A memory system having a serial data interface and a serial data path core for receiving data from and for providing data to at least one memory bank as a serial bitstream. The memory bank is divided into two halves, where each half is divided into upper and lower sectors. Each sector provides data in parallel to a shared two-dimensional page buffer with an integrated self column decoding circuit. A serial to parallel data converter within the memory bank couples the parallel data from either half to the serial data path core. The shared two-dimensional page buffer with the integrated self column decoding circuit minimizes circuit and chip area overhead for each bank, and the serial data path core reduces chip area typically used for routing wide data buses. Therefore a multiple memory bank system is implemented without a significant corresponding chip area increase when compared to a single memory bank system having the same density.

Mobile electronic devices, such as, for example, digital cameras, portable digital assistants, portable audio/video players and mobile terminals continue to require mass storage memory, preferably non-volatile memory with ever increasing capacities and speed capabilities. For example, presently available audio players can have between 256 Mbytes to 40 Gigabytes of memory for storing audio/video data. Non-volatile memory, for example, such as Flash memory and hard-disk drives are preferred since data is retained in the absence of power, thus extending battery life.
Presently, hard disk drives have high densities and can store 40 to 160 Gigabytes of data, but are relatively bulky. However, Flash memory, also known as a solid-state drive, is popular because of their high density, non-volatility, and small size relative to hard disk drives. The advent of multi-level cells (MLC) further increases the Flash memory density for a given area relative to single level cells. Those of skill in the art will understand that Flash memory can be configured as NOR Flash, NAND Flash or any other type of Flash memory configuration. NAND Flash has higher density per given area due to its more compact memory array structure. For the purposes of further discussion, references to Flash memory should be understood as being any type of Flash devices, such as, for example, NOR and NAND type Flash memory.
While existing Flash memory modules operate at speeds sufficient for many current consumer electronic devices, such memory modules likely will not be adequate for use in future devices where high data rates are desired. For example, a mobile multimedia device that records high definition moving pictures is likely to require a memory module with a programming throughput of at least 10 MB/s, which is not obtainable with current Flash memory technology with typical programming data rates of 7 MB/s. Multi-level cell Flash has a much slower rate of 1.5 MB/s due to the multi-step programming sequence required to program the cells.
The problem with many standard memory devices lies in their use of a parallel data interface for receiving and providing data. For example, some memory devices provide 8, 16 or 32 bits of data in parallel at an operating frequency of up to 30 MHz. Standard parallel data interfaces providing multiple bits of data in parallel are known to suffer from well known communication degrading effects such as cross-talk, signal skew and signal attenuation, for example, which degrades signal quality, when operated beyond their rated operating frequency. In order to increase data throughput, a memory device having a serial data interface has been disclosed in commonly owned U.S. Patent Publication No. 20070076479, which receives and provides data serially at a frequency, for example, 200 MHz. The memory device described in U.S. Patent Publication No. 20070076479 can be used in a system of memory devices that are serially connected to each other, as described in commonly owned U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/902,003 filed Feb. 16, 2007, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
FIG. 1A shows a system of a plurality of memory devices that are serially connected to each other, as described in U.S. Patent Publication No. 20070076479. Referring to FIG. 1A, a serial interconnection 5 includes a plurality of memory devices that are connected in series with a memory controller. The memory controller includes a system interface for receiving system commands and data from the system in which the serial interconnection is integrated, and provides read data to the system. In particular, Device 0 is comprised of a plurality of data input ports (SIP0, SIP1), a plurality of data output ports (SOP0, SOP1), a plurality of control input ports (IPE0, IPE1), and a plurality of control output ports (OPE0, OPE1). These data and control signals are sent to the memory device 5 from the memory controller. A second memory device (Device 1) is comprised of the same types of ports as Device 0. Device 1 is interconnected to Device 0. For example, Device 1 can receive data and control signals from Device 0. One or more additional devices may also be interconnected alongside Device 0 and Device 1 in a similar manner. A last device (e.g., Device 3) in the series-connection provides data and control signals back to the memory controller after a predetermined latency. Each memory device (e.g., device 0, 1, 2 3,) outputs an echo (IPEQ0, IPEQ1, OPEQ0, OPEQ1) of IPE0, IPE1, OPE0, and OPE1 (i.e., control output ports) to the subsequent device. The signals can be passed from one device to a subsequent series-connected device. A single clock signal is provided to each of the plurality of series-connected memory devices.
FIG. 1B is a block diagram illustrating the core architecture of one of the memory devices shown in FIG. 1A. Memory device 10 includes a multiplicity of identical memory banks with their respective data, control and addressing circuits, such as memory bank A 12 and memory bank B 14, an address and data path switch circuit 16 connected to both memory banks 12 and 14, and identical interface circuits 18 and 20, associated with each memory bank for providing data to and for receiving data from the switch circuit 16. Memory banks 12 and 14 are preferably non-volatile memory, such as Flash memory, for example. Logically, the signals received and provided by memory bank 12 are designated with the letter "A", while the signals received and provided by memory bank 14 are designated with the letter "B". Similarly, the signals received and provided by interface circuit 18 are designated with the number "0", while the signals received and provided by interface circuit 20 are designated with the number "1". Each of the interface circuits 18 and 20 receives access data in a serial data stream, where the access data can include a command, address information and input data for programming operations, for example. In a read operation, each of the interface circuits provides output data as a serial data stream in response to a read command and address data. The memory device 10 further includes global circuits, such as a control interface 22 and status/ID register circuit 24, which provide global signals such as clock signal sclki and reset to the circuits of both memory banks 12 and 14 and the respective interface circuits 18 and 20. A further discussion of the aforementioned circuits now follows.
Memory bank 12 includes well known memory peripheral circuits such as sense amplifier and page buffer circuit block 26 for providing output data DOUT_A and for receiving input program data DIN_A, and row decoder block 28. Those of skill in the art will understand that block 26 also includes column decoder circuits. A control and predecoder circuit block 30 receives address signals and control signals via signal line ADDR_A, and provides predecoded address signals to the row decoders 28 and the sense amplifier and page buffer circuit block 26.
The peripheral circuits for memory bank 14 are identical to those previously described for memory bank 12. The circuits of memory bank B include a sense amplifier and page buffer circuit block 32 for providing output data DOUT_B and for receiving input program data DIN_B, a row decoder block 34, and a control and predecoder circuit block 36. Control and predecoder circuit block 36 receives address signals and control signals via signal line ADDR_B, and provides predecoded address signals to the row decoders 34 and the sense amplifier and page buffer circuit block 36. Each memory bank and its corresponding peripheral circuits can be configured with well known architectures.
In general operation, each memory bank is responsive to a specific command and address, and if necessary, input data. For example, memory bank 12 provides output data DOUT_A in response to a read command and a read address, and can program input data in response to a program command and a program address. Each memory bank can be responsive to other commands such as an erase command, for example.
In the example shown in FIG. 1B, path switch 16 is a dual port circuit which can operate in one of two modes for passing signals between the memory banks 12 and 14, and the interface circuits 18 and 20. First is a direct transfer mode where the signals of memory bank 12 and interface circuit 18 are passed to each other. Concurrently, the signals of memory bank 14 and interface circuit 20 are passed to each other in the direct transfer mode. Second is a cross-transfer mode where the signals of memory bank 12 and interface circuit 20 are passed to each other. At the same time, the signals of memory bank 14 and interface circuit 18 are passed to each other. A single port configuration of path switch 16 will be discussed later.
