A card reader which reads or writes data from or to a card inserted through a card insertion port into a card reader body via a card transport path is described the card reader comprises a shutter provided near the card insertion port to open or close the card transport path. A first detector is provided for detecting the card inserted therein near a first end of the card insertion port. A sensor is provided for detecting a change in the first detector. A locking member of the card reader is capable of switching positions of the shutter between an open-position and a close-and-lock position. A controller is provided for controlling switching positions of the locking member between the open position and the close-and-lock position of the shutter. A second detector is provided at a second end of the card insertion port, which is capable of switching states of the locking member between a stationary mode and a movable mode such that when the card is inserted into A card insertion port, the second detector sets the locking member in the movable mode and the controller starts up based on the sensor output to move the locking member to the open position of the shutter to allow the shutter to be opened or closed.

a) Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a card reader which reads data on a magnetic card or a card similar to a magnetic card. More specifically, the present invention relates to a shutter mechanism for a card reader.
b) Description of the Related Art
There are two types of card readers, namely, motor type and manual type, and it has become essential that both types have a countermeasure for fraudulent insertion of a foreign material, except coins or bills.
Examples of such countermeasures include providing a card reader with a complete shutter provided at the card insertion port, a driving source such as a solenoid for opening or closing of the complete shutter, and a sensor for detecting insertion of a card into a card insertion port. In this card reader, a sensor detects a card being inserted, which actuates a solenoid, which in turn opens the complete shutter. When a card is not inserted, the complete shutter is closed to prevent the card insertion port from insertion of foreign material.
Alternately, a pre-head may be provided in place of the above sensor such that the pre-head can read data on a card to be inserted before insertion. In this type, the pre-head determines whether the card to be inserted is a valid card such that a solenoid is actuated only when a valid card is inserted: when an inserted object (foreign object) is not a valid card, the complete shutter closes to prevent the card insertion port from the foreign object.
Alternately, detection members may be provided at both ends of the card insertion port such that each of the detection members turns off or on a common photo-sensor in a card reader of this type. Each of the detection members is actuated upon insertion of a card, which is detected by a photo-sensor, followed by actuation of a solenoid to open the shutter.
Patent Publication 1: Japanese Laid-open Patent Application No. H11-85916 (See Japanese Patent Publication Official Gazette from page 6 (line 13 in the right column) to page 7 (line 6 in the left column)).
Problems the Invention Intends to Solve
In a card reader of the type in which a sensor detects a card, multiple sensors are required to enhance detection accuracy since a single sensor may erroneously detect a foreign object (e.g. bar) as a card. This increases the size and manufacturing cost of a card reader of this type.
In a card reader utilizing a pre-head, which usually is an expensive magnetic head, the pre-head must be arranged outside the shutter. This type also increases the size and manufacturing cost of a card reader of this type.
Further, in the card reader of the type in which detection members are provided at both ends of a card insertion port, a long arm must stretch from both ends of the card insertion port to a photo sensor, which also increases the size of the card reader.


A spatial positioning system includes fixed referent stations which emit rotating, divergent laser beams and a portable reflector. Each fixed station also includes a detector and a processor. The portable reflector may include retroreflectors or transponders. When the rotation of the laser beam is such that it is in line with a portable reflector, the transmitted laser beam is reflected off the portable reflector and received at the fixed receiver. For any point which is crossed by the fanned laser beams of a fixed station, a horizontal angle can be determined. Once these horizontal angles are known for three fixed stations, the point of intersection of three planes, and thus the three-dimensional position of the point, is determined.

In the Dornbusch et al. invention (U.S. patent application 07/636,459 incorporated herein), fixed stations are used in locating one or more portable positioning sensors. Each fixed station produces a set or multiple sets of counter-rotating laser beams which rotate at constant angular velocity. The portable position sensor, which includes a light sensitive detector and computer, can determine its location in reference to the fixed stations, through time measurement of the received laser beams.
It is envisioned that in certain applications it would be useful to maintain processing and display capabilities in a central location. The Dornbusch et al. invention does not provide for this. In addition the Dornbusch et al. invention uses a global frame of reference and requires a number of known site positions in order for the portable position sensor to determine the positions of the fixed referent stations through a calibration sequence.


Stable high conductivity functionally gradient compositionally layered solid bodies suitable for use as electrolytes and membranes and providing improved oxygen-ion conductivity for electrolytes and improved mixed oxygen-ion and electronic conductivity for membranes. The electrolytes provide solid oxide fuel cells with high efficiency operation at 300.degree. to 800.degree. C.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to stable high conductivity functionally gradient compositionally layered solid state electrolytes and membranes providing improved oxygen-ion conductivity for electrolytes and improved mixed oxygen-ion and electronic conductivity for membranes. The electrolytes of this invention are useful in solid oxide fuel cells and as sensors. The membranes of this invention are useful in gas separation and in membrane reactors. Multi-layered solid electrolytes and membranes of this invention have a mixed conducting anodic portion with high oxygen ionic conduction and electronic conduction on one side, preferably of the n-type, which may be exposed to a reducing atmosphere, and interface on the opposite side with a high oxygen ionic conducting and low electronic conducting portion for the electrolyte and high p-type ionic conducting for the membrane, and exposed to an oxidizing atmosphere on the opposite side.
2. Description of Related Art
Oxygen ion conductors based upon Bi.sub.2 O.sub.3 have been known for solid electrolytes and oxygen separation due to their high oxygen ion conductivity and their ability to operate at lower temperatures. There have been various attempts to improve their phase stability and their thermodynamic stability against reduction. U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,006,494 and 5,183,801 teach the phase stability of Bi.sub.2 O.sub.3 in the cubic form stabilized by 10 to 40 mole percent of a rare earth oxide, such as yttria, is enhanced by inclusion of up to 10 mole percent of an oxide of a cation having a valence of 4 or greater, such as zirconia, hafnia, thoria, stannic oxide, tantalum oxide, and niobium oxide as a dopant. It has been shown that Bi.sub.2 O.sub.3 stabilized in the .delta.-phase by 20 mol % Er.sub.2 O.sub.3 has ionic conductivity in the order of 1 to 2 orders of magnitude greater than that of yttria stabilized zirconia at comparable temperatures. E. D. Wachsman, N. Jiang, D. M. Mason, and D. A. Stevenson, Proceedings of the First International Symposium on Solid Oxide Fuel Cells, Electrochem. Soc., 89-11, 15 (1989). Bi.sub.2 O.sub.3 has been reported to exhibit purely ionic conduction down to low partial pressures of oxygen of 10.sup.-20 atm. E. D. Wachsman, G. R. Ball, N. Jiang, and D. A. Stevenson, Solid State Ionics, 52, 213 (1992); C. Wang, X. Xu, and B, Li, Solid State Ionics, 13, 135, (1984); and P. Duran, J. R. Jurado, C. Moure, N. Valverde, and B. C. H. Steele, Mat. Chem. Phys., 18, 287 (1987). Ionic conduction at low oxygen pressure has been observed only in the absence of a reducing agent. The reducing environments of fuels, such as methane and hydrogen, decompose Bi.sub.2 O.sub.3 to metallic bismuth. Wachsman, Ball, Jiang, and Stevenson, supra.
Problems of the reducibility of Bi.sub.2 O.sub.3 electrolytes has been recognized and various attempts have been made to solve the problem. U.S. Pat. No. 5,213,911 teaches a solid oxide low temperature electrolyte with very low electron conduction and stable in H.sub.2 formed by combination of a compound having weak intramolecular metal-oxygen interactions with one having stronger metal-oxygen interactions.
A graded zirconia-bismuth oxide electrolyte is taught by U.S. Pat. No. 5,171,645 having a Bi.sub.2 O.sub.3 doped for increased oxygen ion transport rich layer on one side and a ZrO.sub.2 doped for increased oxygen ion transport rich layer on the opposite side with gradations of the components between, enabling low temperature operation and better thermal expansion stability in a solid oxide fuel cell. In another embodiment, both surfaces are doped ZrO.sub.2 rich layers graded to a relatively thick doped Bi.sub.2 O.sub.3 rich central layer.
Aliovalent doped ceria in the fluorite structure is also known to exhibit ionic conductivity significantly greater than yttria stabilized zirconia at comparable temperatures. R. N. Blumenthal, F. S. Brugner, and J. E. Garnier, J. Electrochem. Soc., 120, 1230 (1973). However, ceria electrolytes have a high electronic conduction in a reducing environment. U.S. Pat. No. 5,001,021 teaches limiting electronic conduction in ceria electrolytes by double metal doping.
A mixed oxygen ion and electronic conductor may favor n-type electronic conduction in a reducing environment while in an oxidizing environment it may favor p-type conduction. Thus, in theory a mixed conductor may exhibit pure ionic conduction over a central region between the n-type and p-type regions. I. Riess, J. Electrochem. Soc., 128, 2077-2081 (1981) and I. Riess, Solid State Ionics, 52, 183 (1992). The use of mixed conductors for the entire anode/electrolyte/cathode structure has been investigated, but no significant electrolytic region was detected. P. Han, R. Mukundan, O. K. Davis, and W. L. Worrell, Mixed Conducting Oxides in Solid Fuel Cells, EPRI/GRI Fuel Cell Workshop on Fuel Cell Technology Research and Development, Mar. 22-23, 1994, Atlanta, Ga. This work was an extension of single component solid oxide bodies with n-type conductance on one side and p-type conductance on the opposite side of an oxygen ion conducting central portion taught by U.S. Pat. No. 5,298,235 wherein appropriate conduction is induced by chemical modification, doping, or by chemically tailoring electronic conducting perovskites to produce an oxygen ion conducting electrolyte central portion.
Use of ionic conductors for electrocatalytic chemical reactions is known. U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,793,904; 4,933,054; and 4,802,958 teach a solid electrolyte of Bi.sub.2 O.sub.3 stabilized by a lanthanide or calcium oxide having a conductive coating on one side capable of reducing oxygen to oxygen ions and a conductive coating on the opposite side capable of desired oxidative catalysis. Use of mixed ionic-electronic conductors for electrocatalytic chemical reactions is taught by U.S. Pat. No. 5,273,628 which teaches thin membranes of homogeneous solid solutions and non-homogeneous mixtures of Bi.sub.2 O.sub.3 stabilized with a stabilizer, such as Y, and containing a variable valence j metal, such as Ti. U.S. Pat. No. 5,306,411 teaches multi-phase mixtures of an electronically conductive material and an oxygen ion conductive material based upon ABO.sub.3 perovskites, preferably containing small amounts or no bismuth.
Problems of physical stability of solid oxygen conducting electrolytes have been recognized. U.S. Pat. No. 5,069,987 teaches a solid oxide fuel cell having an electrolyte with repeating array of ductile ordered, continuous metallic fibers imbedded in the ceramic matrix, such as expanded Ni foil.
Mixed oxygen ion and electronic conductors have been used in electrodes as taught by U.S. Pat. No. 5,364,506 which teaches a stabilized ZrO.sub.2 electrolyte and mixed conducting perovskite anode; U.S. Pat. No. 4,931,214 teaches an electrode of ZrO.sub.2 with an oxide stabilizing agent, such as Y.sub.2 O.sub.3, and a metal oxide, such as TiO.sub.2 ; U.S. Pat. No. 4,812,329 teaches solid oxygen conducting electrolytes with bonded anodes of particles of electronic conductor partly embedded in a skeleton of ceramic metal oxide with its surface covered with a separate, porous, gas permeable mixed oxygen ionic-electronic conducting coating; and U.S. Pat. No. 3,956,194 teaches positive electrodes of monophased graphite having an alkali cation, a transition metal, and a non-metallic electronegative atom.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,240,480 teaches an oxygen ion conducting membrane having a porous layer with average pore sizes of less than about 10 microns and a contiguous dense non-porous layer, both materials being a mixed ionic-electronic conducting multicomponent metallic oxide, such as perovskites.

