Embodiments of the present invention are directed to digitally encoded hierarchical timestamps that are stored in computer readable mediums. The hierarchical timestamps of the present invention include a first field that stores a timestamp value and a second field that stores a processing-level indication that indicates the scope of the timestamp within a hierarchical processing system.

As computer networking and interconnection systems have steadily advanced in capabilities, reliability, and throughput, and as distributed computing systems based on networking and interconnection systems have correspondingly increased in size and capabilities, enormous progress has been made in developing theoretical understanding of distributed computing problems, in turn allowing for development and widespread dissemination of powerful and useful tools and approaches for distributing computing tasks within distributed systems. Early in the development of distributed systems, large mainframe computers and minicomputers, each with a multitude of peripheral devices, including mass-storage devices, were interconnected directly or through networks in order to distribute processing of large, computational tasks. As networking systems became more robust, capable, and economical, independent mass-storage devices, such as independent disk arrays, interconnected through one or more networks with remote host computers, were developed for storing large amounts of data shared by numerous computer systems, from mainframes to personal computers. Recently, as described below in greater detail, development efforts have begun to be directed towards distributing mass-storage systems across numerous mass-storage devices interconnected by one or more networks.
As mass-storage devices have evolved from peripheral devices separately attached to, and controlled by, a single computer system to independent devices shared by remote host computers, and finally to distributed systems composed of numerous, discrete, mass-storage units networked together, problems associated with sharing data and maintaining shared data in consistent and robust states have dramatically increased. Designers, developers, manufacturers, vendors, and, ultimately, users of distributed systems continue to recognize the need for extending already developed distributed-computing methods and routines, and for new methods and routines, that provide desired levels of data robustness and consistency in larger, more complex, and more highly distributed systems.

Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.


A low-power receiver architecture of use in direct sequence spread spectrum communications system receivers, such as in a code division multiple access system, is provided. The receiver employs analog correlation, wherein its analog-digital, converters are able to operate at the system symbol rate, and the requirement for finite impulse response filters is obviated. The low-power receiver architecture is also applicable as a front-end structure for multiple-mode receivers.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to wireless communications systems, and in particular but not exclusively to wireless communications signal receivers suitable for use in direct-sequence spread spectrum systems such as those employing code division multiple access (CDMA) techniques.
2. Description of the Related Art
In a standard CDMA receiver, digital correlation techniques are conventionally employed, involving an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) that operates at typically four times the chip rate. In currently proposed third-generation communication systems that rate may be in the region of 16 MHz. In addition to the ADC, a high-order square-root raised cosine filter is also required on the receiver side to obtain optimal performance. If this filter is implemented by digital means, it would also typically operate at four times the chip rate.
One of the primary applications for CDMA communications systems is in cellular telecommunications, where receiver circuitry is incorporated in a portable handset or the like. In order to extend the battery life for operation of the portable handset, it is desirable to utilize circuitry therein that is as power efficient as possible. It is therefore desirable for the handset circuitry, such as that in the CDMA receiver, to be low in power consumption. One way in which power consumption can be reduced is to reduce the rate of operation of processing components such as analog-to-digital converters and the like.

Low-power code division multiple access receiver

STMIcroelectronics Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd.


In one or more embodiments, the present invention provides a method of applying or printing structural colors to a substrate that involves pre-treatment of the substrate surface to prevent absorption of the fluid containing the particles. This allows the fluid to maintain their sessile drop shapes and as the water evaporates, the colloidal particles spontaneously assemble within the confined geometry into semi-ordered structures that interact with light to produce structural color. While the pre-treatment may be done in a variety of ways, application of a, hydrophobic and/or oleophobic coating, like 1H-IH,2H-perfluoro-1-dodecene (C10F21—CH═CH2) (perfluoro) monomer, fluoroalkyls, fluorohydroalkyls, cyclo-fluoroalkyls, fluorobenzen, by plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (cold plasma treatment) has been found to be effective, particularly for printing applications. These treated substrates allow production of a wide range of structural colors using binary systems of nanoparticles.

How color is produced in nature is a critical question from both a fundamental and applied perspective. Birds with brightly patterned wings, colorful flowers, beetles with iridescent cuticles, algae with bioluminescence and countless other examples illustrate the importance of color in nature. Colors can be produced by either pigments or dyes, highly ordered nanostructures or the combination of the two, with the former being extensively employed by man since pre-historic times.
Colorants, like dyes and pigments, are attributed by their ability to either absorb or emit light in the visible range (400-700 nm). In such systems, color is generated by the virtue of exchange of energies between light and electron when the illuminating or incident light excites the electrons within the material to higher energy states. This is a chemical phenomenon. In other systems, colors are produced by manipulation of electromagnetic waves using nanostructures that affect propagation of light, which is a purely physical phenomenon. In these systems colors, referred to as structural colors, are produced by the interaction of light with the various types of spatial inhomogeneities and hierarchical structures (micro- or nanostructures) yielding interference (thin-film or multilayer), scattering or diffraction of light.
Structural colors have raised a significant amount of interest among researchers owing to their unique properties like vibrant appearance (vivid and metallic colors), photo-stability (non-fading behavior) and energy efficiency (no loss of energy during the physical interaction of light with nanostructures). Standard pigmentary colors are susceptible to photo-bleaching activities due to the presence of unsaturation in their chemical structures, which is eliminated in structural color systems. The last two decades have seen the employment of numerous techniques for generating colloidal nanostructures to produce structural colors such as evaporation-based self-assembly (including vertical and drop deposition), spray coating, reverse emulsion-based assembly, and electrophoretic deposition, that allow the assembly of particles into semi-ordered structures. Recently, drop deposition using a colloidal suspension of nanoparticles (followed by evaporation-based self-assembly of the colloidal nanoparticles into nanostructures), has been in great demand due to the low fabrication costs, great applicability in inkjet printing for scale-up operations and its ability to produce quasi-amorphous assemblies that result in angle-independent color viewing. Moreover, it is possible to employ structural colors in various applications such as decorations, smart windows, humidity-responsive systems, photonic inks or pigments, chemical sensing, nontoxic colors for cosmetics and anti-counterfeiting applications.
Iridescence (angle-dependent behavior) and non-iridescence (angle-independent behavior) are the most common terminologies used in the field of structural colors. Long-range, periodic arrangement of colloidal crystals is known to exhibit iridescent colors, where the colors change depending on the viewing angles. From an industrial standpoint, it is critical to have non-iridescent structural color systems for applications requiring broad-viewing angles like printing. Hence, the concept of having non-fading inks is of great demand in printing industries. Obtaining a short-range order in the packing of colloidal particles is the key to obtain non-iridescent behavior. Such amorphous colloidal arrays can be formed by assembling different-sized particle suspensions, using external stimuli to pace the assembly (like electric field) or creating defects in the colloidal crystallization process.
Semi-ordered colloidal arrays tend to display whitish or washed-off colors due to the strong incoherent scattering of light, which reduces the saturation and quality of the colors significantly. Black materials like carbon black and polydopamine (PDA) (a synthetic mimic of melanin) have been employed in order to address this problem. Their broad-band absorption behavior makes them a direct choice for improving the saturation of structural colors. Although, carbon black is inexpensive and easy to procure in comparison to PDA, the latter have some additional properties like UV protection, multifunctionality as a binder coating, and biocompatibility. Recently, studies have been undertaken to maximize the production of melanins, providing a sustainable alternative to carbon black.
The use of colloidal suspensions for inkjet printing applications has been growing at an accelerated rate due to its novel coloring strategy, avoiding pigment- or dye-based products. Structural color printing facilitates creation of colorful patterns on different substrates without the need for chemical colorants and opens an avenue for applications like anti-counterfeiting and UV-protective paints. However, there are certain challenges while printing these structural color systems. These include—a) requirement of highly concentrated particle suspensions for the printing process to avoid the coffee-ring effect, b) preparation of intricately patterned substrates that favor the assembly of colloidal particles to exhibit color, c) stabilization of such assemblies to prevent them from breaking apart due to external forces, and d) necessity to expand the color gamut expressed by these systems to compete with conventional printing inks. Now in case of colloidal assemblies, the size of the colloidal particle is one of the key factors that determines the hue produced. Nevertheless, one limitation that must be kept in mind is that the synthesis of these different-sized particles to generate color diversity is very tedious.
The multiple components that constitutes a conventional ink imparts several properties such as, preventing clogging of the printing head nozzles, controlling surface tension of the ink, allowing its attachment to the surface of the substrate, slowing the evaporation of the solvent; all of this in order to maintain the pigment on the paper and not spread too much on it. Historically, combinations of red, green and blue colors have been used to produce a wide gamut of colors. During the printing process, the separation between the printed dots determines whether the final image will be dark (closer dots) or bright (farther dots). The primary components of inks are the pigments which vary in sizes from a few nanometers (50 nm) to a couple of microns. Moreover, when a simple suspension of ink particles (comprising only solvent and solid particles) is added to a paper, it would be absorbed by the paper preventing any manifestation of color. To overcome this issue, people have resorted to using high ink particle concentrations (˜10-30% w/v) to ensure that an adequate number of particles remain on the surface of the paper to exhibit color.
What is needed in the art is a method for applying or printing structural colors that allows for the production of a wide gamut of non-iridescent colors, does not require high ink particle concentrations (˜10%-30% w/v) to ensure that an adequate number of particles remain on the surface of the paper to exhibit color, further reduces or prevents the coffee ring effect (where the color is darker at the edge of the droplet), allows for better printing on white backgrounds, and also allows for the application or printing of structural colors with wavelengths outside the visible range for use in applications like security or anti-counterfeiting operations.

