

Table tennis game apparatus and method of play thereof


The present invention relates to a system and method for routing a data from one or more mobile communication channel to one or more fixed communication channel in a resource efficient manner. The delinking router of the system communicates with the one or more mobile communication channel and with one or more fixed communication channel and transmits the request to a Base Transmitting Station (BTS) for routing the data from the mobile communication channel to the fixed communication channel. The delinking router also reduces energy and spectrum consumption of the mobile communication channel by turning off its radio frequency module after routing its data to the fixed communication channel.

The discovery of mobile phones has provided a lot of convenience in overall calling system. It provides user a freedom to operate the communication device in an unlimited region. On the other hand, telephone network is a fixed communication device which means a network of wires to which a telephone is connected. Although, a user prefers to keep mobile phone but fixed telephone network is also preferred for some beneficial purpose. A user having a cellular phone with wireless system usually has an additional fixed telephone for in-house use. Management of a plurality of communication device is problematic for a user as he has to remember a plurality of numbers and he is also concerned about battery consumption. Usage of plurality of communication device may also result in wastage of frequency spectrum.
Many of the system and methods have been proposed to provide user a convenience in keeping a plurality of communication devices by routing call from one communication device to another. One of the basic methods is call diverting. However, this method has a disadvantage that the urgent calls may get missed as a user cannot answer any call when it is diverted. This method does not result in reduced consumption of frequency spectrum. Also, a user has to request his service provider for accessing the service of call diverting for which he has to pay an additional amount of money. U.S. Pat. No. 6,681,118 titled, "Method for providing cellular and landline cordless service using a dual mode mobile telephone" also discloses a mobile station which communicates with both a cellular network and a cordless cellular base station. The cordless cellular base station is preferably connected to a public switched and is assigned a landline number. The cordless cellular base station acts as a conduit between the mobile station and the public switched telephone network. However, the invention does not talk about reduced bandwidth consumption or power consumption.
Therefore, a system is needed which is capable of routing call from one communication device to another by saving the power and frequency spectrum. The system should be cost efficient such that it could be implemented at macro as well as micro level for routing data from one communication device to another.

System and method for call routing for efficient use of telecommunication spectrum


A MOSFET includes an insulated gate electrode on a surface of a semiconductor substrate having an impurity region of first conductivity type therein that extends to the surface. Source and drain regions of second conductivity type are provided in the impurity region. The source region includes a highly doped source contract region that extends to the surface and a lightly doped source extension. The lightly doped source extension extends laterally underneath a first end of the insulated gate electrode and defines a source-side P-N junction with the well region. The drain region includes a highly doped drain contact region that extends to the surface and a lightly doped drain extension. The lightly doped drain extension extends laterally underneath a second end of the insulated gate electrode and defines a drain-side P-N junction with the well region. This well region, which extends within the impurity region and defines a non-rectifying junction therewith, is more highly doped than the impurity region. The well region extends opposite the insulated gate electrode and has a sufficient width that dopants therein partially compensate innermost portions of the lightly doped source and drain extensions that extend underneath the insulated gate electrode. However, the well region is not so wide as to provide compensation to remaining portions of the lightly doped source and drain extensions or the source and drain contact regions.

The magnitude of a maximum voltage supported by a drain or source of a MOSFET is determined by a pn junction formed along the boundary of a source or drain. Breakdown, for example, avalanche breakdown, can occur due to an increase in an electric field in a depletion region of the pn junction. The magnitude of the voltage that can be applied to a drain or source in a MOSFET at the onset of breakdown can be determined using conventional techniques. If breakdown occurs at the pn junction formed along the boundary of a source or drain, then current flowing between the drain and source may sharply increase, and this may result in damage to the pn junction and malfunction of the MOSFET.
Since a depletion region at the pn junction is inversely proportional in thickness to the square root of a doping concentration at the pn junction, it is possible to decrease the doping concentration at the pn junction and accordingly increase the thickness of the depletion region and increase the breakdown voltage of the MOSFET.
However, reducing the doping concentration of a drain or source may result in degradation of the MOSFET's electrical characteristics by, for example, increasing an ohmic contact resistance. This problem may be overcome by forming a separate region having a lower doping concentration under the drain or source and optimizing the doping concentration and the size of the separate region, to thereby adjust the breakdown voltage.
Usually in conventional methods for attaining a high voltage MOSFET, a separate underlying region having a lower doping concentration has been formed under a drain or source and the doping concentration and the size of the separate portion have been adjusted. However, the method to adjust the doping concentration of the separate underlying region has made the process for fabricating a MOSFET complicated. Further, when the doping concentration is adjusted by forming a junction in a vertical direction or increasing the junction in a horizontal direction to adjust the size of the underlying region, the process time and/or the size of a device typically increase.

Methods of fabricating high voltage MOSFET having doped buried layer


The present invention relates to a static and monolithic current limiter and circuit-breaker component including, between two terminals, a one-way conduction current limiter, a sensor of the voltage between the terminals, and a mechanism for inhibiting the conduction of the current limiter when the voltage sensed exceeds a given threshold.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to the field of semiconductor components and more specifically to medium or high power components.
2. Discussion of the Related Art
In this field, components are known which are to be connected in series with a load and have the function of limiting the current in this load to a predetermined maximum value. For this purpose, a depletion MOS transistor with its gate connected to its source is for example used.
Components acting as circuit-breakers are also known.