Stable high conductivity functionally gradient compositionally layered solid state electrolytes and membranes


An article including: an optical storage medium; and a machine readable mark on at least one side of the optical storage medium, wherein the machine readable mark is adapted to permit activation of a metered account. In embodiments the article can include a detachable member attached to the storage medium, where the detachable member bears a machine readable mark on at least one side and the detachable member can be detached from the optical storage medium after activation of the metered account. The invention also includes printing methods for making the article.

The present invention generally relates to a scan activated optical storage article, such as but not limited to a compact disc (CD), a digital video disc (DVD), DVD-RAM, CD-ROM, CD-RW, DVD-R, and the like articles, and to processes of making and using the article, and more specifically the present invention relates to an optical storage article having encoded or encodable markings thereon and which markings are adapted to enable, for example but not limited to, point-of-sale or remote activation, deactivation, or registration of a customer-user metered account, inventory accounting, and optionally point-of-sale or remote activation, deactivation, or registration of the optical storage article, and the like applications.
Optical storage articles, such as compact discs (CD) or a digital video discs (DVD), and prepaid debit cards, such as prepaid phone cards, are ubiquitous. Packaging and means for activating metered accounts associated with the optical storage articles or the debit cards are also known. See for example, the following U.S. patents.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,918,909, issued Jul. 6, 1999, to Fiala, et al., which discloses a method of activating a metered account that is associated with a personal identification number, where the personal identification number is affixed to a card and the metered account is activated at the time of sale of the card, and an apparatus comprising a package adapted for holding the card so that the method of the invention can be practiced. The card includes an exposed data-encoded strip and the card preferably has a personal identification number thereon. The package includes a first panel and a retainer that secures the card to the first panel so that, when the card is secured to the panel, at least a portion of the data-encoded strip is exposed and laterally displaced remote from the panel. The data-encoded strip is encoded with a control number that is associated with the metered account. When the card is purchased, the control number is read from the data-encoded strip while the card is secured to the first panel, and the metered account is activated.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,777,305, issued Jul. 7, 1998, to Smith, et al., discloses a package assembly and method for permitting the activation and deactivation of prepaid debit cards, such as prepaid telephone calling cards, at a point-of-sale. The package assembly has a prepaid debit card with a particular identification number and is contained within a cavity formed between a backing material and a sheath. A machine readable marking is disposed on the package assembly and is detectable by a machine reading apparatus currently used in the industry. The machine readable marking is encoded with information identifying the package assembly as a prepaid debit card and with the identification number of the prepaid debit card. When the machine readable marking is scanned by a machine reading apparatus at the point-of-sale, the identification number of the prepaid debit card, along with an activation or deactivation request, is communicated to a host computer. The host computer retrieves the pre-stored information pertaining to that identification number, processes the information, and either activates or deactivates the card based upon the information received from the point-of-sale. The host computer then communicates the action it has taken to the point-of-sale. If the host computer activated the prepaid debit card, the prepaid debit card can immediately be removed from the package assembly and used to conduct transactions. If the host computer deactivated the prepaid debit card, the prepaid debit card can be restocked at the point of sale for later purchase and activation.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,173,901, issued Jan. 16, 2001, to McCannel, et al., discloses a method for rapidly producing encoded, ink jet printed cards, including providing an encodable and printable card and providing an electronic database with stored data. The method also includes encoding and printing the card by concurrently transferring electronically data from the database to an encoder and to a printer. The data printed on the card is verified for accuracy with a verification mechanism.
On at least Mar. 28, 2001 at the "Cutting Edge ShapeCD" web site < www.cdshapes.com > there was disclosed "ticketCDs™" which ticket article can provide for controlled access to special events. The ticket includes a custom shaped CD-ROM, with optically readable data recorded on one side of the disc, advertising or promotional collateral(s) printed on the other side of the disc, and one or more security features to, for example, thwart counterfeiting, such as, a laser etched serial number, logo, or trademark; or a snap-off security or inventory tab.
All publications or patent documents mentioned above and below are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

Scan activated optical storage article and methods thereof


Methods and devices for application of ultrasound to a small area of skin for enhancing transdermal transport. An ultrasound beam having a first focal diameter is channelled into a beam having a second, smaller diameter without substantial loss of energy. Higher energy ultrasound can be used while causing less pain. Alternatively, ultrasound energy is applied through a vibrating element positioned just contacting, above or extending into the skin. Use of the element facilitates extraction of analyte and may enhance drug delivery. A two step noninvasive method involves application of ultrasound to increase skin permeability and removal of ultrasound followed by transdermal transport that can be further enhanced using a physical enhancer.

