The base station apparatus includes a calculating unit configured to calculate a total communication throughput value for every cell by totalizing communication throughput in the selected cell of each mobile terminal on a cell-basis, a receiving unit configured to receive reception quality information of the selected cell and the reception quality information of another movement destination cell in the plurality of cells, a judging unit configured to judge whether or not the mobile terminal is in a cell switching zone by obtaining a difference between the reception quality information of the selected cell and of the movement destination cell, and a determining unit configured to determine, if the mobile terminal is judged to be in the cell switching zone, the cell switching to the movement destination cell as a newly selected cell by comparing the total communication throughput value of the selected cell with that of the movement destination cell.

In a cellular mobile communication system using a W-CDMA (Wideband Code Division Multiple Access) method, a control station, a base station and a mobile station (mobile terminal) execute a predetermined control sequence, whereby the mobile station moving over one cell from another cell during communications can continue the communications. In this control sequence, for example, when detecting the over-the-cell movement of the mobile station, each of the control station, the base station and the mobile station switches over a communication route in synchronization.
By the way, there are at least two types of data channels utilized for the communications between the base station and the mobile station. One type of the data channel is a data channel via which the communications can be performed simultaneously in the plurality of cells, and another type is a data channel via which the communications can be performed only in the single cell. In the cellular mobile communication system using the W-CDMA method, a dedicated channel (DCH) is given as the former type of data channel, and a common channel (HS-PDSCH (High Speed Physical Downlink Shared Channel)) in HSDPA (High Speed Downlink Packet Access) communications is given as the latter type of data channel. In the HSDPA communications, the data is transmitted at a high speed by performing time-scheduling via the common channel, and it is therefore impossible to transmit the same data to one mobile station simultaneously from the plurality of cells.
When moving to another cell, the control sequence when moving over the cell is executed corresponding to these types of the data channels. Non-Patent document 1 given below discloses a control method in the former type of dedicated channel when moving over the cell. According to this control method, a way of how the cell is added and deleted is controlled based on a result of measuring a CPICH (Common Pilot Channel) reception quality (Ec/No (main signal level/interference level), sent from each cell and a result of measuring a path loss in the mobile station.
FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a concept of the control method when moving over the cell with respect to the dedicated data channel in case that a cell A and a cell B exist and a result of measuring the CPICH reception quality is the basis. In FIG. 12, the CPICH reception quality from the cell A is expressed by Ec/No_A, and the CPICH reception quality from the cell B is expressed by Ec/No_B.
The mobile station moves in a status of performing the communications in the cell A serving as a main cell (a cell offering the best reception quality in the active cells) and, when a difference between Ec/No_A and Ec/No_B becomes equal to or smaller than an additional threshold value (ΔEc/No FOR ADD) (e.g., 3 [dB]), sets the active cells to the cell A and the cell B, wherein a zone where communications with these plural cells are performed is defined as a soft handover (SHO) zone. In this zone, an instruction etc related to transmission power control is output from, e.g., the main cell.
In the SHO zone, the mobile station receives radio waves simultaneously from the cells A and B and synthesizes the radio waves. A shift to the SHO zone is normally made when the mobile station exists in the vicinity of a border between the cells, however, the weak radio waves from each cell can be compensated by this SHO method. Note that in the SHO zone also, the mobile station can, if the cell offering the best Ec/No is switched, change recognition of the main cell, corresponding to that.
The mobile station moves in the status of setting the plurality of cells to the active cells and performing the communications by use of the SHO method, consequently excludes the cell offering a deteriorated Ec/No value becoming equal to or larger than a delete threshold value (ΔEc/No FOR DELL) (e.g., 9 [dB]) from the active cells, and shifts to single-cell communications from plural-cell communications.
On the other hand, in the control method when moving over a cell in the common channel in the latter HSDPA communications, the simultaneous communications with the plurality of cells do not happen, and hence, just when replacing the cell offering the best reception quality Ec/No of CPICH, the communication cell is only switched over (cell change operation). FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a concept of the control method when moving to another cell with respect to the common channel in case that the cell A and the cell B exist and a result of measuring the CPICH reception quality is the basis.
According to this method, in the same way as the control of the dedicated channel, the CPICH reception quality Ec/No measured on the side of the mobile station and sent from each cell is reported to the control station, and the control station selectively determines the best cell by comparing the reception qualities of the respective cells with each other and notifies the base station and the mobile station of movement destination cell information and movement timing. This control method has no difference between the case of moving over a base station and a case of moving over a different cell segment from another different divided cell within the same base station.
In the case of performing the HSDPA communications such as this, the dedicated channel might be simultaneously set up as well as setting up the common channel for the HSDPA. This being the case, in the same way as the cell moving control method in the dedicated channel, with respect to also the cell switching via the common channel for the HSDPA, it is a general practice that only the CPICH reception quality transmitted from each cell is set as the basis for the cell switching.
Moreover, Patent document 1 given below discloses a technology by which the base station mainly collects pieces of reception quality information (CQI (Channel Quality Indicator)) etc of the mobile stations, and performs the cell switching to another cell having a different carrier frequency for the mobile station with occurrence of a call loss and occurrence of deterioration in reception quality. Note that the following are other disclosed documents of the conventional art related to the invention of the present application.    [Non-Patent document 1] Technical Specification Group Radio Access Network, "Radio Resource Control (RRC) protocol specification (Release 1999)", 3rd Generation Partnership Project, 3GPP TS 25.331 V3.21.0, December 2004, Chapter 14.    [Patent document 1] International Publication WO 2004/112419    [Patent document 2] International Publication WO 2004/075589

Base station apparatus and cell switching determination method


The invention provides a method of controlling retention on a forming fabric in a paper making process, an intermediate product for use in the method, as well as use of material for the intermediate product. For making the intermediate product at least one paper making chemical is added to a slurry of fine cellulose fibres such as micro fibrillated cellulose (MFC), the specific surface area of those fibres being larger than that of the fibres of the main fibrous suspension for paper making, causing the paper making chemical being adsorbed on the fine cellulose fibres. This intermediate product is then incorporated in the main fibrous suspension before the suspension is supplied from the paper machine head box to the forming fabric. Other paper making chemicals may be added to the fibrous suspension before or after addition of the intermediate product, so that interactions between different chemicals are prevented. The invention permits an increased retention in general as well as improved control of retention of paper making chemicals separately and/or in relation to each other.

In a papermaking process a number of papermaking chemicals are used for process control and to give required properties to the paper. The papermaking chemicals are dosed to the wet-end of a papermaking machine, by incorporation into an aqueous fibre suspension before it is fed from the headbox to the forming fabric. The goal is to have the chemicals adsorbed onto the surface of fibres by electrostatic forces.
The main difficulty in the simultaneous use of several papermaking chemicals, which are adsorbed on the fibre surface by similar mechanism, is how to achieve quantitative retention and an even distribution on fibre surface. Almost all additives have to compete for the free bonding (anionic, cationic, and neutral) sites on fibre surface. In most cases this leads to incomplete retention and/or uneven distribution of the chemicals on the fibre surfaces. As a result the quality of the finished paper suffers, and runnability problems will occur in the paper machine. In addition to inadequate retention and distribution, simultaneous use of several reactive additives may cause harmful interactive reactions between various papermaking chemicals and thus decrease their functionality and effect.
To improve the retention of papermaking chemicals as well as fines present in the fibrous suspension (amount of materials retained in the web being formed) a number of specific papermaking chemicals (retention chemicals) are conventionally used. The papermaking chemicals with a low retention to the fibre surface are accumulated in the white water system and can stick to paper machine surfaces as dirt, or to each other forming agglomerates. Such agglomerates can cause web breaks and dirty spots to the paper that is produced. Contrary to that good retention reduces the amount of fibre, filler and other chemicals passing to the paper machine short circulation and accumulating in the process system.
Papermaking chemicals which are used in high amounts are the main reason for harmful dirt precipitations in the paper machine and the resulting runnability and quality problems. Such papermaking chemicals include for example sizes, fillers and wet and dry strength giving chemicals.
The mechanism of chemical retention is that small particles (for example filler particles) are bonded as larger flocks, which the wet fibre web on the forming fabric can sustain. This flocculation can be achieved by use of different retention chemicals, which in most cases are water soluble polymers, polyelectrolytes.
In dual polymer systems two polyelectrolytes are used at the same time. Their difficulty in practice is that optimal conditions are hard to find and small process changes can affect a lot. Such dual systems work by having a short chain length polymer adsorb filler particles to its surface and thus form bonding points for a long chain polymer. In the first stage flocculation happens via mosaic formation and in the second stage by bridging.
Typical microparticle systems are for example:                cationic starch/polyacrylamide +colloidal silica (for example the one which is sold under trademark "Compozil")        polyacrylamide +bentonite (for example the one which is sold under trademark "Hydrocol")
As a first step of such a prior art process cationic polymer is added to the paper making pulp, and then just before the headbox very fine (particle size 250 nm-10 μm) and in most cases highly negatively charged (about 1 meq/g) microparticles are added. Microflocs are thus formed, and these have strong flocculation tendency even after the flocks have once been broken down. This can be seen in that the white water has a strong capacity to flocculate. Flocks which are formed are (compared to traditional retention chemicals) very small and this effect is even increased by the after flocculation. Flocculation in micro scale gives a high porosity to the web and thus dewatering is improved, the solids content after the press section is increased, and drying energy need is reduced.