As previously mentioned, interface circuits 18 and 20 receive and provide data as serial data streams. This is for reducing the pin-out requirements of the chip as well as to increase the overall signal throughput at high operating frequencies. Since the circuits of memory banks 12 and 14 are typically configured for parallel address and data, converting circuits are required.
Interface circuit 18 includes a serial data link 40, input serial to parallel register 42, and output parallel to serial register 44. Serial data link 40 receives serial input data SIP0, an input enable signal IPE0 and an output enable signal OPE0, and provides serial output data SOP0, input enable echo signal IPEQ0 and output enable echo signal OPEQ0. Signal SIP0 (and SIP1) is a serial data stream which can each include address, command and input data. Serial data link 40 provides buffered serial input data SER_IN0 corresponding to SIPO and receives serial output data SER_OUT0 from output parallel to serial register 44. The input serial-to-parallel register 42 receives SER_IN0 and converts it into a parallel set of signals PAR_IN0. The output parallel-to-serial register 44 receives a parallel set of output data PAR_OUT0 and converts it into the serial output data SER_OUT0, which is subsequently provided as data stream SOP0. Output parallel-to-serial register 44 can also receive data from status/ID register 24 for outputting the data stored therein instead of the PAR_OUT0 data. Further details of this particular feature will be discussed later. Furthermore, serial data link 40 is configured to accommodate daisy chain cascading of the control signals and data signals with another memory device 10.
Serial interface circuit 20 is identically configured to interface circuit 18, and includes a serial data link 46, input serial-to-parallel register 48, and output parallel-to-serial register 50. Serial data link 46 receives serial input data SIP1, an input enable signal IPE1 and an output enable signal OPE1, and provides serial output data SOP1, input enable echo signal IPEQ1 and output enable echo signal OPEQ1. Serial data link 46 provides buffered serial input data SER_IN1 corresponding to SIP1 and receives serial output data SER_OUT1 from output parallel-to-serial register 50. The input serial-to-parallel register 50 receives SER_IN1 and converts it into a parallel set of signals PAR_IN1. The output parallel-to-serial register 48 receives a parallel set of output data PAR_OUT1 and converts it into the serial output data SER_OUT1, which is subsequently provided as data stream SOP1. Output parallel to serial register 48 can also receive data from status/ID register 24 for outputting the data stored therein instead of the PAR_OUT1 data. As with serial data link 40, serial data link 46 is configured to accommodate daisy chain cascading of the control signals and data signals with another memory device 10.
Control interface 22 includes standard input buffer circuits, and generates internal chip select signal chip_sel, internal clock signal sclki, and internal reset signal reset, corresponding to chip select (CS#), serial clock (SCLK) and reset (RST#), respectively. While signal chip_sel is used primarily by serial data links 40 and 46, reset and sclki are used by many of the circuits throughout memory device 10.
While the serial data interface provides performance advantages over parallel data interface architectures, these advantages can be offset by performance degradations in memory banks 12 and 14. More specifically, the push for increased memory density will adversely affect how quickly data can be sensed from the memory cells, especially NAND configured Flash memory cells. To illustrate this problem, a portion of a NAND configured Flash memory array of FIG. 1B is shown in FIG. 2.
Referring to FIGS. 1B and 2, memory bank 12 includes i sets of bitlines, where i is an integer number greater than 0, and each set includes an even bitline and an odd bitline. For example, bitline set 1 includes even bitline BL1_e and odd bitline BL1_o. Each bitline is connected to at least one NAND cell string, where each NAND cell string includes a plurality of non-volatile memory cells and access transistors connected in series between the respective bitline and a common source line CSL. The access transistors include a source select transistor for receiving a source select line signal SSL, and a ground select transistor for receiving a ground select line signal GSL. Connected serially between these two access transistors are a plurality of non-volatile memory cells, such as Flash memory cells. In the present example, there are 32 serially connected Flash memory cells, having gate terminals coupled to respective wordlines WL1 to WL32.
Sense amplifier and page buffer circuit block 26 includes i page buffer units 60, or one for each bitline set. Because the bitline pitch is narrow, a page buffer unit 60 is shared between the even and odd bitlines of a bitline set. Therefore selection transistors receiving even and odd selection signals BSLe and BLSo are required for selecting one bitline of the set to be coupled to the page buffer unit 60. Each page buffer unit 60 senses and latches data from the bitlines, and those skilled in the art will understand that the page buffer latches write data to be programmed. Each NAND cell string sharing common wordlines WL1-WL32, SSL, and GSL lines is referred to as a memory block, while the memory cells connected to one common wordline is referred to as a page. Those skilled in the art should understand how Flash read, program and erase operations are executed.
FIG. 3 is a circuit schematic of column select circuits of the sense amplifier and page buffer circuit block 26 for coupling data in the page buffer units 60 of FIG. 2 to data lines. The present example of FIG. 3 illustrates one possible logical decoding scheme, where a preset number of page buffers are associated with each of 16 data lines DL1 to DL16. In the present example, there are 16 identically configured dataline decoder circuits 70, one being coupled to each of datelines DL1 to DL16. The following description refers to the dataline decoder circuit 70 coupled to DL1. Dateline decoder circuit 70 includes 16 groupings of 32 page buffer units 60. In each grouping, the input/output terminal of one page buffer unit is coupled to a respective first stage n-channel pass transistor 72. All the first stage n-channel pass transistors are connected in parallel and controlled by first stage selection signals YA1 to YA32 to selectively couple one page buffer unit 60 to one second stage n-channel pass transistor 74. Since there is one second stage n-channel pass transistor 74 per grouping, there are a total of 16 second stage n-channel pass transistors 74 connected in parallel to DL1, each controlled by respective second stage selection signals YB1 to YB16. Because signals YA1 to YA32 and YB1 to YB16 are shared across all the dataline decoder circuits 70, the activation of one first stage selection signal and one second stage selection couples one page buffer unit 60 from each dataline decoder circuit 70, to a corresponding dataline.
In a read, program verify and erase verify operation, the cell data in the selected page should be sensed and latched in their corresponding page buffer units 60. Column decoding then selects which page buffer units to couple to the datelines. Sensing is dependent on the cell current generated by a selected memory cell, and the cell current is dependent on the number of cells in the NAND cell string. In the example of FIG. 2, the cell current is typically less than 1 (μA) for a 32 cell NAND string manufactured with a 90 nm process technology. Unfortunately, the push to increase memory array density to lower device cost results in the addition of more memory cells per NAND cell string. As a result, this cell current will further decrease, thereby requiring more sensitive sensing circuits and/or sensing time. Further compounding this problem is the bitline RC delay due to the physical length of the bitline, and junction capacitance of the NAND cell string as the number of cells per NAND cell string is increased. These physical changes in combination with advanced manufacturing process for reducing feature sizes further exacerbates the cell current problem. This problem with cell current is well known, as demonstrated by June Lee et al., "A 90-nm CMOS 1.8-V 2-Gb NAND Flash Memory for Mass Storage" Applications," IEEE J. Solid-State Circuits, vol. 38, pp. 1934-1942, November 2003. Another further problem related to using advanced manufacturing processes is yield, where long bitlines introduce process uniformity issue across process steps, thereby reducing the yield per wafer as the potential for defects increases.
One possible solution to this problem may be to limit the number of memory cells per NAND cell string, and divide large memory arrays into multiple memory banks. An advantage of having multiple memory banks is the capability of transferring data directly between the memory banks without having to transfer data out from the memory device. The disadvantage of using multiple memory banks is that each bank requires its own set of sense amplifier and page buffer circuit block 26, thereby increasing additional circuit overhead and chip area. The complex circuitry and area overhead required for implementing direct bank to bank data transfer also consumes additional chip area.

