The invention relates to a system for delivering anesthesia drugs to a patient. The system comprises means for feeding anesthesia drugs to the patient treated, a measuring device for measuring at least one parameter relating to the effects of the anesthetic drugs fed to the patient, a patient monitor to show the results measured by the measuring devices, and feeding means for feeding patient demographics to the system. The system further comprises means for visual planning of the anesthesia drug delivery before the drugs are actually fed. The system can also comprise means for anesthesia management for drug interaction during the treatment.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a system for delivering anesthesia drugs to a patient, the system comprising means for feeding anesthesia drugs to the patient treated, a measuring device for measuring at least one parameter relating to the effects of the anesthetic drugs fed to the patient, a patient monitor to show the results measured by the measuring devices, and feeding means for feeding patient demographics to the system.
2. Discussion of Related Art
Anesthesia is typically given (approximately 90% of the normal day surgery) by both intravenous and inhalational gas anesthetics. There exists however certain amount of users that practice total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) especially in Europe and more widely TIVA can be used in small & fast cases. During the anesthesia anesthesiolgist titrates the anesthetics based on drug models and the drug distribution over time as well as by following the physiological parameters (the effect or responses to the drug given).
Intravenous (IV) drug distribution and model behaviour can be followed sometimes from an intravenous pump (IV pump) display (there exists some devices on the market, called TCI pumps) but in most of the cases there is no modelling or distribution shown. In practise the anesthesiologist still calculates an appropriate amount of drug for the particular patient with a calculator or in his head (the inputs being weight and height). This happens with the commonly used syringe pumps having no models inside them. Also the pumps are many times away from the parameter display (patient monitor) and so the effects and responses to the drugs are shown separately from the IV drug management.
The gas anesthetic statistical model called MAC (minimal alveolar concentration) is shown in most anesthesia monitors. This is however a quite approximative measure, since its background is on tests where the endpoint has been skin incision (and not for example the true hypnosis level). This measure is shown in some integrated anesthesia machines in the parameter display (patient monitor), so the anesthesiologist can see the drug effect and response quite easily. Another measure of gas anesthetics effect is the end tidal agent (ET) or fraction of inspired agent (FI), which can be shown in anesthesia monitor.
The first step to integrate the IV drug models into one display has been taken by GE Healthcare by launching a Care Assistant Suite (CAS) in European Anesthesiologist Congress 2005. This display shows IV drug models and their synergetic effects in one display, which is mounted next to the patient monitor and the anesthesia machine.
During the years several systems and methods have been developed in order to facilitate anesthesia drug deliveries. As typical examples of the solutions of the prior art the following publications can be mentioned.
PCT Publication WO0232036A2 describes a method and an apparatus for monitoring anesthesia drug dosages, concentration, and effects using N-dimensional representations of critical functions. This patent describes a method, system and apparatus for the monitoring, diagnosis and evaluation of the state of a dynamic system. The method and system provides the processing means for receiving sensed and/or simulated data, converting such data into a displayable object format and displaying such objects in a manner such that the interrelationships between the respective variables can be correlated and identified by a user. In particular, this invention is directed to the processing and display of drug data for the use of doctors in the process of monitoring or administering drugs to patients.
U.S. patent application 2003/0051737 A1 describes an apparatus and a method for titrating drug delivery. In this application a method and apparatus for reducing the workload of titrating drug (sedative, amnesic and & or analgesic) to effect while leaving clinician users in control of a related procedure is described. A drug delivery device is controlled to achieve a target drug concentration at a selected site in the patient or a predetermined infusion rate waveform. The time profile of the target drug concentration or a predetermined infusion rate waveform is controlled by a drug state model that uses clinical heuristics to implement safe, pre-defined changes in the target drug concentration or infusion rate and user-commanded changes in target drug concentration or infusion rate.
U.S. patent application 2002/0169636 A1 describes a system and method method for managing patient care. The application is directed to a system and method for providing care to a patient, comprising a patient care device having a number of configuration databases stored in a memory of the device. Each configuration database preferably includes protocols, operating limits, rule sets and/or operating features that collectively define an operating environment, or personality, of the device. The selected protocol includes default parameters for delivering the drug, and the label optionally includes instructions for deviating from the default protocol.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,631,291 describes a closed loop drug administration method and apparatus using EEG complexity for control purposes. A closed loop method and apparatus for controlling the administration of a hypnotic drug to a patient. At least one measure of the complexity of the EEG signal data is derived from the patient. An EEG signal complexity measure obtained from the cerebral activity of the patient can be advantageously used in conjunction with a measure of patient electromyographic (EMG) activity to improve the response time of hypnotic level determination and of the feedback control of drug administration. A pharmacological transfer function may be used, along with pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic models.
EP Patent Application 1 547 631 A1 describes a computer-controlled intravenous drug delivery system. The system described relates to controlling and steering intravenous anesthesia (IVA) and/or the application of other intravenous drugs to a patient in a safe and user friendly way. Less experienced anesthetists profit from expert knowledge stored, retrievable and usable via the system.
The systems and methods known in the prior art are however rather complicate and not so user friendly and flexible in every day life.

System for delivering anesthesia drugs to a patient


A photonic integrated circuit (PIC)-based imager blade includes a number of PIC imager units stacked on top of one another. Each PIC imager unit includes a PIC coupled, at a first end and a second end, to a first set of lenslets and a second set of lenslets, respectively. An electronic integrated circuit (EIC) is coupled to the PIC. Pairs of lenslets of the first and second set of lenslets are optically coupled to respective waveguides embedded in the PIC. The PIC imager units have different lengths, and longer PIC imager units include larger lenslets.

Segmented planar imaging detector for electro-optical reconnaissance (SPIDER) is an imaging system formed with waveguide arrays and other components needed to combine light from separate optical collectors, such as telescopes or lenslets. SPIDER can achieve the performance capability needed by a number of space missions in a radically compressed and low-mass and/or -power package. Alternative SPIDER configurations with more efficiency and less size, weight and cost are required.

Megapixel-resolution photonic integrated circuit based imager


A water solution in which an observation sample is, for example, dissolved is sandwiched on a first insulative thin film side provided under a conductive thin film. When an electron beam incident part is charged minus, electric dipoles of water molecules are arrayed along a potential gradient. Electric charges are also generated on the surface of a second insulative thin film. The electric charges are detected by a terminal section and changes to a measurement signal. In a state in which an electron beam is blocked, the minus potential disappears. Consequently, the electric charges on the surface of the first insulative thin film also disappear, and the measurement signal output from the terminal section changes to 0.

A scanning electron microscope is widely used as a tool in observing a biological sample and an organic sample at high resolution. Conventionally, when the biological sample and the organic sample are observed by the scanning electron microscope, in order to reduce electron beam damage to an observation target sample and obtain an image with high contrast, it has been considered essential to perform treatment for, for example, after fixing the sample with formaldehyde or the like, coating the surface of the sample with gold, platinum, carbon, or the like or applying dying by heavy metal to the sample.
However, in recent years, a method with which a biological sample can be observed at high contrast without coating and dying has been developed (see Patent Literature 1 and Non Patent Literature 1).
In this new method, a sample is deposited on a lower surface of a thin sample supporting film such as a carbon film and an electron beam with a low acceleration voltage is irradiated on the sample from above the sample supporting film. The irradiated electron beam spreads while diffusing on the inside of the sample supporting film and reaches near the lower surface of the film. Secondary electrons are emitted from the lower surface of the sample supporting film. The secondary electrons are absorbed by the sample immediately below the sample supporting film. Consequently, it is possible to obtain an image with extremely high contrast.
In this method, a condition is set such that energy of the secondary electrons is approximately 10 eV. With such extremely weak secondary electrons, electron beam damage to the observation target sample is markedly low. Therefore, even in a sample susceptible to damage such as a biological sample, an original shape and an original structure of the sample can be observed or analyzed with an image with high contrast. Such an observation condition is called "indirect secondary electron contrast condition".
Such an observation method is further promoted to also develop a method of forming a conductive film below an insulative thin film layer and further improve resolution and contrast by making use of a charging effect by electron beam incidence (see Patent Literature 2 and Non Patent Literature 2).

Sample holder for scanning electron microscope, scanning electron microscope image observation system, and scanning electron microscope image observation method

NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ADVANCED INDUSTRIAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY


The composition and method for the use of stabilized chlorine dioxide as an antimicrobial agent against oral microorganisms for the treatment and prevention of halitosis and prevention of oral diseases, wherein the activation and release of chlorine dioxide from the composition a) occurs rapidly and without a period of induction, b) results from the oxidative reduction and consumption of amino acids and volatile sulfur compound precursors, and c) generates twice the available chlorine dioxide gas as that generated from simply lowering the pH of the composition. The preferred concentrations of stabilized chlorine dioxide in this invention are in the range of 0.005% to 2.0% (w/v) wherein the pH of the composition is initially lowered by a citrate and then stabilized by a peroxy compound.