Method of controlling retention and an intermediate product used in the method


A physical quantity measurement device for measuring a physical quantity of a fluid includes a housing that includes a bypass flow channel through which a fluid flows and a physical quantity detection unit that detects a physical quantity of the fluid in the bypass flow channel. The housing includes a housing main body made of a dielectric and a covering film that covers at least a part of a surface of the housing main body, and the surface of the housing is positive charged due to positive charges being arranged in the housing main body along the surface of the housing main body or the positive charges being arranged in the covering film along a surface of the covering film.

A physical quantity measurement device for measuring a physical quantity of a fluid may be, for example, a flow rate sensor may be provided for measuring a flow rate of intake air into an internal combustion engine. In this case, it is desirable to minimize the effect of foreign matter included in the intake air on the measurements of the flow rate sensor.

Physical quantity measurement device and method of manufacturing physical quantity measurement device


An industrial sized receptacle or bedding box for industrial fill material which is formed by a distal plate, a proximal plate, two side plates, and a bottom plate. The bedding box is equipped with a means for engagement by a secondary device, such as the bucket of an excavator or similar heavy machinery. The bedding box can then be manipulated by the secondary device to lift and tilt the bedding box to empty the contents of the bedding box through an opening in the proximal plate.

Excavators are used to move material during excavation and construction projects. Often, the material moved by the excavator must be removed from a particular area of a site using a material container or bedding boxes. Such material containers can be difficult to move and to empty.
Bedding boxes are employed as on-site storage containers for holding stone and other materials used in the course of bedding, grading, and related tasks at a construction site. Bedding boxes are large, massive boxes that frequently have a frame to add strength and rigidity and terminate in an end frame that is configured to provide a passage into which the bucket of an excavator can be wedged. When the bucket of an excavator is so wedged in the opening, the boom of the excavator can be raised, and the bedding box is lifted by the bucket, and can then be moved around the site.
One of the difficulties of the currently available bedding boxes is that the engagement of the bedding box with the bucket of the excavator does not permit the excavator operator to position the bedding box over the dump site and pour the contents of the bedding box accurately and without spillage into the surrounding areas. Instead, the contents of the bedding boxes must be removed by scooping its contents out with an excavator and then dumping the contents onto the fill site with the bucket of the excavator.
The present invention allows an excavator bucket to securely lift the bedding box and position it directly above the intended dumping location. The operator of the excavator may then manipulate the excavator boom and bucket to tilt the bedding box to pour the contents of the bedding box directly and accurately into the intended dump location. This innovation bypasses the long and tedious task of removing individual bucket loads of fill material with the excavator.


To provide an apparatus, a recording medium and a method for effectively preventing unauthorized use of a content. A content containing broken data different from correct content member data is recorded on an information recording medium. Furthermore, transform data, as the correct member data, to be substituted for the broken data, and a fix-up table storing setting position information of the content are recorded on the information recording medium. During the content playback process, the transform data is substituted for the content member data in accordance with the fix-up table recorded on the information recording medium. With this arrangement, even if the encryption key corresponding to the encrypted content recorded on the information recording medium is leaked, an apparatus unable to acquire the transform data cannot play back the content. Unauthorized use of the content is thus controlled.

A variety of software data (hereinafter referred to as a content) including audio data such as music, image data such as movies, game programs, and a variety of software programs is recorded as digital data on recording media including Blu-ray disk employing blue laser, a DVD (digital versatile disk), an MD (Mini Disk), and a CD (compact disk). The Blu-ray disk employing blue laser has a high recording density and records video contents of a large amount-of data as high image quality data.
The variety of information recording media with the digital content recorded thereon is supplied to users. Each user plays back and uses the content on the user's own personal computer, disk player, etc.
The distribution right of a majority of contents including music data and video data is held by the creators or sellers of the contents. A certain limitation is imposed on the distribution of the contents, in other words, an authorized user only has the right to use the corresponding content, and unauthorized copying of a content is typically inhibited.
Digital recording apparatuses and recording media are currently in widespread use. A digital recording apparatus and a digital recording medium allow a movie or audio to be repeatedly recorded or replayed without any quality drop involved. Unauthorized copied contents are distributed over the internet, contents copied on a CD-R, so-called pirated disk, are distributed, and unauthorized copied contents stored on a hard disk in a computer are used. Use of unauthorized copied contents becomes a concern.
A large capacity recording medium, such as a DVD or a recently developed recording media using blue laser, can digitally record a large amount of data as large as a single movie to several movies in one piece of medium. To protect copyright of a content from unauthorized copying becomes more and more important considering that video information is easily recorded as digital information. A variety of techniques for protecting digital data from unauthorized copying is incorporated in a digital recording apparatus and a recording medium.
For example, the content scramble system is used in DVD disk players. In the content scramble system, video data or audio data is recorded on a DVD-ROM (read only memory) in the encrypted form thereof. By descrambling the data, the content is played back.
In the descrambling process, a key for decrypting the encrypted data is provided to a licensed DVD player only. A license is given a DVD player that is designed to follow an operation rule in which no authorized copying is performed. The licensed DVD player decrypts the encrypted data on the DVD-ROM using a given key, thereby replaying an image or sound from the DVD-ROM.
Since unlicensed DVD players hold no particular data, such as the key for decrypting the data, the encrypted data recorded on the DVD-ROM cannot be decrypted. In the content scramble system, any DVD player failing to satisfy licensing requirements cannot replay digital data from the DVD-ROM. Unauthorized copying is thus prevented.
In the content scramble system, workload increases on an information processing apparatus as a user device executing a playback process. There are many known content scramble systems in which a scramble method has already been deciphered and is available via communications means such as the Internet. Once the scramble method is deciphered, the contents are played back and copied using unauthorized descramble process. The copyright of the content and the right to use the content are thus violated.

Information processing apparatus, information recording medium manufacturing apparatus, information recording medium, method and computer program


An optical multiplexer is provided that operates in a synchronous optical network (SONET). The multiplexer includes a plurality of inputs and a processor operationally coupled to the inputs. The multiplexer also includes a plurality of optical outputs coupled to the inputs via the processor, wherein the processor is configured to receive data from at least two of the plurality of inputs. The processor is also configured to packetize the received data and route the packetized data to at least two of the plurality of optical outputs.

This invention relates generally to multiplexers, and more particularly to an optical multiplexer. The optical multiplexer has a feature set of video I/O for applications in a synchronous optical network (SONET) and other networks.
At least some known video applications include a video source (e.g., a video camera) connected to a video output (e.g., a monitor). In at least some known configurations with multiple video sources and multiple monitors, the configurations do not facilitate any monitor watching any camera at any desired quality (bit-rate or "bandwidth") within the total bandwidth available in any particular configuration.


An anti-sifting polygonal carton stores granulated and powdered products. The carton starts as a single blank with four sections: a side, a front, a side, and a rear. The sides have a side panel with two flanking miter panels and two minor flaps. Each miter panel has two opposite miter flaps with embossing. The front has a front panel with a second major flap having a tear strip and an opposite second major lower flap having a crease. Separated from the front by a side, the rear has a rear panel having a miter tab opposite the side and a first major flap and an opposite first major lower flap. The fold lines continuous with the miter flaps and the miter tab are reinforced with tape or patches. The tear strip and top of the carton have a pattern of cuts to open and to reclose the carton.