Non-volatile memory serial core architecture

CONVERSANT INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT INC.


A bone distraction device fixed by screws to a sectioned bone to facilitate multidirectional repositioning of the jaw bone. The expansion device is expandable to cause incremental expansion in the bone for lengthening or widening thereof. Support wires extending from the device can be clipped to desired lengths to accommodate the particular orientation of the device with respect to the bone. Forked or split anchor ends are then attachable to the wire arms and crimped or otherwise secured thereto. The anchor ends engage with respective bone screws so that when the expansion device is activated, the bone is forced apart.

In recent years, there has been a significant development in the correction of dentofacial deformities. In particular, many devices and techniques have been developed for correcting deformities of the mandible. The Haas appliance is an example of one well-known device that provides lateral maxillary expansions. The Haas device is a mechanism constructed of two parts that is expandable by way of a threaded screw arrangement. The four arms attached to the device are anchored to the tooth structures to provide an expansion pressure between the teeth. The posterior portion of the mandible is completely severed, preferably between the alveolar tooth sockets of the bone. The Haas device, located between the left molars and right molars of the mandible can then be expanded to separate the mandible and provide lateral expansion. Because the Haas device is mounted to the tooth structures, it is known as a "tooth borne" device. The disadvantage with a tooth borne expansion device is that the teeth are not rigidly anchored to the mandible, and thus a proportionate symmetric expansion force cannot be achieved between the severed portions of the mandible. Mid-line, lateral and rapid mandibular expansion techniques utilizing the Haas appliance are disclosed in the text entitled Modern Practice in Orthognathic and Reconstructive Surgery, 1992, by Dr. William H. Bell, pp. 2383-2394.
In addition to the lateral expansion techniques, dentofacial deformities also exist in which the frontal portion of the mandible is retruded with respect to the corresponding maxilla. This is commonly called mandibular retrognasthism. There currently exist difference techniques for correcting this mandibular deformity by extension thereof in a forward direction. The procedure is well known as mandibular advancement, and includes sectioning the mandible on opposite sides, preferably between the ramus and the posterior molars. The cut is generally vertical, but laterally angled through the mandible. Then, the mandible is repositioned anteriorly the desired amount, and the segments of the bone are reattached by pins, screws or similar fasteners. Generally, the amount by which the mandible can be moved forward with this technique is limited to about 10-15 mm. The disadvantage with this procedure is that the amount of forward movement of the mandible with respect to the ramus must be accomplished at one time during the operation. The amount of forward movement is limited due to the inability of the muscle and surrounding tissues to stretch without relapsing. Sometimes, the amount of forward movement of the mandible for proper correction is significantly more than can be accomplished with this technique. Relapsing may also compromise the result. Additionally, mandibular advancement may not be feasible in children who frequently have significant psychological problems.
In order to overcome the problems of relapse and the foregoing problems, and allow treatment at an early age in an ambulatory setting, osteodistraction appliances have been developed that can mechanically reposition the mandible forward (when severed from the ramus) incrementally over a period of time. One such type of device is shown in FIG. 1. The lengthening appliance 10 is essentially a two-piece device that is extendible by way of threaded parts. A first part 12 is separable from a second part 14 by way of a threaded screw 16 that is engaged within a respective threaded bore (not shown) formed through each such part. An apertured collar 18 is fixed to the screw 16 and is rotatable by way of the radial holes 20 to provide adjustability between the parts 12 and 14. In addition, the first part 12 has fixed thereto a pair of rod-shaped guide rails, one shown as reference numeral 22, that are slidable through corresponding bores 23 formed longitudinally through the other part 14. In this manner, the one part 12 does not rotate with respect to the other part 14 when the screw 16 is rotated, or during regular movements of the mandible during chewing motions. Attached to the one part 12 is a pair of eyelets, one shown as reference character 24. Similar eyelets 26 are fastened to the other part 14.
In using the extension appliance 10, the mandible is severed by a saw or other suitable instrument. The one part 12 of the lengthening device is fastened to one portion of the severed mandible by the use of surgical screws that pass through the eyelets 24 and are secured to the bone. In like manner, the eyelets 26 of the other part 14 are fastened to the other portion of the mandible by another set of surgical screws. A similar extension appliance 10 is fastened in a similar manner to the opposite side of the severed mandible. Then the collar 18 is rotated a sufficient number of revolutions to reposition the mandible a predefined amount. Preferably, the appliances 10 are both adjusted the same amount. The rotation of the screw 16 is effective to separate the one part 12 of the appliance from the other part 14, thereby separating the severed portion of the mandible. At daily intervals, the collar 18 can again be rotated a prescribed amount to thereby incrementally lengthen the mandible. Over a period of time, such as three weeks, the mandible can be lengthened by as much as 25-30 mm.
While the extension appliance 10 shown in FIG. 1 is effective to incrementally lengthen the mandible, the inherent shortcoming is that the appliance must be held in place against the severed mandible as the screws are driven through the eyelets into the bone. Another disadvantage is that because the eyelets are rigidly fixed to the body of the appliance, there may be difficulty in placing the screws in the bone and avoid the developing teeth. To remove or replace the appliance, the surgical screws must be removed. This is an advantage of the appliance, procedure and can be carried out under local anesthetic in an ambulatory setting.
FIG. 2 shows an improved bone distraction device, as compared to that shown in FIG. 1. The bone distraction device 30 has a similar extension mechanism, but includes elongated wire arms, one shown as reference numeral 32. The one part 12 includes a pair of arms 32, each fixed thereto, and extending at an angle. Moreover, the end of each arm has an integral forked end 34. Forked end 34 includes a slot 36 for engaging with a surgical screw fastened or otherwise anchored to the mandible. The other part 14 includes a similar angled arm 32 with a forked end 34. However, the other part 14 includes a circular band 38 fastened to the part 14 by way of a wire arm 40, or the like.
FIG. 3 illustrates the bone distraction device 30 fastened to the base portion of the mandibular ramus 42 by a pair of surgical screws 44. On the other side of the cut bone 46, the device 30 is anchored by way of a screw 48, as well as the band 38 that is anchored to a tooth. The appliance 12 is anchored on the other side of the bone cut 46 by way of the two forked ends 34 anchored to the respective surgical screws 44. Such a device is known as a "tooth borne" bone distraction device.
The device 30 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 has several inherent shortcomings. First, the band 38, being anchored to the tooth, is often problematic. Another shortcoming and often a serious problem, is that the forked ends 34 require that the screws 44 and 48 be precisely positioned and fastened to the severed parts of the mandible so as to accommodate the bone distraction device 30 therebetween. As can be appreciated, if one of the surgical screws is inadvertently fastened to the bone too far from the device, there may be a nonsymmetrical force applied across the cut in the bone. The tendency is thus to separate the bone parts in an unequal manner. Another disadvantage of the tooth borne appliance is that the involved tooth is not rigidly fixed to the mandible, but is somewhat movable. As such, the extension force on the tooth may not result in a symmetrical and proportionate separation of the bone, as some of the extension force is absorbed by tooth movement rather than bone movement.
As can be appreciated from the foregoing, a need exists for an improved bone distraction device and method of installation thereof, that overcomes the shortcomings and disadvantages of the prior art devices. A specific need exists for a bone distraction device that does not require specific spacing of the anchor screws in the mandible. Another need exists for a fully bone borne distraction device that is anchored solely to the bone to provide uniform, proportionate and symmetric separation of the severed bone parts. Another need exists for a device that is less critical of the precise location at which the surgical screws are driven into the bone. Yet another need exists for an expansion device constructed such that the anchor ends are adjustable with respect to the body of the device. A further need exists for a technique in which the bone can be sectioned at several locations, and multiple expansion devices employed to reposition the bone in multiple dimensions.
The principal indication for widening the mandible is absolute transverse mandibular deficiency. An excessively narrow and tapered arch form, dental crowding, tipped teeth and congenitally missing teeth are additional reasons for use of surgery which is intended to normalize basal bone position and facilitate non-extraction orthodontic treatment. Incomplete telescopic bite in certain congenital problems (Pierre Robin, Treacher Collins, Hemifacial Microsomia), and combined maxillo-mandibular transverse deficiency may be additional indications. Also, patients with mandibular transverse deficiency whose crowded teeth have been treated by extraction orthodontic therapy, may be additional indications. Many of these individuals may benefit from surgically assisted rapid mandibular expansion and orthodontic treatment.
Transverse mandibular deficiency is commonly managed by orthodontic mechanics which might include extraction and dental compensations. The result of this approach may be unstable owing to tipping of the teeth and bending of the alveolar bone. Proffit and Ackerman have reported a high risk of dental relapse when compensating orthodontic therapy has been performed to increase the inter-canine width in the presence of a primary transverse bone deficiency. Indeed, Proffit and White have documented the limitations and easy violation of the transverse envelope.
When a skeletal or dento-alveolar deformity is so severe that the magnitude of the problem lies outside the envelope of possible correction by orthodontics alone, surgical orthodontic treatment is indicated. Osteodistraction techniques may be the key to optimal nonextraction management of many malocclusions thus maintaining and increasing the functional occlusal table. Attention to transverse deficiency is vital in planning treatment for patients who require an increase in the lateral dimensions of the mandible or maxilla. The transverse envelope of discrepancy for mandibular alterations can be addressed by symphyseal osteotomy and gradual osteodistraction with the bone supported distraction device of the present invention.
When distraction appliances are not fixed to the bone (tooth supported appliance) there is typically disproportionate movement of the bone associated with expansion of the device. With the devices known in the prior art, tooth movement and tipping, additional to bone extraction, was frequently seen in patients. The osteodistraction appliances of the present invention produce proportionate movement of the teeth and bones. Additionally, the tooth borne appliance of the invention permits individualization of the osteotomy design and osteodistraction. With the new appliance design, not only can the mandible be lengthened and widened, but the maxilla can also be lengthened and widened. Indeed, a three-dimensional repositioning of the maxilla and mandible can be achieved in a more predictable manner and there is a proportionate movement of the mandible and maxilla transversely, vertically and anterior-posterior.

Calle Roraima, Quinta Montalban, Valle Arriba


A switch assembly includes a panel defining an aperture therethrough and a switch subassembly having a switch housing. At least one tab extends from the housing, the tab having a first portion extending away from the housing and toward the back side of the panel to a projection, the projection spaced in a longitudinal direction from the back side of the panel and laterally outward of the aperture when the tab is in a relaxed state, and a second portion that extends from the projection in the longitudinal direction and terminates in a tab end disposed within the aperture. The tab end is accessible from the front side of the panel and the tab is sufficiently flexible such that flexing the tab end inwardly from the front side causes the projection to flex inwardly from the relaxed state to a point where the projection can pass through the aperture.