Production of a wide gamut of structural colors using binary mixtures of particles with a potential application in ink jet printing


A sealing assembly for use with a rotary machine is described herein. The sealing assembly includes a stator shroud coupled to the casing. The stator shroud includes an inner surface that at least partially defines the cavity within the casing. At least one stator labyrinth tooth extends outwardly from the stator shroud inner surface towards a rotor assembly positioned within the casing. At least one protective member is coupled to the stator shroud upstream from the at least one stator labyrinth tooth to facilitate reducing a flow of combustion gas across the at least one stator labyrinth tooth.

The subject matter described herein relates generally to rotary machines and more particularly, to a sealing assembly and methods of assembling a rotary machine.
At least some known turbomachines such as, for example, gas turbine engines include a combustor, a compressor coupled downstream from the combustor, a turbine, and a rotor assembly rotatably coupled between the compressor and the turbine. Some known rotor assemblies include a rotor shaft, at least one rotor disk coupled to the rotor shaft, and a plurality of circumferentially-spaced turbine buckets that extend outwardly from each rotor disk. Each turbine bucket includes an airfoil that extends radially outward from a platform towards a turbine casing.
During operation of at least some known turbines, the compressor compresses air that is subsequently mixed with fuel prior to being channeled to the combustor. The mixture is then ignited to generate hot combustion gases that are channeled to the turbine. The rotating turbine blades or buckets channel high-temperature fluids, such as combustion gases, through the turbine. The turbine extracts energy from the combustion gases for powering the compressor, as well as producing useful work to power a load, such as an electrical generator, or to propel an aircraft in flight.
At least some known turbine engines include a sealing assembly that includes a plurality of stator labyrinth teeth that extend outwardly from a turbine casing towards each turbine bucket to reduce air leakage/air flow between the airfoil and the turbine casing. At least a portion of combustion gases channeled through the turbine are undesirably channeled between a tip end of the turbine bucket and the turbine casing as tip clearance losses. Over time, the labyrinth teeth may begin to oxidize and/or wear as the combustion gases contact the labyrinth teeth, which may increase tip clearance losses and/or reduce an operating efficiency of the turbine.

Sealing assembly for use in a rotary machine and methods for assembling a rotary machine


Apparatus and method of controlling delivery of text messages to a subscriber (2, 9, 10) in a telecommunications services apparatus, the method comprising the steps of the subscriber making a selection as to a mode of delivery that the subscriber requires for one of (i) a future text message and (ii) a category of future text messages, for example delivery by fax or e-mail, the subscriber's requested selection being implemented by a message processing means (3) in the form of an SMS router which is part of the home network (B) with which the subscriber's mobile telephone is normally associated, the arrangement being such that any text messages intended by the sender (1) to be delivered to the said subscriber, as intended receiver thereof, are directed to the message processing means which then implements the delivery mode previously selected by the subscriber (2, 9, 10).

Telecommunications services in general may be controlled to some degree by the sender or by the receiver. The message content, the message medium and the timing of transmission are normally under the control of the sender. However, the recipient may for example influence the delivery of a communication by activating a message storage facility or by switching his phone off. Generally facilities available to a recipient for control of incoming communications are quite limited.
Text messaging services are prevalent in modern telecommunications networks and are enjoying continued growth. The networks are handling increasingly large volumes of message traffic, and so many networks are exploiting new technologies to improve the efficiency of message transmission.
GSM networks are specified in the relevant standards, and these define that the GSM short messaging services (SMS) are implemented by a store and forward device known as a Short Message Service Centre (SMSC). This technique is analogous to recorded voicemail, and was most beneficial in the early days of GSM, when handsets were less portable that they are today, battery life was poor and radio coverage was limited. At that time only a small proportion of text messages were deliverable at the first attempt, and so a store and forward device was appropriate.
Today the converse is true, and many networks report that 80% or more of messages are deliverable on the first attempt. Networks are therefore turning to alternative techniques for message handling to avoid the delays and cost involved in sending all messages via a storage medium. Typically, improved efficiency is gained by the use of SMS Routers in the network that allow each message to be selectively delivered by an appropriate method according to the characteristics of the message. Person-to-person traffic may be directly delivered to the recipient, and only if the recipient is unreachable is the message then passed on to a store-and-forward device instead. SMS Routers may implement throttling, load balancing, address translation and other facilities within the network to improve the efficiency or scope of services offered to subscribers.
Many facilities are available to the sender of SMS to allow him to choose the method of delivery. Some networks have partially implemented the format translations specified by the GSM standards, allowing for example a sender to indicate that a message is to delivered in fax format, and to send it to a fixed-line or mobile fax number. Also some networks support various text prefixes within the body of the message to control such features as delayed or timed delivery. Text to speech systems have been implemented by a number of operators, allowing messages to be read out during a voice call, but the feature is only selectable by the sender.
We have appreciated that it would be desirable to enable the receiver to have more control over the mode of delivery of text messages. We consider that it may be desirable for the receiver to be able to control, for example, the timing or method of delivery, or the medium by which delivery is made.
For the recipient, SMS currently offers few options. For example, although specified by the GSM standards, there is no divert facility available for text, and no translation to a different medium is available to be specified by the recipient.
Prior art for recipient control in telephone systems includes                PBX facilities for diversion, forwarding, do not disturb etc.        Voice mail that can be selectively switched on or off        Dual or multiple SIM card support in some networks which gives some limited control of to which terminal a message is delivered.
The present invention is aimed at providing a means by which network operators may offer a greatly enhanced level of control to text message recipients.


The present invention is to provide a compound represented by the general formula (1) exhibiting a high insecticidal effect and an insecticide comprising the compound as an active ingredient. The compound represented by the general formula (1) and an insecticide comprising the compound as an active ingredient,

In WO 2000/55120 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,548,514, a compound similar to the compound of the present invention for medicine use was described. But activity against insects was never described therein. Furthermore, it is obvious that such compounds are not included in the scope of the claims of the present invention.
In WO 2000/7980, a compound similar to the compound of the present invention for medicine use was described. But activity against insects was never described therein. Furthermore, it is obvious that such a compound is not included in the scope of the claims of the present invention.
In US Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-032238, a compound similar to the compound of the present invention for medicine use was described. But activity against insects was never described therein. Furthermore, it is obvious that such a compound is not included in the scope of the claims of the present invention.

Amide derivative and insecticide containing the same

Abstract: wherein, in the formula, A1, A2, A3 and A4 each represent a carbon atom or the like; R1 and R2 each represent a hydrogen atom or the like; G1 and G2 represent an oxygen atom or the like; Xs each represent a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom or the like; n represents an integer of 0 to 4; Q1 represents a substituted phenyl group, a substituted heterocyclic group or the like; Q2 represents a substituted phenyl group, a substituted heterocyclic group or the like.


A sprinkler includes an inlet aperture, an outlet aperture, a body, a conical member, and a deflector. The inlet aperture receives fire suppressant agent at an inlet end of the sprinkler and the outlet aperture is at an outlet end of the sprinkler. The body extends along a longitudinal axis and includes an inner volume forming a fluid flow path between the inlet end and the outlet end of the sprinkler. The conical member is positioned at the outlet end of the sprinkler directs the fire suppressant agent outwards. The deflector receives fire suppressant agent from the conical member and distributes the fire suppressant agent about a service area. The deflector includes multiple tines, which each extend along a corresponding radial axis that is substantially perpendicular with the longitudinal axis. Each tine is offset by an angular amount about the corresponding radial axis.

