A variable capacitance element includes a piezoelectric substrate, a buffer layer located on the piezoelectric substrate with an orientation, a dielectric layer located on the buffer layer and having a relative dielectric constant that varies in accordance with an applied voltage, and a first electrode and a second electrode arranged to apply an electric field to the dielectric layer.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a variable capacitance element that includes a dielectric layer whose relative dielectric constant varies in accordance with an applied voltage, and in particular, relates to a variable capacitance element that includes such a dielectric film and that is provided on a piezoelectric substrate, and to a tunable filter that includes the variable capacitance element.
2. Description of the Related Art
To date, a variable capacitance element whose capacitance can be varied has been widely used in an electronic component. As such a variable capacitance element, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 11-260667 discloses, for example, a variable capacitance element in which a barium strontium titanate film is formed as a dielectric layer on a ceramic substrate.
Meanwhile, for mobile communication devices such as a cellular phone, there is a strong demand for reducing the size and weight of electronic components. In order to meet such a demand, piezoelectric devices such as a piezoelectric resonator and a piezoelectric filter are widely used.
In Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2008-54046 listed below, a piezoelectric filter illustrated in FIG. 19 is disclosed as an example of this type of piezoelectric device. A piezoelectric filter 1001 includes a series piezoelectric resonator 1002 and parallel piezoelectric resonators 1003 and 1004. An inductor 1005 is connected between the parallel piezoelectric resonator 1003 and the ground potential. Further, an inductor 1006 is connected between the parallel piezoelectric resonator 1004 and the ground potential. Furthermore, a bypass piezoelectric resonator 1007 is connected between a node between the parallel piezoelectric resonator 1003 and the inductor 1005 and a node between the parallel piezoelectric resonator 1004 and the inductor 1006. A variable capacitor 1008 is connected in parallel with the bypass piezoelectric resonator 1007.
FIG. 20 is a schematic plan view of the piezoelectric filter 1001, and FIG. 21 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion along the A-A line in FIG. 20. The piezoelectric filter 1001 includes a substrate 1009 that is formed of a silicon or glass substrate or the like. The series piezoelectric resonator 1002 and the parallel piezoelectric resonators 1003 and 1004 are formed of piezoelectric thin film resonators that are provided on the substrate 1009. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 21, the series piezoelectric resonator 1002 and the bypass piezoelectric resonator 1007 are configured as piezoelectric thin film resonators over cavities 1009a and 1009b that are provided in the substrate 1009.
Meanwhile, the variable capacitor 1008 for adjusting filter characteristics is formed of a lower electrode 1011, a dielectric layer 1012, and an upper electrode 1013 that are stacked in this order on an insulator layer 1010 that is provided on the substrate 1009. Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 11-260667 indicates that the dielectric layer 1012 is formed of barium strontium titanate (BaxSr1-xTiO3) or the like.
In addition, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2008-54046 discloses that the insulator layer 1010 is formed of silicon dioxide, silicon nitride, or the like, and the lower electrode 1011 is formed of the same material as the lower electrode of the piezoelectric thin film resonator, such as Mo, Al, Ag, W, Pt, or the like.
According to Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 11-260667, since a variable capacitance element having a dielectric layer of barium strontium titanate formed on a ceramic substrate can be provided, a small-sized element with a large capacitance variation can be obtained.
However, a dielectric layer of barium strontium titanate could be deposited well only on specific substrates such as a ceramic substrate of alumina or the like or a semiconductor substrate. Accordingly, in a case where a piezoelectric substrate for, for example, a surface acoustic wave device, a boundary acoustic wave device, or a Lamb wave device is used, a variable capacitance element that includes a dielectric layer having good characteristics and formed of barium strontium titanate could not be formed on the piezoelectric substrate.
Further, the deposition temperature of BST is as high as 800° C. to 900° C. Therefore, if a BST film is to be formed on a piezoelectric substrate that is formed of a piezoelectric material having a low Curie temperature, there is a risk of the piezoelectric characteristics thereof being degraded. Further, there are also such problems as the piezoelectric substrate warping or breaking and the BST film peeling off.
According to Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2008-54046, the variable capacitance is formed of a layered body of the lower electrode 1011, the ferroelectric layer 1012, and the upper electrode 1013, and thus a variable capacitance structure portion can be reduced in size and in thickness.
Here, if the variable capacitance element disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 11-260667 is to be used in a piezoelectric device, an excellent BST film cannot be formed on the piezoelectric substrate, as described above. Therefore, as indicated in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2008-54046 as well, a piezoelectric thin film resonator needed to be constructed by forming a piezoelectric layer on the substrate 1009 that is formed of a glass or silicon substrate, and then, the variable capacitance element needed to be constructed separately.
Thus, the piezoelectric device could not be reduced in size. Further, interconnect resistance occurred between the piezoelectric resonator and the variable capacitance element, degradation of the characteristics occurred due to a parasitic component, and in turn the characteristics of the obtained piezoelectric device were not sufficient.
It should be noted that, in a modification of a fourth preferred embodiment described in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2008-54046, a tunable filter is disclosed in which a variable capacitance element formed of a surface acoustic wave resonator and a varactor diode is formed on a piezoelectric substrate. In this modification, the variable capacitance element is formed of the varactor diode and is different from a variable capacitor that includes the ferroelectric layer.

Variable capacitance element and tunable filter


The invention relates to an optical computing element for use in an optical computer utilizing computing light rays having a plurality of wavelength components. The optical computing element comprises a photo-chemical hole burning element which functions as a wavelength selecting filter of the computing light rays. Therefore, the optical computer using the photo-chemical hole burning element of the invention can perform arithmetic operations by taking advantage of differences in optical wavelength. The computer can efficiently perform bulky arithmetic processing, and can also speedily perform arithmetic operations through simultaneous parallel processing for information.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to an optical computing element for use in an optical computer which performs optical parallel operation of the multiplex wavelength type.
2. Description of the Prior Art
FIG. 1 is a fundamental schematic diagram illustrating a conventional optical parallel computer as shown, for example, in Oyo Buturi, vol. 54, No. 10 (1985), pp. 1019-1030. The FIG. 1 optical computer is a computer of the so called non von Neumann type in which a central processing unit 16 (hereinafter referred to as CPU) and a memory 17 are interconnected in parallel by a plurality of signal lines through an optical interconnection 8 capable of changing a coupling area. Input of information to the CPU 16 and output from the CPU 16 are channeled through an input output part 18.
Since the CPU 16 and the memory 17 are interconnected in parallel as above mentioned, programs, data items, and the like are written into and read from the memory 17 in parallel relation through individual signal lines.
With such conventional computer of the non von Neumann type, as above mentioned, however, the difficulty is that although there are a multiplicity of signal lines arranged in parallel, one signal line can deal with one signal only, which fact makes it impracticable to perform bulky operation in an efficient manner.
In an attempt to overcome this difficulty there has been proposed an optical computer in which light rays having a plurality of wavelengths are used as computing light rays to enable arithmetic operations to be executed in optical wavelength orders. However, there has been no corresponding development of an element which could control only a particular wavelength component of such computing light rays having a plurality of wavelengths.


A container for housing a beneficial agent that can be removably coupled to a structure defining a fluid flow path. The container comprises a body defining a first and second interior area separated by a wall that terminates at an opening providing fluid communication between the first and second interior area. A cannula is provided that extends from the body for being removably received by the structure defining the fluid path. The cannula includes an inlet opening and inlet fluid flow path and an outlet opening and outlet fluid flow path. The inlet fluid flow path being in fluid communication with the first interior area, and the outlet fluid flow path being in fluid communication with the second interior area. The second interior area houses the solid beneficial agent and allows fluid that flows through the inlet fluid flow path to pass by at least a portion of the beneficial agent.