Panel mounted switch assemblies are well known. However, in order to install, and/or particularly to remove, many known switch assemblies, manipulation from the rear of a panel is generally required. In other cases, know switch assemblies, if they do allow for installation and/or removal from the front at all, require the use of special tools in order to achieve such. It would be desirable instead to allow a switch assembly to be removable from the front side of a panel with no special tools and without damage to the switch being removed or to adjacent switches or the panel.
However, achievement of these goals has heretofore presented a number of challenges. For one, it is desirable for the switch to be mounted flush with panel (i.e. all switch components are below the surface, with nothing easily accessible). Additionally, it is desirable for there to be provided a small gap between switches or between the switch and the panel (e.g., providing on the order of a 0.5 to 1.0 mm gap). Furthermore, it is desirable for there to be no added features visible from the front of the switch panel (e.g., for all features to be at least be 0.210″ (5.3 mm) below the surface of the panel). Moreover, it is desirable for there to be a relatively high retention force of the switch in the panel (e.g., requiring greater than 50 N of force for removal). On the other hand, it is desirable for the removal force to be low enough with applied leverage to not damage adjacent switches (or the switch panel). It would additionally be desirable for the switch to be allowed to be removed with no special tools (e.g., a screwdriver can be used).
In this regard, previously known options for front removability of switch assemblies from switch panels have involved various shortcomings. In some designs, a significantly reduced retention force has been employed. This approach, which is likely the most commonly used prior art method, risks switches being accidentally removed (e.g. panel retention is less resistant to mechanical shock and vibration, force from rear of switch from any source, such as wire harness, etc.). In other designs, the switch is raised to extend from panel (which approach is usually needed in combination w/reduced retention force). However, this approach does not satisfy visual appearance criteria preferred by some customers.
Another technique employed by some prior art designs is to add parts that allow for front removability (e.g., to provide removable parts covering panel clips, or provide additional parts that actuate panel clips). However, this technique means that additional parts would be visible from the operator side, which again, may not satisfy customer aesthetic preferences. In addition, or instead, the gap between adjacent switches or switches and the panel may be increased. Again, however, this approach may not satisfy customer aesthetic preferences, and also may lead to collection of debris.
The present invention, on the other hand, allows for a switch assembly to be removable from the front side of a panel with no special tools and without damage to the switch being removed or to adjacent switches or the panel, while at the same time avoiding most, if not all, of the deficiencies associated with known prior art designs.

Switch assembly with front side removability


In one embodiment, the invention is an apparatus (e.g., an Ethernet switch) having an isolated side and a line side. A line-side connector is connectable to a cable. An isolated-side physical-layer module (1) is electrically coupled to the connector via a signal-isolation transformer and (2) processes signals transmitted over the cable. A line-side power conditioning module (1) is electrically coupled to an isolated-side power switcher via a power-isolation transformer that converts an AC power signal received from the power switcher into a transformed AC power signal and (2) converts the transformed AC power signal into a cable power signal to be supplied via the connector to the cable in order to power a cable-powered device connected to the cable. An isolated-side control module performs a detection function in which the control module determines whether or not a cable-powered device is connected to the cable.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to electronics, and, in particular, to Power Sourcing Equipment (PSE) for communication systems conforming to the IEEE 802.3 Ethernet and IEEE 802.3af Power over Ethernet (PoE) standards.
2. Description of the Related Art
FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of a portion of a conventional Ethernet switch 100 for a communication system that conforms to both the IEEE 802.3 Ethernet standard and the IEEE 802.3af PoE standard, the teachings of both of which are incorporated herein by reference. As shown in FIG. 1, for each port in the switch, Ethernet switch 100 comprises Ethernet Physical-Layer (PHY) module 102, RJ-45 Ethernet connector 104, 48-volt switcher 106, line-side PSE control and power conditioning module 108, isolated-side PSE control module 110, four-pair signal-isolation transformer 112, power-isolation transformer 114, and optical isolator 116.
According to the IEEE 802.3 Ethernet standard, Ethernet PHY module 102 communicates with a Media Access Controller (MAC) and switching function and processes incoming and outgoing differential data signals that are transmitted over an Ethernet cable (not shown) that is connected to switch 100 at Ethernet connector 104. According to the IEEE 802.3af PoE standard, switch 100 is a PSE-capable switch that can provide a 48-volt DC (cable power) signal on the Ethernet cable to power a so-called powered device (PD), such as an Internet Protocol (IP) telephone, such that the PD device does not require any additional power source to operate. The 48-volt DC signal is provided by switcher 106 and modules 108 and 110.
Transformers 112 and 114 and optical isolator 116 provide high-voltage electrical isolation between (1) circuitry, such as Ethernet PHY module 102, switcher 106, and PSE control module 110, located on the so-called isolated side of switch 100 (i.e., the primary side of the transformers) and (2) circuitry, such as Ethernet connector 104 and PSE control and power conditioning module 108, located on the so-called line side of switch 100 (i.e., the transformers' secondary side), to protect the isolated-side circuitry from high voltages that might appear on the line side, such as those that can occur when lightening strikes near an Ethernet cable connected to connector 104.
Switcher 106 provides an AC power signal that is converted by power-isolation transformer 114 into a transformed AC power signal that can be converted by line-side PSE control and power conditioning module 108 into the 48-volt (differential) DC signal that is applied to the center taps of the secondary-side coils of two of the four transformer pairs in signal-isolation transformer 112.
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, signal-isolation transformer 112 has four pairs of transformer coils, where the 48-volt DC signal is applied to the center taps of two of the four secondary-side coils. The IEEE 802.3 Ethernet standard also covers lower-rate (e.g., 10 Mbit and 100 Mbit) Ethernet systems that have only two pairs of coils, where two of the four wire pairs in the Ethernet cable are spares. According to the IEEE 802.3af PoE standard, the 48-volt DC signal can be applied directed to the two spare wire pairs to power a PD device. Although this specification describes Ethernet switches with ports having four pairs of transformer coils, the teachings of this specification apply equally well to Ethernet switches with ports having only two pairs of transformer coils and two spare wire pairs.
According to one conventional implementation, line-side PSE control and power conditioning module 108 provides two PSE control functions (i.e., detection and classification) and three PSE power conditioning functions (i.e., rectification, filtering, and impedance control).
During detection, line-side PSE module 108 sequentially applies two different, low-power signals to the transformer coils (either low-current or low-voltage depending on the implementation, such as a first low-power signal of approximately 3 volts followed by a second low-power signal of approximately 8 volts, instead of the full 48-volt DC signal) to enable line-side PSE module 108 to detect whether a valid PD device (which is required by the PoE standard to have a 25-Kohm impedance across the lines that provide the detection signal) is currently connected to Ethernet connector 104 via an Ethernet cable.
If such a PD device is detected, then line-side PSE module 108 (optionally) performs classification, during which line-side PSE module 108 increases the level of the applied signal to approximately 18 volts and measures the PD signature current draw to determine the power classification of the detected PD device.
If a PD device is detected and (optionally) classified, then line-side PSE module 108 performs power conditioning, during which line-side PSE module 108 generates and applies the appropriate 48-volt DC signal via connector 104 to the Ethernet cable to power the PD device. This power conditioning function involves rectification and filtering of the transformed AC signal that is applied to line-side PSE module 108 from the secondary side of transformer 114 to generate the 48-volt DC signal. The power conditioning function also involves impedance control for the 48-volt DC signal. If no PD device is detected, then line-side PSE module 108 does not generate and apply a 48-volt DC signal to the Ethernet cable.
Depending on the particular implementation, switch 100 may be configured to support multiple Ethernet ports, like the port associated with Ethernet connector 104. According to one such conventional implementation, line-side PSE control and power conditioning module 108 is implemented as a relatively large integrated circuit (IC) that is capable of simultaneously supporting four different Ethernet ports. Examples of such line-side PSE control and power conditioning modules are:                The 12-channel PoE Manager, Product No. PD64012, sold by PowerDsine Ltd. of Israel;        The Quad Integrated Power Sourcing Equipment Power Manager, Product No. TPS2384, sold by Texas Instruments Incorporated of Dallas, Tex.; and        The Quad IEEE 802.3af Power over Ethernet Controller with Integrated Detection module, Product No. LTC4258, sold by Linear Technology Corporation of Milpitas, Calif.
These conventional PSE control and power conditioning modules provide a certain (relatively limited) level of operating functionality. In certain conventional Ethernet switches, such as switch 100 of FIG. 1, additional (e.g., switch-vendor value-added) functions are provided by isolated-side PSE control module 110, which is typically implemented using a microcontroller. One exemplary additional function that may be provided by isolated-side PSE control module 110 is power balancing between multiple (e.g., as many as 48 or more) PD devices connected to a single Ethernet switch, where power balancing is based on the results of the PD power classification performed on each PD device. To implement this additional operating functionality, isolated-side PSE control module 110 receives (explicit) information about the status of the operations at line-side PSE module 108 via optical isolator 116 and transmits control signals to control the operations at line-side PSE module 108 via optical isolator 116.
Such a conventional configuration for switch 100 has a number of disadvantages. First of all, there is a considerable dollar cost to providing all of this circuitry associated with these functions. Furthermore, when two or more PD devices are connected to different Ethernet connectors supported by a single line-side PSE control and power conditioning module, there is no electrical isolation to protect the rest of the PD devices from a lightening strike near any one of the PD devices.

Switch with fully isolated power sourcing equipment control


The current invention is directed to methods for noninvasive detection of fetal genetic abnormalities by large-scale sequencing of nucleotides from maternal biological sample. Further provided are methods to remove GC bias from the sequencing results according to the difference in GC content of a chromosome. The current invention not only makes the detection much more accurate but also represents a comprehensive method for fetal aneuploidy detection including sex chromosome disorders such as XO, XXX, XXY, and XYY, etc.