Fire suppression systems are commonly used to protect an area and objects within the area from fire. Fire suppression systems can be activated manually or automatically in response to an indication that a fire is present nearby (e.g., an increase in ambient temperature beyond a predetermined threshold value, etc.). Once activated, fire suppression systems spread a fire suppressant agent throughout the area. The fire suppressant agent then extinguishes or prevents the growth of the fire. Various sprinklers, nozzles, and dispersion devices are used to disperse the fire suppressant agent throughout the area.


Apparatus and method for painting an object. The object is affixed to a holder and a reservoir of paint is formed either on or adjacent to the surface of the object. The holder then is tilted sufficiently to cause a paint distribution device, such as a sphere or spinning top, to travel through the pain and across the surface of the object, leaving paint along the travel path of the paint distribution device.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for applying a medium to an object. In another aspect, the present invention relates to a method and apparatus for applying paint to an object. In still another aspect, the present invention relates to a method and apparatus for painting utilizing rolling objects, such a marbles, which are rolled through puddles of paint, leaving a paint trail along the marble travel path.
2. Brief Description of the Related Art
Methods and apparatus for applying paint to surfaces are well known. The most common of these include brushes and spraying. For children (and many adults) artistic endeavors utilizing such traditional methods of painting can be challenging.
Accordingly, there exists a need for a method and apparatus of creating an artistic work more suitable to the talents and motor skills of children (and many adults). There also exists a need for a method and apparatus for creating an artistic work that is fun and entertaining for children and adults alike.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a method and apparatus for creating artistic paintings that is easy to operate.
It is an other object of the present invention to provide for a method and apparatus for creating an artistic work that is fun and entertaining to operate.
These and other objects will become readily apparent from the following disclosure.

Method and apparatus for painting a surface by moving a device through a paint reservoir and across the surface


A method of producing a substantially finished surface on the outmold side of a thermosetting casting. The method entails preparing a first laminae having a curable thermosetting resin material as a first outmold surface, and providing a second laminae having an imprinted surface thereon. The first surface and second laminae having an imprinted surface are then positioned in face-to-face registration with one another. Substantial vacuum conditions are generated in the area between the first surface and the imprint surface, and the surfaces are pressed together under substantial vacuum conditions. The vacuum and pressure conditions maintain the surfaces in face-to-face registration and contain any volatile components of the curable thermosetting resin material of the first laminae while the curable thermosetting resin material cures. After the curable thermosetting resin material cures, the second laminae having an imprinted surface is separated from the first laminae to form the substrate having the imprint of the second laminae.

This present invention relates generally to a method for forming a molded surface and, more particularly, to a method for creating a substantially defect free and bubble free molded surface on the outmold side of a casting or other surface using thermosetting resin systems.
In the thermoset casting industry, a thermosetting resin is poured into a mold of desired configuration, or applied to a substrate, and then allowed to cure. After sufficient curing time, the cured product is removed from the mold or substrate for further use or processing. The surface portion of the cured product which is in contact with the mold or substrate is referred to as the "inmold" side, whereas the surface portion of the product opposite the mold or substrate surface is referred to as the "outmold" side. Standard casting methods predominantly use the inmold side of the product as the "good" or finished side of the product. This is because the inmold side conforms to the mold or substrate surface and can be provided with an desired patten or surface texture, thus resulting in a substantially finished surface. In contrast, the outmold side of the product is open to ambient conditions as it cures and thus has neither the functional nor aesthetic qualities of the inmold side.
In a typical inmold casting method designed to use the inmold side, a mold or substrate surface is prepared by waxing and polishing. Following this preparation, a thin coat of resin referred to as a gel coat is sprayed or otherwise applied onto the mold or substrate surface. A matrix of thermosetting resins and various inorganic fillers is then poured, sprayed or otherwise applied into the mold or onto the substrate. The thermosetting resin bonds to the gel coat. After sufficient curing time, the entire molded part is removed from the mold or substrate. In the above process, the inmold surface of the article is essentially in finished form, whereas the outmold surface is generally pitted, flawed and irregular.
A limited number of outmold casting techniques are known in the prior art. On such outmold casting technique is described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,341,396 issued to E. M. Iverson. In this patent, a pigmented base layer of a resin material is applied to a substrate, after which a base layer having a color pigment is applied to the base layer. This is followed by application of a transparent coating on top of the pigmented layer. Flow and diffusion of the pigmented layer is then induced by movement of a tool through the transparent layer. In a further outmold method described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,055,324 issued to Stecker, a resin system is poured onto a substrate. In the above described outmold casting methods, the top or outmold side of the article is generally pitted, flawed and irregular. Thus, such surfaces require significant sanding and polishing to create an acceptable finished surface.
Limitations exist with respect to both inmold and outmold casting techniques. A principal advantage of an inmold system is that the inmold surface of the molded article is essentially finished in final form as it is removed from the mold or substrate. The ability to create pigmented patterns within the molded article is, however, limited. A principal advantage of an outmold casting method is the ability to create different and desirable pigment patterns in the molded article either by inducing physical motion as described in Iverson U.S. Pat. No. 3,341,396 or by inducing controlled diffusion of pigment as described in Stecker U.S. Pat. No. 5,055,324. A disadvantage of conventional outmold casting processes is that the outmold surface is pitted and flawed. Thus, the surface must be accepted complete with flaws and imperfections or must be sanded and polished in order to fully finish the surface. Such a step can be expensive and time-consuming.
Another alternative is to utilize injection molding in a closed mold. Injection molding techniques are often limited to thicker articles inasmuch as the cross-section of the article is reduced, the tendency to develop unsightly swirls and patterns is increased.
Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a method to create a substantially finished molded surface which substantially eliminates any sanding, polishing or further finishing.

Method for forming a laminated substrate


To provide a dental root canal-filling composition which is generally formed in a point shape, has high strength, is properly deformed so as to afford easy operativity for filling in a root canal, has improved wetting and adhering properties with a root canal-filling sealer and is less deteriored by sterilization or chemical disinfection, the dental root canal-filling composition comprises one or more kinds of polyolefin resins selected from the group of polyethylene, polypropylene, and a copolymer of polyethylene and polypropylene, a styrene block copolymer, one or more kinds of thermoplastic resins selected from the group of ester gum, rosin, an alicyclic saturated hydrocarbon resin, a terpene resin, and an aliphatic petroleum resin, and one or more kinds of inorganic fillers selected from the group of zinc oxide, barium sulfate, zirconium oxide, titanium oxide, ytterbium fluoride, a barium glass, and an aluminosilicate glass.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a dental root canal-filling composition used in a dental root canal treatment.
2. Description of the Conventional Art
As for treatments of a pulp disease and a periapical periodontal disease in a dental treatment, a root canal treatment is widely used. In the root canal treatment, a point-shaped and stable material is filled in a root canal after a dental pulp extraction so as to seal a void in the root canal, and thus infection routes between the root canal and a periodontal tissue and between the root canal and an oral cavity are blocked. The material is filled in a root canal after removal of a pulp polluted with bacteria in the root canal, cleaning, sterilization, and formation of the root canal at the time of the root canal treatment. This composition is a dental filling materials for root canal. A dental filling materials for root canal most widely used now is a thin needle-shaped filling materials for root canal called a gutta-percha point mainly including gutta-percha (natural transpolyisoprene) and zinc oxide, and the filling materials for root canal is filled in a root canal after a dental pulp extraction. However, there is a problem that the dental filling materials for root canal mainly including gutta-percha is easily deteriorated due to sterilization and chemical disinfection.
A conventionally used dental filling materials for root canal mainly including gutta-percha is not sufficiently deformed in a root canal due to lack of proper flexibility, and thus it is very hard to carry out a filling operation. As a result of this, a filling ratio of the dental filling materials for root canal in the root canal decreases and voids are created, so that a later lesion may be caused. Thus, the present applicant previously filed a patent application for a dental root canal-filling composition, which has high strength, is not broken easily, and is properly deformed so as to afford an easy operativity for filling in a root canal, as in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-80318.
However, since the dental root canal-filling composition also mainly includes gutta-percha, and thus there is a problem that the composition is easily deteriorated due to sterilization or chemical disinfection. Further, the conventional dental filling materials for root canal does not have sufficient wetting and adhering properties with a paste material called a root canal-filling sealer, which is used for improving adhesion between a root canal wall and the dental filling materials for root canal inserted into the root canal. If the wetting and adhering properties between the dental filling materials for root canal and the root canal-filling sealer is insufficient, the adhesion between the dental filling materials for root canal and the root canal-filling sealer is insufficient. As a result, since a sealing property of the root canal is insufficient, a lesion may be caused.