The anti-sifting polygonal carton relates to bulk product packages in general and more specifically to granular detergent or other material packaging. Adhesive or anti-sift tape upon the reverse side of the carton and miter panels seal the corners of the polygonal carton in the bottom and the top. The polygonal carton, when folded and glued upon the bottom, receives product in the main compartment and then the top is folded and glued to seal the carton for shipping.
Carton designs include both partial and full seal end constructions. Traditional cartons have packaged many bulk granular products such as laundry and dishwashing detergents, rice, cereals, pet litter, and dry pet foods. Upon moisture reaching these bulk granular products, the product activates as in detergents or deteriorates as in foods and pet products. Dry bulk products require a moisture resistant and sealed carton. A carton must prevent direct contact of the bulk product with moisture as in water and indirect contact as in humidity. Dry bulk products must meet customer expectations and reduce the losses encountered by bulk product distributors.
Further, cartons must minimize sifting of product out of the carton. Beginning as a blank, cartons start as a continuous plane or blank of material such as paperboard. Upon folding, stress points arise in the blank at each fold and particularly at each corner. Rectangular shaped cartons suffer from many instances of sifting. The corners endure stress from folding on two axes. In shipping and handling, cartons wear down their corners and in time, release the product inadvertently, commonly called sifting.
The present invention provides an octagonal shaped carton that contains bulk granulated product while minimizing sifting. Traditionally, cartons are folded and erected into a generally rectangular finished shape. The present invention utilizes a carton formed by specialized machinery that erects a carton and securely seals the end flaps.


A fabric is formed from yarn comprised of inorganic filaments coated with rayon. Specifically, the inorganic filaments are spun from a melt of volcanic black rock and are comprised of calcium oxide, magnesium oxide, potassium oxide, aluminum oxide, iron oxide, silicon dioxide, titanium dioxide, sodium oxide, and boron. As a result of its composition, the fabric is temperature resistant and lightweight, yet strong. Preferably, the fabric exhibits a melting point between 1500° C. and 1650° C., a working range of −130° C. to 700° C., a density of 1.6 g/cc, a surface density between 160 g/m2 and 350 g/m2, and a tensile strength between 500 lbf/in2 and 1800 lbf/in2.

Conventional fabrics are typically produced from organic or synthetic polymeric fibers. Due to their composition, these fabrics have very limited use at high temperatures and under conditions where force resistance is required. Specifically, such fabrics rapidly deteriorate when subjected to high temperatures, and they typically have limited strength under most conditions.
Increasingly, fabrics are being formed from high performance yarns rather than conventional yarns. High performance yarns have both increased strength and an increased elastic modulus compared to conventional yarns. Typically, the high performance yarns are formed from inorganic filaments. The use of these filaments has resulted in a new family of yarns and fabrics that have high tensile strengths and moduli, and they have the ability to maintain these properties at elevated temperatures. Nevertheless, the strength and heat resistance of fabrics formed from known inorganic filaments can be improved upon.
To improve upon the strength and heat resistance of known fabrics, the present invention utilizes unrefined raw materials, such as volcanic rock, to manufacture inorganic filaments that can be woven into fabric. Inorganic filaments manufactured from volcanic rock have been found to exhibit excellent strength and heat resistance qualities. Likewise, fabrics woven or otherwise formed from these inorganic filaments also exhibit these same excellent strength and heat resistance qualities.
In light of the above, it is an object of the present invention to provide a fabric formed from inorganic yarn. Another object of the present invention is to provide a fabric formed from an organic yarn derived from volcanic rock. It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a fabric formed from a yarn comprising inorganic filaments coated with rayon. Still another object of the present invention is to provide high strength, heat resistant fabrics that are relatively easy to manufacture, simple to use and comparatively cost effective.


A catheter includes a first expandable membrane having a first pressurization limit and a second expandable membrane, having a second pressurization limit, wherein the second pressurization limit is greater than the first pressurization limit, the first expandable membrane defines a cooling chamber, the second expandable membrane being disposed around the first expandable membrane to define an junction therebetween. The catheter includes a coolant injection lumen in fluid communication with the at least one fluid inlet port and the cooling chamber, and a primary coolant return lumen in fluid communication with the at least one fluid outlet port and the cooling chamber. The coolant injection tube, the cooling chamber, and the primary coolant return lumen define a first fluid pathway. The catheter further includes a secondary coolant return lumen in fluid communication with the at least one fluid outlet port and the junction. The junction and the secondary coolant return lumen define a second fluid pathway. The catheter provides a fail-safe feature by selecting the appropriate first and second pressurization limits for the first and second expandable membranes.

The experimental use of fluids with low operating temperatures, or cryogens, continues in the medical and surgical field. Of particular interest are the potential use of catheter based devices, which employ the flow of cryogenic working fluids therein, to selectively freeze, or "cold-treat", targeted tissues within the body. Catheter based devices are desirable for various medical and surgical applications in that they are relatively non-invasive and allow for precise treatment of localized discrete tissues that are otherwise inaccessible. Catheters may be easily inserted and navigated through the blood vessels and arteries, allowing non-invasive access to areas of the body with relatively little trauma.
Catheter-based ablation systems are known in the art. A cryogenic device uses the energy transfer derived from thermodynamic changes occurring in the flow of a cryogen therethrough to create a net transfer of heat flow from the target tissue to the device, typically achieved by cooling a portion of the device to very low temperature through conductive and convective heat transfer between the cryogen and target tissue. The quality and magnitude of heat transfer is regulated by the device configuration and control of the cryogen flow regime within the device.
A cryogenic device uses the energy transfer derived from thermodynamic changes occurring in the flow of a refrigerant through the device. This energy transfer is then utilized to create a net transfer of heat flow from the target tissue to the device, typically achieved by cooling a portion of the device to very low temperature through conductive and convective heat transfer between the refrigerant and target tissue. The quality and magnitude of heat transfer is regulated by device configuration and control of the refrigerant flow regime within the device.
Structurally, cooling can be achieved through injection of high-pressure refrigerant through an orifice. Upon injection from the orifice, the refrigerant undergoes two primary thermodynamic changes: (i) expanding to low pressure and temperature through positive Joule-Thomson throttling, and (ii) undergoing a phase change from liquid to vapor, thereby absorbing heat of vaporization. The resultant flow of low temperature refrigerant through the device acts to absorb heat from the target tissue and thereby cool the tissue to the desired temperature.
Once refrigerant is injected through an orifice, it may be expanded inside of a closed expansion chamber, which is positioned proximal to the target tissue. Devices with an expandable membrane, such as a balloon, are employed as expansion chambers. In such a device, refrigerant is supplied through a catheter tube into an expandable balloon coupled to such catheter, wherein the refrigerant acts to both: (i) expand the balloon near the target tissue for the purpose of positioning the balloon, and (ii) cool the target tissue proximal to the balloon to cold-treat adjacent tissue.
The operation of such a device for therapeutic purposes requires that the coolant be contained within the catheter at all times, lest a leak of coolant enter the body and thereby cause significant harm. Known catheters which employ inflatable balloons often inflate the balloons to relatively high pressures that exceed the ambient pressure in a blood vessel or body lumen. However, to contain the coolant, these catheters generally employ thicker balloons, mechanically rigid cooling chambers, and other similar unitary construction containment mechanisms. These techniques however, lack robustness, in that if the unitary balloon, cooling chamber, or other form of containment develops a crack, leak, rupture, or other critical structural integrity failure, coolant may quickly flow out of the catheter.
It would be desirable to provide an apparatus and method of monitoring and controlling the potential rupture or leakage of a balloon catheter that is adaptable and compatible with various types of balloon ablation catheters.


In a thin film transistor substrate, a method of manufacturing the same, and a display apparatus having the same, a thin film transistor, a gate member, and a storage member are formed on an insulating substrate. The gate member has a gate line and a gate electrode electrically connected to the gate line, and the storage member has a storage line, a first storage electrode, and a second storage electrode. A data member is formed on an active layer. The data member includes a data line crossing the gate line, a third storage electrode overlapped with the first storage electrode and a fourth storage electrode overlapped with the second storage electrode. Thus, a capacitance variation of a storage capacitor may be prevented, thereby improving display quality of a display apparatus.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a thin film transistor ("TFT") substrate, a method of manufacturing the TFT substrate, and a display apparatus having the TFT substrate. More particularly, the present invention relates to a TFT substrate capable of preventing a variation of a storage capacitance, a method of manufacturing the TFT substrate, and a display apparatus having the TFT substrate.
2. Description of the Related Art
In general, a TFT substrate is used for a circuit substrate to individually drive a plurality of pixels in a display apparatus such as a liquid crystal display ("LCD") apparatus, an organic electro luminescence apparatus, and so on.
A voltage is charged in the pixels of the TFT substrate during a predetermined time, and the voltage charged in the pixels is held by a storage capacitor during one frame.
A structure of the TFT substrate is classified into an organic layer structure and a non-organic layer structure. The TFT of an organic layer structure employs an organic layer to planarize a surface of the TFT substrate, whereas the TFT of a non-organic layer structure lacks the organic layer of the organic layer structure. In the TFT substrate of the non-organic layer structure, the storage capacitor is defined by a gate line, a pixel electrode, a gate insulating layer, and an inorganic layer. The gate insulating layer and the inorganic layer are disposed between the gate line and the pixel electrode. However, the TFT substrate of the organic layer structure further includes the organic layer disposed on the inorganic layer. In the TFT substrate of the organic layer structure, a capacitance for the storage capacitor decreases because the organic layer acts as a dielectric substance. However, when an overlapped area between the gate line and the pixel electrode increases in order to increase the capacitance for the storage capacitor, an opening ratio of the TFT substrate decreases. Thus, the storage capacitor defined by the gate line, a data line, and the gate insulating layer has been developed for the TFT substrate of the organic layer structure.
In general, the TFT substrate is manufactured via a five-mask process or a four-mask process. However, in the TFT substrate manufactured via the four-mask process where the data line and an active layer are simultaneously patterned, the active layer remains under the data line. The storage capacitor is, therefore, formed in a metal oxide semiconductor ("MOS") structure in the four-mask process.
However, a capacitor of the storage capacitor having the MOS structure periodically varies according to a polarity of a voltage applied to the storage capacitor. As a result, a display defect such as a flicker or an afterimage occurs on a screen of the LCD apparatus.