Static and monolithic current limiter and circuit-breaker


Disclosed is a self-cleansing intrusion tolerance-domain name systems system comprising at least three DNS servers, at least four storage systems accessible by the DNS servers, a communications link, a message transfer mechanism, and a self-cleansing mechanism. The storage systems include at least three online storage systems and at least one offline storage system. The communications link can connect the DNS servers with the storage systems, as well as connect the DNS servers with a local area network, which can connect the DNS servers with an external network. The message transfer mechanism can rotate the DNS servers into a plurality of roles, including a primary role, a secondary role, a designated role, and a self-cleansing role. The self-cleansing mechanism can be used to perform the self-cleansing role.

As the world becomes more dependent on network-based services for critical applications, particularly via Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) networks, it becomes more vital to protect Domain Name Systems (DNS) from attacks and failures. Unfortunately, popular DNS implementations are known to be targeted based on numerous vulnerabilities, exploits and attacks.
DNS is essentially a distributed database. Each name server can maintain domain name information regarding a subspace, or a zone, in the DNS name space. Several predefined properties, or resource records (RR), can be associated with a domain name. An example of an RR is "type A" RR, which may contain an IP address of the domain. Generally, RRs pertaining to domain names in a zone are stored in a master file, which can be maintained by the primary name server of such zone. Each zone can also have one or more secondary name servers, which can periodically synchronize their local DNS file with the master file. Ordinarily, secondary name servers respond to DNS queries. However, they may not be involved in maintaining the master file.
The DNS architecture was later enhanced with DNS Security Extensions (DNSSEC) to provide data origin authentication. With DNSSEC, each zone can be equipped with at least a pair of public and private keys. The public key may be configured into every client in the zone through a safe channel (e.g., manually by administrators). The private key may be used to digitally sign RRs. A response to a DNS query may include requested RRs and a digital signature of the requested RRs, which is also known as "Sig RR." DNS clients can verify the integrity and origin of received DNS data by checking accompanying signatures using the zone public key.
The integrity of the above approach may depend on the secrecy of participating private keys. Maintenance of private keys is usually maximized by keeping them offline. In this position, even if a server is compromised, a hacker is not likely able to procure the private key and temper with DNS data. However, the hacker may still be able to attack the server in other respects, such as deleting the master file as a denial of service attack or using the server as a jump pad to machines inside the intranet.
Additionally, it is preferable to have signature computations offline. This position may best suit domain names that are created and managed manually via administrative procedures (e.g., one registers for a new domain name, fills out a form, pays a fee, etc.). Offline signature computation, however, may not be compatible with dynamic domain name updates, where RRs can be updated in real time upon online requests from clients.
Under DNSSEC standards, different modes can be used to compute signatures of dynamically updated RRs. In Mode A, a per-server private key is used to sign dynamic updates. The corresponding public key is stored in a Key RR associated with the domain name of the server. This key may be obtained by the client through DNS requests. In this way, server compromises can only jeopardize dynamically updated resource records. However, server keys are not typically considered as authoritative zone keys. In Mode B, the zone private key may be kept online and used to sign dynamic updates. This feature may leave the key subject to exposure through network attacks. In the face of server compromises, the integrity of the entire master file may be in question.
In addressing these problems, what is needed is a secure framework of DNS servers that does not require private keys to be kept online to sign dynamic updates. Also, it is desirable to have a secure framework that would hinder further attacks on the server. Such framework can help maintain the availability and integrity of any critical communications infrastructure.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

SCIT-DNS: critical infrastructure protection through secure DNS server dynamic updates

George Mason Intellectual Properties, Inc.


A thermoplastic polycarbonate molding composition which is rendered resistant to deterioration induced by exposure to gamma radiation is disclosed. The composition is imparted an improved degree of color stability upon the incorporation of a minor amount of a poly(alkylene oxide) oligomer and a halogenated aromatic acid derivative therewith. In addition, the composition is characterized by its low initial color and the small change in its yellowness index after a waiting period of several weeks.

Because of their desirable profile of physical and mechanical properties polycarbonate resins are frequently selected for use in molding articles geared for the medical field. In these application, the resistance of the material to deterioration induced by exposure to sterilizing radiation is often times of prime importance. Articles molded from polycarbonate while meeting most other criteria, fall short in terms of their resistance to gamma radiation. These articles suffer yellowing due to the decomposition of the resin. U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,996,244; 4,996,245; 4,996,246; and 4,996,247 are considered to disclose relevant technology.
The art is noted to include European Patent Application 376,289 which disclosed a relevant polycarbonate composition containing a blend of a polycarbonate derived from a halogenated bisphenol and a polyalkylene glycol or its ether, silyl ether or ester. Also relevant is European Patent Application 359,366 which disclosed relevant gamma radiation resistant polycarbonate compositions which contain an organic halogen compound. Of particular importance in the present context are U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,874,802; 4,904,710 and 4,804,692 which disclosed relevant polycarbonate compositions containing polyether compounds including the stabilizing polyalkylene oxide of the present invention.
While the technical solutions offered to date do in fact reduce the permanent yellowing of polycarbonate compositions and impart desirable stability to the articles molded therefrom, a temporary color change characterizes these compositions. This color may take as long as several weeks to subside, especially in the absence of light. This causes undesirable color changes in tinted or dyed polycarbonate resin. In addition, the long period needed to stabilize the color constrains the producers of sterilized parts because of the long delay before a stable, desirable color is attained.