An apparatus, and corresponding method, for input/output (I/O) value determination, generates an I/O instruction for an I/O device, the I/O device including a state machine with state transition logic. The apparatus comprises a controller that includes a simplified state machine with a reduced version of the state transition logic of the state machine of the I/O device. The controller is configured to improve instruction execution performance of a processor core by employing the simplified state machine to predict at least one state value of at least one I/O device true state value to be affected by the I/O instruction at the I/O device.

In computer systems, a processor may comprise one or more independent units of electronic circuitry, referred to as cores or processor cores, that may perform basic arithmetic, logical, control, and input/output (I/O) operations by carrying out instructions of a computer program. To access data from an I/O device, the processor uses I/O instructions, such as load, store, request, etc.
A processor core may generate an I/O instruction as a part of its normal instruction issue and a load/store pipeline under the control of a controller. Such an I/O instruction may be an "x86" I/O style instruction or a memory mapped I/O style instruction, that is, a memory instruction with an address that points to the I/O device. A load I/O instruction may comprise a structure that includes a physical or virtual address from which to load data. A store I/O instruction may comprise a structure that includes data and a physical address or virtual address to which to store the data. The I/O device decodes the I/O instruction and carries out an action, e.g., to store data, or to return data to the processor core. The decoding process may take into account the provided physical address and may also depend on the store data. In the case of a load I/O instruction, the action includes returning a data value to the processor core.

Complex I/O value prediction for multiple values with physical or virtual addresses


A holder for holding a semiconductor wafer for treatment in wafer treating apparatus including a plurality of supports for generally point support of the wafer at a plurality of points on the wafer. Each support bears a fraction of weight of the wafer and is movable up and down and subject to force biasing it to move upward. The total of the forces exerted on the supports biasing them upward is adapted to counterbalance the weight of the wafer.

The present invention relates generally to semiconductor wafer treating apparatus such as thermal processing machines, and more particularly to pin-type wafer holders used to support semiconductor wafers during treatment in wafer treating apparatus.
Prior art pin-type holders comprise three pins, each of which has an upper end for supporting a bottom surface of the wafer. Three pins are conventionally used since the three upper ends constitute three points which define a plane. Using more than three pins to hold the wafer is more difficult since it is difficult to align more than three points (i.e., points defined by upper ends of the pins) in the same plane. Moreover, the bottom surface of the wafer may not be perfectly planar, so that even if the pins are aligned, they may not all contact the wafer.
A typical use of a wafer holder is to support the wafer in a thermal processing machine. The wafer deforms during thermal processing such that portions of the bottom surface of the wafer are forced against the pins. Such motion creates damage on the bottom surface of the wafer and results in dislocations which may propagate through the wafer and negatively affect the front surface of the wafer. Such damage is increased as the weight of the wafer is increased. In conventional three-pin holders, each pin must support one third of the weight of the wafer. Wafer consumers now demand larger diameter wafers which are heavier, and the damage caused by the three pin holders is thereby worsened.
Another type of holder uses a combination of fixed pins and spring biased pins, as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,718,574. However, such an arrangement is not desirable since the wafer will be damaged by the fixed pins, and because the weight of the wafer may not be evenly distributed among the pins.
Among the several objects and features of the present invention may be noted the provision of a semiconductor wafer holder which inhibits damage and dislocations in the wafer, the provision of such a holder which decreases the number of wafers damaged during thermal processing, and the provision of such a holder which increases the yield of acceptable wafers.
Briefly, apparatus of this invention is a holder for holding a semiconductor wafer for treatment in wafer treating apparatus including a plurality of supports for generally point support of the wafer at a plurality of points on the wafer. Each support bears a fraction of weight of the wafer and is movable up and down and subject to force biasing it to move upward. The total of the forces exerted on the supports biasing them upward is adapted to counterbalance the weight of the wafer.
In another aspect of the invention, the holder comprises a plurality of wafer rests for the resting of the wafer thereon. Each rest is extensible up and down and comprises a lower elongate member fixed in generally vertically extending position. Each rest further comprises a generally vertically extending cylinder constituting a wafer-holding pin including a lower end slidable up and down on the lower members and an upper closed end having a tapered tip for generally point engagement with a bottom surface of the wafer. The cylinders provide at their upper ends for generally point support of the wafer at a plurality of points distributed around the bottom of the wafer. Each cylinder bears a fraction of the weight of the wafer. The holder further comprises a system for flow of gas under pressure into and out of each cylinder for establishing an upwardly biasing force on each cylinder. The total of the forces exerted on the cylinders biases them upward and is adapted to counterbalance the weight of the wafer.
In yet another aspect of the present invention, the holder comprises a plurality of wafer rests which are extensible up and down. Each rest comprises an upper member having an upper end for resting thereon of the wafer. Each upper member is movable up and down on a fixed lower member. The upper members provide at their upper ends for generally point support of the wafer at a plurality of points. Each upper member bears a fraction of weight of the wafer and is subject to force biasing it to move upward relative to the fixed lower member. The total of the forces exerted on the upper members biasing them upward is adapted to counterbalance the weight of the wafer.
Other objects and features of the present invention will be in part apparent and in part pointed out hereinafter.


Systems and methods for authenticating digital assets in relation to a telecommunications network. In various cases, the systems include a network interface device associated with a customer premises. The network interface device includes a local authentication authority operable to authenticate one or more digital assets maintained in relation to the customer premises. In some cases, a global authentication authority can authenticate the network interface device, and implicitly authenticate the one or more digital assets. Many other cases and/or embodiments are disclosed herein.

The present invention is related to telecommunication systems. In particular, the present invention is related to access controls in a telecommunication system.
Currently, users are authenticated in a telecommunications system through accessing a central authority and providing a user name and password. Such an approach can involve congestion about the central authority. In some cases, such congestion is unnecessary as the authentication is to be used only in conjunction with relatively localized activities.
Thus, for at least the aforementioned reasons, there exist a need in the art for advanced systems and methods for implementing access controls in relation to a telecommunication network.

Systems and methods for controlled transmittance in a telecommunication system


Health care information for multiple patients is processed to classify patients into categories. Additional data fields related to a category in which a patient is classified are added to the patient record. These data fields are populated in part by automatically processing the existing patient data. Such automatic processing can result in a probability that the underlying data supports having a particular value stored in one of the added data fields, and this probability also can be stored. Over time, additional data can be obtained from patients, caregivers and other sources, for structured data fields based on data entry forms for patient reported outcomes, caregiver reported outcomes, events of interest, survival and resource utilization. A set of factor scores is computed for each patient, for each category in which the patient is classified. An outcome score is computed for each patient for each category in which the patient is classified, using an outcome function defined for that category, as a weighted function of one or more of the factor scores. The outcome function for a category is standardized across all patients classified in that category.

A challenge in the health care industry is providing meaningful data, on a regular basis, to health care providers, patients, and others, regarding health care outcomes of patients.
Currently, health care outcomes typically are measured as part of specifically designed health programs, such as health outcomes measurement programs or other clinical programs or clinical trials or clinical studies, which include a select group of patients. A health program involves the systematic collection and analysis of data from multiple patients about the patients' medical conditions and demographics, interventions for those patients, and changes in patients' health status, to determine how changes in health status can be related to the medical conditions, demographics and interventions. Patients first are qualified to participate in such a health program, and then consent to participation, before their data can be used in the health program.
The selection criteria for these health programs are not readily available to health care providers of the patients, making it difficult for health care providers to identify patients who would qualify. Further, even if a health care provider, or the patient, were aware that a patient would qualify for a health program, there is significant labor involved in processing forms and other instruments to initiate the patient's participation in the health program.
Such health programs also rely on systematic data collection to provide information useful for computing health care outcomes. Even if a patient has been selected for and enrolled in a health program, data available from various medical records or other health related records for that patient can be incomplete or inaccurate. In current practice, systematic data collection is performed by the health program by having experts review and process available data into consistent formats, and/or by having health care providers perform data entry in response to questionnaires. The collected data can be either structured or unstructured data.
As a result, current practices limit both the quantity and quality of data available for computing and delivering information about health care outcomes. Additionally, even with satisfactory data collection, healthcare outcomes are not standardized for a given condition. In other words, there is no standardized framework for reporting healthcare outcomes across a set of patients outside of a specific health program. Thus, when outcomes are reported, they generally are reported as individual metrics or composites relevant within a specific health program. Such measures of healthcare outcomes also do not provide good insights into actionable interventions and treatments that could help patients and their health care providers improve the outcomes of their care, or current risks presented by patients with their current conditions.