Oral disease refers to a number of generally preventable conditions of the mouth with a variety of causes. Plaque is the most recognizable precursor to oral disease. It is the biofilm that forms on teeth within hours after they are cleaned. The main mineral component of teeth is hydroxyapatite (HAP) and when teeth are cleaned, HAP becomes exposed to the oral environment. Salivary proteins such as mucins, proline-rich proteins, statherins, histatins, and cystatins have a strong affinity for HAP. These proteins quickly bind or adsorb to the exposed HAP of the tooth to form a thin coating called the acquired pellicle. Certain bacteria in the oral cavity selectively adhere to the pellicle, begin to divide, and form colonies. Initially, approximately 80% of the bacteria that colonize pellicle-coated tooth surfaces are facultative, gram-positive, non-motile cocci such as Streptococcus sanguinis (formerly Streptococcus sanguis). The other 20% include a variety of gram-negative bacteria such as Veillonella species. As the colonies grow, the environment changes due to the metabolic activities of these early colonizers and the addition of diverse groups of other bacteria to the biofilm (plaque) mass. An important environmental change in the plaque biofilm is the low-oxygen environment that promotes colonization and growth of anaerobic bacteria. Microorganisms in the biofilm synthesize a slime matrix or glycocalyx from the abundant polysaccharides, glycoproteins, and dietary sugars (e.g., sucrose) present in the oral environment. Eventually, the plaque becomes a characteristic biofilm with a highly structured, matrix-embedded, diverse microbial population in which gene expression is severely altered. The volume and structure of the biofilm created provides protection to the bacteria housed within it, potentially reducing the efficacy of antimicrobials. As a result, disruption of the biofilm of plaque is typically accomplished by mechanical means (e.g., brushing, flossing, professional tooth cleaning). Use of certain anti-plaque and antiseptic agents has been suggested for prevention of biofilms, but these treatments are typically tested in vitro using pure strains of microbes cultured on agar. Such in vitro conditions do not adequately simulate the biofilm environment, which may limit the significance of the test results.
Within biofilms, continuous metabolic activity of bacteria produces acids that can demineralize tooth enamel and dentin leading to the development of dental caries and progressive tooth decay. This demineralization is irreversible unless there is early intervention by a dental professional who might recommend the inclusion of certain fluoride-containing oral care products in the daily dental routine. If left untouched, demineralization can progress to the inner layers of the tooth, leading to severe pain and increased potential for loss of the tooth.
If dental plaque is left undisturbed, deeper portions of the plaque biofilm mineralize leading to the formation of calculus. Calculus has two major components, organic material and inorganic material. The organic portion of calculus consists mainly of dead bacteria. The inorganic part of calculus is composed of several minerals derived from calcium and phosphate present in the oral environment. There are two types of calculus, subgingival (below the gum line) and supragingival (above the gum line). Supragingival calculus is highly organized, porous, and visible. Once formed, calculus cannot be removed by conventional brushing and flossing; the intervention of a dental professional is generally required. Calculus retention is problematic for oral health because it harbors biofilm-forming bacteria that can lead to the development of periodontal (gum) infections.
Halitosis (bad breath) is caused primarily by the presence of volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) in expired breath. Approximately 90% of foul odors in expired mouth air are due to the presence of the two major VSCs: hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and methyl mercaptan (CH3SH— also called methanethiol). The sulfur in these VSCs comes from the breakdown by bacteria of sulfur-containing proteins from saliva, plaque, and sloughed epithelial cells. Increased production or build-up of any of the protein sources will lead to higher levels of VSCs in mouth air.
There are a number of known situations that will lead to increased VSC production. For example, persons who do not perform adequate oral hygiene will have abundant amounts of supragingival and subgingival plaque biofilms on their teeth. This is especially true in difficult-to-clean locations such as interproximal areas between the teeth. In addition, natural teeth that support some dental prostheses are difficult to clean. Finally, the dorsal surface of the tongue is rough, irregular, and harbors large quantities of microorganisms. In general, the microorganisms in chronic intraoral biofilms will produce large quantities of VSCs. Besides being the major contributor to halitosis, VSCs are potent irritants and can aggravate existing inflammation of the gums. High levels of VSCs can kill epithelial cells that may lead to increased permeability and ulceration of the gum tissue. The existence of open wounds coupled with increased gum tissue permeability can promote the entry of bacteria into the bloodstream (i.e., bacteremia). Chronic bacteremia may increase the risk for the development of a numbers of systemic problems such as heart attacks, stroke, and adverse birth outcomes.
Gingivitis is defined as the presence of gingival inflammation without loss of connective tissue attachment. The precursor to gingivitis is undisturbed dental plaque biofilms. Studies have shown that gingivitis will develop within 10-21 days if all oral hygiene practices are stopped and plaque is allowed to accumulate undisturbed. Clinical signs of gingivitis are redness, swelling (edema), and bleeding gums.
Periodontitis refers to a group of infections in which the supporting tissues of the teeth such as connective tissue and bone are destroyed by plaque-induced inflammation. The most common form is known as Chronic Periodontitis that affects approximately 20% of the adult U.S. population. Signs of chronic periodontitis include all of those associated with gingivitis (i.e., redness, swelling, bleeding) plus the formation of deep periodontal pockets (increased probing depths), gingival recession, increased tooth mobility, and loss of bone as detected by radiographs. If left untreated, chronic periodontitis can lead to tooth loss.
Several dozen types of oral bacteria have been implicated as putative periodontal pathogens including gram-negative bacteria such as: Porphyromonas gingivalis, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Tannerella forsythia, Eikenella corrodens, Prevotella intermedia, and Campylobacter rectus. Gram-positive bacteria of importance include Streptococcus intermedius, Micromonas micros, and Eubacterium species. Spirochetes such as Treponema denticola are also important. Low levels of most of these pathogens can be isolated from healthy mouths. These bacteria only become a problem when they are left undisturbed in mature dental plaque biofilms. Finally, chronic periodontitis is a polymicrobial infection with multiple bacteria working together in a biofilm to cause the disease.
Treatment of both gingivitis and chronic periodontitis is designed to facilitate the frequent removal and disruption of dental plaque biofilms. For gingivitis, effective oral hygiene practices on a daily basis are usually sufficient. This involves thorough removal of plaque from facial and lingual surfaces of the teeth with a toothbrush and good interproximal care with dental floss or other appropriate devices (e.g., toothpicks). Periodic tooth cleaning by an oral health care provider is required to remove mineralized plaque (i.e., calculus). Treatment of chronic periodontitis is more difficult since the disease-causing plaque is usually at subgingival sites and in deep periodontal pockets. Standard interventions usually include oral hygiene instructions followed by thorough subgingival debridement (i.e., scaling and root planing). If the infection persists, surgical intervention may be recommended to reduce the depth of the pockets and to gain access to thoroughly remove the calculus deposits on root surfaces. In some cases, reconstructive surgical procedures are performed in an attempt to regain some of the lost periodontal attachment and supporting bone. Once the infection is under control, the patient is placed on a rigorous maintenance/recall program to reduce the chances of recurrent infection. It is during this maintenance phase of therapy that non-invasive over-the-counter products are especially useful in slowing down the reformation of dental plaque biofilms on tooth surfaces.
Chlorine Dioxide
The use of chlorine dioxide for sanitation was first suggested in 1948 by Eric Woodward to reduce the incidence of unpleasant taste in shrimp. Since then, chlorine dioxide use has spread into a number of other industries. The oxidative power of ClO2 is used in the manufacture of wood pulp as an agent for the bleaching of cellulose fibers. In water treatment, ClO2 has become widely used for water sanitation. In this case, it has been shown to be effective at reducing the bacterial content, algae content, and odor associated with wastewater treatment. Additionally, the utilization of ClO2 for treating drinking water has been effective without adversely affecting its taste. The benefits of ClO2 over other processes utilizing ozone or bleach for example, are reduced cost, reduced toxicity and reduced production of chlorinated by-products.
In 1999 the EPA published "Alternative Disinfectants and Oxidants Guidance Manual," describing disinfectant uses for ClO2 and containing information on the mechanism of generation, application and standards and regulations governing use of ClO2 and other disinfectants. Major applications listed by table 4-5, section 4.8.2 in the manual are as follows: primary or secondary disinfectant, taste control, odor control, TTHM/HAA reduction (total trihalomethanes are chlorinated organics, chloroform [CHCl3] and dichlorobromomethane [CHCl2Br] for example; haloacetic acids are created when an atom from the halogen group, chlorine, for example, replaces a hydrogen on the acetic acid molecule), Fe and Mn control, color removal, sulfide destruction, phenol destruction and Zebra mussel control [EPA 1999, p. 4-34]. These are accomplished by oxidation of various substances found in water. For example, unpleasant tastes and odors (sulfides, phenols, others) can exist in water due to vegetative decay and algae content. ClO2 reduces these tastes either by eliminating the source (algae) or oxidizing the causative taste and odor molecules. In the control of iron and manganese, ClO2 will bring the dissolved ions out of solution to form precipitates, which may be eliminated through filtration and/or sedimentation. Zebra mussel control is important because it helps to maintain the natural ecology of a body of water. Zebra mussels are organisms that will infest a lake or river, strip it of nutrients and create a pseudo-fecal mucous layer on the bottom. The use of ClO2 for water sanitation and pulp treatment generally involves on-site generation followed by immediate use.
The term 'stabilized chlorine dioxide' on the other hand, refers to the generation and subsequent sequestration of ClO2, which allows for its storage and availability for later use. The first reference to stabilized chlorine dioxide in patent was in U.S. Pat. No. 2,482,891 in which ClO2 is stabilized in a powder for storage. For its application, it is mixed with water to "liberate" the chlorine dioxide. A method and composition for the use of aqueous stabilized chlorine dioxide for antiseptic purposes was noted in U.S. Pat. No. 3,271,242. The 1979 text Chlorine Dioxide, Chemistry and Environmental Impact of Oxychlorine Compounds, describes (aqueous) stabilized chlorine dioxide as follows:                "The stabilization of chlorine dioxide in aqueous solution was proposed by using perborates and percarbonates. Thus, a stabilized solution of ClO2 would be obtained at pH 6 to 8 by passing gaseous ClO2 into an aqueous solution containing 12% Na2CO3.3H2O2. Other variants are possible. In reality, it seems that in these methods, the chlorine dioxide is practically completely transformed to chlorite. Dioxide is released upon acidification . . . " [Masschelein, 1979]
The reference to percarbonates and perborates may be replaced by the term 'peroxy compounds,' which would refer to any buffer suitable for maintaining the pH and hence, the stability of the ClO2 in solution. The buffer is a necessary component, as the ClO2 is unstable at low pH. Once the solution reaches low pH or encounters an area of low pH, the stabilized ClO2 is released from solution and available for sanitation and oxidation.
In oral care products, the use of stabilized ClO2 has been suggested as an active ingredient by a number of patents: U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,689,215; 4,696,811; 4,786,492; 4,788,053; 4,792,442; 4,793,989; 4,808,389; 4,818,519; 4,837,009; 4,851,213; 4,855,135; 4,886,657; 4,889,714; 4,925,656; 4,975,285; 5,200,171; 5,348,734; 5,489,435; 5,618,550. Additionally, the use of stabilized ClO2 has been suggested for the degradation of amino acids in U.S. Pat. No. 6,136,348. The premise for these products is that the stabilized chlorine dioxide will remain as such until it encounters the localized reductions in pH. Reduced pH levels can be a result of low pH saliva or oral mucosa, the accumulation of oral disease-causing bacteria or the presence of plaque biofilms on teeth and epithelial cells. Once released, the now active chlorine dioxide is effective at killing bacteria and oxidizing VSCs. Data have shown dramatic reduction in bacteria after exposures as short as 10 seconds, as set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 4,689,215. Additional data show remarkable decrease in VSCs in expired mouth air; the mechanism is believed to be oxidation of VSCs through the cleavage of the sulfide bonds.
The effectiveness of the chlorine dioxide is likely dependent on the amount of ClO2 released from stabilized chlorine dioxide when the solution is acidified. The amount of ClO2 released depends on the initial concentration of the solution, its pH, and the stabilizing buffer or agent used. It could follow that that the efficacy of the chlorine dioxide as an oral care product is dependent on the amount of ClO2 released from the stabilized chlorine dioxide solution. As a result, it is imperative that accurate, precise measurements are taken so the concentration of stabilized ClO2 and of the release of ClO2 from solution can be determined. In addition to the need to quantify the efficacy of the solution, concentrations must be understood to ensure the safety of the product.
A concern about the stability of stabilized ClO2 was recited in U.S. Pat. No. 5,738,840 with reference to the inclusion of "other oxychlorine species" which could refer to chloride [Cl−] or chlorate [ClO3−]. The mechanism of action was questioned and suggested that at pH between 6.2 and 7.0 "any molecular chlorine dioxide which forms by degradation of the chlorite is converted back to chlorite by reaction with the residual stabilizer." This reverse reaction is unlikely due to the lower pH in the bacteria-laden target areas of the mouth described earlier. U.S. Pat. No. 6,231,830 calls into question the stoichiometry and safety of the formulation presented in U.S. Pat. No. 5,738,840. It is claimed that the formulation described is a 'chlorinator' in which " . . . a build-up of chlorate ion, an unwanted by-product" may occur.