The present invention generally relates to improved methods and devices for transdermal transport using ultrasound. More specifically, methods and devices are provided to channel or focus an ultrasound beam so that it is applied to a small area of skin and can enhance drug delivery and analyte collection. Methods and devices are provided to localize the ultrasound energy onto a vibrating element which applies the ultrasound energy to a small area of the skin.
Drugs are routinely administered orally or by injection. The effectiveness of most drugs relies on achieving a certain concentration in the bloodstream. Many drugs exhibit undesirable behaviors that are specifically related to a particular route of administration. For example, drugs may be degraded in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract by the low gastric pH, local enzymes, or interaction with food or drink in the stomach. The drug or disease itself may forestall or compromise drug absorption because of vomiting or diarrhea. If a drug entity survives its trip through the GI tract, it may face rapid metabolism to pharmacologically inactive forms by the liver, the first pass effect.
Transdermal drug delivery (TDD) offers several advantages over traditional delivery methods including injections and oral delivery. When compared to oral delivery, TDD avoids gastrointestinal drug metabolism, reduces first-pass effects, and provides sustained release of drugs for up to seven days, as reported by Elias, in Percutaneous Absorption: Mechanisms-Methodology-Drug Delivery, Bronaugh, R. L., Maibach, H. 1. (Ed), pp 1-12, Marcel Dekker, New York, 1989.
The skin is a complex structure. There are at least four distinct layers of tissue: the nonviable epidermis (stratum corneum, SC), the viable epidermis, the viable dermis, and the subcutaneous connective tissue. Located within these layers are the skin""s circulatory system, the arterial plexus, and appendages, including hair follicles, sebaceous glands, and sweat glands. The circulatory system lies in the dermis and tissues below the dermis. The capillaries do not actually enter the epidermal tissue but come within 150 to 200 microns of the outer surface of the skin.
The word xe2x80x9ctransdermalxe2x80x9d is used herein as a generic term. However, in actuality, transport of drugs occurs only across the epidermis where the drug gets absorbed in the blood capillaries. In comparison to injections, TDD can reduce or eliminate the associated pain and the possibility of infection. Theoretically, the transdermal route of drug administration could be advantageous in the delivery of many therapeutic drugs, including proteins, because many drugs, including proteins, are susceptible to gastrointestinal degradation and exhibit poor gastrointestinal uptake, proteins such as interferons are cleared rapidly from the blood and need to be delivered at a sustained rate in order to maintain their blood concentration at a high value, and transdermal devices are easier to use than injections.
In spite of these advantages, very few drugs and no proteins or peptides are currently administered transdermally for clinical applications because of the low skin permeability to drugs. This low permeability is attributed to the stratum corneum (SC), the outermost skin layer which consists of flat, dead cells filled with keratin fibers (keratinocytes) surrounded by lipid bilayers. The highly-ordered structure of the lipid bilayers confers an impermeable character to the SC (Flynn, G. L., in Percutaneous Absorption: Mechanisms-Methodology-Drug Delivery.; Bronaugh, R. L., Maibach, H. I. (Ed), pages 27-53, Marcel Dekker, New York, 1989). Several methods have been proposed to enhance transdermal drug transport, including the use of chemical enhancers, i.e. the use of chemicals to either modify the skin structure or to increase the drug concentration in a transdermal patch (Burnette, R. R., in Developmental Issues and Research Initiatives; Hadgraft J., G., R. H., Eds., Marcel Dekker: 1989; pp. 247-288; Junginger, et al. in Drug Permeation Enhancement; Hsieh, D. S., Eds., pp. 59-90; Marcel Dekker, Inc. New York 1994) and the use of applications of electric fields to create transient transport pathways [electroporation] or to increase the mobility of charged drugs through the skin [iontophoresis] (Prausnitz Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 90, 10504-10508 (1993); Walters, K. A., in Transdermal Drug Delivery: Developmental Issues and Research Initiatives, Ed. Hadgraft J., Guy, R. H., Marcel Dekker, 1989). Another approach that has been explored is the application of ultrasound [sonophoresis].
Ultrasound has been shown to enhance transdermal transport of low-molecular weight drugs (molecular weight less than 500) across human skin, a phenomenon referred to as sonophoresis (Levy, J. Clin. Invest. 1989, 83, 2974-2078; Kost and Langer in xe2x80x9cTopical Drug Bioavailability, Bioequivalence, and Penetrationxe2x80x9d; pp. 91-103, Shah V. P., M. H. I., Eds. (Plenum: New York, 1993); Frideman, R. M., xe2x80x9cInterferons: A Primerxe2x80x9d, Academic Press, New York, 1981). Although a variety of ultrasound conditions have been used for sonophoresis, the most commonly used conditions correspond to therapeutic ultrasound (frequency in the range of between one MHz and three MHz, and intensity in the range of between above zero and two W/cm2) (U.S. Pat. No. 4,767,402 to Kost, et al.). It is a common observation that the typical enhancement induced by therapeutic ultrasound is less than ten-fold. In many cases, no enhancement of transdermal drug transport has been observed upon ultrasound application. Accordingly, a better selection of ultrasound techniques is needed to induce a higher enhancement of transdermal drug transport by sonophoresis.
Application of low-frequency (between approximately 20 and 200 kHz) ultrasound can dramatically enhance transdermal transport of drugs, as described in PCT/US96/12244 by Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Transdermal transport enhancement induced by low-frequency ultrasound was found to be as much as 1000-fold higher than that induced by therapeutic ultrasound. Another advantage of low-frequency sonophoresis as compared to therapeutic ultrasound is that the former can induce transdermal transport of drugs which do not passively permeate across the skin.
There is a major medical need to extract analytes through the skin, such as in diabetics where it is desirable to measure blood glucose several times per day in order to optimize insulin treatment and thereby reduce the severe long-term complications of the disease. Currently, diabetics do this by pricking the highly vascularized fingertips with a lancet to perforate the skin, then milking the skin with manual pressure to produce a drop of blood, which is then assayed for glucose using a disposable diagnostic strip and a meter into which this strip fits. This method of glucose measurement has the major disadvantage that it is painful, so diabetics do not like to obtain a glucose measurement as often as is medically indicated.
Therefore, many groups are working on non-invasive and less invasive means to measure glucose, such as micro lancets that are very small in diameter, very sharp, and penetrate only to the interstitium (not to the blood vessels of the dermis). A small sample, from about 0.1 to two xcexcl, of interstitial fluid is obtained through capillary forces for glucose measurements. Other groups have used a laser to breach the integrity of the stratum corneum and thereby make it possible for blood or interstitial fluid to diffuse out of such a hole or to be obtained through such a hole using pneumatic force (suction) or other techniques. An example of such a laser based sampling device is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,165,418 to Tankovich and WPI ACC No: 94-167045/20 by Budnik (assigned to Venisect, Inc.).
A problem with methods that penetrate the skin to obtain interstitial fluid is that interstitial fluid occurs in the body in a gel like form with little free fluid and in fact there is even negative pressure that limits the amount of free interstitial fluid that can be obtained. When a very small hole is made in the skin, penetrating to a depth such that interstitial fluid is available, it takes a great deal of mechanical force (milking, vacuum, or other force) to obtain the quantity of blood used in a glucose meter.
It would be of significant utility to be able to obtain a sample of blood or interstitial fluid more quickly, using an easier procedure, and noninvasively.
The methods and devices described herein channel or focus an ultrasound beam onto a small area of skin. In some embodiments, methods and devices utilizing a chamber and ultrasound probe disclosed herein can be used to noninvasively extract analyte and deliver drugs. This provides many advantages, including the ability to create a small puncture or localized erosion of the skin tissue, without a large degree of concomitant pain. The number of pain receptors within the ultrasound application site decreases as the application area decreases. Thus, the application of ultrasound to a very small area will produce less sensation and will allow ultrasound and/or its local effects to be administered at higher intensities with little pain or discomfort. Channeling of ultrasound geometrically is one way to apply ultrasound to a small area. The oscillation of a small element near or in contact with the surface of the skin is another way to apply ultrasound to a small area. Large forces can be produced locally, resulting in cavitation, mechanical oscillations in the skin itself, and large localized shearing forces near the surface of the skin. The element can also produce acoustic streaming, which refers to the large convective flows produced by ultrasound. This appears to aid in obtaining a sample of blood or interstitial fluid without having to xe2x80x9cmilkxe2x80x9d the puncture site. Ultrasound transducers are known to rapidly heat under continuous operation, reaching temperatures that can cause skin damage. Heat damage to the skin can be minimized by using a transducer that is located away from the skin to oscillate a small element near the skin. In the case of analyte extraction, compounds present on the surface of and/or in the skin can contaminate the extracted sample. The level of contamination increases as skin surface area increases. Surface contamination can be minimized by minimizing the surface area of ultrasound application. Thus, skin permeability can be increased locally and transiently through the use of the methods and devices described herein, for either drug delivery or measurement of analyte.

Ultrasound enhancement of transdermal transport


A method is provided for delivering energy to a selected area on a surface. The method includes forming a visually continuous outline on the surface, positioning the visually continuous outline such that the outline surrounds an area to be treated with energy, and delivering energy within the area surrounded by the visually continuous outline. The method may be used to deliver energy to any surface, including surfaces which need to be exposed prior to the delivery of energy. Examples of surfaces that may be treated with energy using the method and apparatus of the present invention include, but are not limited to skin, an exposed area of internal tissue such as muscle or fat tissue, and a surface in an oral cavity such as gum tissue or a tooth enamel. Examples of particular applications to which the method may be applied include, but are not limited to skin surface ablation, hair removal, hair implantation, gum ablation and disinfection, tooth enamel cleaning, fat tissue ablation for breast reduction, evaporation of severely burned tissue, drilling a hole in heart muscle, heating tissue for pain reduction, and the ablation of tumors within the body.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for delivering energy to a surface. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method and apparatus involving the formation of a visually continuous outline around an area of a surface within which energy is to be delivered.
2. Description of Related Art
A wide variety of skin abnormalities exist for which treatment is commonly sought to remove the abnormality. Examples of such skin conditions include dermatologic acne, scars (most commonly due to acne), xanthomas, and unwanted skin discoloration. Examples of skin discolorations include freckles, age or liver spots, birthmarks, malignant melanomas, nevi (melanocytic, epidermal, vascular, and connective tissue), lentigines (brown spots on the skin or mucous membrane) and tatoos. In addition, discoloring abnormalities may be due to vascular lesions which are caused by an abundance of enlarged blood vessels. Common examples of discolorful vascular lesions are "port wine" stain birth marks, telangiectasis, a colored spot formed most commonly on the skin by a dilated capillary or other small blood vessel, and hemangioma, a highly visible benign tumor composed of well-formed blood vessels and classified as capillary or cavernous.
A variety of methodologies have been developed for treating skin abnormalities including, for example surgical excision, skin grafting, dermabrasion, saliabrasion, cryosurgery and laser surgery. One particular class of these methodologies involves the treatment of skin with an energy source, most commonly a laser or an RF electrode which causes thermal damage or necrosis to the skin.
A major problem associated with the treatment methods involving the delivery of energy to the skin to cause thermal damage or necrosis is controlling where energy is being delivered to the skin as well as the amount of energy that is delivered to particular areas of the skin. A need therefore exists for a method and device for delivering energy to the skin which provides the user of the method and/or device with the ability to control where energy is delivered to the skin and how much. At the same time, the method and device should be easy for the user to use so that the skin can be treated safely, accurately, rapidly and economically. These and other objectives are provided by the device and method of the present invention which is described herein.