Health care information system providing standardized outcome scores across patients


In this invention two side wall spacers are applied to the vertical structure of a gate. The first spacer made of Si.sub.3 N.sub.4 provides for SAC (self aligned contact) definition and the second spacer made of SiO.sub.2 is used for the definition of the LDD (lightly doped drain). The second spacer is the outer spacer and is anisotropically etched when the IPO (inter-poly-oxide) is etched to open a SAC contact area for second level polysilicon deposition. This allows a spacer width for the desired length of the LDD while providing a wider width for SAC contact. The SAC contact is not limited by the LDD spacer and the LDD spacer can be optimized without considering the SAC requirements. This invention is easily applied to SRAMS and DRAMS without extra masking.

1. Field of Invention
This invention relates to processing of semiconductor devices and in particular double side wall spacers for lightly doped drain (LDD) and self aligned contact (SAC) definition.
2. Description of Related Art
The self aligned contact (SAC) is a powerful method used in semiconductor manufacturing to reduce chip size by shortening the separation of contact to polysilicon. This is especially true in memory products. The space used for lightly doped drain (LDD) limits the smallest size possible with SAC. Creation of a double spacer helps alleviate the conflict between LDD and SAC requirements.
In U.S. Pat. No. 5,494,838 (Chang et al.) a floating gate is created as a side wall spacer and incorporates spacer fabrication techniques to achieve a high density nonvolatile memory cell having a split gate configuration. Referring to U.S. Pat. No. 5,468,665 (Lee et al.), a process is described in which an LDD MOSFET is formed without using a side wall spacer as an ion implantation inhibiting layer in order to produce high density semiconductor devices. In U.S. Pat. No. 5,208,472 (Su et al.) a method of forming a SAC structure is described where a first side wall is used to define a LDD structure, and a second side wall is used to extend the oxide region at the gate edge and improve source/drain leakage property. In U.S. Pat. No. 4,912,061 (Nasr) a method is described for fabricating a self aligned metal oxide semiconductor device using a disposable silicon nitride spacer.
The use of spacers are important in forming SAC structures and protecting LDD near a gate which can lead to higher densities and smaller chips; however, there is a limit to which the density can be increased, particularly when the LDD and SAC requirements are in conflict. It is, therefore, the purpose of this invention to teach a means by which spacers can be used without the conflicting requirements of the lightly doped drain and the self aligned contact.

Method of forming dual spacer for self aligned contact integration

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Ltd.


A single stranded oligonucleotide complementary to a specific region of a gene promoter, methylated at carbon 5 of all cytosine residues in cytosine-guanine (CG) dinucleotides, is provided. The modified oligonucleotide provides DNA methyltransferase (MTase) enzyme with a hemimethylated substrate so that DNA MTase can methylate complementary CG sites using methylated oligonucleotides as the template. Such methylation prevents translation of the gene. An oligonucleotide complementary to the sense strand of c-Ha-ras promoter having a methyl group on all cytosine residues of its 6 CpG sites was specifically effective in inhibiting breast tumor cell proliferation and tumorigenicity.

Oncogenes have become the central concept in understanding cancer biology and may provide valuable targets for therapeutic drugs. One gene which has captured the attention of many scientists is the human proto-oncogene, c-Ha-ras. This gene acts as a central dispatcher, relaying chemical signals into cells and controlling cell division. Ras gene alteration may cause the gene to stay in the "on" position. The ras oncogene is believed to underlie up to 30% of cancer, including colon cancer, lung cancer, bladder and mammary carcinoma. Bos, J. L., Cancer Res. 49:4682-4689 (1989). The ras oncogene has therefore become a target for therapeutic drugs.
All oncogenes and their products operate inside the cell. This makes protein-based drugs ineffective since their specificity involves ligand-receptor recognition. However, antisense oligodeoxyribonucleotides (oligonucleotides) are capable of easily entering cells and they can specifically target oncogenes. Wickstrom, E. (ed). Prospects for antisense nucleic acid therapy of cancer and Aids. New York: Wiley-Liss, Inc. 1991; Murray, J. A. H. (ed). Antisense RNA and DNA New York: Wiley-Liss, Inc. 1992. Antisense drugs are modified synthetic oligonucleotides that work by interfering with ribosomal translation of the target mRNA. The antisense drugs developed thus far destroy the targeted mRNA by binding to it and triggering ribonuclease H (RNase H) degradation of mRNA. The antisense compounds in clinical trials are all approximately from 17 to 25 nucleotides long. Oligonucleotides have a half-life of about 20 minutes and they are therefore rapidly degraded in most cells. Fisher, T. L. et al., Nucleic Acids Res. 21:3857-3865 (1993). To increase the stability of oligonucleotides, they are often chemically modified, e.g., they are protected by a sulfur replacing one of the phosphate oxygens in the backbone (phosphorothioate). Milligan, J. F. et al., J. Med. Chem. 36:1923-1937 (1993); Wagner, R. W. et al., Science 260:1510-1513 (1993). However this modification can only slow the degradation of antisense and therefore large dosages of antisense drug are required to be effective. An additional problem with antisense drugs has been their nonspecific activities. Yet, despite these problems, many antisense drugs are in phase I, II and III of clinical trials.
There are several reports showing that oligonucleotides complementary to various sites of ras mRNA can inhibit synthesis of ras protein (p21) which decrease cell proliferation rate in cell culture. U.S. Pat. No. 5,576,208 (Monia et al.); U.S. Pat. No. 5,582,986 (Monia et al.); Daska, Y. et al., Oncogene Res. 5:267-275 (1990); Brown, D. et al., Oncogene Res. 4:243-252 (1989); Saison-Behmoaras, T. et al., EMBO J. 10:1111-1116 (1991). Oligonucleotides complementary to the 5' flanking region of the c-Ha-ras RNA transcript has shown to inhibit tumor growth in nude mice for up to 14 days. Gray, G. D. et al., Cancer Res. 53:577-580 (1993). It was recently reported that an antisense oligonucleotide directed to a point mutation (G>C) in codon 12 of the c-Ha-ras mRNA inhibited cell proliferation as well as tumor growth in nude mice when it was injected subcutaneously. U.S. Pat. No. 5,576,208 (Monia et al.); U.S. Pat. No. 5,582,986 (Monia et al.); Schwab, G. et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 91:10460-10464 (1994). At the American Society of Clinical Oncology meeting in May 1997, researchers reported that antisense drugs shrank ovarian tumors in small clinical trials. Roush, et al. Science 276:1192-1194 (1997). At the same meeting it was reported that an oligonucleotide which blocks replication of cytomegalovirus that destroys the retinas of many AIDs patients, is already in phase III clinical trials.
Despite the optimism surrounding these studies, there are a number of serious problems with the use of antisense drugs such as difficulty in getting a sufficient amount of antisense into the cell, non-sequence-specific effects, toxicity due to the large amount of sulfur containing phosphothioates oligonucleotides and their inability to get into their target cells, and high cost due to continuous delivery of large doses. It would thus be desirable to provide a composition which overcomes these difficulties.


A printing apparatus includes: (A) a transport mechanism transporting a medium in a forward direction and a backward direction; (B) a head printing dots on the medium; (C) a sensor sensing existence of the medium in a non-contact manner; (D) a reversion mechanism reversing the medium; and (E) a controller controlling the sensor to sense an end of the medium when the transport mechanism transports the medium in the forward direction so as to allow the head to print the dots on the surface of the medium and controlling the sensor to sense the end of the medium when the transport mechanism transports the medium in the backward direction so as to allow the reversion mechanism to reverse the medium after the dots are printed on the surface thereof.

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to a printing apparatus and a printing method.
The printing apparatus is not limited to a printer, copier, and a facsimile which perform a printing process in an ink jet manner, but broadly includes apparatuses used to manufacture a color filter of a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, a biochip, etc.
2. Related Art
As an example of such a printing apparatus, an ink jet printer is known. A typical ink jet printer prints images by alternately performing a dot formation process in which a moving head ejects ink to form dots and a transport process in which a medium (paper, fabric, OHP paper, etc) is transported.
Such a printer may include a sensor for sensing the end of the medium. In addition, such a sensor may include a lever arranged so as to rotatably move in the way of a transport path of the medium and a photo interrupter for changing a signal level of a detection signal in response to movement of the lever (for example, see JP-A-8-259037).
In a sensor using such a lever, paper may be jammed when the paper is transported in a backward direction.