Thin film transistor substrate having two storage capacitors per pixel, method of manufacturing the same and display apparatus having the same


For the purpose on monitoring the condition in the interior of a closed metallic honeycomb panel, an optical fiber is embedded therein. An optical connector, secured within a groove has one end exposed to a source of external light, while the optical fibers are connected to the other end of the connector. In the example disclosed, the end of the optical fiber within the structure is coated with a sensor material subject to the same condition (corrosion) taking place within the structure. The reflectivity of the coating from a source of light applied through an optical connector is a measure of the condition.

Honeycomb panels have many structural uses, including structures for various aircraft components. It is frequently useful to instrument these components for various purposes. One such purpose would be to monitor corrosion on the interior of a honeycomb panel. Current systems of nondestructively inspecting for corrosion on the interior of honeycomb panels and parts include X-ray, N-ray (neutron radiation), and coin tapping. Such methods are ineffective at detecting the early stages of corrosion. They also often require expensive facilities and trained technicians. A known fiber optic corrosion sensor exists which can detect corrosion in its early stages. The known sensor is entirely portable, and requires less training for the technician. This invention uses the known fiber optic sensor and provides the means for embedding it in a closed panel.

System and method of embedding optical fibers in honeycomb panels

The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force


A semiconductor device includes a substrate, a first nitride semiconductor layer on the substrate, a second nitride semiconductor layer on the first nitride semiconductor layer, a third nitride semiconductor layer on the second nitride semiconductor layer, an electrode on the third nitride semiconductor layer, and an insulating layer under the electrode and between the first nitride semiconductor layer and the second nitride semiconductor layer.

In some types of semiconductor devices such as High Electron Mobility Transistors (HEMTs), a nitride semiconductor layer grown on a substrate is used in some cases as a semiconductor layer of the device.
However, when the nitride semiconductor layer is grown on the substrate, a residual stress (for example, tensile stress) is created in the nitride semiconductor layer because of a difference of the coefficients of thermal expansion, and a mismatch between the lattice constants of, the nitride semiconductor layer and the substrate on which it is grown. In a nitride semiconductor layer having this residual stress, there is a possibility of defect generation. When the defect exists, even when the HEMT is controlled so that it should be in the off state, occasionally there occurs a leakage current between the source and drain thereof.

Semiconductor device and manufacturing method thereof


The present invention relates to means for detecting malware. The method is realized on a computer with an operating system (OS) installed thereon, and comprises a step in which a point of interrupt is established when a system call is made by a user application requesting the transfer of control via an address in the kernel of the loaded OS. Next, the data structure of the loaded OS is checked. As this check is carried out, the address of the command in the random-access memory of the computer, by means of which command control will be transferred during the system call, is determined and the addresses of the commands to be executed during the system call are checked to see if they belong to the normal range of addresses of the OS kernel and OS kernel modules in the random-access memory. The presence of malware is then detected in the event that a command address does not belong to the normal range of addresses. The proposed method includes a dynamic check of the execution of the OS kernel code in order to detect the illegal interception and alteration of the code in the kernel and in the kernel modules (drivers) that are to be loaded. The proposed method enables the detection of both known and previously unregistered malware in an OS kernel and in OS kernel modules that are to be loaded.

Basic methods of detecting malware in application software, which have been developed and are presently used, rely on:                1) detecting facts of hiding programs, files, processes, kernel modules by checking for such objects at various levels of an operating system (OS);        2) detecting features of earlier registered malware, in particular, sequences of executed code bytes, lines and constants typical to malware;        3) checking integrity of the executable kernel code in random-access memory.
Rootkit Profiler LX is a conventional application software package for detecting malware [1].
Rootkit Profiler LX checks:                1) addresses of the system call table, interrupt table, system call handler, interrupt handler;        2) the system call code, interrupt handler code;        3) pointers in structures of Virtual File System (VFS).
Therefore, said known tool has a deficiency in that it does not provide for the integrity check of the entire kernel code, or for the dynamic check of execution of the kernel code, so interceptions in OS data structures, as well as interceptions and code modifications in the kernel (except for virtual file system structures) cannot be detected.
Another conventional method for detecting malware [2] that is implemented in a computer with an operating system, according to one embodiment, comprises the steps of:
setting a break point when a user application makes a system call requesting to modify a data structure of the loaded operating system;
checking the data structure of the loaded operating system by performing the steps of:                determining an address of a command, which has made modifications to the data structure, in the computer random-access memory;        checking whether the command address belongs to a normal range of addresses of the operating system in the random-access memory;        identifying presence of malware if the command address does not belong to the normal range of addresses.
In this context, the term "data structure" refers to tables of executed processes (including user applications) generated by the operating system, links to the system registry and files, etc.
Prior to implementing the method, read and write access is provided to random-access memory areas having the loaded OS kernel and kernel modules therein, and the operating system is downloaded into the computer. The method can be implemented in computers running a general-purpose operating system, such as Unix, Linux, Microsoft Windows, etc.
The method can be directly implemented using the following preliminarily created application software:
kernel debugger facilities operative to obtain data from data structures generated by the operating system by setting a break point;
an integrity checker operative to determine whether the data obtained by the kernel debugger facilities when the break point has been set contains inconsistencies typical to malware;
a detection module for coordinating the obtained data generated by the operating system, and for providing data to the integrity checker.
These software tools are not unique and can be created by a skilled person (programmer) familiar with the functions executed by the tools.
The latter known method is the most relevant prior art for the present invention.
However, said known method has a drawback of low probability of malware detection, since actions can be monitored only when an OS data structure is modified. Therefore, the known method is unable to detect malware directly in the OS kernel and kernel modules.

Method of detecting malware in an operating system kernel


Method and composition for identifying cognate nucleotides in a Sequencing By Binding™ procedure, wherein one or more labeled nucleotides are detected in ternary complexes but never incorporated. Labeled nucleotides can be incorporable nucleotides that contact preformed blocked primed template nucleic acids. Alternatively, labeled nucleotides are labeled non-incorporable nucleotides. Labeled nucleotides, including labeled non-incorporable nucleotides, can be detected in ternary complexes in the same reaction mixture that incorporates a reversible terminator nucleotide to create a blocked primed template nucleic acid. Detection of ternary complexes can take place in the presence of a catalytic metal ion.

The power and promise of next-generation sequencing (NGS) platforms result from the ability to generate extensive sequence information rapidly by parallel processing of different target nucleic acids on a massive scale. Not only are large numbers of targets sequenced simultaneously, but the cycle time can be kept short to facilitate this processing. Thus, reduction of the cycle time needed to determine one base supports the rapid processing.
Certain NGS approaches rely on the use of stepwise identification of cognate nucleotides by incorporating only one nucleotide at a time. Here, labeled reversible terminator nucleotides can be incorporated, the incorporated label identified, and cognate nucleotide identification made by associating the label identity with a nucleotide identity. Removal of the covalently attached reversible terminator moiety and the detectable label from the primed template renders the substrate available for the next round of nucleotide identification.
While very successful, the use of labeled reversible terminators slows the sequencing workflow. Additionally, inefficiencies in the repetitive chemistry steps compromise the approach and introduce the opportunity for undesired phasing and base calling errors. For example, removing a reversible terminator moiety from only some of the blocked primed template nucleic acids will prevent the next round of incorporation and cause correct nucleotide identification to lose register. Thus, there remains a need for a sequencing chemistry that is both rapid and efficient.
The present disclosure provides techniques that address this need, and provide other advantages as well.