Color-stable polycarbonate composition resistant to gamma-radiation


A batch component model is provided within a distributed object environment. The batch component is designed to capture the iterative logic of a batch program as it reads from one or more input streams, invokes operations on other business component functions, and generates output to one or more output streams. Deployment descriptors express declarative policies for the component that will influence how the component is managed including the streams it uses, business components it depends on, how processing costs are accounted, and the resource demands the job will put on the system. Input streams and output streams are encapsulated in objects that hide the actual source of input and output data so that the component can be redeployed in different execution environments to different physical data sources without requiring the program to be changed. A batch container enforces the deployment policies declared for the batch component.

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to data processing systems and, in particular, to batch processing in a distributed object environment. Still more particularly, the present invention provides a component model for batch computing in a distributed object environment.
2. Description of Related Art
Distributed object component technology has evolved to provide a solid foundation for modern business application design in online transaction processing systems. These component technologies include, for example, the use of the JAVA programming language, the JAVA 2 Enterprise Edition (J2EE) programming model, and component technologies, such as Java Server Pages (JSPs), Servlets, and Portlets for online presentation logic. Component technologies also includes, for example, the use of Enterprise JAVA Bean (EJB) SessionBeans and EntityBeans for transactional business logic and data management.
These component models are expressly designed to enable a strong separation of concerns between business application logic and the underlying information systems technology on which those application components are hosted. This separation enables application developers to focus on domain knowledge, adding value to their business, and to avoid the intricacies of distributed information systems technology. The EJB component models are designed to support transactional processing of business functions, leveraging the ACID (Atomicity, Consistency, Isolation, and Durability) properties of distributed two-phase commit protocols to ensure a very high degree of information integrity. Further, these component models enable declarative approaches to enforcing security, the relationships between objects, internationalization, serviceability, and persistence, essentially virtualizing the relationship of the business application component to its underlying information system.
The primary limitation of object component technologies, such as those defined by J2EE, is that they are designed for online transaction processing. Business transactions are typically initiated by an end user in real time, requesting that a function be performed by the business application, usually resulting in an update to business data that gets transactionally committed before returning a result to the user. Component models and container management are designed to operate on one request at a time. Any multi-processing is achieved through multi-threading and workload clustering, but in a way that retains the illusion of sequential processing. Transaction, security, and persistence processing are structured around the idea that each request is initiated distinctly for a unique user and for a unique end purpose.
However, there is a large demand for bulk (batch) processing. Besides being a traditional approach to data processing—in fact, the incumbent of modern electronic computing—bulk processing also represents a significant portion of how enterprises continue to conduct their business. Bank checks are processed in bulk in clearing centers every night. Interest on savings and loan accounts is computed in bulk every week. Billing statements are printed in bulk every month. Corporate payments are collected up and posted every week. Paychecks are cut and distributed every couple of weeks. Customers often want to be able to execute these transactions in batch programs, processing many hundreds, thousands, or even millions of transactions in a single job. Moreover, many customers want to be able to re-use the exact same business logic and programming artifacts in both their online transaction processing and in their batch programs. For example, an account withdrawal function should do the same thing whether it is being performed for a bank customer standing at an automatic teller machine or for a check that was posted through a clearing house in the middle of the night.
Batch computing has been a long-time staple of mainframe computing in languages, such as COBOL and PL/I, and as standalone programs or combined in subsystems, such as CICS and IMS. However, batch computing has never been combined with distributed object component technologies. Therefore, one must perform batch processing by stringing together a large number of single transactions, which is inefficient, or by performing one large transaction, which will likely affect online processing.

Component model for batch computing in a distributed object environment

International Business Machines Corporation


The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for conveying articles, particularly sheet stacks, the articles (5, 105) being conveyed in a common direction on a connecting conveyor (2) and an accumulating conveyor (3) overlapping with the latter and following articles (5) are connected to previously conveyed articles (105) in accordance with different speeds of the two conveyors. The method or apparatus is characterized in that, at least in the overlap area, the articles are sucked by a suction air device (42) onto the connecting conveyor and/or accumulating conveyor. Preferably the articles are also subject to air blast action in the overlap area of the two conveyors.