A RF characteristic analyzer for a communications system including an input/output module, coupled to the communications system, a first analyzing circuit coupled to receive and analyze a transmission signal of the communications system through the input/output module, and a second analyzing circuit coupled to receive and analyze a reception signal of the communications system through the input/output module. Also included is an alarm circuit coupled to receive analyzed data from the first and second analyzing circuits, and to provide at least one alarm message according to the analyzed data.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a code division multiple access (CDMA) base station system, and more particularly to a CDMA base station system which reduces the deterioration of call quality.
2. Background of the Related Art
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the construction of a related art CDMA base station system.
Referring to FIG. 1, the related art CDMA base station includes a base station processor 101 for taking charge of an interface in a base station and controlling peripheral boards. It further includes an upper processor 102 for taking charge of an interface between the base station and an exchange (not illustrated). The upper processor 102 is communicatively coupled to base station processor 101. Next, a channel card 103 is provided to modulate/demodulate signals transmitted/received from the base station.
The CDMA base station also includes a transmitted frequency converter 104 to convert a transmitted frequency into an allocated use frequency band, and a transmitted power amplifier 106 to amplify the signal to transmit at a rated power of the base station. A transmitted frequency band filter 108 is provided to allow only the allocated frequency band (i.e., the transmitted frequency band to be used) to pass through to the transmitting antenna 111.
The CDMA base station next includes a received frequency converter 105, to convert a received frequency into a frequency band used in the base station. A receiving amplifier 107 is coupled to the frequency converter 105 for amplifying a low-level signal from a terminal, and a received frequency band filter 109 is coupled to the receiving amplifier 107, and allows only the allocated frequency band to pass through. Finally, a power level measuring device 110 is provided to measure a power level of a final end (i.e., an output) of the base station.
An operation of the related art CDMA base station system as constructed above will now be described with reference to FIG. 1.
The operation of the related art CDMA base station is typically divided into three functions: (1) base station transmission; (2) base station reception; and (3) output signal strength detection.
First, during the transmitting function of the base station, the channel card 103, which controls the transmitted/received signal modulation and demodulation, modulates the transmitted signal of the CDMA base station. The modulated signal then passes through the transmitted frequency band filter 108 via the transmitted frequency converter 104. This is done to convert the transmitted signal into the frequency to be actually used (i.e., allocated use frequency). Next, after passing through the transmitted frequency converter 104, the signal passes through the transmitted power amplifier 106 to increase the transmission power to the rated power (i.e., the maximum power of the base station that can be transmitted within the range satisfying the characteristic of the base station).
The signal is then outputted from transmitted power amplifier 106 and passes through the transmitted frequency band filter 108, and then transmitted through the transmission antenna 111.
The receiving function of the CDMA base station is contrary to the transmission function. A signal is first received through a receiving antenna 112, and then passes through the received frequency filter 109. The filter 109 is used to ensure that only the allocated frequency band is outputted from the received frequency band filter 109. The signal, having passed through the received frequency band filter 109, is then amplified by the receiving amplifier 107 as much as the power of the received signal required by the CDMA base station. The thusly amplified signal is then is converted into a low frequency signal required by the CDMA base station through the received frequency converter 105.
The low frequency signal is then demodulated by the channel card 103 in charge of the transmitted/received signal modulation and demodulation.
Finally, the CDMA base station measures the strength of the current transmitted signal of the final end using the power level measuring device 110. The power level measuring device 110 detects the strength of the transmitted output, and reports the measured strength to the base station processor 101.
The related art CDMA base station has various problems. For example, according to the related art CDMA base station, the processor 101 simply confirms whether or not the power supply to the boards of the channel card 103, transmitted/received frequency converters 104 and 105, transmitted/received power amplifiers 106 and 107, transmitted/received frequency filters 108 and 109, etc., is in a normal state, or whether the cables connected among them are in a normal state.
The actual call quality, however, can be affected by the board operation characteristics other than the power supply to the boards. Despite this, no method of confirming the board characteristics beyond checking the power supply to the boards has been conventionally proposed.
As a result, the related art CDMA base station has no way to confirm the RF characteristics of the base station. Consequently, except for the reading of the final received power level, the RF characteristic of the base station cannot be recognized until a problem occurs and affects the call quality.
The above references are incorporated by reference herein where appropriate for appropriate teachings of additional or alternative details, features and/or technical background.


A device for dispensing products senses when the respective products are accessed. A signal indicative of day and time of access can be transmitted to a remote monitoring station. Received signals can be compared to a pre-established schedule.

In circumstances where it is desirable or important to be able to dispense products, for example, daily in a timely manner, manual reminders such as notes and the like can be used to remind the individual or individuals who are supposed to access the products as to the schedule. At times, even in the best of the circumstances, it is difficult to remember such schedules. One particular example where many individuals interface with such schedules is in connection with taking medication. Particularly, as individuals age, they may have a medication schedule which runs from day to day on a repetitive basis, but which may require taking one or more prescription drugs in accordance with that schedule.
At times, the individual or individuals may be alone. Care givers may not be present during the times and/or days when the medications are to be taken. Nevertheless, it would be desirable to be able to track the individual's adherence to the respective schedule.
There thus continues to be a need for systems and methods of tracking adherence to product delivery schedules. Preferably, such systems and methods could carry out the desired tracking function automatically and transparently where the schedule is consistently being adhered to. In instances where there is a deviation from a preset schedule, follow up could preferably be provided relatively promptly.

System and method for monitored delivery of products


A system, method, and computer implemented method for sharing data between networked applications is provided. The system includes at least a whiteboard space, a single server mode library, and a client mode library. The single server mode library provides access to the whiteboard space, where the access is to read or post data to the whiteboard space. The client mode library is provided for one or more processes. The client mode library is in networked communication with the single server mode library, and the client mode library is capable of managing one or more reader objects and one or more posting objects. The single server mode library is further capable of managing one or more reader objects and one or more posting objects.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to software systems, and more particularly, to methods and systems for implementation of distributed data sharing systems.
2. Description of the Related Art
There are various ways to make different applications, or threads within applications, communicate with each other in Java, other programming languages, and other sources. The approach is to call a method in an application, and within the parameters of the method provide the information to be communicated to that application. If two applications have different methods there might not be a common interface available for them to communicate through. For example, Java might use Remote Method Invocation (RMI) and C might use Cobra.
A typical way to distribute data or events to a series of applications is to set up a listener interface (LI). Applications that implement the LI and register within the associated event provider will get access to all of the listeners and posters registered on the LI. The event provider is capable of generating events. Either an application calls the event provider and asks the event provider to generate an event or the event provider itself generates the event. In addition, the event provider has to know where (i.e., to what application) to distribute the events using the information gathered during registration. In the registration process, the application generally needs to define its location, its interface compliance, and its interest to read certain events.
In another approach, listeners need not pre-register with an event provider. Instead of distributing an event, clients can write events to a managed data location. A client can then access and read the event data. Similar to the above described process, one common technique is to have the managed data location function as an event provider, thus requiring clients to register. When a client writes to the managed data location, and the managed data location is responsible for delivering the data to the registered clients. Another common technique is to require clients to check the managed data location for event data. Although sharing of events is possible using a number of techniques, as described above, the management and tracking of reading activity, posting activity, and access to events stored across different managed data locations is not sufficiently defined to support robust sharing of critical data.
In view of the foregoing, there is a need for methods, systems and computer program instructions for managing reading and posting activity of events to be shared between processes and/or applications communicating across a network.

Distributed data sharing methods and systems


A method for generating a sectional view of a body of a vehicle includes displaying a first sectional view of the vehicle body on a screen, where the first sectional view comprises two surfaces of two components of the vehicle body which adjoin one another at a first transition point. The method includes displaying a joint catalog with a plurality of predefined joint types, where one joint type of the plurality of predefined joint types defines a predefined joint section for a joint between two surfaces. The method also includes detecting a selection of a first joint type from the joint catalog, and automatically inserting the predefined joint section for the first joint type at the first transition point into the first sectional view displayed on the screen, with the result that the surfaces of the two components are connected to one another at the first transition point by the joint section.

