An integrated circuit device includes a plurality of fins on an upper surface of a semiconductor substrate and extending in a first direction, a device isolation insulating film placed between the fins, a gate electrode extending in a second direction crossing the first direction on the insulating film; and an insulating film insulating the fin from the gate electrode. In a first region where a plurality of the fins are consecutively arranged, an upper surface of the device isolation insulating film is located at a first position below an upper end of the fin. In a second region located in the second direction as viewed from the first region, the upper surface of the device isolation insulating film is located at a second position above the upper end of the fin. In the second region, the device isolation insulating film covers entirely a side surface of the fin.

Recently, in order to achieve compatibility between increased integration density and increased on-current in a MOSFET (metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor), a fin type MOSFET (hereinafter referred to as "FinFET") has been proposed. In a FinFET, a projected fin extending in one direction is formed on the upper surface of a semiconductor substrate. A gate electrode extending in another direction is provided so as to straddle this fin. Hence, the outer periphery of the portion of the fin surrounded with the gate electrode constitutes a channel region. Thus, the channel width can be lengthened without increasing the device area.
However, with the downsizing of the FinFET, it is difficult to uniformly form a large number of FinFETs.

Integrated circuit device and method for manufacturing same


An image processing apparatus including a plurality of transfer units, a data storage, an image processing processor, and a test circuit. A plurality of captured image data are respectively assigned to the plurality of transfer units and the plurality of transfer units transfer the assigned image data. The data storage unit stores the plurality of image data which are transferred by the plurality of transfer units. The image processing processor performs image processing on the plurality of image data which are stored in the data storage unit. The test circuit tests the image processing processor in a period during which the image data are not input from the data storage unit to the image processing processor.

Recently, an image processing apparatus is generally known which includes an image signal processor (ISP) that performs image processing on image data captured by an on-vehicle camera. Since high reliability is required for the ISP which performs the image processing on the image data captured by an on-vehicle camera, it is necessary to perform normal diagnosis for determining whether or not the ISP fails.
In the related art, image data, which is output from a camera, is transmitted to the ISP through a single virtual channel (hereinafter, referred to as a VC). In a case of the single VC, the normal diagnosis is performed using a test pattern or a built-in self test (BIST) in a vertical blanking period (hereinafter, referred to as a V blank period) of the image data.
In contrast, an image processing apparatus is known which is configured to transmit a plurality of image data that are output from a plurality of cameras to the ISP after respectively assigning the plurality of image data to a plurality of VCs, and is configured to process the plurality of image data by the single ISP.
When the plurality of image data, which are output from the plurality of cameras, are transmitted to the ISP after the plurality of image data are respectively assigned to the plurality of VCs, V blank periods of the plurality of image data are separately input to the ISP. Therefore, there is a problem in that it is difficult to secure the V blank periods, and thus it is not possible to perform the normal diagnosis.
Examples of related art include JP-A-2018-191248.

TOSHIBA ELECTRONIC DEVICES & STORAGE CORPORATION


A cap capable of being secured to a chimney or flue of either air cooled or non-air cooled type and including a base, an annular collar member for insertion into a chimney or flue, an annular shaped mesh member that is supported from the base; a top supported on the annular shaped mesh member, means supported from an outer surface of the collar member below the base and forming a ledge for support of the collar member from the chimney or flue, and an over lap joint including a lower segment that extends substantially longitudinal of the collar member and a top segment that extends diagonal to the lower segment enabling compression of the diameter of the collar member.