Composition and method for the generation of chlorine dioxide from the oxidative consumption of biomolecules


A motor includes a housing having a ring-shaped protruding portion protruding from a lower surface thereof. A stator core is fixed to an inner circumferential surface of the housing and on which a coil is wound, and an insulator is provided between the stator core and the coil. A lower end of the insulator is in contact with the protruding portion. Vibration and noise generated from the housing may be reduced without changing a material or a thickness of the housing.

1. Field
The present application relates to a motor.
2. Background
Generally, an Electronic Power Steering (EPS) System is a device for securing steering stability of a vehicle, and functions to provide a torque in a steering direction of a driver using a motor and thus to allow easy handling. Unlike an existing hydraulic power steering (HPS) system, the EPS system can control an operation of the motor according to driving conditions, and thus can enhance steering performance and steering feeling.
In the EPS system, an electronic control unit (ECU) drives the motor according to the driving conditions detected by a vehicle speed sensor, a torque angle sensor, a torque sensor, and the like, secures turning stability, provides rapid resilience, and thus enables a driver to safely drive a vehicle. The motor used in the EPS system has a cylindrical shape, and an exterior thereof is formed by a housing of which an upper portion is opened and a bracket coupled to the upper portion of the housing, and a stator is disposed in the housing.
A rotator rotated according to an electromagnetic interaction with the stator is disposed at a center of the stator. The rotor is rotatably supported by a rotational shaft. A vehicle steering shaft is connected to an upper portion of the rotational shaft to provide power to assist a steering operation.
The motor generates vibration and noise at a high frequency area, and this phenomenon is associated with a resonant frequency. Therefore, there is a need to shift or improve the resonant frequency, thereby reducing the vibration and the noise. A material of the housing may be changed from iron to aluminum, or a thickness of the housing may be adjusted. However, there is a problem in that material costs and manufacturing costs are increased.


This study describes a method to determine the likelihood of the development of metastasis in a subject suffering from cancer, in addition to a method to design a customized therapy in a subject suffering from cancer, in particular breast, colon, lung, kidney and thyroid cancer, based on the determination of the expression level of one or more genes whose expression is modulated by an increase in c-MAF expression. It also describes a method for the identification of marker genes with a propensity for metastatic cancer based on inducing the modulation of the c-MAF expression Finally, the use of PTHLH and PODXL inhibitors and RERG activators in the treatment and/or prevention of the cancer, in particular breast, colon, lung, kidney and thyroid cancer.

Breast cancer is the second most common type of cancer worldwide (10.4%; after lung cancer) and the fifth most common cause of death by cancer (after lung cancer, stomach cancer, liver cancer and colon cancer). Is breast cancer the most common cause of death for women? In 2005, breast cancer led to 502,000 deaths worldwide (7% of cancer-related deaths; almost 1% of all deaths). The number of global cases has increased significantly since the 1970s, a phenomenon which is partly blamed on the modern lifestyles of the western world.
All the cells have receptors on their surface, in their cytoplasm and nucleus. Certain chemical messengers such as hormones bind to these receptors and this results in changes in the cell. Three major receptors may affect breast cancer cells: the estrogen receptor (ER), the progesterone receptor (PR) and HER2/neu. With the aim of naming the cells containing one of these receptors, a positive sign is used when the receptor is present and a negative sign when it is absent: ER positive (ER+), ER negative (ER−), PR+ (positive), PR negative (PR−), HER2+ (positive) and HER2 negative (HER2). Receptor status has become a critical evaluation of all forms of breast cancer, as it determines the suitability of the use of specific treatments such as tamoxifen or trastuzumab. The alpha isoform of the estrogen receptor (ER) is over-expressed in around 65% of diagnosed cases of breast cancer. This type of breast cancer is referred to as "ER-positive" (ER+). In this case the binding of the estrogen and ER promotes the proliferation of the cancerous mammary cells. Cancerous ER+ cells are highly dependent on this stimulus in order to spread, reason for which ER is currently used as a therapeutic target.
The fact that most deaths in cancer patients with solid tumors are caused by late metastasis make it crucial to understand the molecular and cellular mechanisms which enable a tumor to metastasize. Recent publications have illustrated how metastasis is caused by complex mechanisms about which little is known, in addition to how the different metastatic cell types exhibit a tropism for certain organs. These tissue-specific metastatic cells have a series of acquired functions which enable them to colonize specific organs.
Patent application EP1961825-A1 describes a method for forecasting the appearance of metastatic breast cancer to the bone, lung, liver and brain, consisting of defining the expression level of one or more markers in a cancerous tissue sample in relation to the corresponding expression level in a control sample, including c-MAF. Furthermore, this document requires the definition of several genes simultaneously in order to determine the survival of breast cancer patients and the relationship between the capacity of the gene signature to predict bone metastasis free-survival was not statistically significant. Bos, P. D., et al. [Nature, 2009, 459:1005-1009] describes genes involved in breast cancer metastasis to the brain.
Patent application US2005/0181375 describes methods for detecting metastatic breast cancer based on the detection of the expression levels of a number of genes which are regulated upwards or downwards in metastatic tumors, and, in particular, tumors which metastasize to the brain.
International patent application WO2010/000907 describes a genetic signature which is useful as a genomic predictor of distal metastases in breast cancer patients.
However, there is a state of the art need for genetic markers to diagnose and/or predict whether a patient suffering from a specific breast cancer, such as ER− or ER+ breast cancer, will develop a metastasis or not, thereby allowing for the use of an appropriate therapy on the subject suffering from the said cancer. The identification of new prognosis factors will serve as a guide in selecting the most appropriate treatments.

Method for the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of cancer metastasis

Fundació Institut de Recerca Biomèdica (IRB Barcelona)

Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançais


A catheter system for mechanical dilatation of coronary arterial stenoses includes a balloon dilatation catheter, a guide wire and a guide catheter. The balloon dilatation catheter has, for the perfusion of vessel fluid during dilatation, side openings arranged both distal and proximal of the balloon and connected to one another via a lumen extending within the balloon. The internal lumen configuration of the balloon dilatation catheter permits the catheter system to be utilized as either a "monorail"-type or an "over-the-wire" system.

The invention relates to a catheter system for mechanical dilatation of coronary arterial stenoses, with a balloon dilatation catheter, a guide wire and a guide catheter, the balloon dilatation catheter having, for the perfusion of vessel fluid during dilatation, side openings arranged distal and proximal of the balloon and connected to one another via a lumen extending within the balloon.
Percutaneous dilatation of coronary stenoses using a balloon dilatation catheter was introduced in 1976 by A. Gruntzig and has proven to be a very effective and well-tolerated procedure. In order to lengthen the dilatation time without increased risk of ischaemia, and thereby to reduce the risk of restenosis, a balloon dilatation catheter is known having side openings connected to one another upstream and downstream of the balloon for the perfusion of vessel fluid. In this way, a blood flow corresponding to the natural pressure gradient is maintained even during balloon dilatation In this known catheter, there is the difficulty that the side openings are often blocked partially or completely by the blood plasma after a certain time, as a result of which the desired blood flow is reduced. In the event of a considerable blockage of the side openings, the balloon catheter must be replaced. The aim of the present invention is to provide a catheter system which avoids the stated difficulty.