Conventional prenatal diagnostic methods with invasive procedures, such as chorionic villus sampling and amniocentesis, carry potential risks for both fetuses and mothers. Noninvasive screening of fetal aneuploidy using maternal serum markers and ultrasound are available but have limited sensitivity and specificity (Kagan, et al., Human Reproduction (2008) 23:1968-1975; Malone, et al., N Engl J Med (2005) 353:2001-2011).
Recent studies have demonstrated noninvasive detection of fetal aneuploidy by massively parallel sequencing of DNA molecules in the plasma of pregnant women is feasible. Fetal DNA has been detected and quantitated in maternal plasma and serum (Lo, et al., Lancet (1997) 350:485 487; Lo, et al., Am. J. hum. Genet. (1998) 62:768-775). Multiple fetal cell types occur in the maternal circulation, including fetal granulocytes, lymphocytes, nucleated red blood cells, and trophoblast cells (Pertl and Bianchi, Obstetrics and Gynecology (2001) 98:483-490). Fetal DNA can be detected in the serum at the seventh week of gestation, and increases with the term of the pregnancy. The fetal DNA present in the maternal serum and plasma is comparable to the concentration of DNA obtained from fetal cell isolation protocols.
Circulating fetal DNA has been used to determine the sex of the fetus (Lo, et al., Am. J. hum. Genet. (1998) 62:768-775). Also, fetal rhesus D genotype has been detected using fetal DNA. However, the diagnostic and clinical applications of circulating fetal DNA is limited to genes that are present in the fetus but not in the mother (Pertl and Bianchi, Obstetrics and Gynecology (2001) 98:483-490). Thus, a need still exists for a non invasive method that can determine the sequence of fetal DNA and provide definitive diagnosis of chromosomal abnormalities in a fetus.
The discovery of fetal cells and cell-free fetal nucleic acids in maternal blood in the past few decades and the application of high-throughput shotgun sequencing of maternal plasma cell-free DNA make it is available to detect small changes in the representation of chromosomes contributed by an aneuploid fetus in a maternal plasma sample. Non-invasive detection of trisomy 13, 18, and 21 pregnancies have been achieved.
However, as some studies show, GC bias introduced by amplification and sequencing placed a practical limit on the sensitivity of aneuploidy detection. GC bias might be introduced during the sample preparation and the sequencing process, under different conditions such as reagent composition, cluster density and temperature, which leads to differential sampling of DNA molecules with different GC composition and significant variation in sequencing data for chromosomes that are GC-rich or GC-poor.
To improve sensitivity, protocols for removal of the effect of GC-bias have been developed. Fan and Quake developed a method to computationally remove GC bias by applying weight to each GC density based on local genomic GC content, to ameliorate the number of reads mapped in each bin by multiplying corresponding weight (Fan and Quake PLoS ONE (2010) 5:e10439). However, the method has difficulty in dealing with sex chromosome disorders especially chromosome Y relevant disorders for the reason that the process may cause slight distortion of data which will interfere with the precision of detection.
Here, we describe a method to computationally remove the GC-bias in order to get a higher sensitivity in fetal genetic abnormality detection as well as avoid data distortion. This method defines parameters used for statistical test according to GC-content. In addition, we introduced the estimated fetal fraction into the diagnosis by binary hypothesis which showed higher sensitivity and specificity. Our method also shows it should be possible to increase the sensitivity of noninvasive detection of fetal genetic abnormality to preset precision for maternal sample containing a low fetal DNA fraction by sequencing more polynucleotide fragments. Resampling of maternal plasma in later gestational weeks may also increase the sensitivity of diagnosis.

Method for determining fetal chromosomal abnormality


A method of manufacturing a composition of alcohol esters of linear monocarboxylic acids with 6 to 26 carbon atoms from a vegetable or animal oil, neutral or acid, virgin or recycled, with monoalcohols having 1 to 18 carbon atoms, in the presence of a phosphate type catalyst or of an organophosphorous compound of a metal selected from the group made up of zirconium, hafnium and titanium, allows to directly produce, in one or more stages, an ester that can be used as fuel and a pure glycerin.

It is known to manufacture methyl esters using conventional means such as homogeneous catalysis with soluble catalysts, such as soda or sodium methylate, by reacting a neutral oil and an alcohol such as methanol (for example JAOCS 61, 343-348 (1984)). A pure product that can be used as fuel and a glycerin meeting the specifications are however obtained only after many stages. In fact, the glycerin obtained is polluted by alkaline salts or alcoholates, so that the glycerin purification plant is almost as costly as the ester manufacturing plant.
Heterogeneous catalysis methods afford the advantage of producing catalyst-free esters and glycerin, which are therefore easily purified. However, it is often difficult to economically obtain both an ester and a glycerin of high purity.
European patent EP-B-0,198,243 describes the manufacture of methyl ester by transesterification of an oil with methanol, using as the catalyst an alumina or a mixture of alumina and of ferrous oxide. However, the liquid hourly space velocity (volume of oil injected/volume of catalyst/hour) is low, the amount of glycerin collected is much less than that theoretically expected and the purity of the esters obtained is rather low (ranging between 93.5% and 98%).
Methods using a catalytic system based on metallic oxides, alone or in combination, deposited or not on an alumina, have been described. Patent FR-B-2,752,242 filed by the applicant describes the use of solid and non soluble catalysts formed from alumina and zinc oxide or zinc aluminate. Patent applications EP-A-1,505,048 and EP-A-1,593,732, also filed by the assignee, describe a method of transesterification of vegetable or animal oils by means of heterogeneous catalysts based on mixtures of alumina and titanium oxides, alumina and zirconium oxide, alumina and antimony oxide or combinations of zinc and titanium oxides, alumina, zinc and titanium oxides, bismuth and titanium oxides or alumina, bismuth and titanium oxides.
Besides these oxide type solids, an increasing number of new basic phases has been used to catalyse the transesterification of oils with alcohols.
By way of example, De Filippis et al. (Energy & Fuels, 2005, 19, 225-228) suggest the use of sodium phosphate for catalysing the rapeseed oil transesterification reaction. Although the authors point out that this type of solid can be reused in two successive cycles with a 1% activity loss, nothing shows that the resistance of the materials is sufficient over long periods of time. In fact, some problems due to the presence of water in the feed are mentioned, notably swelling of these phases and wall adhesion.
Suppes et al. (Applied Catalysis A: general 257 (2004) 213-223) use different materials such as Cs or K-exchanged zeolites or metals that go into the composition of the reactors for transesterification of soybean oil.

Method of manufacturing alcohol esters from triglycerides and alcohols using heterogeneous catalysts based on phosphate or an organophosphorous compound of a group 4 metal


Declarative page view and click tracking systems and methods are described. To utilize page view and/or click tracking, a web page developer includes a link identifier in a function call or build anchor tag call of a web page. A tracking server identifies links that include the link identifier and replaces the links with modified links that include a tracking identifier for use with a tracking system. When a modified link is selected, tracking is initiated for the link. If the tracking cannot be initiated within a specified timeout period, a client is redirected to the site identified in the link without waiting for the tracking to occur.

In an effort to provide more useful services, content and user experience on a network site, such as an Internet site, web page developers study how users make use of web pages on a particular web site. One way to understand the usefulness of particular features of a web page are to track what features are frequently clicked on by users and what features are rarely clicked on by users. In addition, keeping track of pages and portions of pages viewed by users may also provide useful information to developers and others.
To undertake such study, user patterns are tracked by keeping logs of all the clicks and page views on a web page. To utilize a click tracking system, each link contained in a web page has a particular set of click code that is produced based on the type of the link and the content to which a link references. When a link is clicked, a client (i.e., user computer) is first directed to a tracking server where the click information gets logged. Thereafter, the client is redirected to a destination specified in the link. User patterns are derived from statistics generated from log files on the tracking server.
Each link has an associated script (typically JavaScript) function that details the click code, destination address, etc. Each link script may also have parameters to define if the link is a link to a page on an internal site or an external site. Each link also may be programmed to behave differently depending on if the link is a link to a web page or a link to media content. Furthermore, the link script may depend on various external files for redirection code.
All this requires a significant amount of code to be manually included in every file to generate an appropriate click tracking element for a particular click tracking system. This also tends to create an undesirable amount of external dependencies. Unfortunately, the tedious nature of providing unique click code for each link in a web page necessarily creates a lot of room for errors by page developers. To avoid these problems, a standardized, declarative solution is desirable that would provide a more convenient and efficient way for page developers to provide certain functionality (such as click tracking and/or page view tracking) to their web pages.


An intramedullary (IM) nail insertion assembly includes an IM nail extending longitudinally from a proximal end to a distal end. A proximal portion of the IM nail has an internal threading. The IM nail insertion assembly also includes a connecting screw extending longitudinally from a proximal end to a distal end. A distal portion of the connecting screw has an external threading for engaging the internal threading of the TM nail. One of the proximal portion of the IM nail and the distal portion of the connecting screw has a feature to resist a disengagement of the proximal portion from the distal portion.