Method for delivering energy within continuous outline


A radio channel simulator configured to read radio channel data describing a radio channel and user data including at least one user signal, and to simulate the radio channel using a FIR filter comprising one or more FIR blocks for filtering the user data read based on radio channel data in connection with the simulation. The radio channel simulator is configured to transfer at least one FIR block at a delay level depicting a radio channel delay during simulation.

An essential problem in radio systems is the rapid variation of radio channel properties as a function of time. This concerns for example mobile systems, in which at least one of the parties involved in a connection is often mobile. Thus, the impulse response of the radio channel varies within a wide phase and amplitude range, up to thousands times a second. This phenomenon is random by nature, and can therefore be mathematically described using statistical means. In addition, changing distances causes varying delays to the impulse responses. Such phenomena complicate the design of radio connections and the apparatuses to be used.
There are many reasons for the variation of a radio channel. When transmitting a radio frequency signal from a transmitter to a receiver on a radio channel, the signal propagates along one or more paths, in each one of which the phase and amplitude of the signal vary, thus causing fades of different lengths and strengths to the signal. In addition, noise and interference from other transmitters also disturb the radio connection as well as the changing distances.
A radio channel can be tested in either actual conditions or using a simulator that simulate actual conditions. Tests conducted in actual conditions are difficult, since tests being carried out outdoors, for instance, are affected for example by the constantly changing weather and season. Even measurements carried out in the same place provide different results at different instants of time. In addition, a test conducted in a particular environment, such as a city, does not fully apply to a test conducted in another city. In general, the worst possible situation cannot either be tested in actual conditions.
FIGS. 1A and 1B show an impulse response pattern of a radio channel at two different instants of time. In the Figures, x-axis describes the delay of the signal components and y-axis depicts the amplitude, or energy, of the signals. The Figures also illustrate that the number of impulse response taps, the delays and energies vary as a function of time as a result of the changes occurring on the radio channel, and even though minor differences are found between FIGS. 1A and 1B, a fairly static channel is concerned. The coordinates in FIG. 1C, in turn, show the mean energy of the impulse responses formed at different instants of time. FIGS. 1A and 1B show that several impulse responses are used when calculating the mean energy. FIG. 1C illustrates the allocation of FIR blocks 100A to 100C in a FIR filter (Finite Impulse Response) to be used when forming an impulse response in relation to a delay axis. In prior art allocation is carried out by analysing the energy mean in advance, and by covering all significant energy components with FIR blocks in the actual simulation.
FIGS. 2A to 2B illustrate the impulse responses at two different instants of time. FIGS. 2A and 2B show what is known as a sliding tap caused by a large reflecting change in the terrain affecting the radio connection, for instance, and by a terminal, such as a mobile phone, diverging in relation to a particular location in the terrain. FIG. 2C illustrates the energy mean as a function of time. The Figure shows that the sliding tap is illustrated as a low energy level within a wide delay range in an average energy pattern. In order to cover the entire energy distribution on the delay axis, FIR blocks 100A to 100F are correspondingly allocated in accordance with the prior art over the entire delay range.
A significant drawback associated with prior art allocation is that the apparatus resources must be allocated in vain when particular channel models are concerned. An example of such a channel model is the sliding tap channel model.

Method and apparatus for simulating radio channel


A card actuated automated banking machine (152, 198, 200) includes a plurality of transaction function devices. The transaction function devices include a card reader (170), a printer (174), a bill dispenser (176), a coin dispenser (178), a display (182), a check imaging device (186) and at least one processor (190). The automated banking machine is operative responsive to receiving a check and certification data to dispense cash in exchange for the check. The person presenting the check need not provide user identifying inputs through input devices in order to receive cash for the check. A check recipient prior to presenting the check for payment is also enabled to verify that the check will be paid through communication with at least one computer (204) through at least one consumer interface device (208).

Automated banking machines actuated responsive to user cards are known in the prior art. For purposes of this disclosure an automated banking machine, automated teller machine, ATM or automated transaction machine shall include any device which is capable of carrying out transactions including transfers of value. Furthermore, it should be understood that for purposes of this disclosure the terms cash and currency are interchangeable. Automated banking machines are typically operative to perform banking transactions such as dispensing cash, transferring value between banking accounts, or accepting deposits. Many automated banking machines are located in retail or service facilities such as stores, gas stations, restaurants and bars. The owners of these facilities often generate income from the automated banking machines through service fees on transactions performed with the machine. For example, if a user withdraws an amount of cash from the automated banking machine, the user may be charged a small transaction fee.
If the automated banking machine has only marginal use, the income generated may not be sufficient to justify the expense of maintaining the machine. For example, maintenance and service costs may consume a large portion of the monthly income generated by an automated banking machine which has low transaction volumes.
Alternative embodiments of systems that include automated banking machines may benefit from improved check cashing capabilities. For example, while some automated banking machines provide the capabilities for a user to deposit and/or cash a check, such capabilities are generally limited to persons who have an account such as a checking account and a debit card that will enable operation of the automated banking machine. Persons who may receive checks and who do not have an account and card that can operate the automated banking machine, or who do not wish to use such a card or account, are generally not able to cash a check at an automated banking machine.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Automated banking machine system and method

Diebold Self-Service Systems division of Diebold, Incorporated


A fiber optic connector cleaning process that is both field deployable, and achieves optical reflectance levels of -60 dB and lower. Specifically, the cleaning process according to the instant invention uses electrostatic dissipative (ESD) cleaning wipes along with an acidic detergent and deionized water to remove metallic and metal oxide particles bound to the connector by an electrostatic charge. Advantageously, the acidic detergent is both biodegradable and phosphate free and is therefore environmentally safe. Inasmuch as the instant invention avoids the use of lasers or other machinery, the process can easily be applied in a field setting.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to the field of conditioning and cleaning fiber optic connectors, and more particularly to a process for cleaning connectors that is field deployable and provides similar performance to mechanical or laser conditioning processes.
2. Description of Related Art
Fiber-optic waveguides are an attractive transmission medium for modern telecommunication networks because of the high bandwidth associated with light transmission. Moreover, optical fibers provide high bandwidth with relatively low loss or attenuation characteristics when compared with metallic media. However, practical considerations dictate that most networks be comprised of many individual sections of optical cable joined together through a connector or fusion spliced with an electric arc. While splicing offers the highest performance transmission characteristics, remateable connectors are generally preferred to splicing when flexibility is needed for reconfiguration of the network as the network topology changes. To maintain the high quality signal transmission characteristics of the optical fiber, the connectors must be designed and conditioned to minimize optical loss and signal reflectance. For high performance applications, such as analog video, reflectance values of -60 dB or less are desired to ensure that the transmitted signal is not unduly distorted.
Traditional methods for conditioning fiber ends and connectors include flame polishing, grinding and/or polishing using a mechanical device or machine often in conjunction with an aqueous slurry, and treatment of the fiber ends via exposure to a laser beam, electric arc or a microtorch. Once the end faces of the connector are altered to produce the desired performance, it is customary to clean the connector end faces whenever cable segments are first joined or whenever they are remated to remove impurities that can buildup over time. These impurities degrade the performance of the connector by causing unwanted signal reflectance.
Heretofore, connector cleaning processes have used solvents containing volatile organic compounds (VOCs), such as alcohol, to restore performance levels. Unfortunately, these cleaning processes have been unable to improve connector reflectance beyond the range of -50 dB to -55 dB. Inasmuch as organic solvents are known to be effective at removing organic impurities and oils, other factors are clearly dominant when trying to achieve reflectance values beyond -55 dB.
While the aforementioned techniques of polishing or mechanically cleaning the connector and the fiber are effective in restoring connector performance to -55 dB and below, it is readily apparent that these techniques do not lend themselves to application in a field setting. Thus, what is needed is a field deployable cleaning process for optical connectors that exceeds the -55 dB performance level achievable by existing cleaning processes without resorting to intrusive mechanical remedies.
While cleanliness of the cable connections is a critical factor in maintaining the performance of a fiber-optic network, any cleaning process used is a procedure that produces waste. Moreover, U. S. manufacturers are subject to strict federal, state and local legislation that regulate water discharges and treatment and disposal of hazardous chemicals. As discussed in the foregoing, many solutions used to clean fiber-optic connectors contain VOC based solvents and/or phosphate based detergents that are known to adversely affect the human respiratory tract, skin, eyes, liver, kidneys, cardiovascular system, nervous system, and cause an increased risk for developing cancer. Notwithstanding the impact these solvents and detergents have on the public health and welfare, manufacturers may also incur economic hardships through imposition of fines, penalties or fees from governmental environment protection agencies. Thus, it is therefore desirable that a new connector cleaning process be developed that is effective at removing organic based impurities and oils but uses environmentally safe solvents and detergents.
In view of the foregoing discussion, what is sought after is a fiber-optic connector cleaning process that can achieve optical reflectance levels of -55 dB or less while eliminating or dramatically reducing the use of regulated or hazardous chemicals and compounds.