Such conveying apparatuses and methods are used in order e.g. with small size paper cross-cutters, in which juxtaposed sheet stacks are formed from a wide paper web in the form of numerous blanks, e.g. stacks of copy, writing or typing paper, which convey from the processing means sheet stacks accumulated in non-uniform intervals and compensate the latter up to a further processing of the sheet stacks, e.g. packing thereof.
As the further processing of the sheet stacks normally makes it necessary for them to arrive continuously and with a substantially constant spacing, between the cross conveyor and the further processing is provided an accumulation section, whereof the individual sheet layer groups run up onto one another in such a way as to temporarily form an uninterrupted row, after which they are drawn apart to the constant spacing on a separating conveyor, which can link with the accumulation section.
In order to connect with one another the initially differently spaced sheet stacks, various arrangements of connecting and accumulating conveyors are known. It has e.g. been proposed to place upstream of a continuously running belt conveyor a belt section overlapping the same with upper and lower belts in the manner of belt grippers. Sheet stacks to be connected are held between the upper and lower belts and moved at an increased speed, so that the sheet stack is uninterruptedly connected to the last sheet stack of the preceding group.
DE-36 12 021 discloses an accumulating conveyor system, in which the connecting conveyor overlaps the accumulating conveyor and the individual accumulating belts are subdivided into several sections, which can be individually raised as a function of the moving past of the sheet layers, so that they raise the sheet layers from the discontinuously running connecting conveyor and decelerate same to the lower accumulation speed. However, this requires a multiple subdivision and a complicated control, as well as a corresponding lifting mechanism for the accumulating belts.

Method and apparatus for conveying articles


A method for producing a magnetic recording medium having a magnetic layer having a two-layered structure positioned on a substrate, which includes forming the magnetic layer on the substrate by a vacuum deposition process during the travel of the substrate on a cylindrical can, wherein a first evaporation source and a second evaporation source are positioned on the same side of a vertical line passing across a longitudinal axis of the cylindrical can while confronting the cylindrical can, a shield plate having a first opening and a second opening is positioned between the cylindrical can and the first and second evaporation sources, each of vapors evaporated from the first and second evaporation sources passes through the first and second openings, respectively, a distance between the vertical line passing across the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical can and a center of an evaporation part of the first evaporation source is longer than a radius of the cylindrical can, and a distance between the vertical line passing across the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical can and a center of an evaporation part of the second evaporation source is shorter than a radius of the cylindrical can.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a method for producing a magnetic recording medium comprising a two-layered magnetic layer and having an excellent high density recording property.
2. Description of Related Art
As a recording density of a magnetic recording/reproducing equipment has been increased year by year, it is highly desired to provide a magnetic recording medium which is excellent in recording and reproducing characteristics in a short wavelength range. Today, a coating type magnetic recording medium in which magnetic powder is coated on a substrate is mainly used, and its properties are being improved to satisfy the above desire. However, the improvement of the properties is nearing its limit.
One of magnetic recording media which can exceed this limit is a thin film magnetic recording medium. The thin film magnetic recording medium is produced by a vacuum deposition method, a sputtering method or a plating method and has excellent recording and reproducing characteristics in a short wavelength range. Examples of magnetic materials used in the thin film magnetic recording medium are Co, Co-Ni, Co-Ni-P, CO-O, CO-Ni-O, Co-Cr, Co-Ni-Cr, Co-Cr-Ta, Co-Cr-Pt and the like.
It is supposed that Co-O and Co-Ni-O are most suitable for the practical use as the magnetic recording tape, and a deposition cape comprising a Co-Ni-O magnetic layer is already practically used as a Hi-8 type video tape. A magnetic property of an oxygen-containing magnetic layer widely varies depending on an amount of supplied oxygen at the deposition. One embodiment of the production method of a deposition Hi-8 type video tape will be explained by making reference to FIG. 1.
FIG. 1 schematically illustrates an inner structure of a vacuum deposition apparatus conventionally used for producing the deposition Hi-8 type video tape. A substrate 1 made of a polymer film travels around a peripheral surface of a cylindrical can 4 in a direction of an arrow A. A vapor 3 of a raw magnetic material 6 is evaporated from an evaporation source 5 receiving the raw material 6, and is deposited on the substrate 1 to form a magnetic layer on the substrate 1. As the evaporation source 5, an electron beam evaporation source is preferred, and the raw material 6 such as a metal, for example, CO and an alloy, for example, Co-Ni is filled in the evaporation source S. The reason why the electron beam evaporation source is used is that it can evaporate a high melting point metal such as Co at a high evaporation rate.
Below a part of the circumference of the cylindrical can 4, there is provided a shielding plate 8 which prevents excessive deposition of the evaporated atoms on the substrate.
An oxygen gas is supplied in a vacuum chamber from nozzle 9 positioned near the end of shielding plate 8 during the vapor deposition o-f the evaporated atoms on the substrate. The optimization of the position of the nozzle 9 and the amount of the supplied oxygen gives a deposition tape having an excellent recording/reproducing property and excellent practicability. The substrate 1 is unwound from the supply roll 2 and, after the formation of the magnetic layer, is wound on the wind-up roll 3.
In future, the magnetic tape will be required to have a higher output and a lower noise in a short wave length range. As one of methods to satisfy this requirement, it is thought to use a magnetic layer having a two-layered structure.
However, when the vacuum deposition apparatus shown in FIG. 1 is used to form a magnetic layer having a two-layered structure, a step comprising depositing the magnetic layer on the substrate during the travel of the substrate 1 must be conducted twice. When the conventional method is used to form the magnetic layer having the two-layered structure by only one travel of the substrate, it is necessary to use a vacuum deposition apparatus equipped with two cylindrical cans. When these methods are used to form the magnetic layer, the recording/reproducing property is improved but any of these methods requires a high cost.

Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.


An isolation region is formed on a substrate by forming spaced apart mesas on the substrate, each mesa including a barrier region which caps the mesa. An insulation riser is then formed in the substrate, disposed between and separated from the spaced apart mesas. Spaced apart trenches are formed in the substrate on opposite sides of the insulation riser, each trench disposed between the insulation riser and a respective one of the mesas. An insulating material layer is formed on the substrate, the insulating material layer filling the spaced apart trenches and covering the insulation riser and the mesas, and then is chemical mechanical polished to expose the mesas and thereby form an isolation region spanning the spaced apart trenches. Preferably, barrier spacers are formed on sidewall portions of the mesas, and a surface portion of the substrate between the barrier regions is thermally oxidized using the barrier regions and the barrier spacers as an oxidation barrier to form the insulation riser. The isolation region includes an insulation riser at the surface of the substrate, extending from the surface into the substrate, and an insulation region on the substrate, covering the insulation riser and extending into the spaced apart trenches. The insulation region may include insulation spacers adjacent sidewall portions of the spaced apart trenches, and an insulation region on the substrate, covering the insulation riser and extending into the spaced apart trenches to contact the insulation spacers.

As integrated circuit devices typically are built up on a substrate from successively applied and patterned layers, it generally is desirable to planarize underlying layers in order to obtain a satisfactory margin for photolithography for subsequently applied layers. Conventional planarization techniques include reflow techniques, etch-back techniques and chemical-mechanical polishing (CMP) techniques, i.e., combined etching and abrasive polishing techniques which typically use an abrasive etching slurry in conjunction with a polishing pad to remove material from a substrate surface. As is well-known to those skilled in the art, CMP may be particularly advantageous because it can achieve planarization at lower temperatures than etching or reflow techniques.
When utilizing CMP, it generally is important to minimize initial global step difference, i.e., spatial variation in the initial height of the material to be polished, in order to reduce pad deformation and improve the planarization achieved. As illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1C, wide and narrow trenches 3,4 may be formed in a substrate 10 by forming a silicon dioxide layer 12 and an etching protection layer 14 on the substrate 10, patterning the layers to form patterns 15, and using the patterns 15 as an etching mask to produce the wide and narrow trenches C,D. To form wide and narrow isolation regions 17,18, an insulating material layer 16 may be formed on the substrate 10 to fill the trenches C,D. The insulating material layer 16 may then be planarized to form the isolation regions 17,18.
Because of the step difference E generated in the insulating material layer 16 due to the wide trench 3, however, the wide isolation region 17 may deviate from planarity, a phenomenon referred to as "dishing." Moreover, because the trenches formed for a typical integrated circuit generally are nonuniformly distributed, a nonuniform distribution of the insulating material layer generally occurs across the surface of the substrate, which may increase global step difference and reduce the margin for CMP.

Methods of fabricating trench isolation regions with risers


An irrigation device (FIG. 1) for pumping fluids, particularly water, which can be constructed for a minimal cost and operated using only human power and having a simple and efficient mechanism making it suitable for use in undeveloped areas. The device includes a handle, contoured footpad, rocker, dual-action piston, outlet valve, and a surge chamber.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to irrigation devices and more particularly to a novel arrangement for pumping fluids, namely water, at minimal cost using only human power.
2. Brief Description of the Related Art
Generally classifiable as "manual water pumps", prior art approaches include centrifugal, reciprocating and diaphragm pumps. Centrifugal pumps use a rotating turbine to suck and propel water. Reciprocating pumps use a piston in a back-and-forth motion within a cylinder. Diaphragm pumps use the displacement caused by the deformation of a flexible diaphragm to suck and propel water.
Limitations with the prior art pumps include the following: prior art hand-operated pumps use one-cylinder and do not provide a pressure head, or the ability to push water above the position of the pump itself. Hand operation is not as ergonomically efficient as foot operation. However, prior art foot-operated pumps use two cylinders, two pedals/treadles and a number of pivots, thus, increasing their overall cost. Specifically, many require expensive custom-machined or cast components. Furthermore, almost all of the aforementioned prior art pumps have a number of fasteners (bolts, washers, screws, latches, etc.), which commonly rust, rendering them useless over time.
Thus a solution is needed which overcomes the above problems and limitations of the prior art.


The subject disclosure relates improved common mode choke (CMC) and integrated connector module (ICM) designs for Ethernet applications. Some aspects provide an improved CMC component, including an upper chassis element having a first plurality of comb structures vertically protruding from an edge of the upper chassis element, and a lower chassis element comprising a second plurality of comb structures vertically protruding from an edge of the lower chassis element, the second plurality of comb structures configured to interlock with the first plurality of comb structures to form an enclosure when the upper chassis element is mechanically coupled with the lower chassis element.