A bone defect may be repaired by inserting a permanent nail or rod into the medullary canal of the bone. A connecting screw may be attached at one end to the intramedullary (IM) nail and a force applied to the opposing end of the connecting screw to insert the IM nail into the medullary canal. The connecting screw may loosen during the nail insertion procedure as a result of the applied force and require retightening.

System and method for inserting an intramedullary nail


This electronic endoscope apparatus is capable of forming a still image with high image quality by reading out all pixels obtained through an image-pickup device by one exposure and faithfully reproducing the movement concerning moving images. A switch between a pixel mix reading system, which mixes pixels accumulated on the image pickup device having a plurality of color filters arranged in units of pixels between upper and lower horizontal lines to read out from the image-pickup device, and an all-pixel reading system, which reads out signals of all pixels accumulated on the image-pickup device by one exposure uses a light shielding period set by a light shielded. This all-pixel reading system forms a still image, and the other pixel mix reading system forms a moving image. Also, moving image data are delayed using a delay memory, and still image data are prevented from being written in a memory as moving image data, whereby display of any incomplete image is prevented on switching the moving image to the still image. Further, black level voltage in a moving image signal will always be used even when the still image is selected.

This application claims the priority of Japanese Patent Application No. 10-14980 filed on Jan. 9, 1998, Nos. 10-33776 and 10-33777 filed on Jan. 30, 1998, Nos. 10-38170 and 10-38171 filed on Feb. 4, 1998 and No. 10-54421 filed on Feb. 18, 1998 which are incorporated herein by reference.
The present invention relates to an electronic endoscope apparatus, and more particularly to structure of an electronic endoscope apparatus for forming a still image through the use of an all-pixel reading system which reads out all pixels accumulated on an image-pickup device.
In an electronic endoscope apparatus, for example, CCD (Charge Coupled Device) is used as a solid image-pickup device, and this CCD is structured so as to obtain an image signal (video signal) by reading out charge accumulated in units of pixels by a photoelectric conversion device. In, for example, a simultaneous type electronic endoscope apparatus, color filters are arranged in units of pixels on the top surface of the foregoing CCD to thereby obtain a color image.
FIG. 16 shows an arrangement state for the foregoing color filters, and Mg (magenta) and Cy (cyan) pixels are arranged on, for example, an even line, and G (green) and Ye (yellow) pixels are arranged on an odd line on a picked-up surface of CCD 1 as shown. In this CCD 1, accumulated charge (pixel signal) in units of pixels is to be obtained through these color filters.
According to a conventional color difference line sequential mix reading (pixel mix reading) system, accumulated charges of pixels on the upper and lower lines are added and mixed to be read out. For example, during first exposure, video signals of such Odd field as a mixed signal of 0-line and 1-line, a mixed signal of 2-line and 3-line, . . . are read out, and during the second exposure, video signals of such even field as a mixed signal of 1-line and 2-line, a mixed signal of 3-line and 4-line, . . . are read out. Therefore, two lines of mixed signals of CCD 1 become one line of signals of field image, and one odd or even field of data are to be obtained by one exposure.
FIG. 17 shows an operation of signals read out from the foregoing CCD 1, and in an electronic endoscope apparatus, an odd field and an even field are formed on the basis of the O (Odd)/E (Even) signal (field signal) for each {fraction (1/60)} second (vertical synchronizing period) as shown in FIG. 17(A). Therefore, as shown in FIG. 17(B), signals are accumulated in accumulation (exposure) time T of an electronic shutter during the foregoing period of {fraction (1/60)} second, and the accumulation mixed signal is read out during the next {fraction (1/60)} second period. As a result, as shown in FIG. 17(C), an odd field signal, and an even field signal are to be obtained, and for example, the (nxe2x88x921)th odd field signal becomes mixed signals of (0+1)line, (2+3)line, (4+5)line . . . which are shown on the left of FIG. 16, and the n-th even field signal becomes mixed signals of (1+2)line, (3+4)line, . . . which are shown on the right of FIG. 16.
These odd field signals and even field signals are interlace scanned to be formed as an one-frame image, and this image is displayed as a moving image on a monitor. Also, in the endoscope apparatus, a freeze switch is arranged in the operating unit, and when this freeze switch is depressed, a still image at the time is formed and displayed.
In the foregoing simultaneous type electronic endoscope apparatus, however, there is a time lag of {fraction (1/60)} second between those odd field image and even field image which are used to form the one-frame image as shown in the foregoing FIG. 17(C), and if there is a shake of the endoscope itself, a movement of the object to be observed or the like during this period of time, there is the problem that the image quality (resolution, color shift, etc.) will be deteriorated when the still image is displayed. In other words, in the case of a moving image, it is often better to faithfully reproduce the movement and the like of the subject conversely by the foregoing mix reading system in the CCD 1, but in the case of a still image, the resolution will be deteriorated.
Also, in the electronic endoscope apparatus, an electronic shutter function for changing the accumulation time of a signal is frequently adopted, and by the use of the electronic shutter, it is possible to improve the image quality if the accumulation time is made shorter in a light place at a short distance or the like. As shown in FIG. 17, however, there is a time lag of {fraction (1/60)} second between two accumulation (exposure) for forming an one-frame image, and in a still image, there is the inconvenience that the effect of shortened accumulation time is not sufficiently exhibited.
The present invention has been achieved in the light of the foregoing problems, and is aimed to supply an electronic endoscope apparatus capable of forming a still image with high image quality by reading out all pixels obtained through an image-pickup device by one exposure, and faithfully reproducing the movement concerning a moving image.
Another object is to prevent, in the foregoing electronic endoscope apparatus, any incomplete image from being displayed or the screen from being blurred when switching from a moving image to a still image.
Still another object is to stabilize, in the foregoing electronic endoscope apparatus, black level clamping treatment when a still image is selected, and to prevent the image quality from being deteriorated.
In order to achieve the foregoing object, an electronic endoscope apparatus according to a first invention comprises: an image-pickup device having a plurality of color filters arranged in units of pixels; light shielding means for intercepting illumination light so that pixel signals for a predetermined period of time are not accumulated on this image-pickup device; and switching means for switching driving control for both a pixel mix reading system, which mixes pixels accumulated on the foregoing image-pickup device between upper and lower horizontal lines to output from the image-pickup device, and a all-pixel reading system, which reads out signals of all pixels accumulated on the foregoing image-pickup device by one exposure through the use of a light shielding period set by the foregoing light shielding means.
In the foregoing, there can be provided control means for forming a moving image using the foregoing pixel mix reading system and a still image using the foregoing all-pixel reading system while controlling the foregoing switching means.
Also, the foregoing first invention is preferably structured by including: an image-pickup device driving circuit for controlling so as to read out, concerning all pixel signals accumulated on the foregoing image-pickup device by one exposure, image signals on either an odd line or an even line first, and next to read out image signals on the remaining line; a memory for storing, at the execution of the foregoing all-pixel reading system, image signals on the foregoing odd line obtained from the image-pickup device and image signals on the foregoing even line; a phase adjustment memory for adjusting phase, at the execution of the foregoing all-pixel reading system, between image signals on a predetermined line previously stored in the foregoing memory and image signals on the other line; a mixing circuit for forming a still image signal by mixing pixel signals of the foregoing odd line and the foregoing even line during the same exposure which have been read out from the foregoing each memory; and an image switching circuit for directly inputting a moving image signal of the pixel mix reading system outputted from the foregoing image-pickup device to switch either this moving image signal or the still image signal outputted from the foregoing mixing circuit on the basis of the operation of a freeze switch.
According to the foregoing structure, the pixel mix reading system has been selected at the output of the image-pickup device, during, for example, a normal operation, a pixel mixed signal read out from the image-pickup device in the same manner as before is directly supplied to the image switching circuit, and a pixel mixed signal outputted through this image switching circuit is subjected to the signal processing for a moving image. Thus, when the freeze switch is depressed, it is switched to the all-pixel reading system to thereby form a still image.
As regards, for example, charge accumulated by exposure (arbitrary exposure time) within a predetermined (assumed to be a first one) {fraction (1/60)} second period (vertical synchronizing period), the odd line of the image-pickup device (CCD) is read out during the second period ({fraction (1/60)} second) (read out from the transfer line) to be stored in a predetermined memory, and the remaining even line is read out during the third (next exposure time) period to be also stored in a predetermined memory. In order to enable this even line to be read out, the light source light during the foregoing second period is intercepted by the light shielding means.
In other words, when charge for the next exposure is accumulated as before during the second period in which the accumulated charge on the foregoing odd line is successively read out, the remaining even line cannot be read out. Therefore, according to the present invention, the light output within the second period is left out to read out accumulated charge on the even line during the third period. Thus, the signals for all pixels of the image-pickup device obtained by one exposure can be read out.
Next, a video signal on, for example, the odd line first stored in the foregoing memory is further stored in the phase adjustment memory, delayed by {fraction (1/60)} second, and thereafter, a pixel mixing process is performed between odd line data and even line data by the mixing circuit. More specifically, as a result, this pixel mixing process forms a similar signal to the pixel mix reading system at the output of an image-pickup device which is performed at the output of a signal from the image-pickup device, but is distinguished from pixel mix reading system at the output of an image-pickup device in terms of pixel mixing in accordance with the information obtained by one exposure.
Thus, this pixel mixing signal forms video signals for the odd field and the even field, and a still image is displayed on the basis of these video signals. Accordingly, the still image is to be formed on the basis of signals of all pixels obtained by one exposure, thus becoming a high-quality image.
An electronic endoscope apparatus according to a second invention is constituted by including, in the foregoing first invention, delay means for delaying moving image data obtained by the foregoing pixel mix reading system by a predetermined period, and a signal processing circuit for forming a moving image signal on the basis of moving image data obtained through this delay means.
This second invention eliminates the inconvenience which occurs when the operation described in the first invention is performed. More specifically, during a normal operation in which the freeze switch is not depressed, the pixel mix reading system at the output of an image-pickup device has been selected, and pixels of two horizontal lines read out from the image-pickup device are mixed and outputted in the same manner as before. On switching from the moving image to a still image, however, since the illumination light is intercepted, and it is switched to the all-pixel reading system, image processing is performed through moving image data which are a half the ordinary one in, for example, one frame immediately before the still image is displayed, thus causing such a phenomenon that an incomplete image (image having half luminance and improper color) is displayed. Thus, according to the second invention, the moving image data are delayed as a whole by processing time corresponding to one frame using, for example, the foregoing delay memory in such a manner that any moving image is not formed through image data obtained during intercepted light. In this way, the display of any improper image caused on switching from the moving image to a still image is prevented.
A third invention comprises: control means for forming a moving image using the foregoing pixel mix reading system and a still image using the foregoing all-pixel reading system; and a memory for storing at least the foregoing moving image data, and the foregoing control means inhibits still image data read out from the foregoing image-pickup device when the foregoing all-pixel reading system is selected from being written in the foregoing memory as moving image data. In other words, a write-inhibit signal is outputted to a memory, in which, for example, moving image data are stored, for controlling so that the still image data obtained using the all-pixel reading system are prevented from being written in the foregoing memory as moving image data. According to this invention, the immediately preceding moving image data already obtained are used again in place of the incomplete data, and the display of an improper image caused on switching to the still image is prevented as in the case of the foregoing second invention.
A fourth invention comprises: control means for forming a moving image using the foregoing pixel mix reading system and a still image using the foregoing all-pixel reading system; and a memory for storing at least the foregoing moving image data, and the foregoing control means sets a write-inhibit period to prevent still image data read out from the foregoing image-pickup device when the foregoing all-pixel reading system is selected from being written in the foregoing memory as moving image data. The foregoing control means also continuously reads out the data in either the odd field or the even field which have been already written in the memory as frame data during the foregoing write inhibit period.
This fourth invention controls, as in the case of the foregoing third invention, so as not to write still image data obtained using the all-pixel reading system in a memory in which moving image data are stored, and continuously reads out, for example, only odd field data. This prevents the display of any improper image caused on switching to a still image, and odd (or even) field data are continuously read out at least twice (for one frame), whereby blurring of an image can be suppressed. More specifically, as data for substituting as the still image data, the immediately preceding data can be also used again for both odd field and even field, but in this case, the image is displayed through data which are temporally inverted, and therefore, the display screen will be blurred if, for example, the object moves from side to side. Thus, according to the invention, the field data which are temporally inverted are not used, but only either odd or even data are read out to display the image for eliminating the blurred screen.
A fifth invention has the foregoing image-pickup device, light shielding means, and switching means for switching driving control for both systems, and comprises: a clamping circuit for clamping an image signal outputted from the foregoing image-pickup device through a clamp signal; switching control means for controlling so as to extract a black information signal in the moving image signal obtained by the pixel mix reading system at the output of the foregoing image-pickup device even when the foregoing all-pixel reading system is selected; and a signal processing circuit for forming a clamp signal from the black information signal obtained by the control of this switching control means to feed back this clamp signal to the foregoing clamping circuit.
Generally, in the image processing in an electronic endoscope apparatus, a clamping process for causing black levels to coincide for each horizontal scanning period is performed as well known, but in the clamping process for the foregoing still image (all-pixel reading system), since the displaying process is performed through image data once stored in the memory, the clamp signal is formed on the basis of old data. Therefore, during shifting from the still image to the moving image, the black level of the signal is greatly changed, and in this case, the reproducibility of color is deteriorated. In the fifth invention, however, a black information signal of the current moving image signal is extracted even when a still image is being processed for display, and a clamp signal is formed on the basis of this black information signal for clamping process. Therefore, the great fluctuation of the black level will be eliminated, and it becomes possible to display a good image even when the display is switched from a still image to a moving image.
An electronic endoscope apparatus according to a sixth invention has, as in the foregoing second invention, delay means for delaying moving image data obtained by the foregoing pixel mix reading system by a predetermined period, and is characterized by comprising switching control means for directly inputting a moving image signal obtained by the foregoing pixel mix reading system without passing through the foregoing delay means, and controlling so as to extract a black information signal in the moving image signal.
In the foregoing second invention, the moving image data are delayed as a whole by processing time corresponding to one frame by means of the delay memory so as to prevent any moving image from being formed through the image data obtained when light is intercepted. In the clamping process for the moving image in this case, however, the image data which have been stored once in the delay memory are used for display processing, and therefore, the black level will be determined on the basis of the old data although the same is applicable to the still image. Thus, according to the invention, apart from a processing signal for the moving image (or still image), the black information signal in the current moving image signal directly outputted from the image-pickup device is extracted to perform the clamping process on the basis of the black information signal. Therefore, the great fluctuation of the black level due to time lag is eliminated, and it becomes possible to display a good image when the moving image is selected or even when the display is switched from the still image to the moving image.