Chimney caps are presently provided in many different shapes and forms. In one sense chimney caps can be basically broken down into two categories, namely those used with regular or non-air-cooled chimney structures and those used with air-cooled chimney structures. Presently, there are two separate cap designs that are used, one for use with non-cooled chimney structures and a different cap for use with air cooled chimney structures. Thus, the cap is specifically designed for each chimney type to which it is to be mounted. By way of example these different types of chimney caps are shown in the 2005 Product Catalog of Improved Consumer Products, Inc. on page and identified as respective models WSA and WSA-TDW.
Reference is now also made to FIGS. 1-4 herein for an illustration of these existing chimney caps. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a prior art chimney cap used with a non-air-cooled chimney structure. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 2-2 of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a prior art chimney cap used with an air-cooled chimney structure. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 3.
In the first embodiment in FIGS. 1 and 2 the chimney cap includes a base 10 that has the collar 14 depending therefrom. As shown in FIG. 2, the collar 14 extends into the chimney or flue member 15. The collar is formed with an overlap edge 13 that makes the collar somewhat compressible so that it can be fit inside the chimney member 15. The installer can press on the collar to reduce the diameter thereof and once inserted in the flue it expands back toward its original diameter to hold the cap in place. The chimney cap also includes the top 12 and mesh screen 16. The mesh screen 16 assists in containing sparks within the cap. A hoop 18 is supported above the collar 14. The mesh screen 16 is supported on the periphery of the base 10. The mesh screen 16 and top 12 are maintained in place by means of the fastener 20 engaging with the support hoop 18. In FIG. 2 it is noted that the base 10 rests directly on the top edge of the chimney structure 15 and that the exhaust flow, as depicted by arrows 17, is through the collar 14 and peripherally outward through the mesh screen 16
In the second embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 the chimney cap includes a base 30 that has the collar 34 depending therefrom. As shown in FIG. 4, the collar 34 extends into the chimney member 35. The collar is formed with an overlap edge 33 that makes the collar somewhat compressible so that it can be fit inside the chimney member 35. The chimney cap also includes the top 32 and mesh screen 36. The mesh screen 36 assists in containing sparks within the cap. A hoop 38 is supported above the collar 34. The mesh screen 36 is supported on the periphery of the base 30. The mesh screen 36 and top 32 are maintained in place by means of the fastener 40 engaging with the support hoop 38.
In FIG. 4 it is noted that the base 30 is provided with three wings 31 that are each attached to the base 30. The bottom edge of each wing 31 is adapted to rest directly on the top edge of the chimney structure 35 and the exhaust flow, as depicted by arrows 37, is through the collar 34 and peripherally outward through the mesh screen 36. FIG. 4 also shows additional details of the chimney structure 35 which includes separate air cool ducts 35A and 35B. FIG. 4 also shows the air flow through the ducts as illustrated by the arrows 39. This flow is also about the wings 31 and between adjacent wings.
An object of the present invention is to provide a chimney cap that is more universal in construction and that can be used with both air cooled and non-air cooled chimneys.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved chimney cap structure in which the chimney collar is constructed and arranged so that it can be more readily compressed for insertion into virtually any type or style chimney.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide an improved chimney cap which is durable and long lasting.
An even further object of the invention is to provide an improved chimney cap that is inexpensive to manufacture and that is easy to install.


A radio selective calling receiver includes a field strength detection unit for detecting a received field strength, a first time diversity processing section for performing time diversity processing with a large time diversity effect and large power consumption, a second time diversity processing section for performing time diversity processing with a small time diversity effect and small power consumption, and a selection unit for determining, on the basis of a detection result from the field strength detection unit, whether the received field strength is high or low, and selecting the first time diversity processing section for a low field strength or the second time diversity processing section for a high field strength.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a radio selective calling receiver and, more particularly, to a radio selective calling receiver using time diversity reception.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Time diversity reception is a measure against fading. In this technique, the transmission side transmits a signal string a plurality of number of times, and the reception side selects a high-quality one of the received plurality of identical signal strings. According to, e.g., Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 6-334572, demodulated outputs of identical signals are sampled and stored. The absolute value of the sampled value of a received signal is compared to that of the preceding sampled value, and a signal having a larger value is selected.
As described above, conventionally, time diversity processing is always executed in units of bits independently of the reception level. Generally, to increase the time diversity effect, highly precise processing in units of bits is performed, although this increases the processing load to result in an increase in power consumption. For the conventional radio selective calling receiver which performs time diversity processing, the power consumption is large, and accordingly, the battery service life is short.