Field of the Invention
The subject technology relates to improved common mode choke (CMC) and integrated connector module (ICM) designs, and in particular, provides design improvements to optimize CMC and ICM process automation.
Introduction
Suppression of electromagnetic interference (EMI) has become a major concern in the transmission, reception, and processing of electronic signals and data. Modern communication systems are often designed as an interconnection of functional blocks and connections made using cables or wiring harnesses. Such interconnections often present opportunity for common mode current loops between devices that can lead to EMI regulatory failure.
Due to EMI concerns, Ethernet devices, such as Ethernet ICM transformers (ICMts), are often coupled with a common mode choke (CMC). A CMC can comprise two coils wound on a single core and may be useful for EMI and Radio Frequency interference (RFI) prevention from, for example, power supply lines and other sources. A CMC can pass differential currents (e.g. equal but opposite), while blocking common-mode currents. Thus, when properly operated, CMCs filter common mode currents without causing signal degradation. Therefore, the addition of CMCs, e.g., in conjunction with a connector such as an ICM, can provide filtration of mode currents, while also allowing passage of desired signals.
In some traditional configurations, CMCs and ICMs are bundled together, for example into a common ICM housing. By way of example, CMC and ICM components can be bundled into "pigtail" components, which provide connections between the CMC and ICM as well as a shared housing. Bundling of the ICM and CMC into the pigtail is a labor intensive process and makes it nearly impossible to later separate the ICM/CMC from the pigtail to make component modifications or adjustments.
For example, the ICM can include an Ethernet transformer that is configured (tuned) to block ground currents, e.g., of a corresponding Ethernet transceiver or "PHYreceiver." In contrast, the CMC is generally tuned to filter noise produced by other device components in which the ICM is disposed. Because noise resulting from the other components can vary with the life of the device, or as device changes are made, it is not uncommon to require re-tuning of the CMC. To simplify the ability to tune/re-tune the choke, some Ethernet implementations provide physically decoupled CMC and ICM modules (as opposed to pigtails in which the respective components cannot be easily decoupled).
In such configurations, separate CMC and ICM components are physically separated but electrically coupled, for example, via a printed circuit board (PCB). The physical decoupling of CMC and ICM components can provide the groundwork for several advantageous modifications to conventional CMC and ICM architecture.

Common mode choke and integrated connector module automation optimization


A method for recycling a noble metal from Fischer-Tropsch synthesis products. The method includes: 1) filtering a reaction product in a Fischer-Tropsch synthesis reactor by an inner filter; discharging a filtered reaction product to a first filtration buffer tank; separating a gas phase product or a part of a liquid phase product from the reaction product; introducing the liquid-solid two-phase product to a refining filter for product refining; 2) introducing a liquid phase product containing a catalyst slurry to a dynamic filter, collecting the filtered liquid phase product including a waste catalyst and noble metal ions; introducing the liquid phase product to a second filtration buffer tank; and introducing the filtered liquid phase product to the refining filter; and 3) forming a clay filter cake on a filter disk; and refining the products introduced into the refining filter in 1) and 2).

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a combined filtering method for recycling noble metals from Fischer-Tropsch synthesis products.
2. Description of the Related Art
Noble metals such as platinum, palladium, rhodium, silver, and ruthenium, have high catalytic activities and excellent high temperature resistance, oxidation resistance, and corrosion resistance. However, the noble metals are expensive, which greatly restricts the application thereof.
Conventional technologies for recycling noble metal catalysts include distillation, an outer filter method, and an inter filter method. However, the involved reactor is often expensive. The filtration accuracy is low, the heavy distillate still contains significant amounts of catalysts, and the waste catalyst in the reactor cannot be recycled. The returning route of the catalyst and the filter are often blocked, thereby affecting the normal operation of the reactor. In addition, improper operation easily destroys the filter cloth.

Method for recycling noble metals from Fischer-Tropsch products

SUNSHINE KAIDI NEW ENERGY GROUP CO., LTD.