The invention relates to a method and to a corresponding device which assist a user in the design phase of a vehicle in determining a possible technical implementation of a vehicle body.
During the design phase of a vehicle (in particular of a road vehicle, for example a motorcycle), the design of the vehicle body is typically revised and refined multiply. In this context, CAD (Computer Aided Design) programs are usually used to determine information about the installation space and the technical manufacturing capability of the vehicle body. A current design of the vehicle body can be scanned optically in a three-dimensional fashion and the point clouds which result from this can subsequently be combined to form utilizable surfaces of components.
In order to check the technical implementation capability of a vehicle body part, a sectional diagram covering the entire circumference of the vehicle body part can be generated. This sectional diagram also includes concept sections or sectional views of the divisions between the components, also referred to below as joints. A concept section or a sectional view comprises here a locally limited section at a specific position of the vehicle body. The sectional view represents the geometry planned there and therefore at the same time the required installation space in a plane.
The generation of a sectional view is typically time-consuming. In this context, in particular the division of the vehicle body into technically implementable components proves to be time-consuming. The present document is concerned with the technical problem of providing a computer-implemented method and a corresponding device which permit a user to speed up the generation of a sectional view of a vehicle body.
The problem is solved by the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are described, inter alia, in the dependent claims.
According to one aspect, a method for generating a sectional view of a vehicle body (in particular of a road vehicle such as, for example, a motorcycle or a passenger car) is described. Alternatively or additionally, the method can be configured to generate or update a three-dimensional model of a vehicle body. The method can be executed on a computer with a screen. In this context, the method can be implemented as part of a CAD (Computer Aided Design) program.
The invention comprises displaying a first sectional view of the vehicle body on a screen. In this context, the first sectional view can be generated on the basis of a current three-dimensional model of the vehicle body (e.g. for a specific first sectional plane) and displayed on the screen. The first sectional view comprises two surfaces of two different components of the vehicle body which adjoin one another at a first transition point. The first transition point is typically located on the selected first sectional plane for which the first sectional view has been generated. The surfaces of the components can be displayed in the first sectional view, e.g. as one-dimensional lines.
The method also comprises displaying a joint catalog with a multiplicity of predefined joint types. In this context, one joint type defines a predefined joint section for a joint between two mutually adjoining surfaces. The different joint types typically have different joint sections.
One joint type of the multiplicity of predefined joint types can also define a three-dimensional model of a corresponding joint. It is therefore possible for the three-dimensional model of the vehicle body to have a joint between the two components added to it in an efficient way on the basis of a selected joint type.
One joint type of the multiplicity of predefined joint types is typically configured in such a way that a corresponding joint between two components can actually be fabricated in a manufacturing method. In other words, the predefined joint types can be defined in such a way that the corresponding joints can also be manufactured (where possible in an efficient way). It is therefore possible for errors during the generation of a three-dimensional model of the vehicle body, which affect the manufacture of an actual vehicle body on the basis of the three-dimensional model, to be avoided early.
The method also comprises detecting a selection of a first joint type from the joint catalog. The selection can be detected, in particular, using an input means of a computer.
Furthermore, the method comprises automatically inserting the predefined joint section for the first joint type at the first transition point into the first sectional view displayed on the screen. The joint section can be inserted here in such a way that the surfaces of the two components are connected to one another at the first transition point by the joint section. In particular, the three-dimensional model of the vehicle body can be updated by means of the selected first joint type, with the result that an edge between the two components comprises the joint which corresponds to the first joint type. An updated first sectional view can then be determined from the updated model and displayed on the screen.
Three-dimensional models of a vehicle body can be supplemented with respect to a transition between components in an efficient and reliable way by providing a predefined joint catalog. In particular, the generation of sectional views can be speeded up with a predefined joint catalog.
One joint type can define standard values for one or more joint parameters for the corresponding joint. The one or more joint parameters can comprise e.g. a joint width of the joint section between the surfaces of the two components and/or a protrusion of the surface of a first component over the surface of a second component at the joint section. A joint can be inserted with these standard values into the model of the vehicle body. In particular, the joint section for the first joint type can be inserted into the first sectional view with the standard values for the one or more joint parameters. The addition of a model to the vehicle body and the generation of a sectional view can be speeded up further by providing standard values for joint parameters. Furthermore, possible error sources during the generation of a sectional view can be eliminated.
The method can also comprise detecting an input relating to a value for a joint parameter of the first joint type (e.g. using the input means of a computer). Furthermore, the method can comprise automatically inserting (or adapting) the predefined joint section for the first joint type into the first (or in the first) sectional view with the detected value for the joint parameter. It is therefore possible to permit a user to input values for a joint parameter which differ from a standard value, with the result that the model of the vehicle body and/or the first sectional view can be correspondingly adapted and individualized.
The multiplicity of predefined joint types of the joint catalog can comprise e.g. at least one joint type for a transition to a fuel tank cover as one of the two components. Alternatively or additionally, the multiplicity of predefined joint types of the joint catalog can comprise at least one joint type for a transition to a seat bench of a motorcycle as one of the two components. Expressed in more general terms, the joint catalog can comprise at least one joint type for a transition to an at least partially standardized component with at least partially standardized dimensions. The changing of a value of a joint parameter for such a joint type can be prohibited, with the result that it is automatically ensured that the joint to the standardized component has predefined standardized properties.
The method can also comprise displaying a second sectional view of the vehicle body on the screen, wherein the second sectional view comprises the two surfaces of the two components of the vehicle body which adjoin one another at a second transition point. In other words, it is possible to determine and display a further (i.e. second) sectional view for another sectional plane (from the model of the vehicle body). The method can be embodied in such a way that the predefined joint section for the first joint type is automatically displayed at the second transition point in the second sectional view displayed on the screen (without a renewed selection of the joint type having to be made). This can be done, in particular, by virtue of the fact that when a joint type for the transition between the two components is first selected, the entire model of the vehicle body is updated with respect to the edge between the two components. It is therefore possible to determine any desired sectional views for any desired sectional planes with the joint section subsequent to the updating and to display them on the screen. In this way, the determination of sectional views can be speeded up further.
According to a further aspect, a device (e.g. a computer or a server) for generating a three-dimensional model of a vehicle body is described. The device comprises a processor, input means and a screen. The processor is configured to cause a first sectional view of the vehicle body to be displayed on the screen, wherein the first sectional view comprises two surfaces of two components of the vehicle body which adjoin one another at a first transition point. The first sectional view can be generated on the basis of a current model of the vehicle body.
The processor is also configured to cause a joint catalog with a multiplicity of predefined joint types to be displayed on the screen, wherein one joint type defines a predefined joint section for a joint between two surfaces. Furthermore, the process is configured to determine that a selection of a first joint type from the joint catalog has been made using the input means.
Furthermore, the processor is configured to insert the predefined joint section for the first joint type at the first transition point into the first sectional view displayed on the screen, with the result that the surfaces of the two components are connected to one another at the first transition point by the joint section. Alternatively or additionally, the processor can be configured to update the model of the vehicle body with respect to the joint between the two components by means of the selected first joint type.
According to a further aspect, a software (SW) program is described. The SW program can be configured to be executed on a processor, and to execute, as a result, the method described in this document.
According to a further aspect, a storage medium is described. The storage medium can comprise a SW program which is configured to be executed on a processor and, as a result, to execute the method described in this document.
It is to be noted that the methods, devices and systems described in this document can be used both alone and in combination with other methods, devices and systems described in this document. Furthermore, any aspects of the methods, devices and systems described in this document can be combined with one another in a variety of ways. In particular, the features of the claims can be combined with one another in a variety of ways.
Other objects, advantages and novel features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of one or more preferred embodiments when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Method and device for generating a sectional view of a body of a vehicle

Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft


An optical disk reader or read/write system for CD or DVD formats. First and second laser diodes operating at different wavelengths have their output beams collimated and directed at a single element objective lens, and are then reflected off the disk back through the lens to a photodetector. The single element objective lens has a central aperture zone and an outer aperture zone, the central zone being profiled to operate at a first numerical aperture at approximately 0.45 and the output beam of the first laser diode is confined to the central aperture zone. The outer aperture zone together with the central aperture zone are profiled to operate at a second numerical aperture, for example 0.60 wherein the output beam of the second laser diode has ray fans extending across the full aperture of the single element objective lens. A diffractive is formed on one surface of the single element objective lens and provides sufficient aspheric surface power for spherical aberration correction as well as correction for spherochromatism. The diffractive also provides sufficient correction for spherical aberration and spherochromatism that the single element objective lens achieves diffraction-limited image quality for both CD and DVD formats.