The present invention relates to the delivery of beneficial agents within the fluid flow of a medical fluid. More specifically, the present invention relates to the control delivery into a fluid flow system of an agent that is dissolved so that it can become part of the fluid flow system.
It is known to parenterally deliver and collect medical fluids. Principally, these fluids are delivered, via an intravenous route or intraperitoneally. Examples of some intravenous fluids include blood and blood fractions, sugar, electrolytes, osmotic solutions, and nutrient preparations. Of course, many beneficial and therapeutic agents are delivered parenterally to avoid the digestive tract and liver. To this end, it is known to add medicaments and other agents to parenteral fluids for their intravenous administration.
Typically, these additional agents are added to a parenteral fluid reservoir by a pharmacist or a nurse. Because the addition of such agents is a labor intensive step, providing the opportunity for mistake and/or error, and further, since many beneficial agents are less stable in solution than in dry form, systems have been developed to facilitate formulation of soluble dry agents with parenteral fluid immediately before use.
Examples of systems to formulate parenteral fluid with soluble dry agents in situ in a formulation chamber associated with a primary delivery device include U.S. Pat. No. 4,552,555. Control delivery of a beneficial agent into a medical fluid can also be achieved through the diffusion of the agent from a non-erodible polymer matrix that contains and serves as a reservoir of the agent. Such systems are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,921,636 and 4,511,353.
It is also known to provide a matrix that contains and/or protects, as necessary, one or more entrapped beneficial agents in a dry, stable state. The matrix, when placed in a flow chamber in a medical fluid administration line, disappears as the agent is delivered into the flowing stream, indicating delivery of the dose.
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 07/345,334, now abandoned entitled: "COMPOSITION AND METHOD FOR ADMINISTRATION OF BENEFICIAL AGENTS BY A CONTROLLED DISSOLUTION", assigned to the assignee of the instant patent application, provides an anhydrous, solid, water-soluble composition for the direct controlled administration of beneficial agents into a flow of medical fluid. The composition includes a matrix that is soluble in the medical fluid and in which the beneficial agent or agents are dispersed. Preferably, the matrix comprises one or more sugars or sugar alcohols in anhydrous solidified melt form. The beneficial agent or agents are distributed in particulate form and in predetermined patterns within the matrix. The beneficial agent can be carried in a conduit through which the medical solution passes. As the solution passes through the beneficial agent, a controlled amount of beneficial agent dissolves into each aliquot of medical solution which passes. The controlled amount per aliquot being substantially uniform for all the aliquots that pass from the first one to the last one.
An example of the use of the controlled administration of the beneficial agent is with respect to blood collected from a donor. As blood is collected from a donor, it passes into a container such as a blood bag which contains an anticoagulant system. Such anticoagulant systems typically include a small amount of liquid solution which is stored in the bag, usually ACD, CPD, CPD-adenine, or the like. In use with the controlled administration of the beneficial agent, the beneficial agent can be an anticoagulant/storage agent through which the blood passes on its way into a container.
U.S patent application Ser. No. 07/121,001, entitled: "AMPULE FOR CONTROLLED ADMINISTRATION OF BENEFICIAL AGENT" now U.S. Pat. No. 5,030,203 discloses a flexible ampule for use with a beneficial agent. The flexible ampule defines a pair of opposed, flexible sides sealingly enclosing a space which contains a mass of beneficial agent which is soluble in aqueous solution. Inlet and outlet ports communicate with the space and exterior of the ampule. Flow promoting means are positioned between the mass of beneficial agent at least one opposed, flexible side, to facilitate the formation of fluid flow paths along the path of the beneficial agent.
It is also known to provide in a set for the intravenous administration or other parenteral administration to a patient of a fluid solution a Y-site. The Y-site functions to provide a fluid flow path from a container to the patient while still allowing, via an injection site, a method for injecting or placing a second fluid or agent within the fluid flow path. To this end, the Y-site typically includes a tube extending from one arm of the Y-site and a tube extending from the bottom of the Y-site. The second arm of the Y-site includes an injection site. Fluid flows from the first arm of the injection site through the bottom of the Y-site into the second tube.
It is also known to provide in a set for parenteral administration a needleless injection site. An example of such a needleless injection site is disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 07/147,414, abandoned in favor of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 07/539,278, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 5,188,620. The needleless injection site allows a blunt cannula to enter the injection site allowing the addition of a fluid or agent to the Y-site.

Container for the controlled administration of a beneficial agent


A Computed Tomography system for obtaining annular views of cylindrical octs, in which x-ray scanning is done of an annulus of the objects, and the computation necessary to derive the reconstructed image in polar coordinates is limited to the annulus of the objects, ignoring the other areas. Normalization is done to adjust the reconstructed image to the number of scans made of the various areas of the object.

This invention relates to the examination of objects using a system of computed tomography (CT). CT is ordinarily used to examine the complete cross section of an object being studied, whether or not the entire object is of interest. When only an annular ring of the object is of interest, it is still necessary to scan the entire object, do the computations necessary for the entire object, and ignore the core of the object as not of interest.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,422,177 to Richard Mastronardi et al (1983) undertakes to do CT scanning of tubular objects such as rocket motors, but data concerning the entire cross-section is provided in a conventional manner to a computer for apparently conventional computations.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,725,963 to Morris Taylor et al (1988) discloses a CT system for inspecting cross-sections of tubes, but the scanning and computation do not allow the system to ignore the core of the tube.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,888,693 to Kwok C. Tam (1989) discloses a CT system for estimating the outer boundary or hull of an object, but the purpose of this system is not to examine the periphery of the object but to determine the position of the discontinuity between inside and outside the object.

The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy


A ball and socket joint with integrated angle sensor, especially for use as a vehicle level control in the chassis of a motor vehicle. The ball and socket joint has a ball and socket joint housing (1), a ball pivot (2) mounted in the ball and socket joint housing (1), a bipolar field transducer (4) arranged at the joint ball (3) of the ball pivot (2), and at least one magnetic field direction sensor (5), which is arranged at the ball and socket joint housing (1) and interacts with the magnetic field generated by the field transducer (4), wherein only one pole of the bipolar field transducer (4) is arranged on the surface of the ball.

The use of a ball and socket joint as a vehicle level sensor for the contactless and continuous measurement of the changes in the position of the vehicle body in motor vehicle chassis, wherein the ball and socket joint housing and the ball pivot are arranged between the vehicle chassis and the wheel suspension, is known from EP 617 260 A1. It is proposed in that document that the information obtained from the vehicle level sensor be used for headlight leveling control and/or vehicle level control.
The ball and socket joint has a bipolar field transducer arranged at the joint ball of the ball pivot and a magnetoresistive sensor arranged at the ball and socket joint housing in the range affected by the field transducer. The sensor shall detect here the position of the ball pivot or a change in this position, during which the position of the field transducer in relation to the sensor and consequently the magnetic field at the site of the sensor changes, as accurately as possible via the detected field. It is proposed for this purpose that the sensor and the field transducer be arranged opposite each other in the joint ball and in the ball and socket joint housing, so that the measured signals generated reflect the actual changes in the position of the vehicle body, without interference by three-dimensional motions occurring in the axle area of a vehicle.
However, measurement results that are sufficient for the motor vehicle cannot be expected with the one sensor in terms of accuracy in the case of this ball pivot, because the sensor can measure only one direction of motion (degree of freedom) of the ball pivot, and the other two degrees of freedom must be determined by means of electronic evaluation or excluded.
To improve the accuracy of measurement, it is proposed, furthermore, in the patent application DE 101 34 259 A1 that at least two field sensors be arranged in the ball and socket joint housing diametrically opposite each other on an orbit in the area of the ball surface. It is thus possible with the two different poles of the field transducer, which are arranged on the ball surface, to determine a pivoting and rotation about its central axis. To determine the exact position of the ball pivot in space in relation to the ball and socket joint housing in all three degrees of freedom, it is proposed that three field sensors be arranged on the orbit at a distance of 120°.

Ball-and-socket joint with an angle sensor


A method of displaying and stocking three categories of an article which comprises:. supplying first, second and third categories of an article each having associated therewith respectively, first, second and third indicia having, respectively, first, second and third visual appearances, which visual appearances being different from one another; and PA0 mounting or arranging the articles in the first second and third categories on respectively, first, second and third regions of a display unit wherein said first, second and third regions have associated therewith first, second and third indicia substantially similar in appearance to said first, second and third visual appearances.

Applicant has observed that a number of varieties of sunglasses are sold which have a shape and form such that they appeal in the following categories:
1. Mens PA1 2. Ladies PA1 3. Children PA1 4. Sports and Unisex PA1 supplying first, second and third categories of an article each having associated therewith respectively, first, second and third indicia having, respectively, first, second and third visual appearances, said visual appearances being different from one another; and PA1 mounting or arranging the articles in the first second and third categories on respectively, first, second and third regions of a display unit wherein said first, second and third regions have associated therewith first, second and third indicia substantially similar in appearance to said first, second and third visual appearances.
However, such sunglasses are typically displayed on a vertical stand and may not be ordered on the stand with respect to the above categories.
Alternatively, even if the sunglasses are ordered on the stand with respect to the above categories the sunglasses may become disordered due to potential customers picking up sunglasses of one category and later replacing those sunglasses on the stand but amongst sunglasses of another category.
Further, storekeepers may themselves place sunglasses of one category amongst sunglasses of another category, such as when tidying the display stand or replenishing the display stand after sales have occurred.
In consequence of the above, display stands can become very disordered and this may result in frustration or annoyance to potential customers in that they may have difficulty in selecting a pair of sunglasses of the desired category or may not be able to readily view all sunglasses of a desired category and thus sales may be lost.
Storekeepers may also be frustrated or annoyed in consequence of being uncertain how many sunglasses or a particular category are currently on the display stand and being uncertain whether or not to order more stock and which stock and how much stock to order.
Further, a sunglasses manufacturer's representative may have similar frustrations and annoyances as does a storekeeper.
The above problems are not confined to sunglasses and will also occur with respect to categories of wool, fastenings, light globes, spices and other articles.
The present invention seeks to provide an at least partial solution to at least some of the above problems.


A new and distinct Salvia cultivar named ‘BARSAL’ is disclosed, characterized by an attractive upright plant habit, easily producing lateral branches. ‘BARSAL’ produces violet flowers continuously from May to November. The new variety is a Salvia, normally produced as an outdoor garden or container plant.

The new cultivar is a product of chance discovery by the inventor, Michel Barrault, a citizen of France. The new variety was discovered as an individual seedling during 2010 t a commercial nursery in Maine de Loire, France. The parent varieties are unknown, however the inventor's best information leads him to believe the seed parent is the commercial, unpatented variety Salvia gregii 'Lycoides'. The pollen parent is unknown.
Asexual reproduction of the new cultivar 'BARSAL' by vegetative cuttings was first performed at the same commercial greenhouse in La Possoniere, France in 2010 and has shown that the unique features of this cultivar are stable and reproduced true to type on successive generations.