A development processing apparatus including a pair of rollers for laminating a silver halide photosensitive material on which an image has been exposed and a processing sheet containing chemicals for forming an image on the silver halide photosensitive material; a heating plate having a curved heating surface for subjecting the silver halide photosensitive material to development processing by heating the silver halide photosensitive material and the processing sheet laminated by the pair of rollers; a transport belt for transporting the silver halide photosensitive material and the processing sheet laminated by the pair of rollers along the heating surface of the heating plate to allow the heating plate to effect the development processing; and a separation roller for separating the silver halide photosensitive material and the processing sheet after completion of the development processing by the heating plate. Accordingly, since processing solutions such as a developer and a fixer are not used for the development of the photosensitive material, the efficiency in maintaining the apparatus can be improved.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a development processing apparatus and a development processing method for forming an image on a silver halide photosensitive material by using an imagewise-exposed silver halide photosensitive material and a processing sheet including chemicals for forming an image on the silver halide photosensitive material as the processing sheet is laminated on the silver halide photosensitive material and is subjected to heating.
2. Description of the Related Art
Conventionally, a photosensitive material called a lithographic film is used in the printing of newspapers, magazines, and the like. In this lithographic film, each pixel represents a black dot or a white dot, and the variable density is expressed by the density of black dots in a predetermined region of the lithographic film.
By making use of the lithographic film capable of expressing the variable density in the above-described manner, a total of four originals, including an original expressing the variable density of a cyan color component for a subject color image, an original expressing the variable density of a magenta color component, an original expressing the variable density of a yellow color component, and an original expressing the variable density of a black color, are prepared by exposure and development processing. Then, as these four originals are printed in an overlapping manner by using inks corresponding to the respective colors, printed matter on which the subject color image is recorded is prepared, and this technology is well-known.
In the above-described technology, in order to prepare originals expressing variable densities of predetermined colors, the lithographic film on which variable-density images of the predetermined colors have been exposed is conventionally subjected to various kinds of processing, including development, fixation, and washing (the so-called wet processing).
However, the process of such development processing is complex. In addition, since liquids including chemicals, such as processing solutions, are used, their management is troublesome, and the staining and the like of a development processing apparatus are a cause of accelerated deterioration of the development processing apparatus.

Development processing apparatus and development processing method


A tool for actuating hammer unions. The tool provides for an arcuate tool head having an aperture which receives the lug or tab of the union. Extending outwardly from the arcuate tool head is a lever member which is designed to receive a handle [selected by the user for appropriate length and torque] for the user to hold and apply the necessary amount of torque to tighten or loosen the hammer union. By receiving the tab in the arcuate head, the user is precluded from damaging the tabs or lugs since no impact is received by the latter and a maximum amount of work can be done safely by the user. Structural features are also provided to prevent improper use of the tool.

Hammer unions are well known in the in the oil, gas and mining industry. Hammer unions are used to fasten pipe together for low and high pressure applications and as is known, these unions typically include lugs or tabs which require engagement with a hammer for tightening and loosening. As is presently conducted in this field, a worker typically actuates the union by swinging a hammer. This applies a force to the tabs or lugs in order to rotate the union into a tightening or loosening position. As such, the lugs or tabs typically incur a significant amount of force from repetitive striking. One of the problems is that despite the fact that the lugs or tabs are obviously made of the same material forming the mechanical fastener or union, metal fatigue can certainly occur after repeated strikes. This can result in breakage of the lug or tab completely from the entire body of the fastener which would then result in the lug or tab becoming a projectile presenting a dangerous situation or fragments or pieces of the lug becoming dislodged from the lug itself, acting as shrapnel. These are serious issues and can result in injury to not only the worker operating the hammer, but also surrounding members of a work team. A further problem that exists with this type of system is that the swinging of an object towards the hammer union can present a hazardous situation, particularly where a worker is not alert to his surroundings.
In order to circumvent this problem, a number of solutions have been proposed in the prior art, one of which is indicated in United States Patent Publication No. US 2012/0048069, with the published author being named as Powell Jr. In the publication, it is disclosed that the Applicant provides a hammer union wrench comprising a tool head having a substantially circular or disk shaped tool head body with an opening there through axially and transversally. The axial opening also includes slots which receive tabs associated with the hammer union. Although this is a useful arrangement, it requires the engagement of at least two of the tabs or bosses of the hammer union and fairly specific alignment of the tool head relative to the hammer union. This is not an issue in situations where the union is free of any debris, but presents difficulties in use where the union has been exposed to debris or is encumbered by ice, snow, etc. A further perceived limitation to this arrangement is that there does not appear to be any compensation for adding or augmenting the torque that is applied to the union by the worker. The arrangement provides the head of the tool in direct alignment with a stock handle shown in the drawings as number 14. Accordingly, it would appear that the worker would still have to exert a significant amount of effort to activate the tool head in order to tighten or loosen the union.
Other arrangements that are known are spanner wrenches. An example of one such arrangement is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 2,830,480, issued Apr. 15, 1958 to Brame for a spanner wrench for tubing unions. Brame provides a wrench having a semicircular tool head with a series of recesses and projections positioned on the tool head. The recesses and projections mate in registration with similarly configured recesses and projections in the tubing union. This arrangement, similar to that set forth in the publication discussed supra requires precise alignment and potentially also has the possibility of slippage from the tubing union which could result in injury during use.
Earlier attempts in the art to improve the efficiency and overall construction of such wrenches is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 464,084, issued Dec. 1, 1891, to Robinson. The Patentee provides a curved jaw tool head with a tooth positioned within the jaw and guiding ears associated therewith.
In U.S. Pat. No. 2,691,912, issued Oct. 19, 1954, Jones provides an anvil type wrench. The wrench effectively comprises a body suitable for use in pipe union fittings.
The art has presented further variations on these overall arrangements. A further example of which is demonstrated in U.S. Pat. No. 1,528,892, issued Mar. 10, 1925 to Pigott et al. The patent provides for a wrench which has a U-shaped head internally directed towards portion 8.
In view of the limitations in the art, it would appear that there is still a need for a high efficiency wrench which does not require impact or regular forces to be applied to tabs or lugs of a pipe union or hammer union which causes premature ware and the hazards noted above. The present invention not only satiates these requirements but also provides for improved arrangement where torque can be applied to the tool with a greater degree of efficiency and less effort by the worker.