Catheter system for mechanical dilatation of coronary stenoses


The invention provides isolated nucleic acids molecules, designated jAZF1, jjAZ1 or jAZF1/jjAZ1 nucleic acid molecules. The invention also provides antisense nucleic acid molecules, recombinant expression vectors containing jAZF1, jjAZ1 or jAZF1/jjAZ1 nucleic acid molecules, host cells into which the expression vectors have been introduced, and nonhuman transgenic animals in which a jAZF1, jjAZ1 or jAZF1/jjAZ1 gene has been introduced or disrupted. The invention still further provides isolated jAZF1, jjAZ1 or jAZF1/jjAZ1 proteins, fusion proteins, antigenic peptides and anti-jAZF1, jjAZ1 or jAZF1/jjAZ1 antibodies. Diagnostic methods utilizing compositions of the invention are also provided.

Endometrial stromal tumors of the uterus encompass a spectrum of neoplasms that can present a number of diagnostic challenges. Difficulties in the diagnosis of these tumors arise from controversies in the classification of these tumors, the occasional confusion of endometrial stromal tumors with non-stromal sarcomas, and the uncertain relationships of different tumor types within this group of neoplasms.
Stromal nodules fall at the benign end of spectrum containing these tumors. These neoplasms are circumscribed tumors composed of cells resembling those of normal mesenchymal tissue that lies between the epithelial lining and the underlying myometrium of the normal uterus, as this tissue appears during the proliferative phase of the menstrual cycle. Endometrial stromal sarcomas (ESSs) are malignant neoplasms that have traditionally been classified into low grade and high grade types. Histologically, low grade ESSs are identical to stromal nodules except for infiltration of the myometrium or vascular invasion. Accurate discrimination of stromal sarcoma from low grade ESS may therefore require extensive examination of the uterus that can only be accomplished after hysterectomy. Furthermore, the propensity of low grade ESSs to invade vessels sometimes leads to misdiagnoses as endolymphatic leiomyomatosis, a neoplasm of smooth muscle.
High grade ESSs were formerly separated from low grade ESSs by an increased frequency of mitoses (>ten per high power microscopic field) and were generally assumed to have a worse prognosis. More recently, it has been argued that the number of mitoses within ESSs is largely irrelevant to outcome, which is said to be almost exclusively a function of stage at diagnosis. Experts holding to this view place all ESSs in the same diagnostic category regardless of mitotic activity and use the term undifferentiated uterine sarcoma (UUS) for those stromal tumors that depart significantly in histologic appearance from normal endometrial stroma. Whether UUSs evolve from ESSs is unknown. UUSs are more likely to metastasize than are ESSs, but metastatic lesions from endometrial stromal tumors of any histologic subtype can cause diagnostic problems, especially if they are detected some time after removal of the uterus for benign disease.
Diagnosis and classification of endometrial stromal tumors has until now been based primarily on histologic criteria. In recent years, specific genetic alterations identified in different types of human tumors have become useful markers that have improved the accuracy of tumor diagnosis and classification. Additionally, the discovery of genetic abnormalities in tumors has also led to insights into the basic biology of normal and neoplastic tissues, and increasingly to rational forms of cancer therapy (reference Her 2/neu, p53 virus, and bcr-abl therapy).

Fusion of jAZF1 and jjAZ1 genes in endometrial stromal tumors


A compound of formula (I), wherein A is S, O or a double bond, and L is a substituted thiazolyl, phenyl or pyridyl. The compound is useful for the treatment of inflammation and cancer.

In the 1920s Otto Warburg first proposed non-oxidative metabolism of glucose as a unique feature of tumors (Warburg, (1930) Ueber den stoffwechsel der tumoren (London: Constable); Warburg, (1956) Science 123, 309-314). This hypothesis has since caused significant interest and although mechanistic links are still, almost 100 years later, under investigation, a high glucose flux of tumor is today exploited clinically, using PET imaging of 18F-2-deoxyglucose uptake as a diagnostic tool for solid tumors.
Lately abnormal energy processing of cancer cells has been given new attention (Vander Heiden, et al. (2009) Science 324, 1029). The hypoxic microenvironment and consequential lactate accumulation resulting from altered tumor metabolism are predictive for both metastatic potential and therapy resistance, and thus survival of cancer patients (Brown, (1999) Cancer Res. 59, 5863-5870; Walenta & Mueller-Klieser, (2004) Semin. Radiat. Oncol. 14, 267-274; Walenta et al., (2004) Curr. Med. Chem. 11, 2195-2204). Targeting of these hypoxic and acidotic tumor areas, has therefore drawn attention as a complement to anti-proliferative treatments (see e.g. Pan & Mak, (2007) Sci. STKE 381, pe14; Bache et al., (2008) Curr. Med. Chem. 15, 322-338 for reviews).
Known inhibitors of glycolysis are 2-deoxyglucose and 2-bromo-pyruvate targeting hexokinase (Liu et al., (2001) Biochemistry 40, 5542-5547; Liu et al. (2002) Biochem. Pharmacol. 64, 1745-1751; Xu et al., (2005) Cancer Res. 65, 613-621; Ramanathan et al., (2005) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 102, 5992-5997). Fructose-2,6-bisphosphate (F-2,6-P2) plays a regulatory role in glucose metabolism by relieving ATP inhibition of phosphofructokinase-1. The levels of F-2,6-P2 are regulated by the bifunctional enzyme family 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-bisphosphatase (PFKFB1-4).
Of these four isozymes, mainly PFKFB3 and PFKFB4 are of particular interest for playing a role in cancer. Anti-sense treatment against PFKFB3 was shown to reduce tumor growth rate in vivo (Chesney et al., (1999) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 96, 3047-3052) Also, a decreased anchorage independent growth was shown for siRNA treated fibroblasts (Telang et al., (2006) Oncogene 25, 7225-7234). It has recently been demonstrated that the proinflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)-6 enhances glycolysis in mouse embryonic fibroblasts and human cell lines (Ando et al. J Nippon Med Sch (2010), 77, (2), 97-105) indicating the potential for PFKFB3 inhibitors as anti-inflammatory agents. Hypoxia is a prominent feature in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) synovium, and induce significant changes in the expression of PFKFB3 and PFKFB 4 (Del Rey et al., (2010) Arthritis & Rheumatism 62, 3584-3594).
Minchenko et al. showed increased expression of PFKFB4 mRNA in breast and colon malignant tumors as compared to corresponding non-malignant tissue counterparts as well as in several cancer cell lines. PFKFB4 was reported to be strongly responsive to hypoxia (Minchenko et al., (2004) FEBS Lett. 576, 14-20); Minchenko et al., (2005), Biochemie 87, 1005-1010; Bobarykina et al., (2006), Acta Biochemica Polonica 3, 789-799). Recently, Telang et al. showed decreased levels of F-2,6-P2 and lactate as well as decreased tumor growth following siRNA silencing of PFKFB4 (Telang, S. et al, (2010) US2010/0267815 A1).
Only a small number of specific inhibitors of the kinase activities of PFKFB3 and PFKFB4 have been identified. In one study, an alkylating inhibitor, N-bromoacetylethanolamine phosphate, was used as a tool to investigate the binding sites of the kinase and phosphatase domains of PFKFB3 and was demonstrated to irreversibly inactivate PFK-2 (Sakakibara et al. (1984), J. Biol. Chem 259, 14023-14028). The compound is a competitive inhibitor of PFK-2 with respect to F6P but a noncompetitive inhibitor with respect to ATP. Analogues of this compound, N-(2-methoxyethyl)-bromoacetamide, N-(2-ethoxyethyl)-bromoacetamide and N-(3-methoxypropyl)-bromoacetamide, have demonstrated in vivo activity with increased survival rate of P388 transplant BDF1 mice (Hirata et al. (2000) Biosci. Biotechnol. Biochem. 64, 2047-2052).
A crystal structure of the PFKFB3*ADP*phosphoenolpyruvate complex was described by Kim et al. (Kim et al. (2007), J. Mol. Biol. 370, 14-26). This paper also described the crystal structures of PFKFB3*AMPPCP*fructose-6 phosphate complex where β,γ-methylene-adenosine 5′-triphosphate (AMPPCP) constituted a non-hydrolysable ATP-analogue.
A drug-like compound was described (Clem et al. (2008) Mol. Cancer Ther. 7, 110-120; Chesney et al. (2008) WO 2008/156783) where 3-(3-pyridinyl)-1-(4-pyridinyl)-2-propen-1-one (3PO), by computational methods, was identified as a PFKFB3 inhibitor. Administration of 3PO reduced the intracellular concentration of F-2,6-P2, glucose uptake, and growth of established tumors in vivo. Recently, substituted benzindoles were described as inhibitors of PFKFB3. The benzindoles were shown to inhibit proliferation in several cancer cell lines, inhibit glucose uptake as well as to reduce tumor growth in vivo in tumor models (Chand et al. (2011) WO2011/103557A1).