A TFCI transmission scheme using optimal TFCI transmission bit patterns for the DPCH and DSCH in the hard split mode of the W-CDMA standard. The DPCH TFCI bits (TFCI1) and the DSCH TFCI bits (TFCI2) are mapped to their corresponding bit positions and then transmitted such that TFCI code word errors are minimized and communication reliability is improved. When the TFCI1 to TFCI2 ratio is 5:5, the TFCI transmission bit pattern has alternating TFCI1 and TFCI2 bits. For other ratios, such as 1:9, 2:8, 3:7, and 4:6, the bit patterns are obtained by considering situations where the number of TFCI bits is 6 or 7, while bit patterns for respective conjugate ratios (9:1, 8:2, 7:3, and 6:4) are obtained by reversing all 0 and 1 bits of the previously obtained bit pattern for that ratio.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to coding a TFCI (Transport Format Combination Indicator) for mobile communications, and more particularly, to TFCI code word mapping in a hard split mode.
2. Background of the Related Art
Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (W-CDMA) defines a channel structure by which various data services can be effectively provided to a plurality of users. According to W-CDMA standards, the data to be transmitted to each terminal (e.g., a mobile station) are processed by one or more transport channels (TrCH) based on commands from higher layers. Further, the data of a transport channel are mapped to one or more physical channels that are allocated to the terminals.
In more detail, the data generated at higher layers is carried over the air with transport channels, which are mapped in the physical layer to different physical channels. In addition, each transport channel is accompanied by a Transport Format Indicator (TFI) for each time event at which data is expected to arrive from the higher layers for a specific transport channel. The physical layer combines the TFI information from different transport channels into a Transport Format Combination Indicator (TFCI). The TFCI is coded and transmitted over the physical control channel to inform the receiver about the transport channels that are active for the current frame. In one example, the TFCI has a length of 10 bits and is encoded into 32 bits to be transmitted over the physical channel.
In addition, a transport channel is defined by the particular characteristics of the data to be transmitted and by the particular manner in which the data is transmitted over an air interface using a service provided to the higher layer by the physical layer. The transport channels are classified into dedicated transport channels and common transport channels. Only one type of dedicated transport channel exists, namely, a dedicated channel DCH). In contrast, there are six types of common transport channels, namely a broadcast channel (BCH), a forward access channel (FACH), a paging channel (PCH), a random access channel (RACH), a common packet channel (CPCH), and a downlink shared channel (DSCH).
The DSCH is a downlink transport channel that is shared by a plurality of terminals, and is associated with one or more downlink DCHs. Further, the DSCH is transmitted to an entire cell, or is transmitted to a portion of a cell if beam-forming antennas are used.
As the DSCH and DCH are related to each other, transmission from the base station to the terminal via the DSCH is possible. Thus, each terminal that can transmit on the DSCH has an associated single dedicated physical channel (DPCH). The associated DPCH is used for transmitting control commands for the associated uplink DPCH, if necessary.
Currently, there are two types of methods for coding the information related to the DCH and the DSCH. The first method is called a logical split mode in which a code word is formed using second order Reed-Muller coding for the TFCI information (TFCI1) of the DCH and the TFCI information (TFCI2) of the DSCH. The second method is called a hard split mode in which the TFCI information of the DCH and the TFCI information of the TFCI of the DSCH are separately coded into code words, and the bits of these two code words are mixed and then transmitted.
In other words, for the logical split mode, a 5-bit TFCI1 (which is a TFCI for the DPCH (Dedicated Physical Channel)) is encoded together with a 5-bit TFCI2 (which is a TFCI for the DSCH (Downlink Shared Channel)) and transmitted over the DPCCH (Dedicated Physical Control Channel). In contrast, for the hard split mode, the TFCI1 and TFCI2 are encoded separately and transmitted over the DPCCH. Namely, in one example, a (32,6) second order Reed-Muller code is used for the logical split mode, while a (16,5) first order Reed-Muller code is used for the hard split mode.
Further, other various TFCI1 to TFCI2 ratio combinations (e.g., 3:7, 4:6, 6:4, 7:3) are used. For example, if 10 input information bits (i.e., TFCI bits) are divided in a 1:9 ratio, then 30 coded output symbols (i.e., forming a TFCI code word) are divided in a 3:27 ratio. That is, although a total of 32 coded bits are output based on the inputted information bits, the last two transport combination information bits are not transmitted due to a limitation in the total number of the TFCI fields that are actually transmitted. In other examples, if the 10 input information bits are divided in a 2:8 ratio, then the 30 coded output symbols are divided in a 6:24 ratio; if the 10 input information bits are divided in a 3:7 ratio, then the 30 coded output symbols are divided in a 9:21 ratio; and if the 10 input information bits are divided in a 4:6 ratio, then the 30 coded output symbols are divided in a 12:18 ratio.
Currently, the bit positions j1 (=bit positions for the TFCI1 bits) and j2 (=bit positions for the TFCI2 bits) are obtained by the following Equations 1a through 1d:
                                                        If                                                                                k                        ≠            5                    ,                                                                                j              1                        =                                          ⌊                                                                            32                                                                        3                          ×                                                      min                                                                                (                                                              k                                ,                                                                  10                                  -                                  k                                                                                )                                                                                +                        1                                                              ×                                          (                                                                        i                          1                                                +                        1                                            )                                                        +                                      1                    2                                                  ⌋                            -              1                                                                                (                  1                    a                )                                                                    If                                                                                k                        =            5                    ,                                                                                j              2                        =                                          i                2                            +                              ⌊                                                                                32                        ×                        min                                                                                (                                                      k                            ,                                                          10                              -                              k                                                                                )                                                                    +                      1                                                              32                      -                                              (                                                                              3                            ×                                                          min                                                                                (                                                                  k                                  ,                                                                      10                                    -                                    k                                                                                )                                                                                +                          1                                                )                                                                              ×                                      (                                                                  i                        2                                            +                                              1                        2                                                              )                                                  ⌋                                                                                (                  1                    b                )                                                      j            1                    =                      2            ×                          i              1                                                                                (                  1                    c                )                                                      j            2                    =                                    2              ×                              i                2                                      +            1                                                                                (                  1                    d                )
Here, i1=0 , . . . , 3k and i2=0, . . . 30-3k, whereby, "k" indicates the number of the corresponding TFCI1 bits (for example, if the ratio is 6:4, k=6).
In a 32 bit code word, j1 and j2 must have values between 0 and 31. However, the above bit position equations do not produce valid bit position for each TFCI ratio.
As such, the generation of these invalid bit positions creates errors in the TFCI code words generated therefrom. As a result, the reliability of DPCH or DSCH transmissions is undesirably decreased.

TFCI code word mapping in hard split mode


The present invention provides a tri-gate lower power device and method for fabricating that tri-gate semiconductor device. The tri-gate device includes a first gate [455] located over a high voltage gate dielectric [465] within a high voltage region [460], a second gate [435] located over a low voltage gate dielectric [445] within a low voltage core region [440] and a third gate [475] located over an intermediate core oxide [485] within an intermediate core region [480]. One method of fabrication includes forming a high voltage gate dielectric layer [465] over a semiconductor substrate [415], implanting a low dose of nitrogen [415a] into the semiconductor substrate [415] in a low voltage core region [440], and forming a core gate dielectric layer [445] over the low voltage core region [440], including forming an intermediate core gate dielectric layer [485] over an intermediate core region [480].