A method for segmenting image data includes creating a plurality of marching regions within the medical image data. Region-wise segmentation is performed on the plurality of marching regions. Region-wise segmentation may include a normalized cut performed on a graph wherein each marching region represents a node. Region-wise segmentation may also include or may alternatively include a min cut performed on a graph wherein each marching region represents a node. Voxel-wise segmentation is performed on a subset of the plurality of marching regions.

1. Technical Field
The present disclosure relates to segmentation and, more specifically, to structure segmentation via MAR.
2. Discussion of Related Art
Segmentation involves the processing of digital image data to identify two or more distinct objects within the image. In the field of medical imaging, segmentation may be used to differentiate between different anatomical structures such as organs. Segmentation may also be applied to other computer vision problems such as identification of vehicles or people from still or video images.
In the field of medical imaging, segmentation may be particularly useful in identifying suspicious lesions that may be potentially malignant by distinguishing between multiple organs within the medical image so that organ-specific search strategies may be used for identifying suspicious lesions.
Segmentation may be performed on either two-dimensional images such as x-rays or three-dimensional images such as MRIs and CT scans. Prior to performing segmentation, the image data may be in digital form and this can be accomplished by either acquiring the medical image directly into digital form or by digitizing a conventional image. In either case, the resulting digital image data is expressed as a set of pixels (in the case of two-dimensional image data) or voxels (in the case of three-dimensional image data) with varying intensities.
Conventionally, segmentation is performed with extensive manual input, for example, a user such as a radiologist or other medical practitioner, may be prompted to highlight an approximate boundary for a given anatomical structure in one or more two-dimensional image slices and one or more algorithms may be used to ascertain the bounds of the entire anatomical structure. Such segmentation techniques are known to be computationally intensive, and thus may require extensive processing capabilities, long processing times and/or may be prone to errors.
One such technique for performing segmentation involves a growing algorithm where a user first selects a seed point within the structure to be segmented. The selected seed point is understood to be part of the structure and each voxel neighboring the seed point is analyzed for potential inclusion into the structure. If a neighboring voxel satisfies certain predetermined conditions such as having an intensity value close to the one or more voxels already included in the structure or are found not to have characteristics of a boundary, then that neighboring voxel may be added to the structure, and the voxels neighboring that voxel may be analyzed for potential inclusion as well. In this way, the process may be performed recursively until the entire structure is segmented.
Segmentation using growing algorithms, however, may be prone to an error known as "leakage" where voxels that are not truly part of the structure get misidentified as being part of the structure or voxels that are part of the structure get misidentified as being not part of the structure. This sort of error is known as leakage because it can result from a single voxel outside of the structure being misidentified as part of the structure, and then more erroneously characterized voxels may grow from this single voxel. Once the segmentation growth has breached the true boundary between structures, there may be little to stop the growing segmentation from fully encompassing proximate structures.
The extent of leakage may be minimized by taking into consideration prior knowledge such as the approximate size of the structure being segmented so that growth does not occur beyond a predetermined perimeter. However, after leakage has occurred, the user may have to manually adjust the segmentation to ensure that no voxels have been mischaracterized.


A water pump for cooling an engine in which an impeller accommodated in a pump housing provided on an engine body is mounted on an end of a rotational shaft rotatably supported on the pump housing for enhancing the reliability of the mounting strength of the impeller while avoiding an increase in cost. A fitting recess for fitting an end of the rotational shaft having an outer circumferential surface which is straight in an axial direction at least in a portion on the impeller side is provided in a central portion of the impeller. A bolt inserted into the central portion of the impeller is threaded in a coaxial direction with the end of the rotational shaft in a state that is fitted in the fitting recess.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an improvement in a water pump for cooling an engine in which an impeller accommodated in a pump housing provided on an engine body is mounted on an end of a rotational shaft supported rotatably on the pump housing.
2. Description of Background Art
A water pump for cooling an engine having a male thread threaded on the outer circumference of one end of a rotational shaft and mounted relative to a central portion of an impeller to thereby mount the impeller on the end of the rotational shaft has been known, for example, in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-88056.
A reaction generated by receiving fluid resistance caused by the cooling liquid within the pump housing exerts a bending load on the rotational shaft through the rotating impeller. In the above-described prior art, a small diameter shaft having a male thread on the outer circumference thereof is provided coaxially with the end of the rotational shaft. The bending load is concentrically exerted on the base of the shaft. Therefore, when an attempt is made to increase the number of rotations of the engine and to make the impeller a larger size, there is possibly an affect on the reliance of strength of the base of the shaft. When an attempt is made to produce a shaft with a larger diameter, the rotational shaft itself becomes a larger diameter. Thus, changes or modifications are necessary for other parts constituting the water pump, resulting in an increase in costs.