The present invention relates to a semiconductor substrate, a semiconductor device with high carrier mobility and a method of manufacturing the same. According to the present invention, there are provided a semiconductor substrate comprising a silicon substrate, a single crystal germanium layer formed on the silicon substrate, and a silicon layer formed on the single crystal germanium layer; a semiconductor device comprising a gate electrode formed on the semiconductor substrate, and junctions formed in the substrate at both sides of the gate electrode; and a method of manufacturing the semiconductor device. Therefore, carrier mobility of channels can be enhanced since the channels of semiconductor devices are placed within the germanium layer. Further, since the silicon layer is formed on the germanium layer, the reliable gate insulation film can be formed and a leakage current produced in a junction layer can also be reduced. Moreover, the same effect can be obtained without using an expensive germanium wafer. Accordingly, since conventional processes and equipment can be used as they are, highly efficient semiconductor devices can be fabricated without increase of a unit cost of production.

This application claims the priority of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2004-0102282, filed on Dec. 7, 2004, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a semiconductor substrate, a semiconductor device with high carrier mobility and a method of manufacturing the same.
2. Description of the Related Art
With the development of a process of manufacturing semiconductor devices, the degree of integration of semiconductor devices is improved, so that a channel length of a metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (hereinafter, referred to as "MOSFET") has recently been reduced to 50 nm or less.
In a case where a channel length is shortened extremely in this manner, i.e. as a channel length shown in device scaling becomes shorter, a phenomenon that a drain current is increased is remarkably slowed down and the drain current cannot be further increased. The increase in a drain current directly leads to the increase of an operating speed of devices. It means that the improvement of the operating speed of deices cannot be achieved as high as desired only by a method of simply reducing the channel length.
To solve such a problem, studies on MOSFET devices with high mobility have been actively conducted.
First, as for high-performance MOSFETs with high mobility, a technique for increasing carrier mobility of devices by forming a MOSFET on a strained silicon substrate has been employed.
To this end, the MOSFETs have been manufactured using a special wafer on which a silicon substrate, a SiGe buffer layer, a SiGe layer and a strained silicon layer are sequentially formed. This provides a strain effect to the silicon layer using a difference between lattice structures of germanium and silicon. In other words, this is a technique for manufacturing a device such that a top strained silicon layer becomes a channel region, using a phenomenon that mobility is enhanced due to a reduced phonon distribution in a case where electrons or holes move in a strained silicon layer.
However, in a case where the MOSFET device is manufactured through the aforementioned technique, a great quantity of silicon crystal defects exists even in the top strained silicon layer due to a crystal lattice mismatch caused by a thick SiGe layer. At this time, there is a problem in that since the quantity of the silicon crystal defects is at least over 104/cm2, yield is decreased when manufacturing high integrated circuits. Further, there is another problem in that the maximum carrier mobility of the MOSFET is difficult to exceed 60%.
Next, there is another technique for applying strains only to silicon in channel regions by means of various methods after MOSFET devices have been manufactured.
According to this technique, the MOSFET has been first manufactured. Then, strains are applied to channel regions using a method of etching only source/drain regions and then selectively growing SiGe at the etched regions to apply mechanical stresses to the channel regions, or a method of forming a silicon nitride layer on the MOSFET to apply mechanical stresses to the formed silicon nitride layer.
However, there is a disadvantage in that the device manufacturing process is complicated since different kinds of strain techniques should be applied to MOSFET and PMOSFET devices, respectively, according to the aforementioned technique. Further, there is a problem in that the maximum carrier mobility of the MOSFET is difficult to exceed 60%. Furthermore, since the degree of mobility improvement varies considerably according to channel lengths, it is very difficult to extract a transistor model parameter for integrated circuit design.
Finally, there is a further technique for manufacturing Ge MOSFETs using a germanium substrate.
In this technique, since the mobility of electrons and holes is 2 to 6 times greater in a germanium substrate than in a silicon substrate, the MOSFET has been manufactured by using the germanium substrate instead of the silicon substrate, in order to increase the carrier mobility.
However, there is a problem in that the reliability of devices is reduced because it is difficult to form reliable gate dielectric layers on the germanium substrate. Further, there is a disadvantage in that since a band gap of germanium is approximately a half less than that of silicon, a junction leakage current is increased in a case where the source/drain is formed on the germanium substrate. Furthermore, there is another problem in that a silicon wafer cannot be replaced with a germanium wafer in view of a mass-production level since the production costs of the germanium wafer is five times higher than those of the silicon wafer and the germanium element is rarer than the silicon element.

Semiconductor substrate, semiconductor device and method of manufacturing the same


A resonant tunneling diode stack used as a memory cell stack (X0-Xn) with sequential read out of bits of data cells (X1-Xn) by increasing ramp rates to transfer the stored bit to a lowest ramp rate cell (X0).

The invention relates to electronic devices, and, more particularly, to resonant tunneling devices and systems.
The continual demand for enhanced transistor and integrated circuit performance has resulted in improvements in existing devices, such as silicon bipolar and CMOS transistors and gallium arsenide MESFETs, and also in the introduction of new device types and materials. In particular, scaling down device sizes to enhance high frequency performance leads to observable quantum mechanical effects such as carrier tunneling through potential barriers. This led to development of alternative device structures such as resonant tunneling diodes and resonant tunneling hot electron transistors which take advantage of such tunneling phenomena.
Resonant tunneling diodes are two terminal devices with conduction carriers tunneling through potential barriers to yield current-voltage curves with portions exhibiting negative differential resistance. Recall that the original Esaki diode had interband tunneling (e.g., from conduction band to valence band) in a heavily doped PN junction diode. An alternative resonant tunneling diode structure relies on resonant tunneling through a quantum well in a single band; see FIG. 1 which illustrates a AlGaAs/GaAs quantum well. Further, Mars et al., Reproducible Growth and Application of AlAs/GaAs Double Barrier Resonant Tunneling Diodes, 11 J.Vac.Sci.Tech.B 965 (1993), and Ozbay et al, 110-GHz Monolithic Resonant-Tunneling-Diode Trigger Circuit, 12 IEEE Elec.Dev.Lett. 480 (1991), each use two AlAs tunneling barriers imbedded in a GaAs structure to form a quantum well resonant tunneling diode. The quantum well may be 4.5 nm thick with 1.7 nm thick tunneling barriers. FIG. 2 illustrates current-voltage behavior at room temperature. Note that such resonant tunneling "diodes" are symmetrical. With the bias shown in FIG. 3a, a discrete electron level (bottom edge of a subband) in the quantum well aligns with the cathode conduction band edge, so electron tunneling readily occurs and the current is large. Contrarily, with the bias shown in FIG. 3b the cathode conduction band aligns between quantum well levels and suppresses tunneling, and the current is small.
Attempts to fabricate quantum wells in silicon-based semiconductors, rather than the III-V semiconductors such as AlGaAs and GaAs, have focussed primarily on silicon-germanium alloys for heterojunctions. More recently, use of very thin silicon oxide tunneling barriers has been investigated. Tsu, U.S. Pat. No. 5,216,262, describes a silicon-based quantum well structure with tunneling barriers made of short period silicon/silicon dioxide superlattices of epitaxial silicon dioxide two monolayers thick.
Application of resonant tunneling diodes to memory devices has been limited.


A crankshaft in a dual capacity compressor is disclosed, which causes oil contained in a lower portion of the compressor to flow up to an upper portion thereof with respect to all the rotational directions of a motor. A crank shaft (100) includes a driving shaft (110) inserted into a reversible motor (21, 22) for rotating along with the motor (21, 22), a balance weight (120) formed in a top portion of the driving shaft (110) for preventing vibration during rotation from occurring, a crank pin (130) formed on an upper surface of the balance weight (120) to be eccentric from the center of the driving shaft (110), and a regular/reverse oil path (140) formed along the balance weight (120) and the crank pin (130) for moving oil for forward rotation and reverse rotation of the motor respectively. The crankshaft serves to stably lubricate each driving part of the dual capacity compressor regardless of rotation direction.

In different apparatuses that require compression of a working fluid, particularly, in domestic appliances that employ a refrigerating cycle, such as refrigerators, a load on the appliance actually varies at all times, to require variation of a compression capacity of the compressor according to the variation of the load for improvement of an operation efficiency. To meet such a capacity variation requirement of the compressor, there have been different technical attempts, such as a variable rotation speed compressor, a multi-cylinder compressor, and the like. However, the technologies have many problems in putting into practical use of the technologies because of cost, and/or increased size of the compressor, instead of which a reciprocating type dual capacity compressor is developed by employing a simple mechanical structure. That is, the dual capacity compressor actually has two different compression capacities in respective rotation directions, i.e., a regular rotation direction (clockwise direction) and a reverse rotation direction (counter clockwise direction) by means of reversible motor and crankshaft, and a stroke varying structure in a crank pin region, of which the most general form is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,236,874.
The dual capacity compressor in the U.S. Pat. No. 4,236,874 is provided with a piston in a cylinder, a crankshaft, a crank pin having a center eccentric from a center of the crankshaft, an eccentric ring coupled with the crank pin, a connecting rod coupled both with the eccentric ring and the piston. The eccentric ring, and the connecting rod are rotatable with respect to adjoining components centered on the center of the crank pin. There is a length of release region in each of contact surfaces of the crank pin and the eccentric ring, between which a key is provided for coupling the crank pin and the eccentric ring, together. By using such a structure, the crankshaft rotates in a clockwise direction (regular rotation direction) when a heavy load is required, and the crankshaft rotates in a counter clockwise direction (reverse rotation direction) when a light load is required. That is, states of an eccentric ring arrangement differ in respective rotation directions, which in turn vary the piston stroke, to provide maximum stroke Lmax and compression capacity in the regular rotation direction when the eccentricity is the greatest, and minimum stroke Lmin and compression capacity in the reverse rotation direction when the eccentricity is the smallest.
Since moving parts, such as the motor/crankshaft, the piston, and the connecting rod, move at comparatively high speeds, an appropriate lubrication, and a lubricating system for the appropriate lubrication are required for the moving parts commonly for smooth operation of the compressor. In the reciprocating type compressor, the lubricating oil is held in a bottom of the compressor, and the crankshaft moves the lubricating oil upward along an oil passage therein and supplies to required moving parts by a centrifugal force of the crankshaft and a viscosity of the lubricating oil itself. However, if a lubricating oil system of a related art reciprocating type compressor, in which a centrifugal force is utilized mostly, is applied to the dual capacity compressor, lubricating performances may be varied with the rotation directions. Accordingly, though a lubrication oil system optimized to respective rotation directions is actually required, the U.S. Pat. No. 4,236,874 fails to teach such a lubrication oil system.
In the meantime, other than the U.S. Pat. No. 4,236,874, there are many patents that disclose technologies related to the dual capacity compressor, which will be described, briefly.
Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 4,479,419 discloses a dual capacity compressor that employs a crank pin, an eccentric cam, and a key. The key is fixed to the eccentric cam, and moves along a rail on the crank pin when a rotation direction of the compressor is changed.
Also, in a compressor disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,951,261, a bore of a fixed inside diameter is formed in an eccentric part, and a bore with an inside diameter the same with the bore in the eccentric part is formed at one side of an eccentric cam. A pin is provided to the bore in the eccentric part, and a compression spring is provided to the bore in the eccentric cam, so that the pin moves into the bore in the cam by a centrifugal force when respective bores are aligned during rotation, for restriction of the eccentric part and the eccentric cam.
However, not only the foregoing patents, but also other related patents, disclose the stroke varying structure of the dual capacity compressor, but fail to disclose an appropriate lubricating oil system.