A droplet generation device comprising a reservoir split into at least two regions by a substantially liquid impermeable barrier, a perforate membrane connecting one of said regions, containing, in use, the liquid to be dispensed, to the atmosphere, such that vibration of the membrane causes the liquid to be ejected through the perforate membrane into the atmosphere, and a pressure control system consisting of one or more valves in which at least one valve vents gas into the reservoir in response to a pressure difference, ΔPin, across it that is less than zero, and at least one valve is connected to a non-liquid-containing region of the reservoir and vents gas out of the reservoir in response to a pressure difference, ΔPout, across it that is greater than ΔPin, where ΔPin and ΔPout are the absolute pressure of the gas in the reservoir minus the absolute atmospheric pressure outside of the reservoir.

It is well known in the art that these devices require the liquid pressure at the back of the membrane to be close to or more ideally slightly below the gas pressure present at the front of the membrane when in use. If liquid pressure is too high (typically greater than 2 kPa above the gas pressure at the front of the membrane but less than this for low surface tension liquids), liquid can wet out onto the front surface of the membrane leading to failure in the droplet generation mechanism. For some liquids the pressure must be below atmospheric pressure at spray commencement (typically by 0.5 kPa or more, in some cases by 2 kPa or more) as otherwise the membrane vibration process can lead to pumping of liquid onto the front surface of the membrane rather than spray generation. However if the liquid pressure is too low, gas can be drawn from the front side to the back side of the membrane which can cause a range of problems depending on the embodiment including reduced performance and foaming of the liquid. Generally too high a liquid pressure is more detrimental to device performance as compared to too low a pressure. It should also be noted that, for some applications and liquids, air is drawn back into the reservoir as droplets are ejected even if the liquid is at atmospheric pressure.
In addition to the above, such devices must also cope with natural changes in atmospheric conditions including temperature and pressure without failure either during operation or between operations. Operational failure may include reduced or no spray or leakage through the membrane. Non-operational failure may include leakage through the membrane or another interface between any liquid filled volume and the atmosphere. Surviving and working with atmospheric pressure and temperature changes is a particular challenge to portable devices, for example personal fragrance dispensers, which may be stored and used in a wide range of locations and orientations.
A further requirement of such devices, particularly those with liquid volumes that are pre-filled or used over an extended period, is to minimise liquid loss through evaporation. This is a particular challenge where the liquid to be sprayed is volatile such as an alcohol or solvent as for these liquids a significant volume can be rapidly lost if evaporation is not controlled.
There therefore exists the need for a fluid management approach that can, for vibrating perforate membrane spray devices (or devices that vibrate a surface close to the back of a perforate membrane), minimise loss through evaporation, minimise the possibility of leakage either in use or between use and ensure the liquid to be atomised is at or slightly below atmospheric pressure at the onset of atomisation. This approach should ideally be low cost to enable use in the consumer market and enable a master cartridge model so that the liquid containing component can be replaced without needing to replace the higher cost electronics components that drive the perforate membrane vibration.

Fluid management for vibrating perforate membrane spray systems


An improved crack stop structure (and method of forming) is provided within a die seal ring of an integrated circuit die to increase crack resistance during the dicing of a semiconductor wafer. The crack stop structure includes a stack layer (of alternating insulating and conductive layers) and an anchor system extending from the stack layer to a predetermined point below the surface of the substrate. A crack stop trench is formed in the substrate and filled with material having good crack resistance to anchor the stack layer to the substrate.

Both U.S. Pat. No. 6,300,223 to Chang, et al. and United States Patent Application Publication 2006/0264035 to Nogami provide general descriptions of die seal ring structures and each proposes a different approach to reduce stress induced during the wafer dicing (cutting) process. U.S. Pat. No. 6,300,223 to Chang, et al. and United States Patent Application Publication 2006/0264035 are incorporated herein by reference.
Due to shrinking dimensions for the devices fabricated on an integrated circuit, fabrication processes are now utilizing low or ultra low K dielectric material. Utilization of such dielectric material may affect reliability due to its inferior mechanical properties (e.g., low modulus, low strength, poor adhesion) as compared to conventional dielectrics (e.g., silicon dioxide). In addition, technology reduction with a decrease in saw street width (in order to obtain extra space to accommodate more transistors in the integrated circuit) may cause an increased risk of crack propagation into the stack layer or at the pre-metal dielectric and silicon substrate interface. Further, with 3D Through-Silicon Via (TSV) assembly technology emerging in the near future, dicing of stacked wafers (i.e., especially for the wafer backside), can potentially trigger cracking at the pre-metal dielectric and silicon substrate interface.
Now turning to FIG. 1, there is shown a cross-sectional view of a typical die seal ring structure 110 fabricated around the perimeter of the active area 120 (i.e., the integrated circuit) of a die 100 on a wafer. The die ring seal 110 includes a crack stop structure (CS) 130 designed to prevent crack propagation and a moisture oxidation barrier (MOB) 140 to reduce moisture ingression into the active die area during the dice process, package and assembly process, and environmental stress conditioning. As illustrated in FIG. 1, small buffer areas separate the CS 130 from a saw street region 150, the CS 130 from the MOB 140, and the MOB 140 from the active area 120. During wafer dicing, a substantial amount of stress (energy) is generated from the cutting action along the saw street. This stress is usually transferred laterally to the die seal ring region and may cause cracking in weak materials or material interfaces, and cracking may propagate into the active area. Cracking within the active area usually renders the integrated circuit defective.
In U.S. Pat. No. 6,300,223, a substrate trench (unfilled) is fabricated in a buffer space (i.e., the saw street region) adjacent a scribe line to reduce lateral stress during wafer cutting. This approach does not appear to address the crack propagation problem at the pre-metal dielectric and silicon substrate interface. In US Patent Application Publication No. 2006/0264035, a crack stop trench is formed and filled with material having high crack resistance. One problem with the fabrication method disclosed therein is the difficulty in etching the crack stop trench through four layers of material (two metal, one inter-level dielectric, and one dielectric). Moreover, the resulting interface between the crack stop trench fill material and the silicon substrate may not be strong enough to resist crack propagating at the interface.
Current crack stop structures, such as the CS 130 in FIG. 1, might adequately prevent crack propagation between different metal layers and dielectric material layers in the stack layer, but may not protect against cracking in a weak mechanical interface between the pre-metal dielectric layer (CA) and the silicon (semiconductor) substrate 160.
Therefore, there is a need for an improved crack stop structure (and method of fabricating) in the die seal ring surrounding the active area of a die on a wafer.

Fabricating method for crack stop structure enhancement of integrated circuit seal ring


A process for removing contaminants from PET components by mixing ethanediol with the PET feedstock at a temperature about the boiling point of ethanediol and for a time sufficient to convert the polyethylene terephthate components to polyethylene terephthate polymers which are soluble in the ethanediol and form bis(hydroxyethyl)terephthalate and produce a product mixture thereof containing insoluble materials. The soluble polyethylene terephthate polymers, bis(hydroxyethyl)terephthalate and ethanediol are recovered from the product mixture.

PET is a thermoplastic polyester that can be formed from 1,2-dihydroxyethane ("ethanediol") and terephthalic acid by direct esterification to form bis(hydroxy ethyl)terephthalate ester ("BHT") which is then polymerized by catalyzed ester exchange to useful polymers.
Traditionally, PET has been used extensively because it can be offered as an oriented film or fiber, has high tenacity, good electrical resistance and low moisture absorption together with a melting point of approximately 265° C. PET has been found to be particularly valuable for the manufacture of bottles for containing carbonated drinks where the bottle must have good tensile strength to resist explosion, and low mass for convenient transport and use. The extensive use of polyethylene terephthalate bottles has given rise to the need to recycle the PET bottles.
Methods for the removal of contaminants from PET are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,602,187, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. The methods disclosed in this patent all required a first pretreatment step to embrittle the PET components of the composition. Thereafter, the embrittled components are further treated so as to allow the contaminants to be removed. In particular, the PET was first embrittled in ethanediol then crushed and foreign plastics which remain uncrushed removed. The crushed crumb may be separated from paper fiber and glue by hindered settling.
This embrittlement step requires substantial time, manpower and expense to obtained the finished product.
The rise in the usage of PET bottles has caused a decrease in the usage of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) bottles as they are more expensive and are difficult to recycle. This development has markedly increased the PET content of the available recycled plastic bottle feedstock. Additionally, improvements in sorting technology now provides feedstock PET having lower contamination levels then the earlier feedstocks. Further, improvements in washing technology has resulted in reduction of potentially harmful contamination in such feedstocks.
As a result, a need exists for an improvement in the method for removal of contaminants from the PET feedstock to take advantage of the above noted advantages provided by these new technologies.

Method for the decontamination of polyethylene terephthalate


An orthopedic interference screw for compression anchoring a bone graft in a bore formed in a bone mass. The interference screw includes a biocompatible body with a root. A screw thread is formed over substantially all of the root. The screw thread includes buttress structure on only one side of the screw thread so that forces applied to the screw thread from a side remote from the buttress structure will be buttressed by the buttress structure.