Process for cognate nucleotide detection in a nucleic acid sequencing workflow


An electronic circuit, includes: a first oscillator configured to generate a reference signal; a plurality of phase synchronization circuits, each including a second oscillator configured to generate an output signal having a frequency corresponding to an input, and a phase comparator configured to input, to the second oscillator, a signal corresponding to a phase difference between the output signal generated by the second oscillator and the reference signal generated by the first oscillator; and a controller configured to control relative phases of the reference signals input to the phase synchronization circuits from the first oscillator, based on the signals input to the corresponding second oscillators from the phase comparators in the phase synchronization circuits.

There are phase locked loops (PLL) (phase synchronization circuits) in which feedback control is performed based on periodic signals that are input and signals whose phases are synchronous are output from internal oscillators.
Oscillators for the PLLs are implemented by, for example, voltage-controlled oscillators (VCOs).
For example, there is a known technology in which LC-resonant voltage-controlled oscillators are used as VCOs and inductance components of connection lines between oscillation nodes thereof are relatively reduced or injection locking is performed to cause oscillation of the LC-resonant oscillators (see, for example, Japanese Laid-open Patent Publication No. 2007-82158).
In the related art described above, however, in a configuration in which a reference signal from an oscillator is distributed to a plurality of PLLs, there is a problem in that, for example, a phase mismatch occurs between the output signals of the PLLs when characteristics of the oscillators in the PLLs vary.


Heat-sterilizable membranes are disclosed comprising at least two hydrophobic polymers which are normally immiscible with each other, and in which at least one of the hydrophobic polymers is normally unstable under sterilization conditions while at least one of the other hydrophobic polymers is normally stable at sterilization conditions, and in which the at least two hydrophobic polymers are compatibilized with each other so that the membrane formed therefrom is stable at such sterilization conditions.

One important requirement for rendering it possible to use membranes in medical procedures, such as in blood purification therapy, is that the membranes are capable of being sterilized. For reasons relating both to safety and environmental protection, and which relate to the production of by-products and toxic residues, steam sterilization or sterilization using dry heat are preferred over such sterilization procedures as the use of ethylene oxide gas, the use of plasma processes, such as with hydrogen peroxide, or the use of irradiation, such as with .gamma.-rays.
Sterilization with steam is usually effected by treating the membrane for a period of about 20 minutes with saturated steam at a temperature of about 120.degree. C. Sterilization with dry heat is usually effected for a period of about 90 minutes at 180.degree. C. (DAB 1992). Those sterilization conditions, however, result in a limitation of the number of synthetic polymers which can be used for that purpose. Thus, for example, dialysis membranes of polyacrylonitrile (U.S. Pat. No. 4,545,910), cellulose triacetate (U.S. Pat. No. 4,276,137) and partially aromatic amorphous polyamide (laid-open European Patent Application No. 305,787) cannot be sterilized with steam, because an irreversible and disadvantageous change in the pore structure occurs under these steam sterilization conditions. Hydrolysis-sensitive polymers such as poly-(carbonate block ethylene oxide) (U.S. Pat. No. 4,069,151) also cannot be sterilized with steam, since in this case the polymer would be decomposed, resulting in breaks or holes in the membrane. In addition, those membranes are impregnated with hydrophilizing agents, such as with polyvinylpyrrolidone, glycerin or polyethylene glycol (laid-open European Patent Application No. 228,072) which further increases the instability of these membrane structures by heating, as a result of the softening effect of these materials.
On the other hand, it is precisely such dialysis membranes consisting of those polymers which possess unusually good hemocompatibility in comparison with dialysis membranes of the cellulose type (see "Polyamide--the Evolution of a Synthetic Membrane for Renal Therapy", edited by S. Shaldon, K. M. Koch in Contributions to Nephrology, volume 96, Karger 1992!; E. Wegmuller, A. Montandon, "Biocompatibility of Different Hemodialysis Membranes, Activation of Complement and Leukopenia," Inte. J. Artif. Organs, 9, 85 1986!; R. M. Hakim et al., "Complement Activation and Hypersensitivity Reactions to Dialysis Membranes", New England J. Med., 311, 878 1984!; H. Schiffl, "Biocompatible Membranes in Acute Renal Failure, Prospective Casecontrolled Study," Lancet, 344, 570 1994!; and R. M. Hakim et al., "Effect of the Dialysis Membrane in the Treatment of Patients with Acute Renal Failure," New England J. Med., 311, 1338 1994!.
Furthermore, partially aromatic amorphous polyamides in particular have a particularly high endotoxin or pyrogen retention capacity. See the discussion in Lonnemann et al., "Pyrogen Retention by the Polyamide Membrane," in "Polyamide--The Evolution of a Synthetic Membrane for Renal Therapy," edited by S. Shaldon, K. M. Koch, Contributions to Nephrology, 96, 47 (1992), relating to the high level of efficiency of asymmetrical polyamide membranes with respect to endotoxin retention capacity, and which attributes crucial significance to the interaction of the pyrogenic bacterial substances with the hydrophobic domains of the membrane, which are formed by polyamides.
Laid-open European Patent Application No. 604,882 describes a semipermeable membrane comprising sulphonated aromatic polyetherketone and fully aromatic polyamide, possibly with the addition of polyvinylpyrrolidone. These two polymers are thermally stable under the conditions of steam sterilization, so that it is not surprising that such a membrane is sterilizable with steam.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a membrane which can be sterilized with heat, and in particular with steam, while also using a polymer, such as a polyamide or polyvinylpyrrolidone, which is unstable under the usual conditions of sterilization with steam or dry heat, that is to say with saturated steam and at a temperature of about 120.degree. C.


A multiplexer circuit in which high speed operation and high integration can be achieved by distributing the parasitic capacitance generated in the common output stage of pass transistor. A multiplexer circuit which outputs any one of input signals of 1 to n, input to the n pass transistors after selecting it at the common output stage, in response to the the selection signal of 1 to n (n=a natural number), comprising; input means receiving 1 to i input signals (1<i<n); a first switching means which select any one of the input signals in response to the 1 to i selection signals and output it to a first common output stage; a second switching means which select any one of the i+1 to n input signals in response to the i+1 to n selection signals and output it to a second common output stage; and an output means which has input stage connected to the first common output stage and output stage connected to the second common output stage and outputs the final output signal to the external circuit.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to a digital circuit, more particularly to a multiplexer circuit in which high speed operation and high integration can be achieved.
As is well known, the multiplexer is a device which selects and outputs any one of n input data in response to the control signal, and the technology has been developed for its high speed operation and high integration.
2. Description of Prior Art
FIG. 1 shows conventional multiplexer circuit of n to 1. The multiplexer circuit comprises n inverters I.sub.0 to I.sub.n-1 which are connected to n inputs b.sub.0 to b.sub.n-1 ; n pass transistors T.sub.0 to T.sub.n-1 which have n inverter outputs as inputs at their one ends, have selection signals a.sub.0 to a.sub.n-1 at their gates and have common node at their other ends; and a inverter 10 which is connected to the common node at the other ends of the pass transistor and outputs the inverted signals of selected final data.
If an arbitrary input signal b.sub.j (0.ltoreq.j.ltoreq.n-1) is selected by the selection signal induced at the gates of each pass transistor, the input signal is inverted at the inverter I.sub.j and passes to the pass transistor. Then, the input signal passes the common node a and is inverted at the inverter 10. The final output signal is the signal inverted at the inverter 10.
In the conventional multiplexer circuit described above, as the number of the bit of input data increases, the parasitic capacitance caused at the common node becomes large. The parasitic capacitance is generated additionally in the semiconductor device and does not exist in the circuit actually. Because of the large capacitance at the other ends of pass transistor, the delay time between input stage and output stage becomes long. Also, since all of n input stages has their inverters, the total size of circuit becomes large.

Hyundai Electronics Industries Co., Ltd.