An organic EL display device includes lower electrodes each provided for each of pixels, a bank layer formed so as to cover the peripheries of the lower electrodes and including bank openings through each of which a portion of the lower electrode is exposed, a light-emitting layer, an organic layer including portions each formed in the bank opening, a first barrier layer covering the organic layer, a second barrier layer covering the first barrier layer, an intermediate layer located at the edges of the bank openings, and light reflection films each provided under the lower electrode for each of the pixels. A first region where the intermediate layer is present when the pixel is viewed in a plan view includes, above or under the intermediate layer, a different layer structure from that of a second region inside the first region.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an organic EL display device.
2. Description of the Related Art
An organic electroluminescent (EL) display device includes lower electrodes each disposed for each of pixels, and banks that define the pixels. An opening is formed in the bank, and the lower electrode is exposed inside the opening. An organic layer including a light-emitting layer covers the banks and the lower electrodes, and is in contact with the lower electrodes inside the bank openings. Hence, light is emitted through the bank opening. The organic layer is susceptible to degradation from moisture, and therefore, the organic EL display device is provided with a barrier structure that covers the organic layer and prevents the permeation of moisture therethrough.
Moreover, in some organic EL display devices, a microcavity effect of light emitted from the light-emitting layer is used to improve light extraction efficiency. That is, in the organic EL display devices, the light emitted from the light-emitting layer is reflected and resonated between a plurality of layers formed in the display device.

Organic EL display device comprising different patterns in edge and inner regions


In a locking device for a camshaft adjuster comprising a drive housing with a rotor with spaced rotor vanes disposed in the drive housing between circumferentially spaced axial walls projecting radially inwardly so as to form operating chambers at opposite sides of the rotor vanes to which hydraulic fluid can be selectively admitted for controlling the relative angular position between the rotor to which a camshaft is connected and the drive housing which is driven by the crankshaft of the engine, wherein locking bolts are provided for interlocking the drive housing and the vane rotor and disposed in one of the housing and the rotor elements while a recess is formed in the other for receiving the locking bolt in order to interlock the drive housing and the vane rotor, the locking bolt is arranged in the hydraulic fluid supply path to the operating chambers upstream of the operating chamber in such a way that hydraulic fluid admission to the operating chambers is controlled by the locking bolt and is admitted to the operating chambers by the movement of the locking bolt to the release position.