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is frequently injured in contact sports and other activities. Such injuries cause instability in the knee to an extent that ACL reconstruction may be required. Medical procedures have developed over the years to enable in ACL reconstruction, the substitution of a ligament or graft and attaching both ends thereof to the distal femur or proximal tibia to facilitate regrowth and permanent attachment. One method for increasing the strength of the graft attachment comprises wedging an interference screw between a graft bone block and an interior wall of a bore (osseous tunnel) formed through the bone mass. Tension forces applied to the graft after it has been attached to the femur and tibia are considerable and it is essential that the interference screw so utilized in the medical procedure have sufficient strength to resist the tendencies for the replacement ligament (graft) to pull out of the osseous tunnels formed in the bone mass.
Applicants have noted that the tendency for interference screws to pull out of the osseous tunnels when considerable forces are applied to the substitute ligament are caused in part by either weak bone structure or flexure of the thread design utilized on the interference screws. Thus, a need remains for a high strength interference screw for use in surgical procedures, such as ACL reconstruction.
Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to provide an orthopedic interference screw for compression anchoring a bone graft in an osseous tunnel formed in a bone mass.
It is a further object of the invention to provide an orthopedic interference screw for use in ACL reconstruction.
It is a further object of the invention to provide an orthopedic interference screw, as aforesaid, which is made of a biocompatible material and having a root with front and back ends and further including an outer surface with a uniform taper at a root taper angle to a longitudinal axis of the screw and the formation of a screw thread over substantially all of the root, the screw thread including crests with a uniform surface area along the length thereof and uniformly spirally expanding from the outer surface of the root over at least the front end of the screw so that an aggregate of the crests form at least at the aforesaid front end of the screw a crest taper angle greater than the root taper angle.
It is a further object of the invention to provide an orthopedic interference screw, as aforesaid, wherein the root has front and back ends and further includes an outer surface with a uniform taper at a root taper angle to a longitudinal axis of the screw between the front and back ends, wherein a screw thread is formed over substantially all of the root, the screw thread including crests with a uniform surface area along a length thereof and uniformly spirally expanding from the outer surface of the root from the front end to the back end so that an aggregate of the crests form a crest taper angle greater than the root taper angle, and wherein the screw thread includes a buttress construction on only one side of the screw thread capable of reinforcing the screw thread so that forces applied to a graft bone block engaged with the screw thread will be buttressed by the aforesaid buttress construction forming a part of the screw thread construction.
It is a further object of the invention to provide both non-cannulated and cannulated versions of the inventive screws, as aforesaid.
It is a further object of the invention to provide an orthopedic interference screw, as aforesaid, which can be utilized in a medical procedure for endosteal fixation of a graft including the method step of selecting at least two different screws, one screw having buttressed threads oriented on an axially facing side facing toward the tip end of the screw and the other screw having buttress threads thereon which are each oriented on an axially facing side facing toward a head end of the screw.
It is a further object of the invention to provide a method of endosteal fixation, as aforesaid, wherein each of the screws is cannulated to facilitate installation of the respective screws utilizing a guide wire positioned through the osseous tunnel and each of the respective screws during the screw installation process.


A selectively controllable inflation-deflation device for use with a balloon catheter during angioplasty procedures is disclosed. The device is constructed so that the piston shaft can be 1) locked and then rotatably and incrementally moved within the syringe cylinder to enable controlled pressurization, or 2) unlocked and moved within the cylinder to enable fluid purging of the cylinder and retraction of the piston shaft to a vacuum position. The device has a cylinder with proximal and distal ends and a fluid conduit adapted for communication with a balloon. A piston shaft is received within the proximal end of the cylinder. The piston shaft includes a piston mounted on the distal end of the shaft and the shaft is movable in one direction during inflation and in a second direction during deflation of the balloon. Screw threads are positioned on at least a portion of the piston shaft. A cam mechanism in the preferred form of a flexible arm and half nut member is mounted within the cylinder. A cam actuation mechanism in the preferred form of a collar is rotatably mounted on the cylinder and includes an extension that contacts a cam surface on the flexible arm and compresses the support arm to engage and disengage the half nut member with the threaded piston shaft.

Inflation devices are commonly used by the medical profession in different applications, such as angiography and angioplasty procedures. Many of the inflation devices are simple in design, and mass produced from a plastic material. These basic inflation devices include a cylinder having a proximal end opening, a fluid conduit at the distal end which is adapted to be connected to a balloon, and a shaft and piston inserted within the proximal end of the cylinder for forcing fluid out of the fluid conduit when the piston shaft is extended into the cylinder.
Typically, simple syringes used as inflation devices are not designed to precisely control the amount of fluid discharged to the balloon. As a result, the devices are inadequate for many angioplasty procedures in which the pressure within the balloon must be precisely controlled. Angioplasty procedures require an inflation device that will accurately pressurize the balloon. Additionally, it is advantageous for an inflation device to allow the balloon to be selectively deflated during the procedure.
Various proposed inflation devices used in angioplasty and similar procedures provide for selective and controlled inflation and deflation of the balloon. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,583,974 to Kokernak discloses an inflation device for use in angioplasty in which a threaded half nut latch is pivotally attached to the cylinder. The shaft is threaded and the latch is manually moved between a disengaged position in which the shaft is free to move axially within the cylinder and an engaged position in which the half nut extends through a slot opening in the barrel to engage the threaded shaft to lock the shaft in position. In this locked position, the shaft is rotated to move the shaft within the cylinder.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,057,078 to Foote et al. discloses another inflation device in which a hand-held trigger is secured to the device handle to actuate sliding channels and a spring to force a threaded rack out of engagement with threads positioned on the interior surface of the cylinder. When the threads are engaged, the handle can be turned and the piston shaft may be incrementally moved within the cylinder to enable controlled pressurization. When the piston threads are not engaged, the piston shaft is unlocked and free to move axially within the cylinder.
Although these proposals provide an inflation device in which the piston shaft can be locked or unlocked for either controlled, incremental movement or free, axial movement within the cylinder, the proposed designs do not offer a mechanism for controlling locking and unlocking of the piston shaft which takes advantage of the cylindrical design of the inflation device. The cylindrical configuration of the cylinder and piston shaft can accommodate designs in which simple, rotatably movable components such as cams, cam followers, and semicircular shaped half nuts can be mounted within the cylinder and actuated by means external to the cylinder, such as a collar or the piston shaft itself. These mechanisms can in turn reliably lock and unlock threaded locking assemblies. Many locking mechanisms used with cylindrically configured inflation devices typically use racks or pivoted assemblies which are more complex, expensive, ergonomically inefficient, or difficult to use than the more desired rotatably movable components such as cams, cam followers, and half nuts.

Selectively controllable inflation-deflation device adapted for use in angioplasty procedures


A device for releasably attaching a cover (11) to an engine housing (10) of a power-driven tool, such as a motor saw. The device includes at least one spring clip (12) which is adapted to be releasably connected to one of the engine housing and the cover. A guide pin (15) is attached to the engine housing or the cover adjacent to the spring clip and adapted to engage in a complementary recess (16) in the cover or the engine housing. A supporting plate (17); made of a hard material, is attached to the engine housing or the cover around the guide pin.

The present invention relates to an attachment device, especially for releasably attaching a cover to an engine housing of a power-driven tool such as a motor saw, comprising at least one spring clip adapted to be releasably connected to the engine housing and/or the cover, and a guide pin attached to the engine housing or the cover adjacent to the spring clip and adapted to engage in a complementary recess in the cover or engine housing.
For attaching a cylinder cover to a motor chain saw, for example, it is preferable to use spring clips that can easily and quickly be clamped and released, to facilitates the attachment and removal of the cover. In chain saws and similar tools having an internal combustion engine, however, secure attachment of the cover encounters problems caused by engine vibrations. Such vibrations result in mutual movement of the interengaging surfaces of the cover and the engine housing. For example, when a cover of glass-fibre reinforced plastic abuts an engine housing of a light metal, such as magnesium, such mutual movement will result in wear of the interengaging surfaces, primarily on the engine housing. Similar wear problems may occur even in the case of other combinations of material, such as when both the interengaging surfaces are made of reinforced plastic, or metal.


An improved belt scraper assembly for belt conveyors includes a blade assembly and a hinge assembly mounted on either side of a supporting flexible member for facilitating twin blade cleaning. The blade assembly is operatively connected to the hinge assembly which is adapted to ensure limited rotational motion of the blade assembly.