Soft solder powder is made in the form of spherical fine metal particles having a grain size ranging from 1 to 100 xcexcm and a Liquidus temperature  less than 250xc2x0 C., using the following method steps:

The invention relates to a device for the pressure-less production of soft solder powder, in particular exactly spherical fine metal particles in a grain size range of 1 to 100 xcexcm and with a liquidus temperature  less than 250xc2x0 C. from a body of solder, with a heatable receiver for melting the solder in the oil stable at high temperatures.
It is known to produce soft solder powder by subjecting a solder melt to flow dispersion in liquids in rapidly rotating agitators. So for instance D 237 575 A3 describes a method for producing solder paste, whereby a solder carrier consisting of colophonium, and organic solvent, a compound with reducing action and triethanolamine is mixed with solder metal. In a receiver which can be selectively cooled or heated with an agitator the solder carrier is produced at 50xc2x0 C. by stirring. The solder metal is added in compact form to the receiver, while heating the latter to a temperature which exceeds the melting point of the solder metal by approximately 10xc2x0 C. and the melted mass is dispersed by being agitated at a high speed of approximately 10000 rpm. After that it is cooled down to approximately 20xc2x0 C. below the melting point of the solder metal and the agitator is operated at a lower speed until it is cooled to room temperature. This known process has the disadvantage that the obtained particle size of approximately 150 xcexcm is not a fine metal powder. The dispersed solder particles have also different diameters, i.e. they have by far a too broad grain distribution range. Therefore the known method has not proven itself on a large industrial scale, especially because it does not work continuously.
It is also known to use shearing devices working according to the rotor/stator principle for the production of emulsions (liquid/liquid) and suspensions (solid/liquid) (see IKA Maschinenbau-Prospekt xe2x80x9cDispergierenxe2x80x9d, pages 22-24, 1997). These devices are used for lacquers, dyes, pharmaceutical products, metal oxide suspensions and coatings. According to this known principle, as a rule, it has to be insured that in the case of highly viscous media the media flow has to be sustained by conveyor units.
Furthermore from DE 44 02 042 A1 a process is known for producing microparticulate reflow-solder agents, whose solder metal content is present in a small grain size range. The compact solder metal is melted into an organic liquid which can be heated to high temperature, such as castor oil, and by means of a flow dispersion process, brought to a spherical symmetrical grain size range of preferably 3 to 10 xcexcm in diameter. The organic liquid is then removed to the extent that the metal particulate remains covered, so that it can be introduced in an emulsion and the individual particles of the suspension and emulsion are covered according to the method of complex coacervation with a melamine polymerisate within the layer thickness range of 50 to 250 nm. The microparticulate organic phase is then quantitatively separated from the microparticulated metal phase. This microparticulate metal powders are protected by a duroplastic polymer system, however they can be released again only through the action of a highly activated fluxing agent. These fluxing agents lead to the destruction of the microelectronic switching circuits and are therefore unsuitable. Besides this method has been used only in laboratories and is not capable of insuring a uniform sphere diameter from charge to charge.
Another known solution (U.S. Pat. No. 4 648 820) melts metal such as aluminum in a crucible, feeds the molten metal to a cooling chamber filled with cooling fluid, and disperses the liquid metal by means of spinning disks in drops, which again are drawn together with the cooling fluid into a recirculation cycle and in a separator are separated from the cooling fluid, whereby the latter is returned to the cooling chamber.
According to U.S. Pat. No. 5 411 602 the solder is melted and the molten solder is divided into drops by means of inert gas. This state of the art is also plagued by the drawback that the produced metal particles do not have uniform sphere diameters, so that in any case sorting processes are necessary in order to select metal particles of an approximately equal size having the same sphere diameter. That renders this known solution inefficient.
It is the object of the invention to improve a device of the kind mentioned at the outset, so that the metal powders produced according to the flow dispersion principle have a narrow grain size range clearly below 100 xcexcm, a precise spherical shape with an almost constant diameter, by avoiding any screening and at low cost in a quasi-continuous process.
This object is achieved with the following steps
a) gravity feeding the molten solder in a further oil receiver by setting a volume ratio of oil and solder melt of at least 10:1,
b) dispersion of the liquefied solder by agitating and subsequent shearing in successive shearing steps according to the rotor/stator principle at speeds of 1500 to 5000 rpm with the addition of oil from the receiver of step a),
c) circulating by at least 20 times of the solder/oil mixture of step b) in a counterflow over the oil receiver of step a) and the shearing steps, whereby through the control of the shearing speed the number of the steps and the geometry of the rotor, the particle size and particle distribution of the dispersed material in the dispersant are set,
d) discharging the solder/oil mixture from the circuit of step c) into a further oil receiver for the separation of the dispersed material through sedimentation and returning the oil to the receiver of step b) and/or a) and
e) extracting and feeding the dispersed material of step d) for subsequent cleaning.
According to a further preferred feature of the method of the invention, vegetable or animal oils, preferably castor oil, are used as oils.
It has surprisingly been found that solder melts with an extremely high viscosity at a density rate between the dispersed material and the dispersant of xe2x89xa72.5 can be separated with a shearing device without jamming the rotors in the stators and without requiring further conveying aggregates. Therefore in a further preferred embodiment of the method of the invention, the solder/oil mixture flows through the consecutive shearing steps in the direction of gravity. The solder/oil mixture is pressed by gravity into the inlet of the first shearing step, where it enters the inner space of the first rotor and reaches the crenelated shearing openings of the first rotor, flows through the slots of the stators surrounding the first rotor and is thereby radially forced into the inlet space of the second shearing step. Through the slots of the second rotor and stator, the solder/oil mixture reaches the third shearing step. By moving the rotor slots past the stator slots, due to the high peripheral speeds very high shearing forces are created, which separate the solder enveloped by the oil. Depending on the number and breadth of the slot openings in the individual shearing steps, the speed and the geometry of the rotors, it is possible to control the size of the solder particles at selected temperatures. Due to the high shearing forces the special advantage persists that the solder/oil mixture is conveyed to the circuit of step c). After a circulation of at least 20 times, and consequently repeated shearing, particles of clearly less than 100 xcexcm are obtained.
In a further preferred embodiment of the method of the invention, the process temperature in steps b) and c) is set at approximately a maximum of 30xc2x0 C. above the liquidus temperature of the solder and the oil temperature of step d) at approximately 90 to 130xc2x0 C. through the heat-carrying medium.
In case the density ratio of the dispersed material to the dispersant is higher than xe2x89xa72.5, the solder/oil mixture is additionally agitated.
A further preferred embodiment of the method of the invention provides that the individual steps be supplied by separate heating/cooling circuits. Of course when several steps are combined, it is part of the method of the invention to have one common heating/cooling circuit serving each. It is also conceivable to use only a single heating/cooling circuit.
In a further preferred embodiment of the method of the invention, for the extraction of the dispersed material of step e) a solvent is added, forming a suspension through agitation, which is pumped to a not represented cleaning installation for washing. As a solvent for step e), fat-dissolving solvents, preferably acetone, have proven to be particularly suitable. The extraction of the dispersed material according to step e) can also be accomplished through gravity collection.
Further more the object of the invention is attained with a device wherein in a compact module the melt container for the massive solder and a dispersion container for the dispersion of the solder melt in oil are arranged in cascade to each other and a sedimentation tank for the separation of the dispersed solder material from oil is arranged underneath the dispersion container, and that the containers are interconnected by pipe conduits, whereby within the compact module the melt container is located above the dispersion container and that to the dispersion container a multiple step shearing device is assigned for the separation of the solder melt into drops, whereby the feeding pipe from the melt container to the dispersion container is connected to the dispersion container by an inclined pipe segment in the manner of an injector leading to the container bottom area, at whose lowest point a connection piece with a flange is provided for connecting the shearing device, whose outlet is flanged to the recirculation conduit returning to the upper part of the dispersion container, which via a branched-off segment ends in the sedimentation container, which in turn is connected via an ascending pipe with the upper part of the dispersion container via a pump with drain-off pipes, and that all containers, pipe conduits, the shearing device and pump can be heated or cooled by at least one tempering device.
According to a further feature of the device of the invention, all containers and pipe conduits are built as double-walled bodies of stainless steel, preferably V2A, whose intermediate spaces formed by inner and outer walls are acted upon from the tempering device with a high-temperature heat carrier oil.
A further preferred embodiment of the device of the invention provides that the dispersion container is incorporated in a separate heating/cooling circuit, and the pump, the ascending pipe and drain-off pipe are incorporated in a further separate heating/cooling circuit, the shearing device and recirculation pipe conduit again in a separate heating/cooling circuit and additionally in a cooling circuit with a cooling container, the sedimentation container with the branched-off pipe in a separate heating/cooling circuit, whereby flexible, heat-stable metal hoses constitute the respective connecting pipe conduits and are respectively connected to a common distributor, which is connected with the tempering device through a flow line and a return line.
However it is also possible to incorporate all containers, pipe conduits, setting members, connection pieces, flanges and the shearing device in a common heating/cooling circuit, without leaving the framework of the invention. An electric heating device can be used instead of an oil heating device.
In a further suitable development of the device of the invention, the pipe conduits and the connection piece are provided with locking elements, preferably ball valves made of stainless steel.
In a particularly advantageous further development of the device of the invention, the shearing device consists of several, preferably three, rotors arranged corotationally on a drive shaft, which have teeth spaced apart by slots, whereby the rotors are inserted into a stator separating the shearing steps from each other and insured against rotation, which has teeth spaced apart by slots, whereby during the rotation of the rotor, the slots in the rotor and stator clear passage openings for the passage of the solder/oil mixture into the subsequent shearing step.
In a further preferred embodiment of the device of the invention, the teeth of the rotor and stator form circles of teeth, which are arranged concentrically with respect to each other and fitted into each other.
According to a further preferred feature of the device of the invention, the shearing device is arranged in vertical position in alignment with the axis of the dispersion container, whereby the solder/oil mixture is independently sucked axially into the inlet of the shearing device and pressed radially through the slots of the rotor-stator arrangement.
At greater density differences between dispersed material and dispersant, particularly at a ratio xe2x89xa72.5, the dispersion container is suitably provided with an agitator.
In the sedimentation container there is an insert with a collection basket for the collection and separation of the solder particles from the process. The collection basket is located close to the bottom of the sedimentation container, so that by gravity the solder particles drop into the collection basket, which can then later be removed from the sedimentation container.
According to a further preferred feature, instead of the drain-off pipe and the collection basket an agitator leading through the container cover of the sedimentation container and a height-adjustable dip pipe which reaches down with one end close to the container bottom of the sedimentation container, and is connected at the other end to a pump with variable direction of rotation for aspiring the suspended dispersed material, respectively for feeding the solvent into the container, can be provided.
In order to maintain the process temperature by at least 30xc2x0 C. above the liquidus temperature, in all containers and pipe conduits temperature sensors are provided close to the solder. This insures that the viscosity of the solder melt will remain approximately the same in all stages.
In a further preferred embodiment of the device of the invention, the compact module consists of a housing frame with a bottom plate, wherein table-like support stands for the preliminary assembly of the containers, pipe conduits, distributor and the pump are provided.
According to a further feature, the shearing device is received by an insert movable on the bottom plate and held tension-free on the flange of the ball valve and the flange of the recirculation conduit. This insures that the shearing device can be dismounted without difficulty, changed and mounted again.
All containers, pipe conduits, flow and return lines, locking members, distributor and pump are heat-insulated, in order to keep the heat losses through radiation at a minimum.
Furthermore according to a preferred feature of the device of the invention, the housing frame of the compact module is provided with wall plates whose inner sides have heat and sound insulating plates or mats coated with aluminum foil.
In a further preferred embodiment of the device of the invention, the containers, pipe conduits, flow and return lines locking members, the pump, shearing device, the metal hoses and the distributor are heat-insulated.
In a further preferred embodiment of the device of the invention, the tempering device is mobile and arranged outside the compact module. However the tempering device can be just as well arranged in the compact module.
The invention distinguishes itself over all heretofore-known flow dispersion processes in that the soft solder powder can be produced with exact spherical shape and within a narrow grain size range quasi-continuously on a large industrial scale. By simply exchanging the shearing device, by changing the slot dimensions, the variation of the number of shearing steps, the rotational speeds and the number of recirculations, the sphere diameters of the solder particles can be kept within a narrow grain size range, at low cost and with high precision. The device of the invention is of compact construction, user-friendly and requires little maintenance.