A sample of blood is placed on a bilirubin test strip and plasma separated from the red blood cells. The bilirubin test strip is located on a test card along with a set of calibration images, the colors of the calibration images being associated with known plasma bilirubin levels. A photograph is taken of the test card. The bilirubin level of the blood sample is determined by, within the photograph, interpolating the color of the plasma and the colors of the closest colored calibration images.

Kernicterus (brain damage from severe newborn jaundice—hyperbilirubinemia) can cause cerebral palsy and neonatal death. Tragically, newborn jaundice can be easily treated upon detection. However, remote and impoverished areas of the world often do not have access to effective and affordable diagnostics. A need exists for a point-of-care self-calibrating bilirubin test card system that can be easily deployed and cost-effective.

Self-calibrating bilirubin test card system and method


Provided is a hot rolled steel sheet having excellent formability and fatigue properties comprising, in percentage by weight: 0.3-0.8% of C; 13-25% of Mn; 0.1-1.0% of V; 0.005-2.0% of Si; 0.01-2.5% of Al; 0.03% or less of P; 0.03% or less of S; 0.04% or less (excluding 0%) of N; and the balance being Fe and inevitable impurities, wherein, when viewed in a cross section in the thickness direction, the hot rolled steel sheet comprises, by area fraction, 20-70% of a non-recrystallized structure and 30-80% of a recrystallized structure.

In recent years, due to the regulation of carbon dioxide to reduce global warming, there has been strong demand for the lightening of automobiles. At the same time, the strength of automotive steel sheets has been continuously increased to improve the crash stability of automobiles.
Among automobile parts, chassis components such as a lower arm, a wheel disc, and the like are generally used by pickling and oiling a hot-rolled steel sheet. Chassis components are manufactured by cold press forming, and thus, should have excellent formability and also have excellent fatigue properties to prevent fatigue breakage in driving. Since chassis components supporting the vehicle are positioned at the lower end of the center of gravity of the vehicle, the effect of reducing fuel consumption may be significantly high by reducing the weight of components. On the other hand, the fatigue breakage of the chassis components has a disadvantage in that it may be difficult to confirm the progress during use, and may adversely affect the safety of passengers in the case of breakage while driving. Therefore, safety factors should be conservatively applied, and it is ideal to design the safety factors as a fatigue limit or less in a high cyclic fatigue mode applied to automotive structural members. Therefore, if the fatigue limit of a material is improved and the chassis parts may be lightened, an excellent fuel economy reduction effect may be expected.
Generally, low-temperature transformation microstructures are used for producing hot-rolled steel sheets for automobile chassis parts. However, it is difficult to obtain an elongation of 40% or more at a tensile strength of 600 MPa or more in the case of using a low-temperature transformation microstructure to secure high strength and fatigue properties. Thus, in this case, since it is difficult to apply the hot-rolled steel sheet to parts having a complicated shape by cold press forming, there is a difficulty in designing a free part design for a required application.
On the other hand, Patent Document 1 discloses a method, in which a large amount of austenite stabilizing elements such as carbon (C), manganese (Mn) and the like are added to maintain the microstructure as an austenite single phase, and strength and formability are simultaneously secured using twinning generated during deformation. However, only the strength and elongation in the case of the high-manganese steel provided in the related art have been considered, but the improvement of fatigue properties that may guarantee the safety of the automobile, in terms of the characteristics of an automobile member where stress is concentrated for an extended period of time, is not mentioned.
Therefore, it is necessary to develop a steel sheet for automobiles, in which strength and formability are excellent and in which high fatigue strength may be secured.

Hot rolled steel sheet having excellent formability and fatigue properties and manufacturing method therefor


A method, computer system, and a computer program product for voice activated inventory management is provided. The present invention may include recording an audio feed of a customer product query from a customer and a staff response from a staff member. The present invention may then include identifying a product requested by the customer. The present invention may also include identifying an inventory status in the staff response. The present invention may also include determining that a negative inventory status trigger is detected in the identified inventory status associated with the identified product requested by the customer. The present invention may further include, in response to determining that the negative inventory status trigger is detected in the identified inventory status associated with the identified product requested by the customer, storing, in an inventory database, a plurality of customer query data associated with the identified product requested by the customer.

The present invention generally relates to the field of computing, and more particularly to inventory management.
With the continued move of commerce to digital platforms, merchandisers have a good source of data to make intelligent inventory management decisions. Search engine data (e.g., customer product queries) collected from a retailer website or other digital platform may be analyzed to predict the product needs and desires of the customers and may be used to fill inventory gaps when certain products are not sold or carried by the retailer. Unlike retailer websites or digital platforms, physical retail locations of merchandisers are unable to capture and meaningfully leverage such customer query data.

International Business Machines Corporation


A vertically adjustable rod support assembly for selectively supporting an existing curtain rod and curtain at an elevated height within an existing window frame, and for enabling a user to lower the vertical height of the curtain rod in order to attach or detach the curtain from the rod, without the need for standing upon a ladder or another object. The vertically adjustable rod support assembly comprises two guide tracks, two pulley assemblies, and two selectively movable rod supports, each attached to a different pulley assembly. The rod supports are used for supporting the curtain rod. The pulley assemblies are used to selectively lower the rod supports, and thereby enables the user to lower the vertical height of the curtain rod supported thereupon, without the need for standing upon a ladder or another object.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention generally relates to an apparatus for hanging a curtain rod, and in particular relates to a vertically adjustable rod support assembly for selectively supporting a curtain rod and curtain at an elevated height within a window frame, and for enabling a user to lower the vertical height of the curtain rod in order to attach or detach the curtain from the rod, without the need for standing upon a ladder or another object.
2. Description of the Related Art
Curtain rods, used for hanging curtains within an existing window having a window frame, add greatly to the aesthetic appeal of the window frame, and also provide the occupants of the room with a measure of privacy. However, curtain rods have a notable drawback. In particular, because a curtain rod is generally attached at a vertically elevated position within the window frame, an individual who wants to replace the curtain with one having a different design must ordinarily stand upon a ladder or another object in order to reach the curtain rod. The process of standing upon a ladder to reach a curtain rod in order to remove a curtain is an arduous one, and causes many thousands of accidents every year. Accordingly, there is a need for a vertically adjustable rod support assembly for selectively supporting a curtain rod and curtain at an elevated height within a window frame, and for enabling a user to lower the vertical height of the curtain rod in order to attach or detach the curtain from the rod, without the need for standing upon a ladder or another object.
A variety of adjustable height rod supporters have been devised. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,418,882 to Waring appears to show an adjustable height rod supporter comprising a first roller track containing a first guide roller, a second roller track containing a second guide roller, and a rod attachment bar secured to a first support shaft, for supporting a rod at various heights. Moreover, U.S. Pat. No. 6,409,139 B1 to Du Pree appears to show an adjustable height rod supporter which comprises a housing, a spring, an insert, and a cradle mounted on the insert, for providing vertical support to an existing rod.
While these devices may be suitable for the particular purpose employed, or for general use, they would not be as suitable for the purposes of the present invention as disclosed hereafter.

Vertically adjustable rod support assembly


A method for effecting Web-based network manager using Web configuration comprises the steps of establishing a manager process module and a manager database module on a workstation; operating the manager database module to use a Hyperlink feature of Hypertext contained in a HTML file to activate a Web browser; enabling a connection to each network device based on node information of each network device stored in the manager database module; and obtaining status information of each network device in a domain from an embedded Web agent in the network device, so as to directly manage network devices through Web browser without additionally installing a management module in the workstation.