In mining industry, conveyor belts are used to receive, transport, and deliver mined substances from one location to another for further processing or unloading.
During the process, particles frequently accumulate on the conveyor belt surface. Without the removal of the particles, the conveyor belt may become inoperative.
So, belt scrapers are used in bulk material handling belt conveyors to avoid material carry back, reduce spillage and keep belt clean. Clean belts help prevent material build up on snub pulley and return idlers and increase its life, thereby reducing cleaning cost, downtime cost and mis-tracking of the belt.
In first generation Counter weight belt scraper, single blade design is made from thick rubber strip (wider than belt width) under the return belt and the counter weight provided at the side of the belt scraper with a pivot point to provide contact with the belt. The initial load exerted to the belt is approximately 80-90 Kgs. With time when the cleaning effectiveness reduces, the weight is increased and it can go up to 150 Kgs.
Cleaning efficiency is approx 60-68% and always, it is needed to increase counter weight load on a regular basis against blade wear. It is very less effective and high maintenance is involved.
Second generation fixed mount belt scraper's segmented blades are made of hard alloy steel with rubber cushion at the bottom of blade mounted on a steel tube with both end fixed mount. It does not have automatic adjustments against blade wear. It provides inconsistent contact pressure to the belt which is approximately 100-125 Kgs.
Cleaning efficiency is approx 70-85% and always, there is need to lift-up of the fixed mount on a regular basis against blade wear. It is less effective and high maintenance involved.
Pneumatically operated third generation belt scraper having segmented blades are made of hard alloy steel with or without polymer cushion at the bottom mounted of blade on a steel tube with ratchet and pinion mount and adjustment done through compressed air at 7-10 bars pneumatically. They provide inconsistent load to the belt of approximately 90-110 Kgs.
Cleaning efficiency is approx 75-85%. There is a need to pump air periodically to maintain the blade to belt contact due to drop in air pressure/leakage/chocking of air. Maintenance requirement is high.
In fourth generation belt scrapers with shock absorbers semi automatic adjustments are present to some extent but, but there is a need for periodic manual adjustments against blade wear every 3-4 weeks interval. This type of belt scrapers have segmented type metallic blades with pivot point below the scraping edge mounted on a steel tube with both ends rubber shock absorber. It provides comparatively less load to the belt, which is approximately 24-80 Kgs.
Cleaning efficiency is approx 92-95%. It provides less consistency against heavy duty, high speed, vibration and bi-directional belt operation.
In general, the belt scraper assemblies were not sacrosanct and had one problem or the other, in operation and were not sacrosanct.
Accordingly there is a long felt need to design a sacrosanct belt scraper assembly which ensures two layers of belt cleaning using a single member to carry the blades, eliminates misalignment of blades, ensures automatic adjustment of the blades, ensures, lesser wearing rate and no material build up, ensures size and reduction, easy installation, is suitable for various belt speeds and reduce maintenance costs, suitable for various material and in corrosive environment and ensures easy joining of sub assemblies.
The present invention meets the aforesaid long felt need.
All through out the specification including the claims, the words "conveyor belt", "scraper blade" "scraper holding arm", "spring", "washer", "stud", "blade", "blade tip", "blade tip assembly", "spring", "hinge assembly", "lock", "key", "chain" and "nut" are to be interpreted in the broadest sense of the respective terms and includes all similar items in the field known by other terms, as may be clear to persons skilled in the art. Restriction/limitation, if any, referred to in the specification, is solely by way of example and understanding the present invention.


A steering column for a motor vehicle, having a column jacket for rotatably mounting a steering shaft, and a guide part that engages around the column jacket, in which the column jacket is mounted such that it is telescopically displaceable in the direction of the rotational axis of the steering shaft by means of a motorized longitudinal adjustment drive. The steering column achieves mounting of the column jacket, which mounting is from as low-play as possible to play-free, with low structural complexity and a small installation space, by virtue of the fact that the guide part has a slot, the slot width of which can be varied by means of a clamping screw, such that a play between a bearing surface of the guide part which mounts the column jacket and an outer lateral surface of the column jacket can be set.

A steering column is known from DE 10 2012 104 644 B3. In order to avoid play between an inner column jacket which mounts the steering shaft rotatably and a guide part which mounts the column jacket in a longitudinally displaceable manner, a prestressing system is provided in the case of the known steering column, which prestressing system has a multiplicity of components, inter alia leaf springs for elastic prestress. A disadvantage of said solution is the complicated assembly and the high number of components.
Thus a need exists for an improved electrically adjustable steering column, in the case of which low-play mounting of a column jacket in a guide part is possible by way of simple means.

Electrically adjustable steering column for a motor vehicle


A system and method for communications between a plurality of shipping containers using a short range or local area wireless communication device is provided. The system also contains a cellular communications device, a satellite communications device, or both, which are used to transmit information to, and receive commands from remote central monitoring station. The system includes a method which creates dynamic links between the containers using the short range channel. Containers are organized in networks and sub networks, and have built in redundancy features.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to container security and supply chain management and, more particularly, to the internal communications within a shipping container security system which needs to provide a high degree of operational reliability.
2. Background of the Invention
In today's security conscious transportation environment, there is a strong need to cost-effectively and accurately monitor the contents of containerized shipments. This need exists both in the United States and abroad.
Despite the strong need, until recently few solutions, if any, have been able to provide the protection and accuracy needed to suit the transportation industry and the government agencies charged with monitoring shipments. This lack of an acceptable solution is due to many factors which complicate interstate and international shipping. Shipping containers are used to transport most of the commerce entering, leaving, and transiting or moving within the United States. It is estimated that there are over 6 million containers moving in global commerce. Shipping containers have revolutionized the transportation of goods by greatly reducing the number of times goods must be loaded and unloaded during transport. However, at the same time, this same advantage has created a major problem in that it is very difficult to monitor and track the contents of each container during transport.
Beyond their basic construction, monitoring the content of shipping containers is also difficult because these containers are carried through numerous transit points and depots all over the world and it is impractical to stop and check the contents of each container individually at each point of transit. Dealing with this problem, the U.S. Customs Service estimates it can inspect just 5% of the 6 million containers entering and reentering the U.S. each year. Accordingly, agencies such as the United States Customs Service are seeking improved ways to achieve cargo container security and integrity upon arrival at the ports of entry of the United States.
To date, many government agencies have initiated programs to improve container security. These include many useful elements that are intended to preclude their use by terrorists. However, at present, none of the container tracking systems in use provides a way to assure the integrity of the contents of the containers to assure global container security. Current computer tracking systems are effective at monitoring the location of individual containers from point of origin to destination and maintaining an inventory of loaded and empty containers. Many of these systems rely on communications devices mounted on the containers that send messages regarding the status of to satellites or ground stations, from which the messages are rerouted to shipping companies, freight forwarders, and companies through a central monitoring station. However, these tracking systems are unable to guarantee that a given container does not contain contraband. Furthermore, the proper operation of the communication devices of these systems is critical, and when it is not possible to communicate, the entire functionality of the system is compromised. The invention described herein, provides a safe and reliable alternative method of communication when the primary communication means are not available.
3. Description of the Related Art
A container security system as described by System Planning Corporation (SPC) (U.S. Pat. No. 7,098,784) herein referred to as "the SPC Invention", performs many of the functions to monitor containers, their content, and to detect tampering within a container during transit. This is accomplished through a device is which located on a container, which performs multiple functions. Some of these functions may include controlling various sensors, collected the data from these sensors and transmitting this data back to a central monitoring station. The central monitoring stations may also send commands and information to individual containers equipment with this device.
To enable information to be transmitted to and from the container, there are several communications subsystems including a satellite or cellular communications device, or both. This system also describes the utilization of a short range wireless or local area communication channel to communicate with various sensors and other elements within the container. The system utilizes the satellite or cellular communications channel to communicate and send status and alarms to a central monitoring station.
In the SPC invention, the short range wireless channel is generally used to interface with various external sensors such as container door position, proximity sensors, and other sensors which are not physically located in the controller and communications unit but are within the container.
The cellular and satellite channels, are used to relay information collected from the sensors, location, and other information related to the container back to a central monitoring station located in a different geographical area, in most cases some distance away.
In some cases the satellite or cellular communications channel as described in the above invention by SPC is not capable of providing reliable communications. This is because of poor radio frequency propagation characteristics when containers may be stacked in a yard, stacked on the deck of a ship, or located within the hull of a ship. This may occur for the satellite mode when a container does not have a direct line of sight to an overhead satellite, or a there is some obstruction where the satellite link cannot be closed.
On the cellular side, this may also occur because of weak or poor radio frequency signals, such as is commonly seen within a building, or if a particular container may be within the hull of a ship or out of range of a cellular tower or base station.
To address the problem and limitations noted above, a system which can provide an alternative communications path from any given container to the central monitoring station is provided. In the invention described by Mesh Networks, Inc. (Maitland, Fla.) titled "Ad Hoc peer-to-peer mobile radio access system interfaced to the PSTN and cellular networks" (U.S. Pat. No. 6,961,575), a system is described for the cellular network application which provides the basis for a dynamically configurable network comprised on multiple elements, each of which can communicate with the each other on a peer-to-peer basis.
The limitation of this and other inventions related to ad-hoc networking is that they are specifically directed toward applications in wireless communication networks such as cellular or radio, and that they do not apply these concepts to that of a container security system.