Dual gate integrated circuits having both high voltage devices, which may also be referred to herein as input/output (I/O) devices, and low voltage, or core, devices have gained wide acceptance and utility in the semiconductor industry since their introduction. Because of the different operating voltages associated with the core device versus the I/O device, the gate oxide for the lower voltage core device is much thinner than the gate oxide for the higher voltage I/O device. For example, the thickness of the gate oxide for the core device may range from about 0.7 nm to about 2 nm, while the thickness of the gate oxide for the I/O device may range from about 2.5 nm to about 8 nm.
Conventional processes have, therefore, required manufactures to proceed through a number of mask, etch and clean steps to achieve these different gate oxide thicknesses. In a typical process, the thicker I/O gate oxide is produced by first growing the desired thickness of oxide over the surface of the wafer. The desired I/O areas are then protected using well known masking and photolithographic processes. The oxide that is not protected by the mask is removed with conventional etch processes, after which the mask is removed. The appropriate clean steps are then conducted, and the wafer is subjected to a second, carefully controlled oxidation process to grow the thinner gate oxide for the core devices.
These conventional processes do achieve the desired thicknesses for the different devices. Unfortunately, however, the grow, mask, etch, clean and re-grow steps potentially damage the silicon surface that can lead to leakage at the interface of the silicon and the gate oxide. This leakage is undesirable, particularly in the low voltage or core devices. In addition, these multiple process steps introduces manufacturing complexity in that more variables are introduced into a process in which hundreds of variables already exist.
To avoid these additional process steps, manufactures turned to conducting a high dose nitrogen implant in the core device areas. In this process, the I/O device areas are masked off, and a high dose of nitrogen is implanted into the low voltage core device areas. Upon completion of the nitrogen implant, the mask is removed and the wafer is subjected to an oxidizing environment. The result is that the respective target thicknesses for each of the device areas are achieved without the additional process steps. Unfortunately, however, manufacturers have become reluctant to use this high dose nitrogen implant because it has been found to damage the silicon surface, which can also lead to leakage within the device.
Accordingly, what is needed in the art is a method of manufacturing an integrated circuit that overcomes the disadvantages associated with the prior art process discussed above.

Tri-gate low power device and method for manufacturing the same


A bioptic barcode reader configured to be supported by a workstation and having a lower housing with a platter having a generally horizontal window and a tower extending generally perpendicular to the lower housing and having a generally vertical window. A radio-frequency identification radio is positioned within the lower housing and is communicatively coupled to a feed patch positioned within the lower housing and proximate, but spaced apart from, the platter such that the feed patch is capacitively coupled to the platter and configured to energize the platter such that the platter is operative as a radio-frequency identification reader antenna.

RFID tags are increasingly being used to track, locate, and check inventory on items. In a retail environment, RFID tags help determine whether an item is on the shelf, available in the back room, in the wrong location, or is no longer in the store. When an item having an RFID tag is read last by an RFID reader near the store exit, it currently cannot be determined whether the particular item has been sold, stolen, or not in the store for another reason.
There is a need to be able to identify whether an item having an RFID tag was sold or was in close proximity to a point of sale (POS), such as a bioptic barcode reader used at the POS, which will help in reporting accuracy on items sold and in keeping track of inventory and reporting shrink. However, bioptic barcode readers used at POS stations are compact designs with limited volume and locations for integrating additional electronics, such as an RFID radio and RFID antennas. In addition, the metal enclosures of bioptic barcode readers are highly restrictive radio frequency (RF) environments.
The apparatus and method components have been represented where appropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the disclosed examples so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

Bioptic barcode reader with capacitively coupled radio-frequency antenna


A method for fabricating a semiconductor device includes: providing a substrate structure including a bit line and a capacitor formed apart from each other at a different level; forming first, second, and third insulation layers over the bit line, the second insulation layer being a first etch stop layer; forming a second etch stop layer over a top electrode of the capacitor; forming a fourth insulation layer over the third insulation layer and the second etch stop layer; and performing a plurality of etch steps to expose an upper surface of the bit line and an upper surface of the capacitor.

The present invention relates to a method for fabricating a semiconductor device; and more particularly, to a method for fabricating a final metal contact of a dynamic random access memory (DRAM) device having a cylinder type capacitor.
Since dynamic random access memory (DRAM) devices have a high capacitance and can freely input and output data, the DRAM devices have been widely used. Each of the DRAM devices includes an access transistor and a cumulative capacitor. The data signal is received from the top electrode and bit line of the capacitor from an external circuit through a final metal contact.
FIG. 1 is a scanning electron microscope (SEM) micrograph illustrating a cross-sectional view of a typical DRAM device including a final metal contact.
A first inter-layer insulation layer ILD1 covering a bit line BL is formed over a substrate completed with a bit line formation process. Afterwards, a nitride-based etch stop layer SN STOP NITRIDE and a second inter-layer insulation layer ILD2 for forming a capacitor are formed over the first inter-layer insulation layer ILD1. Then, predetermined portions of the second inter-layer insulation layer ILD2 and the nitride-based etch stop layer SN STOP NITRIDE are selectively etched to form a plurality of contact holes (not shown). Thereafter, a plurality of bottom electrodes (i.e., storage nodes SN) of the capacitor are formed only inside the contact holes (not shown) The second inter-layer insulation layer ILD2 and the nitride-based etch stop layer SN STOP NITRIDE between the bottom electrodes are selectively removed. Accordingly, a plurality of cylinder type storage nodes SN, which are electrically isolated from each other, are formed in a region where the capacitors are to be formed.
A dielectric layer (not shown) is formed over the height difference of the second inter-layer insulation layers ILD2 and the storage nodes SN. A plate electrode PLATE, which is the top electrode of the capacitor, is formed over the dielectric layer to fill a plurality of empty spaces between the storage nodes SN. Accordingly, a DRAM cell capacitor is completed. Afterwards, an amorphous silicon (a-Si) layer (or a polysilicon layer) having different etch selectivity from the plate electrode PLATE is formed over the plate electrode PLATE as a passivation layer to protect the plate electrode PLATE.
Predetermined portions of the amorphous silicon (a-Si) layer, the plate electrode PLATE, and the dielectric layer are selectively etched; then a third inter-layer insulation layer ILD3 is formed over the resulting structure.
An etching process using a mask is performed to form a plurality of metal contacts M1C exposing predetermined upper portions of the plate electrode PLATE and the bit line BL.
However, while the etching process exposing the upper portion of the bit line BL is performed by using the identical etch gas (e.g., a mixture gas of C4F6, Ar and O2) used through the mask, a punch-through phenomenon 'P' in which a cavity is formed in the plate electrode PLATE may be produced. Since the depth from the third inter-layer insulation layer ILD3 to the upper portion of the bit line BL is greater than the depth from the third inter-layer insulation layer ILD3 to the upper portion of the plate electrode PLATE, the etching process to form the metal contacts M1C exposing the upper portion of the bit line BL continues even after the metal contacts M1C exposing the upper portion of the plate electrode PLATE is formed. Herein, reference denotation M1 denotes a final metal interconnection line.
FIGS. 2A and 2B are SEM micrographs illustrating a punch-through phenomenon typically produced within a titanium nitride (TiN) layer forming a top electrode (i.e., a plate electrode) of a capacitor. FIG. 2A illustrates a portion where the top electrode of the capacitor is exposed, and FIG. 2B illustrates a portion where a bit line is exposed.
As described above, if the punch-through phenomenon 'P' is produced in the plate electrode, the contact area between the final metal interconnection line (to be subsequently formed) and the plate electrode is reduced. Thus, the contact resistance between the metal interconnection line and the plate electrode may be increased.

Method for fabricating semiconductor device having capacitor


A system for measurement of pressure drop through a perforated panel having panel holes includes a sensor comprising an illumination source adapted to illuminate the perforated panel, a lens spaced-apart with respect to the illumination source and a camera interfacing with the lens. A controller is connected to the camera and adapted to receive image frames of the panel openings from the camera, measure an optical porosity of the perforated panel, identify a number and locations of missing and blocked panel holes in the perforated panel, determine a shape of a small region associated with each panel hole and calculate a pressure drop through the perforated panel based on the optical porosity of the perforated panel, the number and locations of the missing and blocked panel holes and the shape of the small region associated with each panel hole.

One approach to drag reduction in aircraft, which can lead to significant fuel savings, includes modification of the laminar airflow across an airfoil surface by making it porous and applying a controlled vacuum from within the airfoil body. Airflow through the panels which form the airfoil surface may occur through thousands or millions of tiny holes, each only a few thousandths of an inch in diameter, which may be "drilled" in the panel using a high-power pulsed laser beam. The holes may be distributed around the surface of the panel in a pattern with a density that is determined by the aerodynamic design.
In order to achieve the expected drag reduction of an airfoil surface, it may be necessary to ensure that the manufacture of porous airfoil surfaces be accomplished within specific tolerances, expressed in terms of pressure drop (Pd) across the panel, and that the relative designed geometry of regions of varying Pd be rigidly controlled to this end. However, the available methods of measuring pressure drop through the panel may be cumbersome, slow, and require painstaking care to achieve the required accuracy.
Optical porosity seeks to establish a correlation between Pd and the amount of light that can be transmitted through an hole or holes in a panel using a backlight and some form of light sensor. In the paper "Light transmission control technique and correlation with pressure loss characteristics of perforated panels for Hybrid Laminar Flow Applications" presented by B. Paluch at the Proceedings of the CRAS/DragNet European Drag Reduction Conference, 19-21 Jun. 2000, in Potsdam, Germany, it was established that there is a high correlation (0.956 in the test configuration described) between total air flow through a test panel and the optical power transmitted through its perforations from a halogen point light source.
Results from shape analysis experimentation suggest that the feature of an hole in a panel that is most strongly correlated with pressure drop through the panel is simply the area of the hole. Research into laminar flow reduction suggests that the geometry of distribution of the holes within a panel may be an important factor which determines drag reduction performance, and the locations of completely plugged holes in the panel may have a significant effect.
Therefore, an expeditious and efficient method of inspecting large areas of a perforated panel which utilizes optical porosity of the panel to determine pressure drop through the panel is needed.