The invention relates to a locking device for a camshaft adjuster including a vane rotor mounted on the camshaft and disposed in a drive housing such that the angular position of the vane rotor relative to the drive housing is adjustable.
Camshaft adjusters are used in valve-controlled internal combustion engines in order to vary the rotational angle or to bring about a phase offset of the camshaft relative to the crankshaft or other camshafts. The opening times of the exhaust and inlet valves are thereby advanced or retarded in relation to the top dead center position of a piston, in order to optimize the charge cycle of the combustion chambers or cylinders as a function of the operating point of the internal combustion engine at any given time.
DE 101 27 168 A1 discloses a camshaft adjuster having a vane rotor. The vane rotor is rotationally locked to the camshaft and is supported so that it can rotate to a limited extent in a drive part, which is generally driven by the crankshaft of the internal combustion engine by way of a toothed belt. With its vanes the vane rotor meshes in gaps in the drive part which are formed by projections extending radially inwards. The projections define the maximum rotational angle though which the vane rotor can be turned relative to the drive part. Between the vanes and the projections hydraulic chambers are formed, which are controlled by a control valve, so that the position of the vane rotor relative to the drive part is determined by the pressure ratios of the pressure chambers situated in a peripheral direction on both sides of a vane.
When the internal combustion engine is shut down springs set the vane rotor to one of the two limit positions. Upon starting of the internal combustion engine the rotating cams of the camshaft exert alternating reaction forces in the direction of rotation, which lead to advancing or retarding torques. If only a slight pressure, if any, has built up in the pressure chambers, the reaction forces overcome the spring forces, so that the vanes in contact with the radial projections lift off and move to the opposite radial projection. When they strike against these, or when they impinge on the contact face again when the reaction forces are reversed, they generate annoying noises. For this reason the vane rotor is generally locked in relation to the drive part by a locking bolt, which is supported either in the vane rotor or in the drive part so that it is axially or radially displaceable, and extends in a locking well in the other part. A spring presses the locking bolt into the locking well. The locking bolt is hydraulically released by the control valve first admitting fluid to a pressure chamber when the internal combustion engine is started. When the pressure in the pressure chamber becomes greater than the pressure of the locking spring, the locking bolt is pushed out of the locking well and the camshaft adjuster is operable.
In the locked limit position of the vane rotor, the camshaft must be held at an angle of rotation, relative to the position of the camshaft, which is conducive to the startup of the internal combustion engine. For this reason an inlet valve camshaft adjuster is generally locked in a retarded limit position and an exhaust valve camshaft adjuster in an advanced limit position. In order to allow a larger adjustment range, particularly for the inlet valves, the vane rotor is locked between the two limit positions for starting of the internal combustion engine. After starting, with the locking bolt in the release position a control valve controls or regulates the rotational angle according to recorded operating performance characteristics of the internal combustion engine.
Locking the camshaft adjuster in a middle position is difficult, because the relative speed between the vane rotor and the drive part is very high when the camshaft adjuster is not activated and the pressure chambers are unpressurized. In this operating state the drive forces, which the crankshaft exerts on the drive part, cause the camshaft adjuster to shift to a retarding position. For improved engagement of the locking bolt the known locking device has a stepped locking well, the outer step of which takes the form of an elongated hole in the adjusting direction. In the event of a shift towards a retarding position when the pressure chambers are unpressurized, the locking bolt initially engages in the first step, which prevents the movement in the opposite direction beyond the middle position, in that one end of the elongated hole coincides with the middle position. At this end two steps are congruent, so that the locking bolt can engage in the second step, thereby locking the vane rotor in both adjusting directions. In one embodiment multiple steps may also be provided, which progressively restrict the freedom of movement of the locking bolt, the innermost step taking the form of a fixing well. The steps may furthermore extend in a peripheral direction to both sides of the innermost step.
The steps result in a relatively long radial adjustment travel for the locking bolt and hence a long spring travel of the locking spring. Furthermore, its free end is highly stressed when it is inserted and strikes against the limit of a step, so that it is subject to a large amount of wear. Over time this can result in a large amount of play between the innermost step, which serves as fixing well, and the locking bolt. The steps and the locking bolt are therefore hardened at the critical points.
DE 199 18 910 A1 discloses a camshaft adjuster which has two spring-loaded locking bolts which are spaced over the circumference of the vane rotor and which are displaceably guided either radially or axially in the drive part, and which, in the locking position, project into a locking well of the vane rotor. The locking bolts are hydraulically released in that a pressure acting in the pressure chambers acts on an end face of the locking bolts and shifts them into a release position against the force of the loading spring as soon as the pressure has attained a corresponding value. In this case the release bolts are cylindrical and are each subjected only to the pressure prevailing in either one of the pressure chambers acting in the retarding or advancing direction.
As a variant, the locking bolts take the form of stepped pistons, the small piston face being acted upon by the pressure of one pressure chamber and larger piston face by the pressure of the other pressure chamber. The resulting force generated by the pressures shifts the locking bolts into the release position.
Whilst one of the locking bolts interacts with a cylindrical recess designed as fixing well, which serves to lock the vane rotor in both directions of rotation, the other locking bolt interacts with an elongated hole, which extends over a circular path and one end of which defines the same locking position of the vane rotor, whilst the other end extends in the retarding direction.
If the one locking bolt is situated in the area of the elongated hole when the internal combustion engine is switched off, it can engage therein as soon as the pressure in the pressure chambers falls below a certain value. Once the locking bolt reaches the end of the elongated hole in the middle position of the vane rotor, the second locking bolt engages in the fixing well, so that the vane rotor is locked to the drive part in both directions of rotation. If the one locking bolt is situated outside the area of the elongated hole, for example in the area in which the greatest adjustment in the retarding direction is reached, oscillations when the internal combustion engine is started up will cause the vane rotor to move in the advancing direction, one locking bolt engaging in the elongated hole and preventing any return in the retarding direction, so that the other locking bolt can engage in the fixing well.
It is the object of the present invention to improve, by simple means, the release and locking of a camshaft adjuster also between the limit positions of its adjustment range.


A system for forming a multi-walled trench comprising an outer wall, an inner wall disposed within the outer wall and along which the fluid to be contained flows, means for securing in position the inner wall so as to allow expansion and contraction thereof relative to the outer wall and means for vertically adjusting the trench relative to the surface elevation prior to the pouring of concrete. Various embodiments of the securing means are provided.

The present invention relates to the construction industry, and more specifically to the formation of a pre-engineered grate or covered multi-walled trench including an assembly for forming the trench and a frame for the assembly. The need for a multiple walled containment trench with frames has evolved with the need to prevent seepage of objectional materials through the trench walls and into the surrounding ground.
The need for this invention has resulted from Federal Regulations, particularly from the E.P.A. For instance, underground tanks used for fuel or other chemicals must have a tank inside a tank. Should a leak occur in the inner holding tank, the fluid would be captured by the outer tank feeding to a low point leak sensor or feeding to a strip sensor along the bottom of the outer tank (such as one made by Rachem Corp.), setting off an alarm that leakage had occurred. It is expected that similar regulations may be forthcoming for trenches containing certain liquids. Therefore, the need exists for multi-walled trenches which allow for leak detection.
The general concept of trench drainage systems has long been used. Trenches are used where liquid run-offs occur, such as in chemical plants, food processing operations, pulp and paper mills, pharmaceutical manufacturing, bottling plants, in parking garages and parking areas of shopping centers. The fluid from a trench generally goes into a catch basin or sewer large enough to release the material from the trench as it arrives. The top of the trench is normally covered with a slotted grate to allow entrance of the fluids, catching of debris, load carrying capacity for whatever may pass over it, and is made of a material that will withstand the corrosiveness of the fluid entering the trench. In some applications, the top of the trench may be solidly covered, such as crossing sidewalks or where conduits are carried within the trench and fluid entry is minimal and not necessarily desirable.
Minimal development has been done in the field of double containment trenches with frames to support grates and covers. In the prior art, a double walled polymer concrete channel has been made. These channels were constructed in relatively short lengths, requiring many joints where leaks could occur. Another problem existed in that heavy traffic would also frequently pass over the trenches. In the prior art, proper protection of the inner and outer trench, or liner, was not provided. Thus, failure of the trench or liner could easily occur, causing leakage.
Another disadvantage in the prior art exists in the lack of provisions for replacement of the frame, the inner trench liner, or other trench liners without having to essentially remove the old system and install a new one at an extremely high expense. Furthermore, the inner and outer walls of these containment trenches were attached to each other, thus allowing no independent contraction or expansion of either wall, resulting in buckling and failure of the containment system.
In the prior art, either trenches have no slope or a fixed slope. Thus, the engineer cannot design the trench to his requirements but must use what comes "off the shelf", thus limiting his options. Also, limited widths and depths of trenches have been offered. Therefore, the fluid flow was restricted to the available trenches, instead of trenches being designed for the fluid flow.
Therefore, there exists a need for a multi-containment trench system which will provide a minimum number of joints to reduce possible leakage points.
There exists a need for a multi-containment trench system that can accommodate a variety of temperatures over a wide range without rupturing the walls or breaking the joints apart from either heat, cold, expansion or contraction.
There also exists a need for a multi-containment system that offers an extra protection against leaks at the joints of the trench.
There exists a need for a multi-containment system that offers protection to the inner and outer walls or liners from heavy traffic passing across the trench.
There exists a need for long length trenches with virtually no joints.
Further, there exists a need for a cost effective method of replacing the frame, the trench liner or liners should a leak occur or the liner begins to wear out.