Abstract: a) gravity feeding the melted solder into another oil receiver while setting a volume ratio of oil to melted solder to at least 10:1;

Abstract: b) dispersing the liquefied solder by agitating and by a subsequent shearing off in consecutive shearing steps according to the rotor/stator principle at rotational speeds ranging from 1500 to 5000 rpm while adding oil from the receiver of step a);

Abstract: c) circulating the solder/oil mixture of step b) at least twenty times in a circuit contrary to the direction of flow above the oil receiver of step a) and in the shearing off steps;

Abstract: d) outward transferring of the solder/oil mixture from the circuit of step c) into another oil receiver for separating off the dispersed material by sedimentation and returning the oil to the receiver of step b) and/or a); and

Abstract: e) extracting and feeding the dispersed material of step d) for a subsequent washing.


A device for lifting a post out of the ground, including a part for engaging the post and an elongate body having a handle for applying a lever action to the part in order to lift the post from the ground, wherein the part is coupled to a stand and the stand is moveable relative to the body from a stowed condition to a deployed condition whereat the body is pivotally supported above the ground for rotation about the stand in order to effect the lever action.

Post handling devices may be used to both insert and remove a post from the ground. One such example of a post handling device is disclosed in WO2007/022577 which describes a post handling assembly including a main body with an integral post drive means for impacting and driving a post into the ground, and a post extraction means for extracting a post from the ground. The post extraction means including a post grip assembly operatively connected to the main body, the post extraction means being adapted to move between a deployed position and a stowed position within the main body.
To drive a post into the ground the post extraction means is moved to the stowed position and integral post drive means is engaged with the post by inserting the post into a first end of the device. The device is then raised and lowered in a hammer like action to drive the post into the ground.
To remove the post, the post grip assembly is moved to the deployed position. The device is then held with the first end raised and a second end of the device lowered so as to move the post grip assembly into engagement with the post. The second end of the device is provided with integral shoulders adjacent the post grip assembly which in use bear against the ground so as to provide a fulcrum and a base. As such, when a user applies an appropriate force to the first end of the device the device rotates about the shoulders to leverage the post out of the ground.
A disadvantage of this configuration is that the integral shoulders provide only a short distance between the post grip assembly and the ground. As such, the fulcrum point is close to or on the ground and accordingly the rotation of the main body about the fulcrum is limited by the ground surface.
Furthermore, the integral shoulders have a tendency to slide on the ground when in use which may make the removal of a post difficult and/or cause the shoulders to dig into the ground surface. As such, the integral shoulders are difficult to configure so as to provide a large and/or stable base.
A further disadvantage of this configuration is that, in use, there is a relatively large distance between the fulcrum point, where the shoulders engage with the ground, and the post. As such, the post grip assembly needs to be relatively long to extend between the main body and the post. A still further disadvantage of this configuration is that the integral shoulders are not movable relative to the main body.
The invention disclosed herein seeks to ameliorate at least some of these identified disadvantages.


The aquatic ladder was designed for ease of use, rather than ease of storage. It has wide, deep treads, arranged like a staircase, with side and upper railings which make it easy to enter or exit the water, even by elderly people, tired individuals, those carrying aquatic equipment, such as SCUBA gear or water skis, and, even, by pets. In the preferred embodiment, the aquatic ladder includes upper railings which each have an inverted “U” shape, and the distal end of those railings have hinged brackets for mounting the aquatic ladder to an object to be boarded. In an alternative embodiment, the aquatic ladder is mounted on a sliding rail, such that it can be raised, vertically, from the water, when it is not being used. The ladder is preferably made from aluminum, although it can be made of other materials, such as steel (e.g., stainless or galvanized), fiberglass, plastic, or other composites.