System and method for measurement of pressure drop through perforated panels


According to one embodiment, a memory device includes a conductive member and a stacked body provided on the conductive member. The stacked body includes a plurality of first interconnections being stacked to be separated from each other, a memory cell connected with one of the first interconnections, a plurality of contact plugs, an insulating member. Each of the contact plugs connects each of the first interconnections with an upper surface of the conductive member. One of the contact plugs includes an upper part, and a lower part. The lower part is provided between the upper part and the conductive member. The lower part includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is connected with one of the first interconnections. The second portion is connected with the conductive member. The insulating member is provided between the first portion and the second portion.

In recent years, a memory device is proposed in which memory cells are three-dimensionally stacked so that the integration efficiency of the memory cells is improved. As such a memory device, a three-dimensional cross-point memory device can be cited in which memory cells are connected between alternately stacked word lines and bit lines. Besides, a three-dimensional stacked flash memory is also developed which includes charge holding films as memory cells between a stacked body in which insulating films and electrode films are alternately stacked and a semiconductor pillar passing through the stacked body. In the memory device as stated above, reduction in chip size and reduction in manufacturing cost are demanded.

Memory device and method for manufacturing the same


A fiber glass utility pole comprising: (a) a center section that comprises from 5% to 15% of the total diameter of the utility pole; (b) a mid-section surrounding the center section, the mid-section comprising from 70% to 90% of the total diameter of the utility pole; and (c) an outer section surrounding the mid-section, the outer section comprising from 5% to 15% of the total diameter of the utility pole, wherein the center section comprises fiber glass oriented at a 30 to 60 degree angle to a center axis, and wherein the mid-section comprises fiber glass oriented parallel to the center axis, and wherein the outer section comprises fiber glass oriented at a 30 to 60 degree angle to a center axis.

Most utility poles used today made of wood. Such wooden poles are pressure treated to preserve them from the weather, insects and other types of attacks and decay. Specifically, they are treated with a number of toxic chemicals including pentachlorphenol, chromated copper arsenate, creosote, copper azole and others. Pentachlorophenol (Penta) is widely-used wood preservative that is normally dissolved in a petroleum carrier. It is the most commonly used preservative system utilized by North American utilities. Chromated Copper Arsenate (CCA) is water-borne treatment that offers a wide range of advantages for treated lumber, timber and poles; clean; odorless; paintable. For poles, its use is limited to southern yellow pine, pinus sylvestris, and western red cedar. Creosote is an oil-based wood preservative blended from the distillation of coal tar and comprised of more than 200 major constituents. Used in industrial applications, such as railroad ties, piling (both salt water and fresh water), and for utility poles. Copper Azole (CA-B) is a water-borne copper based wood preservative with an organic co-biocide (Tebuconazol). Similar in color, to CCA-C, odorless, clean, paintable or stainable. Copper Azole is approved by the American Wood Preservers Association for use on Western Red Cedar and Southern Yellow Pine utility poles. These chemicals that are harmful to the environment, and poisonous (e.g. arsenic, etc.) to humans and animals and have been shown in some instance to cause cancers. Another problem is that even with pressure treating the wood, wooden utility poles have to be replaced about every ten years. Another problem is that wooden utility poles are not aesthetically pleasing to look and are typically all a brown or black color.
It would instead be desirable to produce utility poles that do not require the above described chemical treatments. Ideally, it would be desired to provide a utility pole that does not require any of the standard chemical treatments since these chemicals listed above are all somewhat environmentally unfriendly.
Many of the above problems have been overcome by fiber glass utility poles. However, it would be desirable to ensure that such fiber glass poles are sufficiently strong and long lasting, without requiring them to be excessively thick, such that they don't consume a large amount of material. What is instead desired is a fiber glass utility pole having added strength with reduced mass. As will be shown the present invention provides such a strong system.


A soil sampling system is provided that allows headspace screening of soil samples at spaced intervals along a soil sample liner without disturbing the soil samples to be collected and shipped to a laboratory for further testing. The soil sample liner includes a plurality of cylindrical liner sections positioned end-to-end in a linear array, with each liner section having a sidewall and open ends. A shrink-wrap material covers the liner sections and holds the liner sections together as an assembled unit. Some of the liner sections have access openings formed in a sidewall thereof for providing access to the soil samples contained therein. The liner sections having access openings are interspersed between other liner sections that do not have access openings. The access openings are used by piercing the shrink-wrap material covering the access opening, and inserting a probe tip through the access opening into a headspace to measure contamination.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to devices for obtaining soil samples from below the surface of the ground. In particular, the present invention relates to soil sampling systems that allow access to a portion of the soil core for headspace screening without violating the integrity of the remaining soil core, and soil sample containment devices used to protect soil samples after the samples are collected by the soil sampling system.
2. Description of the Related Art
Soil sampling systems are commonly used to obtain soil samples from below the surface of the ground. The collected soil samples are used to determine soil conditions prior to construction, to locate mineral deposits, to study chemical dissipation and residue, to determine the concentration of environmental contaminants, to investigate hazardous waste sites, and in other ways well known in the art.
Unfortunately, the equipment and methodology for collecting and preserving soil samples do not allow for consistent and accurate soil analysis. It is common practice to retrieve a soil sample from the subsurface via a soil sampler, remove the soil sample from the soil sampler, and place the sample in a separate container. During this process, the handling and exposure of the soil sample increases the loss of contaminants which may be contained within the soil sample.
The existing process involves a user taking a core section of soil, cutting open the tube, screening the whole length of the tube for contamination vapors, and if the contamination is not high, putting that core section aside and going on to the next one until the user finds the highest level of contamination. The user cannot be sure which one has the highest contamination until all of the cores have been screened. In the meantime, the exposed soil samples of the open cores are volatilizing and the integrity of the soil samples is deteriorating.
For accurate soil analysis, it is important that the sample be collected without disruption of the soil structure, that the sample not be subsampled, and that the sample is sealed in a manner to prevent leaks of contaminants around the seal. This is particularly difficult when soil is being tested for contamination by volatile organic compounds (VOC) because the VOCs tend to volatilize when exposed to air. The sample should be isolated from air to maintain substantially the same level and type of contamination as when the sample was first cored from the earth. The ideal soil sample is one that is representative of its origin in the subsurface.

Soil sampling system and method that allow headspace screening at spaced intervals without disturbing soil sample


A patient support apparatus comprises a support structure comprising a head end, a foot end, a base, and a patient support deck. The patient support deck comprises a fowler section at the head end and a foot section at the foot end. The fowler section is capable of articulating relative to the base. The patient support apparatus further comprises a pediatric support module comprising a seat section disposed between the fowler section and the foot section. The pediatric support module is integrated into the patient support deck and comprises a lid and a body.

Patient support apparatuses, such as cots, hospital beds, stretchers, tables, wheelchairs, and chairs facilitate care of patients in a health care setting. Conventional patient support apparatuses comprise a support structure having a base, a frame, and a patient support deck on the frame upon which the patient is supported. However, most conventional patient support apparatuses are designed for adult patients and are ill equipped to support and/or restrain pediatric patients. Therefore, standalone products made for supporting and restraining pediatric patients often must be used. Because these products are not integrated into the patient support apparatus, they are not always available when they are needed (e.g., emergency personnel must remember to bring the product with them on emergency calls; in a healthcare setting, the product must be retrieved if not in the immediate vicinity when needed; etc.). Moreover, such standalone products can be difficult, confusing, or time-consuming to attach to the patient support apparatus, which can expend valuable time as well as the attention of healthcare personnel, both of which are particularly vital during a medical emergency.
A pediatric support module for a patient support apparatus is desired that addresses one or more of the aforementioned challenges.