The present invention relates to a single objective lens that can be used with either CD optical disks or DVD optical disks. Several different formats of optical disk are known in the prior art. The two most commonly used formats are the CD and the DVD. These two optical disk formats store different data densities; the DVD uses a much smaller track and much smaller "pits" to record a higher data density. The CD (Compact Disk) appears in wide use as both a CD-DA (Company Disk-Digital Audio) and a CD-ROM (Compact Disk-Read Only Memory); the format is identical for these two species. The DVD (Digital Versatile Disk) appears in use as a digital video (movie) storage or an extended computer memory product.
Data records on both CD and DVD formats are in "pits" formed in a reflective surface of the disk. These "pits" are actually in the form of short "trenches" that lie along a track that spirals around the disk surface. The CD "pit" is typically 0.50 micrometer (uM) wide and between 0.83 to 3.05 uM long. The track pitch is 1.6 uM and the depth of the "pit" is 0.20 uM. To achieve higher data density, the DVD "pit" is typically 0.3 uM wide and between 0.40 to 1.5 uM long. The track pitch is 0.74 uM and the "pit" depth is 0.16 uM. The CD can reliably record about 650 MB of digital data whereas the DVD can reliably record about 4.7 GB of digital data on one side of the disk (both sides can be used on a DVD).
The width and depth of the CD "pit" was determined by A early optical fabrication technology which limited the objective lens to 0.45 NA (Numerical Aperture), and by early laser diode technology (a 780 nm emission line). Because cost-effective objective lenses could be made no faster than 0.45 NA (i.e. a relative aperture of f/1.11) and lower wavelength laser diode emission lines were not available, the size of a diffraction-limited laser spot image was limited to 1.0 uM at the Full-Width-Half-Maximum intensity points (FWHM). The CD "pit" depth is chosen to by one-fourth of the laser wavelength (0.20 uM) and the "pit" width is chosen to be about half the laser spot diameter (0.50 uM). This arrangement permits about half of the waterfront in the laser spot to reflect from the bottom of the "pit" and about half of the waterfront to reflect from the surface surrounding the "pit." The two reflected components are half a wavelength out of phase so they interfere destructively. No signal is, returned to the objective lens when a "pit" is present. When no "pit" is present, the full waterfront reflects from the surrounding surface and light is returned to the objective lens.
This is the digital encoding process for most optical disks.
There are other subtle effects that this encoding process introduces such as diffraction at the edges of the pit, but the interference process is thought to be the principal phenomenon.
The newer DVD format has been enabled by two technology developments; a 650 nm laser diode has become commercially viable and 0.60 NA objective lenses have become cost-effective. The A combination of these two factors produces a diffraction-limited laser spot with 0.64 uM FWHM, so the DVD "pit" width becomes 0.32 uM and the "pit" depth becomes 0.16 uM.
Several optical disk products have been produced in the prior art that combine CD and DVD formats in the same optical reader. In order to achieve this goad, the prior art uses two laser diodes plus two lenses and moves either one set (laser diode plus objective for CD format) or the other set (laser diode plus objective for DVD format) over the disk that is to be read. No prior art single objective design is known that can operate with either the CD or DVD formats.
The invention of this application is a single lens that can operate with either the CD format (with 780 nm laser diode) or with the DVD format (with 650 nm laser diode). No moving parts are required with this invention because the appropriate laser diode can be tuned on electrically and introduced to the objective lens via a dichroic beamsplitter or a grating structure.

Single objective lens for use with CD or DVD optical disks


The invention relates to a tap for a gas or liquefied gas vessel having on a conical threaded base of the tap body a clamping ring adapted to be firmly tightened against a neck of the vessel to maintain a tight engagement of the threads of the base and the neck of the vessel in case of application of a strong impact force to the tap exteriorly of the vessel.

The present invention relates to a tap for a gas, liquefied gas, or other fluid vessel, comprising a tap body having a main body portion and a base end portion provided with a first external thread for securing the tap to a neck opening of the vessel, and particularly to a tap having a clamping ring adapted to be firmly screwed down against a radial surface of the vessel neck surrounding the neck opening. The invention also concerns a method for securing a tap to a gas or fluid vessel, as well as a gas or fluid vessel having a tap of the type referred to.
In the state of the art the tap of a gas vessel is normally provided with a base end portion having an external conical thread engaged by application of a predetermined torque into a threaded opening of a gas vessel. The conical thread provides a tight connection between the base end portion of the tap and the vessel. If a high lateral or axial impact force is exerted to the tap, the base end portion may be deformed causing leakage through the threaded engagement between the base end portion and the opening of the vessel neck. Such leakage must be avoided especially for highly oxidant, reactive, corrosive, or toxic gases, used for example in the fabrication of microchips in the semiconductor industry. The known taps for gas vessels are usually provided with a single primary valve (single external closure) disposed within the tap body exteriorly of the gas vessel. If a high impact force is exerted to this known tap, for example in case of an accident of a vehicle wherein the vessel is transported, the portion of the tap body containing a primary valve may be sheared off and the gas may flow out freely through the gas passage of the base end portion which remains engaged in the vessel neck and, possibly also between the threads of the base end portion and the vessel neck, as referred to above.
It has already been proposed to provide a check valve below the base end portion and which is thus located within the interior of the vessel when the tap is secured thereto. This check valve may be a non-active check valve which closes only under the effect of the pressure of the fluid contained within the vessel in case the main portion of the tap body is sheared off. Also known are active check valves which close prior to each closure of the primary valve and which are positively opened after each opening of the primary valve. The taps provided with such a check valve and a primary valve are taps of double, internal and external, closures comprising the primary valve exteriorly of the vessel and the check valve interiorly thereof. Unfortunately these check valves can only prevent leakage of the contents of the vessel through the normal flow passage of the base end portion of the tap body remaining engaged within the opening of the vessel neck after the main portion of the tap body has been sheared off, but these check valves cannot prevent leakage through the engaged threads of the base end portion and the vessel neck in case of deformation of the base portion caused by the strong impact force applied to the tap.
Known in the prior art, such as French patent 2,602,303, is a seal ring disposed about the base end portion of the valve body and having O-rings engaging the fluid vessel and the tap body to provide an additional sealing means, but this seal ring cannot prevent damaging of the threaded engagement between the tap body and the vessel in case of application of a strong impact force applied to the tap.

Tap having a clamping ring on the base end portion


Described are methods for forming multi-component conductive structures for semiconductor devices. The multi-component conductive structures can include a common metal, present in different percentages between the two components of the conductive structures. As described example, multiple components can include multiple ruthenium materials having different percentages of ruthenium. In some applications, at least a portion of one of the ruthenium material components will be sacrificial, and removed in subsequent processing.

Many forms of semiconductor die use various metal or metal-containing materials to form various conductive structures. Many such metals have been used, including, silver, gold, tungsten, aluminum, and various alloys thereof. In recent years, in various forms of memory devices and other semiconductor devices, tungsten (W) has been a suitable material for conductive structures, particularly longer conductors. Tungsten has been used for conductors in various forms of memory devices, including word lines in memory arrays, which typically extend across substantial portions of the array. However, as critical dimensions of features are reduced in successive evolutions of semiconductor devices, for example, as critical dimensions reach 5-20 nm and below, conventional materials, such as tungsten, exhibit a resistance which complicates device design and performance.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Multi-component conductive structures for semiconductor devices


A new and distinct cultivar of Chrysanthemum plant named ‘Dektanga Pink’, characterized by its single-type inflorescences with elongated oblong-shaped, pink-colored ray florets; strong and upright flowering stems; freely flowering habit; early and uniform flowering response; plants flower about 45 days after the start of photoinductive treatments; and good postproduction longevity; plants maintain good substance for about 23 days in an interior environment.

The present invention relates to a new and distinct cultivar of Chrysanthemum plant, botanically known as Chrysanthemum×morifolium, commercially grown as a cut flower and hereinafter referred to by the name 'Dektanga Pink'.
The new Chrysanthemum is a product of a planned breeding program conducted by the Inventor in Hensbroek, The Netherlands. The objective of the breeding program is to create new single-type Chrysanthemum cultivars with unique ray florets coloration and excellent postproduction longevity.
The new Chrysanthemum originated from a cross-pollination made by the Inventor in Hensbroek, The Netherlands on Feb. 26, 2004 of a proprietary selection of Chrysanthemum×morifolium identified as code number 02.6428.03, not patented, as the female, or seed, parent with a proprietary selection of Chrysanthemum×morifolium identified as code number 41225, not patented. The cultivar Dektanga Pink was discovered and selected by the Inventor as a flowering plant from within the progeny of the state cross-pollination in a controlled environment in Hensbroek, The Netherlands on Oct. 17, 2004.
Asexual reproduction of the new Chrysanthemum by terminal cuttings in a controlled environment in Hensbroek, The Netherlands since Nov. 2, 2004, has shown that the unique features of this new Chrysanthemum are stable and reproduced true to type in successive generations.