System and method for communications of cargo containers in a container security system using wireless ad-hoc networking techniques


A method for verifying an identity of a user includes (a) receiving a request for an identification phrase from a user associated with a user account; (b) selecting the phrase from a pool of phrases and associating the phrase with the user account; (c) sending the phrase to the user; (d) receiving a video recording showing a person reading one or more phrases aloud, and (e) verifying that a phrase read by the person in the video recording corresponds to the selected phrase. A third party may desire verification of the user's identity. The method confirms to the third party the user's identity based on whether or not the phrase read aloud in the video recording matches the randomly selected phrase associated with the user account.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to verifying the identity of a user on a public computer network; in particular, the present invention provides user identity verification using a video sequence.
2. Discussion of the Related Art
User identity verification on the internet is a difficult problem. Various systems have been developed to help increase the likelihood (hence, the assurance) that a person is in fact who he or she purports to be. To verify the identity of a user, a typical resource on the internet (e.g., websites) merely relies on the user to present to the resource a previously established username and password combination. However, such a mechanism can easily be compromised in many ways. As online services become more sophisticated, it has become very important to have a reliable means for verifying a user's true identity.
There are many identity verification mechanisms already in use that distinguish between a request for access to a resource initiated by a human person from one that is initiated by an automaton (i.e., a computer program). For instance, some services employ "captchas" to ensure that the user presenting access credentials is a human person. On other sites, a user is required to submit his or her telephone number, so that the site may deliver a code to the submitted telephone number. The code thus delivered is required to be used by the user in a subsequent interaction with the site. In this method, the identity of the person is tied to a telephone number presented by the user. More recently, certain sites are mailing a postcard to an address submitted by the user as his or her home address. In this manner, the identity of a user is verified by a particular address submitted by the user. However, none of these services verifies the identity of a user by his or her appearance.


A fault management system is operated for an access network which forms part of a communications network. In the access network, terminating lines in the form of pairs of copper wires extend from a local switch through a series of nodes to terminal equipment provided for users of the network. The fault management system includes a test head and an access network system. Each night, the test head performs a series of tests on each of the terminating lines. The results of the tests are transmitted to the access network management. The test results are then analyzed with respect to a set of parameters to identify characteristics that would indicate that a fault is likely to occur on the associated circuit within a predetermined period e.g. 1 year. Further analysis can then be carried out to establish the probability of the fault actually occurring and/or whether the potential fault analyzed is going to occur in either the underground or the over-ground part of the network.

1. Technical Field
This invention relates to a fault management system for managing faults in the terminating circuits of a communications network and also to a method of operating such a fault management system.
2. Related Art
A conventional communications network comprises a relatively small number of interconnected main switches and a much larger number of local switches, each of which is connected to one or two main switches. The local switches are connected to the terminating circuits of the network and the far ends of these circuits are connected to terminal equipment such as telephone instruments provided for users of the network. The network formed from the main switches and local switches is known as the core network while a network formed from the terminating circuits is known variously as an access network or a local loop. In this specification, it will be referred to as an access network. Some terminating circuits are connected to a remote concentrator, which may or may not have switching capability. The remote concentrator is then connected to a local switch. In this specification, the term "local switch" is to be interpreted to cover both local switches and remote concentrators.
In a conventional access network, each terminating circuit is formed from a pair of copper wires. Typically, each pair of copper wires passes through a series of nodes (or network elements) between the local switch and terminal equipment. Examples of such nodes are primary cross-connect points, secondary cross-connect points, distribution points (DPs), cable nodes and joints.
Recently, optical fibres have been used to carry terminating circuits in access networks. In a modem access network, both pairs of copper wires and optical fibres are used to carry the terminating circuits. Where a terminating circuit is carried by an optical fibre, the circuit will typically pass through several nodes between the local switch and the terminal equipment. At each node, the incoming fibre from the local switch is split into a group of outgoing fibres which branch out in various directions. Where a terminating circuit is carried by an optical fibre from the local switch, the last part of the circuit may be carried by a pair of copper wires. Unfortunately, terminating circuits are prone to faults. In the case of a terminating circuit carried by a pair of copper wires, examples of such faults are disconnection, a short circuit between two wires of a pair of wires and a short circuit between one of the wires and earth. In the case of a conventional access network formed from pairs of wires, the causes of the faults include ingress of water into a node and also physical damage to a node.
When a customer reports a fault, the terminating circuit may be tested so as to identify the cause of the fault. The fault can then be repaired. However, until the fault is repaired, the user suffers a loss of service.
It is known how to perform a set of circuit tests on each terminating circuit in an access network on a routine basis, for example nightly. Such routine tests can detect a fault on a terminating circuit. The fault can then be repaired, possibly before the user of the terminating circuit notices a loss of service. It is also known to measure the operational quality of individual nodes of an access network. Where the operational quality of a node is poor, it is likely that faults will develop in terminating circuits passing through the node. However, although it is possible to measure the operational quality of a node current systems do not provide information to the network administrator to indicate when the operational quality is likely to become unacceptable poor.

Fault management system for a communications network


An optical measuring device includes: a screen having a reference line; a movable stage; an optical system for forming on the screen an optical image of a to-be-measured object placed on the stage; and an edge detecting sensor (112) for detecting a passage of a measurement edge of the optical image at an arbitrary position on the screen. The optical measuring device further includes: an offset value storage (143) storing a distance between the reference line and the edge detecting sensor (112) as an offset value; and a correction data calculator (144) for correcting measurement data measured with the reference line and the edge detecting sensor (112) by use of the offset value.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an optical measuring machine having an optical system that forms on a screen an optical image of a to-be-measured object placed on a stage.
2. Description of Related Art
There has been known an optical measuring machine that irradiates illumination light to a to-be-measured object placed on a stage, magnifies and forms an optical image on a screen from light transmitted or reflected from the to-be-measured object, and measures a dimension and a profile of the to-be-measured object from the optical image magnified and formed on the screen.
In an optical measuring machine having a two-axis linear encoder on the stage, a measurement edge of the optical image of the to-be-measured object formed on the screen is matched to a reference point on the screen so as to read a two-dimensional coordinate of the stage at that time, and the dimension and the profile of the to-be-measured object is measured.
By using an edge detecting sensor provided on the screen for detecting a passage of the measurement edge of the optical image and a data processor for storing the two-dimensional coordinate of the stage when the measurement edge passes by the edge detecting sensor, the passage of the measurement edge can be automatically detected and the two-dimensional coordinate of the stage at that time can be read. Since the edge detecting sensor detects the measurement edge, the measurement data can be prevented from varying among operators depending on a sense of the operator.
There have been a variety of suggestions made from various viewpoints for the optical measuring machine having the edge detecting sensor. For instance, JP-A-3-35106 discloses that a plurality of edge detecting sensors are used in an optical measuring machine so as to shorten measurement time.
However, the optical measuring machine, in which the edge detecting sensor detects the passage of the measurement edge, may not be able to detect the measurement edge using the edge detecting sensor when the measurement edge is unclear or when a reflection measurement is performed.
Although, even in such cases, a measurement can be performed by visually matching the measurement edge of the optical image to the reference point on the screen so as to designate the measurement edge as described above, the following problem may occur.
The edge detecting sensor is generally provided at a position different from the reference point on the screen because the edge detecting sensor blocks the reference point from being visually observed when the edge detecting sensor is provided at the same position as the reference point. In this arrangement, an inconsistency may arise between visual-check measurement data and edge-detecting-sensor measurement data, the inconsistency corresponding to a distance between the reference point on the screen and the edge detecting sensor.
Accordingly, when a plurality of measurement edges are measured so as to obtain the dimension and the profile of the to-be-measured object, the whole measurement needs to be performed either by visual check or the edge detecting sensor, and it has not been possible to perform both a visual-check measurement and an edge-detecting-sensor measurement in one measurement.


A stapler cover includes an outlet for allowing pressurized air to flow out of the stapler cover. A silencing member is disposed close to the outlet for engaging with the pressurized air and for silencing the pressurized air flowing through the outlet. The silencing member includes a coil spring and the cover includes one or more stop members for engaging with the coil spring and for retaining the coil spring in place. A wire is engaged through the coil spring for retaining the coil spring in place.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a stapler, and more particularly to a stapler having a silencer for decreasing the noise of the exhaust air.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Typical staplers are driven by pressurized air which will generate great noise when the pressurized air flows out of the stapler. No silencer has been provided for reducing the noise.
The present invention has arisen to mitigate and/or obviate the afore-described disadvantages of the conventional staplers.


Mild soap bars containing low levels of cationic polymeric skin mildness aid, polyethoxylated nonionic detergent surfactant to decrease scum formation and inhibit frosting, i.e., crystallization of nonionic detergent surfactant on the bar surface, and water. These bars are not beta-phase bars.

The formulation of ultra-mild personal cleansing preparations has become a focus of great interest. When people wash and scrub their skin with various surface-active preparations frequently, mildness is very important. Ideal cleansers should be cost effective, cleanse gently and rinse well. Most toilet bars fall short in this respect.
Synthetic detergents are relatively expensive. None of the synthetic products as yet matches the low cost of soap when compared on a 100% active ingredient basis.
The use of synthetic detergent surfactants in soap bars is well known, being documented in U.S. Pat. Nos.: 2,988,511, Mills et al., issued Jun. 13, 1961; 3,043,778, Kelly, issued Jul. 10, 1962; and 3,598,746, Kaniecki et al., issued Aug. 10, 1971, said patents being incorporated herein by reference.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,180,470, Tokosh et al., issued Dec. 25, 1979, incorporated herein by reference, discloses a method for making improved acyl isethionate detergent bars with from 2-6% of sodium alkoxy hydroxy propane sulfonate (a synonym for alkyl glyceryl ether sulfonate) with alkyl chains of from 8 to 22 carbon atoms in conjunction with a small amount of sodium chloride.
Commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No. 4,820,447, Medcalf et al., issued April, 1989, incorporated herein by reference, discloses a mild soap bar comprising a polymeric skin mildness aid. Commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No. 4,985,170, Dawson et al., entitled "In Beta-Phase Bar Form Containing Soap, High HLB Nonionic Surfactant, and Water-Soluble Polymer," issued Jan. 15, 1991, and U.S. Pat. Nos.: 2,988,511, supra; 2,989,547, Whyte, issued Jun. 20, 1961; 2,999,068, Pilcher et al., issued Sep. 5, 1961; and 3,024,273, Whyte et al., issued Mar. 6, 1962, are all incorporated herein by reference.