Recently, HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) has been widely used in communication devices. Further, popularity of the Internet is ever increasing since the introduction of Web browser. For taking advantage of such trend and satisfying the needs of consumers, many communication device manufacturers incorporate Web server feature into their communication devices so as to make them as intelligent devices.
Currently, some communication device manufacturers have incorporate Web configuration into their Web-based communication devices. However, there is no mechanism available for managing the Web in such communication devices. Thus, it is desirable to propose a standard for communicating information among communication devices via HTTP. Further, such standard is viewed as a key factor in effectively managing such communication devices. Moreover, manufacturers can take advantage of the standard to develop a robust network management system which hopefully will be more popular in future network related applications.
In current Web-based communication system, intelligent devices having embedded Web configuration are becoming more and more popular. With the intelligent device, network manager can access the Internet by manipulating Web browser of workstation. Further, a communication is effected through HTTP and HTML (Hypertext Markup Language) by following the instructions shown on screen. As a result, information about communication devices can be obtained. Alternatively, a setting of communication device is made possible. With intelligent device, network manager can manage communication devices through Web browser. However, an effective management of communication devices is impossible if device IP of respective communication device is unknown. This is particularly true in a large network system since the number of communication devices is very large. It is difficult for a Web manager to memorize all device IPs of communication devices. Thus, in conventional Web-based communication devices, it is impossible of effectively managing all communication devices of the network by using Web manager. In addition, as known that a management is effected by Web manager memorizing all device IPs of communication devices and subsequently using Web browser to interconnect all communication devices. In view of above, the management is not effective. Further, the operation is not user friendly.
Thus, it is desirable to provide a novel network management method in order to overcome the above drawbacks of prior art.

Method for effecting web-based network manager using web configuration


The addition of hydrogen fluoride to unsaturated C--C groups and the chlorine-fluorine exchange on perhalogenated carbon atoms can be advantageously catalyzed by a catalyst mixture which comprises at least partially fluorinated titanium halide in combination with tin (IV) halide.

The present invention relates to catalytic mixtures on the basis of at least partially fluorinated titanium tetrachloride and tin tetrachloride and their use for the production of fluorinated organic compounds.
A large number of catalysts are already known which are suitable for the addition of hydrogen fluoride (HF) and for chlorine-fluorine exchange by means of hydrogen fluoride.
For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,347,059 (=EP 522,638) discloses a process for the production of 1,1-dichloro-1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropane from the corresponding hexachloropropane compound. Metals of the groups IIIa, IVa and b, Va and b and group VIb of the periodic table of the elements and their mixtures are cited as catalysts which promote the reaction. Titanium derivatives, tantalum derivatives, molybdenum derivatives, boron derivatives, tin derivatives and antimony derivatives are particularly suitable. Tin derivatives and antimony derivatives are emphasized as being particularly preferred.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,202,509 (=EP 415,814) discloses fluorination catalysts which consist of a mixture of an antimony trihalide and a titanium tetrahalide. These mixtures are suitable, for example, for the fluorination of chlorine derivatives of methane, ethane and ethylene. However, corresponding bromine or iodine derivatives can also be fluorinated.
A. E. Feiring in J. Fluorine Chem. 14 (1979), pages 7 to 18, discloses that TiCl.sub.4 catalyses the addition of HF to tetrachloroethylene. A subsequent chlorine-fluorine exchange leads to the formation of difluorotrichloroethane to a small extent.
Published British Patent Application No. GB 627,773 discloses the addition of hydrogen fluoride to certain C2 and C3 compounds. The catalyst is tin tetrachloride and tin tetrafluoride. In addition to the HF addition, a chlorine-fluorine exchange is also observed.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,395,997 (=WO 95/04021) discloses the production of fluorohydrocarbons from chlorohydrocarbons, which may also be fluorine-substituted, by catalyzed chlorine-fluorine exchange with hydrogen fluoride. Preferably at least one metal halide, selected from the group of halides of tin, titanium, tantalum and antimony is used. The examples operate with antimony pentafluoride, titanium tetrachloride, tin tetrachloride, antimony pentachloride or in the absence of a catalyst.

Catalytic mixtures composed of titanium and tin and uses thereof


In an image conversion method of performing an image conversion between binary area tonal image-to-binary area tonal image, an image conversion apparatus, and an image conversion program storage medium storing an image conversion program which causes a computer to operate as such an image conversion apparatus, a binary area tonal image is once converted into a multi-level image, and pixel values of the multi-level image are converted. An areal ration of each divided area corresponding to the associated pixel of the multi-value image, of the original binary area tonal image is increased or decreased in accordance with the difference value between the pixel values of the associated pixels between the multi-value image after conversion of the pixel value and the multi-value image before conversion of the pixel value.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an image conversion method of performing an image conversion between binary area tonal image-to-binary area tonal image, an image conversion apparatus, and an image conversion program storage medium storing an image conversion program which causes a computer to operate as such an image conversion apparatus.
2. Description of the Related Art
Hitherto, to perform an image printing using a printing machine, prior to the printing, a printer or the like is used to create a proof image similar to a printed image obtained through the printing by the printing machine, and there is performed a prediction of the finish of the printed image obtained through the printing by the printing machine, referring to the proof image.
In the image printing using the printing machine, for example, a printing dot data generation apparatus receives multi-level data representative of a multi-level image, and the received multi-level data is subjected to a halftone dot processing so that halftone dot data representative of a binary area tonal image is generated by the printing dot data generation apparatus. The printing machine outputs the binary area tonal image on a sheet in accordance with the halftone dot data representative of the binary area tonal image thus generated.
To output a proof image by a printer, for example, a proofing dot data generation apparatus receives multi-level image that is the same as the multi-image data representative of the multi-level image to be inputted to the printing dot data generation apparatus, and the received multi-level data is subjected to a color conversion processing (which will be described later) and in addition the multi-level image subjected to the color conversion processing is subjected to a halftone dot processing is subjected so that proofing dot data representative of a binary area tonal image is generated by the proofing dot data generation apparatus. The printer outputs the binary area tonal image on a sheet in accordance with the proofing halftone dot data representative of the binary area tonal image thus generated. The binary area tonal image outputted from the printer is referred to a proof image.
To perform the color conversion, identified are color reproduction characteristic (a printing profile) describing a relation between image data and colors of the actual printed matter, which is associated with a printing machine of interest, and color reproduction characteristic (a printer profile) describing a relation between image data and colors of an image to be actually printed, which is associated with a printer, and for example, a LUT (Look Up Table) type of color association definition, which comprises a coupling of the printing profile and the printer profile, is created, so that image data for printing is converted into the proofing halftone dot data in accordance with the LUT. The printer outputs a proof image in accordance with the proofing halftone dot data thus obtained, and as a result, it is possible to obtain a proof image, of which color is extremely similar to the color of the actual printed matter to be printed in the printing machine.
However, generally, according to the proof image printed by such a printer, as compared with the binary area tonal image printed by the printing machine, dot structures each defined by angles and intervals in an arrangement of the individual halftone dots, and geometry and magnitude of the individual halftone dots, are mutually different from one another. Difference in the dot structure causes the Rosette pattern and the moiré pattern and in addition a way of occurrence of dot gain to be varied. Accordingly there is a possibility that a proof image different from the printing image in impression is obtained.
On the other hand, when the printing machine and the printer output binary area tonal images in accordance with halftone dot data representative of the same dot structure of binary area tonal image, respectively, the same dot structure can be obtained. However, with respect to the halftone dot data after conversion into the binary area tonal image once, it is impossible to apply the above-mentioned color conversion processing. Thus, there is a possibility that a proof image, which is expressed by a color different from the printing image, is obtained.

Image conversion method, image conversion apparatus, and image conversion program storage medium


The LCD device comprises a plurality of scan groups and a plurality of data electrodes; each scan group comprises a plurality of scan electrodes. The driving method comprises the following steps. First the scan driving circuit provides a plurality of scan signals to the plurality of scan electrodes of the plurality of scan groups, respectively. Each scan signal includes at least a select signal, at least a non-select signal, at least a select cycle, and at least a non-select cycle. The select signal is located in the select cycle, while the non-select signal, the non-select cycle. When an Nth scan electrode is located in the select cycle, an (N−1)th or (N+1)th scan electrode of the plurality of scan electrodes is located in the non-select cycle. Then, the data driving circuit provides a data signal to each of the data electrodes according to a plurality of display data for driving the LCD device to display an image by using the plurality of scan signals and the plurality of data signals. Thereby, the imbalance wire coupling effect among scan electrodes can be eliminated and thus improving the display efficiency of the LCD device.

Since the invention of the black-and-white televisions adopting cathode ray tubes, display technologies have been evolving rapidly and continuously. Nonetheless, because the black-and-white televisions adopting cathode ray tubes have the drawbacks of huge size, heaviness, high radiation, and inferior pixels, flat display technologies are developing continuously for new improvements. Among all flat display technologies, liquid crystal display (LCD) technology is the most mature and popular one thanks to its small size, power saving, radiation free, full color, and easy carrying advantages. Its applications include mobile phones, translators, digital cameras, digital camcorders, personal digital assistants (PDAs), notebook computers, and even desktop computers.
In addition, although the LCD technology has become mature, there still exist some problems. When the display module of a general LCD is operating, the LCD panel of the display module is usually interfered to various degrees such as the electrostatic interference or the wire coupling effect, where the wire coupling effect of LCD varies the colors and produces stripes on the display. FIG. 1A shows waveforms of the driving method for LCD device according to the prior art. As shown in the figure, the display panel comprises a plurality of scan modules (not shown in the figure) and a plurality of data electrode (not shown in the figure). Each scan module includes a plurality of scan electrodes, as shown in FIG. 1A. The plurality of scan electrodes X1˜X4 form a scan group. Besides, the LCD device will transmit a plurality of scan signals to the plurality of scan electrodes X1˜X4 simultaneously.
Nonetheless, because the plurality of scan electrodes X1˜X4 are adjacent scan electrodes and the scan signals are transmitted to the plurality of scan electrodes X1˜X4 simultaneously, during the transmission, the wire coupling effect will occur on the plurality of scan electrodes X1˜X4. As shown in FIG. 1A, influenced by a select signal of one of the plurality of scan electrodes X1˜X4, pulses will occur on select signals, which will influence the displaying effect of the LCD, namely, varying the colors and producing stripes on the display.
Moreover, FIG. 1B shows waveforms of another driving method for LCD device according to the prior art. As shown in the figure, a plurality of scan electrodes of an LCD device transmit a plurality of scan signals to a plurality of scan groups. Nonetheless, while transmitting the plurality of scan signals to the plurality of scan electrodes of different scan groups, the wire coupling effect also occurs on the scan electrodes among the plurality of scan groups. As shown in FIG. 1B, influenced by select signals on the scan signals of the scan electrodes of different scan groups, pulses will occur on the signals of the scan electrodes of different scan groups, which will influence the displaying effect of the LCD, namely, varying the colors and producing stripes on the display. Furthermore, the displaying efficiency of the LCD device will be influenced as well.
Accordingly, the present invention provides a novel driving method for LCD device and the driving circuit thereof for avoiding the imbalanced wire coupling effect among a plurality of scan electrodes of an LCD device and hence improving its displaying efficiency. The problems described above can be thereby solved.