The present invention relates to ladders used in marine applications. In particular, the invention relates to aquatic ladders used as boarding ladders on boats or to climb onto floating or fixed docks.
As used herein the term "aquatic ladder" is intended to mean those ladders which are specifically designed and intended for use while partially submerged. In the past, the primary objective addressed in the design of aquatic ladders has been ease of storage, rather than ease of use. Thus, many ladders designed for marine and aquatic applications (e.g., as boarding ladders on boats and ladders used to climb onto both fixed and floating docks) have been short (e.g., they had relatively few rungs extending into the water), or they have included features which allow them to be compact for storage and expanded for use (e.g., hinges for folding, sliding extensions, or sides made of chain or rope, so that they could be stored in a small volume). Most such aquatic ladders have also included rungs which are rather narrow, or round, making them even more uncomfortable and difficult to use. Due to their construction, the aquatic ladders of the prior art were also prone to considerable movement, as one tried to climb them, and they often lacked a secure handhold, particularly above the water level. While storage space is limited, and is, therefore, acknowledged to be a problem on boats, the consequence of making storage the primary objective in the design of an aquatic ladder is that the aquatic ladders heretofore known were difficult to use, and a challenge to ascend, particularly by pets (such as dogs), elderly persons, those carrying aquatic gear, such as SCUBA equipment or water skis, possibly some disabled persons, and even those in good physical shape who were simply tired from having engaged in aquatic activities without some assistance.
Further problems with the aquatic ladders previously known have involved the manner in which they attached to the boat or dock. In particular, since compact size has been the issue which was generally addressed, many ladders designed for aquatic use simply reached up to the lowest point possible, e.g., the surface of the dock or the gunwale (or swim platform) of the boat to be boarded. Further, they were typically placed immediately next to the object to which they were attached, meaning that they had very narrow steps, and that they were prone to swinging under such objects as they bore the weight of a person climbing them. Such designs have further increased the difficulty of their use.
While some of the aquatic ladders heretofore known have included design features which increase their usability, none have been found which truly address the issue of ease of use in a marine environment. By way of example, ladders heretofore known include those described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,378,654 entitled LADDER PIVOTALLY ATTACHED TO A GENERALLY VERTICALLY EXTENDING SURFACE which issued on Apr. 30, 2002 to Ziaylek, Jr., et al. which describes a ladder designed to be attached to a vehicle having a generally vertical wall. As shown in FIGS. 1–5, the ladder has a step supporting portion which slopes away from the vertical wall which supports substantially horizontal steps.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,896,946 entitled BOARDING LADDER AND WINCH MOUNT FOR BOAT TRAILERS AND THE LIKE which issued on Apr. 27, 1999 to W. E. Brackett describes a ladder having "steps" which enable easy access to a boat. However, while the ladder includes steps, and while it is adapted for use with a boat, it is intended to be integrated into a winch assembly on a boat trailer, and it is intended for use in accessing the boat while the boat is on a trailer, rather than for in-water use. Further, the disclosure of that patent distinguishes the ladder of the patent from a ladder which would provide in-water access in that it distinguishes the ladder of the patent from "boarding ladders" (See, Col. 1, lines 23–30) or aquatic ladders of the type described herein.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,339,919 entitled BOARDING LADDER ASSEMBLY HAVING A VARIABLE COUNTERWEIGHT LIFTING FORCE which issued on Aug. 23, 1994 to J. W. Boyd describes a boarding ladder assembly for mounting a boarding ladder in a manner which allows the boarding ladder to be lowered and raised. Again, the ladder is used on a vehicle, but it is not intended for a marine application in which the steps would be under water.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,724,925 entitled BOAT BOARDING LADDERS which issued on Feb. 16, 1988 to R. G. Ritten describes a boat boarding ladder having horizontal steps which are attached to a section which extends into the water at an angle from the vertical.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,719,989 entitled BOAT BOARDING LADDERS HAVING A STOWAGE FEATURE which issued on Jan. 19, 1988 to R. G. Ritten describes a boat boarding ladder having an upper inverted "U" shaped railing, but it does not have a vertical member, nor does it have hinges at the point of attachment.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,243,120 entitled RETRACTABLE BOARDING LADDER which issued on Jan. 6, 1981 to D. Pratt, Jr. describes a "boarding stairway" which has a stair supporting member which extends away from the vertical and which supports substantially horizontal steps. The entire assembly is adapted to be moved vertically, but it is not adapted for a marine application, nor does it include a vertical member which extends downward from the upper portion or an inverted "U" railing at its upper portion.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,186,820 entitled BOARDING LADDER AND STRAPS which issued on Feb. 5, 1980 to D. Cosman et al. describes a boarding ladder for use with an inflatable boat. The rungs are supported by a member which extends down and away from the boat. However, the ladder does not include the vertical member, the inverted "U" shaped rail, or the wide, horizontal steps of your invention.

Aquatic ladder adapted for marine applications


Systems, methods, and apparatuses including computer program products for machine learning are provided. A method is provided that includes distributing a parameterized model to each worker of a hierarchy of workers, the parameterized model including a plurality of feature functions and corresponding model parameters, processing a portion of training data at each worker of the plurality of workers according to the parameterized model to calculate updates to model parameters, for each worker at a lowest level of the hierarchy of workers, sending the calculated updates to a next higher level worker, for each other worker in the hierarchy of workers, combining updates of the respective worker with updates received from one or more lower level workers, collecting all updates from the workers at a master to generate real updates to the model parameters, and generating an updated model using the real updates to the model parameters.

This specification relates to training machine learning systems.
Machine learning typically uses statistical techniques to iteratively process training data in order to improve the accuracy of one or more predictive functions. One type of machine learning is a classification system that generates a function mapping inputs to desired outputs. The system learns parameters of a function that maps a vector into one of several classes by looking at several input-output examples.
Machine learning can be used in a number of applications including natural language processing, syntactic pattern recognition, and speech recognition.
Structured prediction refers to a generalization of multi-class classification to problems where the predicted outputs describe a configuration over components with possible dependencies between components. Typically, these types of problems involve exponentially large output sets, require computationally intensive decoding algorithms, and call for the optimization of complicated loss functions. Some approaches to these types of problems, e.g., maximum margin approaches or voted perceptron in natural language processing, do not scale well to very large numbers of training examples or to models having a very large number of features.

Discriminative training in machine learning


In accordance with at least one embodiment, a method and apparatus is provided for generating a first pressure wave propagating in a first direction, said first pressure wave adapted to interact with at least a first portion of a plurality of environmental objects and to produce a first response audible to a user, for generating a second pressure wave propagating in a second direction, said second pressure wave adapted to interact with at least a second portion of the plurality of environmental objects and to produce a second response audible to the user; and for causing additional iterations of the first and second pressure waves. In accordance with at least one embodiment, the first pressure wave is initiated with a first abrupt increase in amplitude and the second pressure wave is initiated with a second abrupt increase in amplitude.

(1) Field of the Invention
At least one embodiment of the present invention relates generally to acoustics and, more particularly, to a method and apparatus for enhancing psychoacoustic awareness of surroundings using plural directional sources.
(2) Description of the Related Art
Many people rely upon vision to provide spatial perception. However, others have diminished vision or no vision, which can impair such spatial perception. Such diminished vision or lack of vision can be of physiological and/or anatomical origin or may result from environmental phenomena (such as, for example, darkness, smoke, fog, chemicals, etc.). Impaired spatial perception can impair awareness of one's surroundings, which can impair mobility and performance of tasks.
Impairment or lack of vision can lead to more reliance on other sensory inputs, for example, hearing. External structures of the ear and the binaural inputs provided by two ears can facilitate spatial perception of sounds sources. However, many objects in one's surroundings may not normally emit audible sounds. Moreover, the characteristics of any sounds emitted by surrounding objects may be unknown and/or psychoacoustically confusing. Thus, a technique for generating a reliable excitation having familiar characteristics is needed to enhance psychoacoustic awareness of surroundings.
The use of the same reference symbols in different drawings indicates similar or identical items.

Method and apparatus for enhancing auditory spatial perception


An apparatus includes a cascode amplifier. The cascode amplifier includes a first transistor and a second transistor. The cascode amplifier is configured to receive a first bias voltage, a second bias voltage, and a signal. The cascode amplifier is also configured to amplify the signal based at least on the first bias voltage and the second bias voltage. The apparatus also includes a first feedback module and a second feedback module. The first feedback module is configured to adjust the first bias voltage based at least on the amplified signal. The second feedback module is configured to adjust the second bias voltage based at least on a voltage distribution across the first transistor and the second transistor. A system and method for maintaining cascode amplifier performance are also provided.

A power amplifier may be used to increase the power of a signal. The degree of amplification of the signal may vary depending on the amount of voltage that the power amplifier is biased with. For example, a higher bias voltage may result in a greater amplification of the signal. However, the performance of the power amplifier may be degraded over time and/or repeated use. As a result, the power amplifier may not be able to increase the power of the signal to its intended degree.


A cooling system for a computing device includes an outer chassis of the computing device, a heat spreader, a heat bridge, and a heat dissipating structure. The outer chassis of the computing device is configured to support heat generating modules. The heat spreader is integrated into the outer chassis. The heat bridge couples the heat spreader to a corresponding heat generating module at a first location in the computing device. The heat dissipating structure is coupled to the heat spreader at a second location in the computing device. The second location is positioned in the computing device to experience higher airflow than the first location.

Computing devices include multiple electronic modules that generate heat within the computing device, which must be cooled to maintain the performance of the electronic modules. Typically, fans force airflow through the computing device to cool the heat generating modules. However, the airflow may not be uniform throughout the computing device, leading to areas of higher and lower airflow. Electronic modules that are positioned in an area of low airflow, or no airflow, may be limited in the amount of heat they can effectively dissipate, which places a limit on the power of these electronic modules. Some solutions for transferring heat from low airflow areas may include liquid cooling or thermoelectric coolers, but these solutions may require additional expenses to adopt the infrastructure investment, such as closed loop cooling distribution units for entire racks of computing devices.

Incorporating heat spreader to electronics enclosure for enhanced cooling