Techniques are disclosed for generating phrases for selection by users communicating in an online virtual world environment. A phrase generation engine automatically constructs new phrases using pre-approved words from a dictionary of frequently used words and language-specific rules for phrase formation to ensure safety and supplement an existing database of commonly used, pre-approved phrases. Increasing the number of phrases that are available for selection by a user increases the user expressivity. Each word in the dictionary is annotated with semantic and grammatical information that constrains how the word is combined with other words to generate a new phrase. Each new phrase may also be tagged to enable translation into a different language so a phrase in a first language selected by a first user may be displayed in a second language to a second user.

Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to online communication and, in particular, to chat messages exchanged between users in online gaming and social environments.
Description of the Related Art
Multiplayer online games and virtual worlds are popular forms of online entertainment. Both generally include computer users simultaneously logging into a computer network and interacting with each other in a computer simulated environment. The computer users are generally represented by a virtual avatar. Each computer user may control their avatar to move through the simulated environment, achieve gaming objectives and/or chat with other users and/or non-player characters.
User-to-user communication is generally a prominent feature within any online environment. To promote civility and safety among users, online environment providers generally employ safety or filtering features which reduce obscene language or other inappropriate communication. For example, in some formats, a user may chat directly with another user in real-time by typing characters (letters or symbols) directly into a text-field and sending a message to the other user. In this case, an online environment provider may process and filter user-to-user chat messages by removing swear words, slurs, or other known terms of disparagement. In another example, an online environment provider may disallow freely typed chat messages. Instead, a process is provided where a pre-approved choice of words or phrases is provided for a user to select and communicate other users. The particular pre-approved phrases that are displayed for the user to select from may be determined as possible completions or matches for what the user is typing. For example, if a user types "hel" displayed phrases for selection may include "hello," "hello how are u?," "hello there," etc. Because the user is constrained to select an exact full phrase from the list of displayed pre-approved phrases, the phrase cannot be manipulated to say something inappropriate. Therefore, the user typing "hel" will not be able to send a message saying "hell."
While safety is a prerequisite for phrase chat, to be successful, phrase chat must also be sufficiently expressive. Users should be able to say as much as possible within the bounds of safe, game-related chat. Any words or phrases that are pre-approved are manually predetermined by the online environment provider. One crucial problem in this respect is that enough phrases or words must be approved for inclusion in the database of pre-approved phrases, so that the user has enough selections to complete his/her phrase.

System and method for generating phrases


A wearable personal flotation device may be configured for wear under a parachute harness and may comprise a rear section and a pair of side sections that extend forward from lower sides of the rear section. A bladder may be contained in the rear and side sections and, when inflated, may expand through release gaps in fronts of the side sections. The rear section may include a panel of closed cell foam.

Parachutists may, intentionally or unintentionally, sometimes land in the ocean, a lake, a river, or other body of water. If there is a risk of a water landing, a parachutist may sometimes wear a flotation device. Prior to jumping, a parachute is typically held in a container such as a pack that is secured to a parachutist's back via a harness comprising multiple straps. There is often limited space on a parachutist's body to wear a flotation device.
This lack of space for a flotation device may be even more acute in the case of military parachutists (e.g., airborne combat soldiers) and/or specialized civilian parachutists (e.g., smoke jumpers). Such personnel often carry substantial additional equipment. An airborne combat soldier, for example, may carry a reserve parachute, an equipment pack, a weapon, and/or other equipment secured to the front side of the soldier's body.
One existing type of parachutist emergency flotation device comprises a pair of pouches that are secured under a parachutist's armpits using a set of shoulder straps. The pouches contain bladders that may be inflated to provide flotation if a wearer enters the water. This type of device, which includes devices such as the U.S. Air Force B-7 flotation device and the U.S. Navy LBU 10/P flotation device, suffers various shortcomings. Because the buoyancy bladders are held in pouches secured under a wearer's armpits, the deflated sizes of those bladders must be limited to avoid wearer discomfort and/or loss of mobility. As a result, the amount of buoyancy that can be provided by these types of existing devices is limited. Another shortcoming of these existing devices relates to positioning of the bladders when inflated. In particular, the inflated bladders may be positioned under the wearer's arms. This may tend to push the wearer's arms outward and/or otherwise limit the wearer's ability to move his or her arms. Such loss of mobility may be dangerous if a parachutist is attempting to perform life-critical operations (e.g., trying to separate from a parachute to avoid entanglement and/or drowning) after entering the water.


Disclosed are a display substrate and a method for manufacturing the same, a display panel and a display device. The display panel includes a carrier substrate; an adhesive layer, a color resist layer, a first flat layer and a metal wire grid layer that are distributed in a direction distal from the carrier substrate; and a light shielding pattern disposed between the adhesive layer and the first flat layer. A surface of the light shielding pattern proximal to the metal wire grid layer is in the same plane as a surface of the color resist layer proximal to the metal wire grid layer. The present disclosure contributes to increasing the yield of the metal wire grid layer and improving the display effect of the display panel.

A liquid crystal display (LCD) includes a liquid crystal display panel and a backlight source. The liquid crystal display panel includes an array substrate, a color film substrate, and a liquid crystal layer disposed therebetween. The array substrate and the color film substrate cooperate to deflect liquid crystals for display.

Display substrate and method for manufacturing the same, display panel and display device


A mask set for the production of integrated circuit chips, wherein a first mask has first features that form inner cell regions and a second mask has second features that form outer non-cell regions, so that the first and second masks do no expose a same region of a semiconductor wafer. An exposure system includes the mask set with an aperture device to fade out partial regions of the first features during exposure of the wafer by a light source. Furthermore, the mask set is used in a method of exposing a wafer for producing integrated circuit chips.

For producing semiconductor devices, in particular silicon semiconductor devices, so-called photolithographic methods may, for instance, be used.
With these methods, the surface of a corresponding wafer—consisting of monocrystalline silicon—is subject to an oxidation process, and subsequently a light-sensitive photoresist layer is applied to the oxide layer.
Subsequently—by interconnecting an appropriate optical device—a photomask is placed above the wafer, the layout structure of which corresponds to the layout structure to be provided on the wafer—or a particular level of the wafer.
Then, the photomask—and thus also the corresponding structure on the photoresist—is exposed, and then the photomask is removed again.
When the photoresist is then developed and subject to an etching process, the exposed positions of the photoresist (and the respective positions of the oxide layer thereunder) are removed from the wafer—and the non-exposed positions are left (or—in the case of negative photoresist—in a correspondingly opposite manner the exposed positions).
Through the exposed windows, the monocrystalline silicon can now specifically be supplied with impurities, e.g. by corresponding diffusion or ion implantation processes; n-conductive regions may, for instance, be produced by the introduction of pentavalent atoms, e.g. phosphorus, and p-conductive regions may be produced by the introduction of trivalent atoms, e.g. boron.
The structures that can be put into practice by means of such photolithographic methods may range within the wavelengths of the light used for exposure.
Conventionally, for each level of the wafer (or for each level of the semiconductor devices or chips to be produced thereon, respectively) respective separate masks with respective different layout structures are used.
For the production of different chips, different mask sets have to be used.
If the chip layout is to be changed for a particular chip, new masks are needed (in particular e.g. a complete, new mask set).
This is of disadvantage especially since the production of masks is costly and expensive.

Mask set having separate masks to form different regions of integrated circuit chips, exposure system including the mask set with an aperture device, and method of using the mask set to expose a semiconductor wafer


A charging device used for charging a storage battery includes a first circuit that generates a current which depends on a charging current of the storage battery; a second circuit in which charge is accumulated by periodical supply of the current which depends on the charging current; and a third circuit that outputs a signal indicating completion of charge of the storage battery when the potential of the second circuit reaches a reference potential. The second circuit includes a capacitor and a transistor in which an oxide semiconductor is used for a channel formation region. The transistor is turned on or off in response to a pulse signal input to a gate of the transistor. The capacitor accumulates charge when the current depending on the charging current flows through the transistor.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an object, a method, a manufacturing method, a process, a machine, or manufacture. In particular, the present invention relates to, for example, a semiconductor device, a display device, a light-emitting device, a power storage device, a driving method thereof, or a manufacturing method thereof. In particular, the present invention relates to a charging device of a storage battery.
2. Description of the Related Art
In recent years, storage batteries such as lithium secondary batteries have been widely used as power supplies for portable terminals typified by mobile phones and smartphones and power supplies for motor driven electric vehicles and the like (see Patent Document 1).
As charging devices for such storage batteries, a charging device which determines whether charge is completed by measuring the voltage of a terminal of the storage battery and a charging device which determines whether charge is completed by totalizing charging current (current needed for charging the storage battery) to calculate the integration value of the charging current have been developed (see Patent Document 2).

Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.


A slidable unit for use. in modular shelving systems, which comprises a support structure, such as a drawer or platform, a glide frame and a pair of brackets. The glide frame is sized and shaped to receive the support structure. A pair of brackets slidably supports the glide frame, each bracket adapted for removable attachment to the shelving system. The slidable unit further includes a pair of glide members to hold the glide frame therebetween and a rail secured to each bracket, each rail sized and shaped to receive and support said glide members for gliding movement relative to the rail. A plurality of support flanges are disposed on the front and rear of the support structure, each support flange adapted to receive the glide frame, thereby supporting the drawer from the glide frame in a plurality of orientations.

The present invention relates to a slidable unit, such as a drawer or platform, for use in modular shelving systems and, more particularly, for use in workstations formed using modular shelving systems.
Modular shelving systems, such as slotted standard or slatwall systems of the type used in offices, retail and pharmacy merchandise displays and the like, are well-known in the art. A variety of fixtures and accessories are available for use with such modular shelving systems, such as shelves, racks, hanger rods, storage and dispensing bins, and cabinets. Thus, entire retail store display areas, pharmacy storage and dispensing stations, and office workstations may be constructed using modular shelving systems.
However, the fixtures and accessories available for use with such modular shelving systems are typically static. Thus, modular shelving systems do not provide for common office furniture and workstation elements such as drawers, adjustable computer keyboard trays, or sliding platforms which may be used with other computer equipment or as a writing or work surface.
Thus, there is a need for a slidable unit adapted for use with modular shelving systems, such as slotted standard or slatwall systems.
These needs and other needs are satisfied by the present invention which comprises a slidable unit for use in a shelving system. The slidable unit includes a support structure, and a glide frame sized and shaped to receive the support structure. A pair of brackets slidably supports the glide frame, each bracket adapted for removable attachment to the shelving system. The slidable unit further includes a pair of glide members to hold the glide frame therebetween and a rail secured to each bracket, each rail sized and shaped to receive and support said glide members for gliding movement relative to the rail.
The support structure may take the form of a drawer with front and rear supports to secure the drawer to the frame. The front and rear supports comprise a plurality of support flanges, each support flange adapted to receive the glide frame, thereby supporting the drawer from the glide frame in a plurality of orientations. In an alternative embodiment, the support structure may be a platform.
The slidable unit may be used with a shelving system comprising a pair of upright standards spaced apart from one another, each standard having a plurality of apertures running along a front surface thereof. Each bracket has at least one tab adapted to removably engage the apertures to support said bracket on said standard. In an alternative embodiment, the slidable unit may be used in a slatwall system, each bracket having a flange adapted to removably engage the slatwall to support the bracket on the slatwall. In a further alternative embodiment, a brace may be attached between the brackets to prevent the brackets from swaying from side-to-side.

Slidable unit for modular shelving system


A projector includes an illumination system including a light source having an ellipsoidal reflector and an arc tube having a luminescence center in the vicinity of a first focus of the ellipsoidal reflector, and an integrator rod having a light incidence plane in the vicinity of a second focus of the ellipsoidal reflector and converting light from the light source to light having a more even intensity distribution; a relay optical system that guides the light from the illumination system to a region being illuminated; a micromirror modulator that modulates the light from the relay optical system in accordance with image information; and a projection optical system that projects the light modulated by the micromirror modulator. The arc tube includes an auxiliary mirror that reflects the light radiated from the arc tube toward the region being illuminated into a direction of the ellipsoidal reflector.

The exemplary embodiments relate to a projector.
FIG. 12A is an explanatory diagram of an optical system of a related-art projector 1000a that includes a micromirror modulator. FIG. 12B is an explanatory diagram of a light source 110a of the related-art projector 1000a that includes a micromirror modulator.
As shown in FIG. 12A, the related-art projector 1000a that includes a micromirror modulator, includes an illumination system 100a. The illumination system 100a has a light source 110a that emits converging light, and an integrator rod 120a that converts the light from the light source 110a to light having a more even intensity distribution. The projector 1000a also has a relay optical system 140a that guides the light from the illumination system 100a to a region being illuminated, a micromirror modulator 200a that modulates the light from the relay optical system 140a in accordance with image information, and a projection optical system 300a that projects the light modulated by the micromirror modulator 200a. The projector 1000a further has a color wheel 130a on the light incident side of the integrator rod 120a.
As shown in FIG. 12B, the light source 110a includes an ellipsoidal reflector 114a, an arc tube 112a having a luminescence center in the vicinity of a first focus of the ellipsoidal reflector 114a, and a reflection system 160. The reflection system 160 allows the light in the center of the converging light exiting from the ellipsoidal reflector 114a to pass through, and reflects light in the periphery back to the direction opposite to the direction of incidence.
Thus, with the related-art projector 1000a that includes a micromirror modulator, the angle of the converging light emitted from the light source 110a can be decreased by the operation of the reflection system 160. Accordingly, the angle of incidence of the converging light that enters the integrator rod 120a can be decreased, allowing the light utilization efficiency of the illumination system to easily be increased (for example, refer to JP-A-2003-222820).
However, in the related-art projector 1000a that includes a micromirror modulator, the reflection system 160 must have an equal size to that of the ellipsoidal reflector 114a since it needs to reflect the peripheral light of the converging light exiting from the ellipsoidal reflector 114a. The related art projector 1000a thus poses the problem of an increasing scale of the light source. This results in decreasing the efficiency of cooling the light source because the large-scale reflection system 160 closes the opening of the ellipsoidal reflector 114a.
Accordingly, in the related-art projector 1000a that includes a micromirror modulator, a reflection system 170, as shown in FIG. 13, can be used in place of the reflection system 160 to simplify the structure of the light source and to prevent a decrease in light-source cooling efficiency. FIG. 13 shows another related-art light source 110b.
As shown in FIG. 13, the related-art light source 110b includes an ellipsoidal reflector 114b, an arc tube 112b having a luminescence center in the vicinity of a first focus of the ellipsoidal reflector 114b, and the reflection system 170 that reflects the light radiated from the ellipsoidal reflector 114b to the region being illuminated back to the ellipsoidal reflector 114b. The reflection system 170 is made of a reflection film formed on the outer surface of the bulb of the arc tube 112b.
Thus, with the related-art light source 110b, the reflection system 170 can reflect the light radiated from the ellipsoidal reflector 114b toward a region being illuminated with the reflection film formed on the outer surface of the bulb of the arc tube 112b, simplifying the light source. This also prevents or discourages a decrease in the light-source cooling efficiency (for example, refer to International Publication No. 03-033959).
However, an analysis of the inventor shows that arc tubes that are in circulation at present vary to a non-negligible extent in shape and size of the bulb, the position of the electrodes, and the position of the luminescence center from one arc tube to another. Accordingly, the use of the reflection system 170 for the light source 110b of the projector 1000a having a micromirror modulator, in place of the reflection system 160, ensures simplification of the light source and prevents or discourages a decrease in the light-source cooling efficiency. On the other hand, the light reflected by the reflection system 170 toward the ellipsoidal reflector does not necessarily pass through the illuminator of the arc tube. As a result, part of the light reflected by the ellipsoidal reflector 114b does not reach the plane of incidence of the integrator rod 120a, decreasing light utilization efficiency and increasing stray light.


In one embodiment a method and apparatus for an improved loading sub method and apparatus is disclosed. In one embodiment the method and apparatus can be used to pump various pump down means into the well bore from the rig.

The invention relates to an apparatus and method for holding and mechanically releasing a pump down means, such as a ball or wiper plug element, such as during cementing operations of a subterranean oil or gas well or during other oil and/or gas operations.
As a step in the completion operation of a subterranean well, a casing is run into the well and the annular area exterior of the casing and within the open bore thereafter is cemented to secure the casing within the well. Cementing plugs, wiper balls, ball elements, and other pump down means are utilized in the cementing operation and are run ahead and behind the cement slurry in order to wipe mud off the walls of the casing or drill pipe and to prevent cement from being contaminated with the drilling fluid previously circulated within the casing and the well. Such plugs are often run into the well within the casing and behind a cement slurry in order to wipe the casing inner diameter and close off check valves, open stage collars, and close again stage collars during multi-stage cementing operations, and the like.
In the past, the connection between a cementing swivel and top drive unit has been broken, and a pump down means which is larger than the internal diameter of the drill string, and larger than the opening of the box end connection, has been inserted into the drill string using physical force, such as by beating the pump down means with a hammer, and then the cementing swivel is reconnected to the top drive unit, and afterwards the pump down means is pumped downhole. This prior art method suffers from the disadvantage of damaging the box end threads, damaging the pump down means, and further limiting the maximum size for the pump down means which is "beat" into the drill string.
While certain novel features of this invention shown and described below are pointed out in the annexed claims, the invention is not intended to be limited to the details specified, since a person of ordinary skill in the relevant art will understand that various omissions, modifications, substitutions and changes in the forms and details of the device illustrated and in its operation may be made without departing in any way from the spirit of the present invention. No feature of the invention is critical or essential unless it is expressly stated as being "critical" or "essential."