Driving method for liquid crystal display device and driving circuit thereof


A decorative lighting display including at least one string of lighting elements positioned within a display housing having a plurality of distinct regions, and wherein, when the lighting display is activated, one or more lighting elements positioned in a first region of the housing intermittingly illuminate a first portion of the display and one or more lighting elements positioned in a second region intermittingly illuminate a second portion of the display, the intermittent illumination of the first and second portions of the display cooperating to produce a dynamic or animated visual effect.

1. Technical Field
This disclosure relates generally to decorative lighting displays, and more particularly, to decorative lighting displays having a dynamic or animated visual effect.
2. Description of the Related Art
Many different designs of ornaments and lighting displays have been developed for decorating during particular holidays or festive occasions. Some such lighting displays include formed lighting fixtures having lights distributed over a skeletal structure to illuminate in a static manner. For example, embodiments of various formed lighting fixtures are described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,086,757, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
Other lighting displays have been developed that include mechanical means to move portions of the display through a series of positions to create an animated effect. Such mechanically driven lighting displays are relatively complex and are prone to mechanical wear.


A vibrating flow meter (205) is provided. The vibrating flow meter (205) includes a single curved flow conduit (210), a conduit temperature sensor T1 (291) affixed to the single curved flow conduit (210), a balance structure (208) affixed to and opposing the single curved flow conduit (210), and a balance temperature sensor T2 (292) affixed to the balance structure (208). A conduit temperature sensor resistance of the conduit temperature sensor T1 (291) and a balance structure temperature sensor resistance of the balance temperature sensor T2 (meter2) are selected to form a predetermined resistance ratio.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a vibrating flow meter and method, and more particularly, to a vibrating flow meter and method for measuring temperature.
2. Statement of the Problem
Vibrating flow meters can be affected by various operational factors. One environmental factor that can affect the accuracy of a vibrating flow meter is temperature. This can include the temperature of the flow material. This can further include the temperature of the meter environment, such as the surrounding air and the conduits connected to the flow meter, for example.
A vibrating flow meter is typically designed and calibrated for operation at an expected temperature or range of temperatures. Deviation from an expected temperature or range of temperatures can affect measurements made by the flow meter. For example, the stiffness of the flowmeter structure is affected by temperature and can affect mass flow rate measurements. In addition, changes in temperature can affect a resonant frequency of the vibrating flow meter.
Temperature effects can be compensated for in the flow meter. A typical temperature compensation approach in the prior art is to affix a temperature sensor to the side of the flowmeter conduit and use a temperature measurement to scale meter output in a known manner. This can include temperature compensation for changes in elastic modulus in the meter structure due to changes in temperature, where the resonant frequency of the meter may change with temperature. The typical straight tube meter might also require a temperature sensor on the balance structure and/or the case. The difference between the balance/case temperature and the flow conduit temperature is used for compensation for thermal stress (i.e., tension or compression forces) due to changes in temperature, wherein physical dimensions of the meter may change.
FIG. 1 depicts a single conduit type vibrating flow meter 100 according to the prior art. As shown, the flow meter includes a case 103 enclosing a balance bar 102. The balance bar 102 is cylindrical and encloses conduit 101. Case 103 has end elements 104 with end faces 114 coupled by neck elements 105 to input and output flanges 106. Element 107 is the input to the flow meter; element 108 is the output. Conduit 101 has an input end 109 connected to an opening in case end 104 at element 112 which is the brace bar portion of case end 104. Brace bar portion 112 is coupled to neck element 105. On the right side, the output end 113 of conduit 101 is coupled to the case end 104 at location 112 where case end 104 joins neck element 105.
In operation, conduit 101 and balance bar 102 are vibrated in phase opposition by a driver (not shown). With a fluid flowing therein, the vibration of conduit 101 induces a Coriolis response that is detected by pick-off sensors (not shown). The outputs of the pickoff sensors are applied to electronics that processes the signals to derive the desired information pertaining to the flowing substance, such as for example a mass flow rate, a density, a viscosity, etc. The phase displacement between the pick-off sensors represents information pertaining to a mass flow rate of the fluid. A resonant frequency at either pickoff sensor represents information pertaining to a density of the fluid.
The prior art single tube meter is kept in balance over a range of fluid densities by way of a design that automatically adjusts the amplitude ratio between the flow conduit and the balance bar. This has a significant drawback in that it results in the repositioning of motionless nodes that reside along the axis of the vibrating structure. Node relocation is a problem in flow meters because the nodes are typically located on the conduit where the balance structure joins the conduit. Accordingly, the area between the nodes usually defines the active length of the conduit. The active length affects the measurement sensitivity. Further, if the nodes are repositioned, then the end portions of the tube may vibrate. This further causes the flanges to vibrate. These undesirable vibrations can further affect the measurement sensitivity.
In thermal compensation, the temperatures of different structural parts of the meter can differ in their importance to the data output of the meter. The concept of weighting the importance of a local temperature is key. If raising the temperature of the case by 10 degrees (compared to the flow conduit temperature) results in a change in indicated flow rate of 1%, and if raising the temperature of the balance structure 10 degrees results in a change in the indicated flow rate of 2%, then the balance structure temperature is said to be twice as important as the case temperature in compensating for thermal effects. The importance of the local temperature is proportional to its impact on the indicated flow rate and density. This importance of local temperatures to a meter's performance can be determined either through experiment or, as is more commonly done, through computer modeling.
In the past, temperature compensation has consisted of one temperature sensor on the flow conduit to compensate for modulus shift with temperature. A temperature sensor network comprising two or more standard temperature sensors on the balance structure and/or case has been used to compensate for thermal stress. These standard temperature sensors are usually RTDs and have a standard resistance, such as 100 ohms at zero degrees C. The resistance of RTDs increases with temperature so that the temperature of a RTD is determined from its resistance.
In a prior art thermal stress temperature compensation network, for instance, the counterbalance temperature might be twice as important for generating the output data as the case temperature. Such a meter would have two standard temperature sensors on the counterbalance and one standard temperature sensor on the case. The sensors on the counterbalance and case would be connected in series. Their resistances would thus be added. Dividing the total resistance by three gives the average resistance and thus the weighted average temperature. The result would be a temperature measurement that weighted the balance structure temperature twice as heavily as the case temperature in generating a weighted average temperature measurement for thermal stress compensation.
The thermal stress compensation network is important in straight tube meters where the change in temperature of non-tube components can put the flow conduit in tension or compression and change its frequency and sensitivity to flow. In curved tube meters, thermal stress is of less concern because the flow conduit can bend slightly to accommodate the changing dimensions of other meter components. The result is that curved tube meters show only very slight changes in frequency or sensitivity to flow due to the tensioning effects of temperature change of the non-tube components.
Single curved tube meters have another problem. They use the same amplitude-ratio balancing design as single straight tube meters. However, because the flow conduit is much less stiff, the balance structure is also much less stiff and has a much more active role in determining the vibration natural frequency. In other words, a modulus shift in the balance structure can have as large an effect on the system frequency as a modulus shift in the flow conduit. Because the frequency is fundamental in determining fluid density, and because density is necessary for compensating the flow output, it is necessary to compensate the output data for the temperature of the balance structure.
The balance structure, in its deformation during drive vibration, has areas of relatively high stress and areas of relatively low stress. The areas of high stress are more important with respect to drive frequency than the areas of low stress. The concept of importance is the same as for straight tube meters, except the straight tube meter areas of importance change the frequency by putting the conduit in tension/compression, whereas in single curved tube meters the areas of importance change the frequency through modulus shift of the balance structure.
The prior art compensation method of using multiple standard temperature sensors has drawbacks in either straight or curved tube meters. The required temperature sensor network can become complex, requiring numerous temperature sensors if the balance bar temperature importance is anything but an integer multiple of the case temperature importance. For instance, the single conduit meter shown in FIG. 1 has a case temperature that is ⅜ as important as the balance structure temperature. The prior art configuration of this network would be three temperature sensors located on the case and eight temperature sensors located on the balance structure. All eleven temperature sensors would be connected in series.
Such a solution is accompanied by drawbacks. Numerous temperature sensors are required. This results in a high overall resistance. Further, a complex circuit and numerous wires are needed. Materials costs are increased. Manufacturing costs are increased. More resistive temperature sensors increase the likelihood of wiring faults and operational failures, where one failure in a series circuit of multiple resistive devices renders the circuit inoperative. More resistive temperature sensors will likely increase the additive tolerance error.

Vibrating flow meter having a predetermined resistance ratio to a temperature ratio between the curved tube and the balanced structure