Pediatric support module for patient support apparatus


In an apparatus for suppressing noise in an input image signal representing a radiographic image: at least one first characteristic of the input image signal is obtained by calculation based on information indicating an exposure dose with which the radiographic image has been produced; at least one second characteristic of a smoothing filter is adapted to the input image signal based on the at least one first characteristic; and the input image signal is processed by using the smoothing filter so as to smooth the radiographic image. In addition, a plurality of band-limited image signals respectively representing a plurality of band-limited images belonging to a plurality of different frequency bands are generated based on the input image signal, each of the plurality of band-limited image signals is processed by using the smoothing filter so as to smooth each of the plurality of band-limited images.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for suppressing noise included in an image signal representing a radiographic image. The present invention also relates to a method for suppressing noise included in an image signal representing a radiographic image. The present invention further relates to a computer-readable storage medium storing a program which instructs a computer to execute a method for suppressing noise included in an image signal representing a radiographic image.
2. Description of the Related Art
Currently, when radiographic images obtained by computed radiography (CR) or the like are used in diagnosis, image processing such as frequency emphasis processing or gradation processing is performed on the radiographic images before the radiographic images are displayed on CRT monitors as soft copies or recorded in films as hard copies.
Generally, radiographic images tend to include undesirably noticeable quantization noise in low density areas corresponding to low-intensity radiation exposure. Therefore, various methods have been proposed for suppressing noise components included in image signals carrying radiographic images.
For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,461,655 (corresponding to Japanese Unexamined Patent Publications No. 6(1994)-96200) discloses a method for suppressing noise components in an image. In the method disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,461,655, an image is transformed (decomposed) into a set of detail images (represented by band-limited image signals corresponding to 1 to M resolution levels). Then, a moving average of squared pixel values of each detail image in an N×N neighborhood centered around each pixel of interest (i.e., a sum of the squared pixel values divided by N2) is calculated as a local variance, and a histogram of the local variance is produced for each detail image. Next, a local variance corresponding to the peak in the histogram is obtained as a noise variance, and the local variance corresponding to each pixel is compared with the noise variance. When the local variance is comparable to or smaller than the noise variance, a portion of the band-limited image signal corresponding to the pixel is reduced. Thereafter, the set of detail images processed as above are inversely transformed (composed) to the space of the original image by inverse multiresolution transformation so that an image in which the noise is suppressed is obtained.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,461,655 also discloses that noise variances for detail images at lower resolution levels can be calculated based on a noise variance for a detail image at the highest resolution level, i.e., the finest-grained detail image.
According to the method disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,461,655, noise is suppressed by using a noise variance obtained from local variances of each detail image and a histogram of the local variances, based on the assumption that the noise is uniformly distributed in the entire image. However, noise in actual radiographic images is not uniformly distributed. For example, noise levels are relatively high in areas in which images of objects exist, and noise levels are relatively low in areas in which images of objects do not exist. Therefore, when the method disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,461,655 is applied to the actual radiographic images, edge information in the areas in which the noise levels are low is suppressed as well as the noise. That is, edge degradation occurs, and sharpness of the radiographic images decreases. Consequently, in practice, it is not possible to sufficiently suppress the noise in the areas in which the noise levels are high, by the method to disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,461,655, since noise is suppressed by using the threshold value obtained from the histogram according to the method.
In addition, shapes of histograms obtained from radiographic images including images of objects having complex structures are different from shapes of histograms obtained from radiographic images including images of objects having simple structures, even when the average noise levels in the images of objects having the complex structures and those having the simple structures are almost identical. Therefore, it is difficult to desirably discriminate between edges and noise according to variations between objects.

Apparatus for suppressing noise by adapting filter characteristics to input image signal based on characteristics of input image signal


A mobile station device that communicates with a base station device, the mobile station device including: a determination unit which determines whether to request the base station device to provide control information of a small base station device accessed by the mobile station device or not; a first transmission unit, when the determination unit determines that the control information is to be requested, which sets information of the small base station device in a control information request message and transmits the control information request message to the base station device; a first reception unit which receives a response message transmitted from the base station device; and a measurement control execution unit which executes measurement control according to control information set in the response message received by the first reception unit.

Currently, small base station devices provided in homes or offices have been studied. A small base station device is connected to, for example, a fixed line in a home and used to expand a communication area or provide user-specific service.
A small base station device is called home node B by the standardization group, 3GPP (3rd generation partnership project).
Further, a cell of a home node B that restricts users allowed to use the home node B by registering users allowed to access the home node B in advance is specifically called a CSG (closed subscriber group) cell (see Non-Patent Document 1). The CSG cell can also be called a femto cell, but their usage and meaning are the same.
A CSG cell in EUTRA (evolved universal terrestrial radio access) that is an evolved version of a third-generation mobile communication system has been studied by 3GPP.
A mobile station device incapable of identifying CSG cells in which its own terminal has been registered, CSG cells in which the terminal has not been registered, and normal cells attempts to access the CSG cells in which the terminal has not been registered, thus wasting consumption power or radio resource.
Accordingly, a technique capable of autonomously identifying that a mobile station device is located in an area of a registered CSG cell has been studied in EUTRA. Various methods may be used for a mobile station device to detect a registered CSG cell. For example, there is a method by which a mobile station device detects a registered CSG cell based on a position specified by a GPS (global positioning system) or IDs of a plurality of neighboring cells (Non-Patent Document 2).
When a mobile station device determines that its own terminal is located in an area of a registered CSG cell using one of the methods, the mobile station device initiates measurement of the CSG cell. When the measurement of the CSG cell in which the terminal has been registered can be performed for a reason such as discontinuous reception in the mobile station device, particular control for the measurement is unnecessary.
However, when a time to measure the CSG cell in which the terminal has been registered is not sufficient for a reason such as the mobile station device being in communication with the base station device (in an active state), requesting the base station device to create a gap for CSG cell measurement has been proposed (Non-Patent Document 3). A gap refers to an interval in which communication between a mobile station device and a base station device is not performed.
FIG. 28 is a sequence diagram illustrating a process in which a mobile station device requests a base station device to create a gap for CSG cell measurement. FIG. 29 is a sequence diagram illustrating another process in which the mobile station device requests the base station device to create the gap for CSG cell measurement. When the mobile station device is in communication with a base station device in a source cell and detects that the terminal is in an area of the CSG cell using one of the methods (step S001), the mobile station device transmits a gap request to the base station device in the source cell (step S002).
For the gap request, a message for the gap request may be transmitted or the gap request may be transmitted simultaneously with a measurement report message for reporting downlink reception quality from the mobile station device to the base station device in the source cell.
The base station device in the source cell having received the gap request transmits a gap control message including gap creation permission and gap information required for the gap to the mobile station device (step S003).
The gap information includes information required for the CSG cell measurement, such as a gap length (gap interval), start timing, and a period.
The mobile station device performs a CSG cell measurement process during the designated gap interval (a measurement process in the gap) (step S004). The mobile station device transmits content measured during the gap interval, as a measurement report message, to the base station device (step S005).
The base station device in the source cell instructs the mobile station device to stop the gap (step S006). The base station device instructs to stop the gap when the base station device determines that the CSG cell measurement is unnecessary based on the measurement report message in step S005 or when a predetermined time has elapsed from gap permission (step S106 in FIG. 29).
Since a process of steps S101 to S105 in FIG. 29 is the same as that of steps S001 to S004 and S006 in FIG. 28, the description thereof is omitted.
For a gap stop instruction, a handover instruction message (also referred to as a handover command) may be used instead. Alternatively, an available time of the gap may be designated upon the gap permission and an explicit message may be omitted.
In a CSG cell measurement process in a related art, a mobile station device autonomously detects that a terminal is located in an area of a CSG cell. Accordingly, when the CSG cell area is erroneously detected, when an installation site of the CSG cell is changed, or when the CSG cell is powered off, the CSG cell is not detected by the mobile station device and consumption power for the measurement is wasted.
When the base station device needs to create the gap interval for the CSG cell measurement, the mobile station device does not sufficiently use information on the CSG cell in which its own terminal has been registered even when the mobile station device has the information. Accordingly, an effective gap cannot be created.    Non-Patent Document 1: 3GPP TS36.300, Overall description; Stage2.V8.3.0 (http://www.3gpp.org/ftp/Specs/html-info/36300.htm)    Non-Patent Document 2: Huawei, "Cell re-selection for hNB", R2-074831, 3GPP TSG-RAN WG2 Meeting #60, Jeju, South Korea, 5-9 Nov. 2007    Non-Patent Document 3: T-Mobile, et al. "Text proposal for CSG related mobility", R2-075453, 3GPP TSG-RAN WG2 Meeting #60, Jeju, South Korea, 5-9 Nov. 2007

Mobile communication system, base station device, mobile station device and mobile communication method


A rocker arm assembly includes a U-shaped rocker arm defined by a bottom wall and, two side walls depending upwardly therefrom where the side walls each have a central axle opening to support a transversely extending roller axle. A roller for rolling against a cam is rotatably supported on the roller axle through a roller bearing. The bottom wall of the rocker arm has a centrally located opening providing clearance for rotation of the roller and a spherical socket at a first end of the rocker arm to interface with an upper rounded end of a hydraulic lash adjuster. An oiling channel is provided along the bottom wall extending from the spherical socket, towards the roller, to terminate at the centrally located opening for channeling oil expelled from the hydraulic lash adjuster, wherein reciprocation of the rocker arm flings oil from the channel to the roller and roller bearing for lubrication.

It is known in the art of rocker arm assemblies to provide a small lubrication hole in the socket of a rocker arm to transmit oil expelled from a hydraulic lash adjuster. The oil may be directed through the hole to lubricate the roller and roller bearing; the oil typically will not lubricate the rocker arm-to-valve interface as the hole directs oil above the rocker arm assembly and not to the lower rocker arm face. The small lubrication hole is usually machined into the rocker arm in a secondary operation. Machining may create burrs which may block the hole or which may break off and increase the potential for wear.