Radio selective calling receiver using diversity reception


A luggage includes a case body provided with a guiding rail, a slider mounted slidably on the guiding rail, a coupling unit pivoted to the slider, a handle rod connected to the coupling unit, an abutting member having a protrusion and pivoted to the slider for movement between a first angular position, in which the protrusion is free of contact with the guiding rail, and a second angular position, in which the protrusion abuts against the guiding rail when the slider is disposed at a predetermined position and when the handle rod is disposed at an inclined position.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a luggage, more particularly to a luggage having a handle unit with an abutting member that abuts against a case body of the luggage for preventing damage to a retaining unit.
2. Description of the Related Art
FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a conventional wheeled luggage 2 that includes a case body 20 formed with a pair of handle-storing tubes 22, and a handle unit 21 including a pair of handle rods 25. Each of the handle rods 25 is pivoted to a corresponding slider 23 that is slidably disposed in a respective one of the handle-storing tubes 22 so as to permit retraction of the handle rods 25 into the handle-storing tubes 22, respectively, when the handle rods 25 are disposed in a non-inclined position relative to the handle-storing tubes 22, and so as to permit pivoting movement of the handle rods 25 relative to the handle-storing tubes 22 when the handle rods 25 are fully extended from the handle-storing tubes 22. A retaining unit includes a pair of engaging parts 261 disposed movably and respectively in the handle rods 25 and engaging respectively and releasably engaging grooves 232 that are formed in one end 231 of the sliders 23 in the handle-storing tubes 22 so as to retain the handle unit 21 at a desired inclined position relative to the case body 20. The conventional luggage 2 can be moved in a pulling manner or a pushing manner using the handle unit 21.
The conventional luggage 2 is disadvantageous in that the retaining unit tends to get damaged when the case body 20 is fully loaded and is moved in the pushing manner using the handle unit 21. In addition, since the engaging grooves 232 in the ends 231 of the sliders 23 are normally shallow, the engaging parts 261 tend to disengage from the engaging grooves 232 during the pushing operation of the case body 20.


A seat device includes: a seat-supporting post unit; a lower bracket secured to the seat-supporting post unit; a seat unit including an upper bracket that is pivoted to the lower bracket; first and second engaging members formed on the lower bracket; and a third engaging member movable between an engaging position and a releasing position. The third engaging member engages the first engaging member when the seat unit is disposed at the non-folded position and when the third engaging member is disposed at the engaging position. The third engaging member engages releasably the second engaging member when the seat unit is disposed at the folded position and when the third engaging member is disposed at the engaging position.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a seat device, and more particularly to a seat device for a vehicle.
2. Description of the Related Art
As shown in FIG. 1, a conventional vehicle includes a front chassis part 1 and a rear chassis part 2. The front chassis part 1 has a rear end formed with a first toothed portion 101, and a through-hole 102 formed in the first toothed portion 101. The rear chassis part 2 has a front end formed with a second toothed portion 201, and a tumbler pin 202 mounted movably on the second toothed portion 201. When the front and rear chassis parts 1, 2 are coupled together, the first toothed portion 101 meshes with the second toothed portion 201, and the tumbler pin 202 engages the through-hole 102 so as to interlock the front and rear chassis parts 1,2. A seat unit (not shown) is mounted detachably on the rear chassis part 2 through a post that is inserted into a stand (not shown) on the rear chassis part 2.
The conventional vehicle is disadvantageous in that, since the size of the seat unit is relatively large and the weight of the seat unit is relatively heavy, detachment of the seat unit from the stand on the rear chassis part 2 is relatively inconvenient.


A fitting for attachment to a tube by swaging is disclosed. The fitting comprises a cylindrical sleeve having a tapered outer surface and an inner surface for receiving the tube. A cylindrical swaging ring having a tapered inner surface engages the tapered outer surface of the sleeve such that axial movement of the ring in a forward direction with respect to the sleeve causes the ring to apply a radial force to the sleeve to swage it to the tube. The swaging ring is comprised of a lightweight, high strength material, such as a composite material, having high tensile strength in a circumferential direction and a high modulus of elasticity, with relatively low density and low elongation properties. One preferred composite material comprises an epoxy resin matrix and a high strength graphite fiber. The swaging ring is locked onto the sleeve both before and after swaging by one or more protrusions on the outer surface of the sleeve which cooperatively engage an annular groove in the swaging ring.

The present invention relates to fluid fittings for connection to tubes and pipes by swaging and, more particularly, to a fitting having an axially movable swaging ring.
Fittings are commonly used to connect metal tubes and pipes to each other for use in a variety of applications, such as in the aerospace industry, to convey fuel, hydraulic control fluids and the like in an aircraft or space vehicle. In these applications, it is critical that there be a secure connection between the fitting and the tubes in order to withstand vibration and other adverse conditions without failure.
Various fittings have been developed in the past to connect tubes to each other. In one type of fitting, a radial swaging force is applied to the fitting and the tube, which may be done externally around the fitting or internally within the tube. In either case, the radial swaging force is applied directly to the fitting and tube by the tool. In some instances, the inner surface of the fitting has a plurality of axially spaced annular grooves into which the material of the tube is deformed by the swaging tool to make the swaged connection. In other instances, a curved or irregular configuration on the outer surface of the fitting is transferred to the inner surface of the fitting upon swaging, which causes the tube to deflect and conform to the irregular configuration and thereby make the connection.
Another type of fitting comprises a cylindrical sleeve having a tapered outer surface and a cylindrical inner surface for receiving a tube. A deforming ring surrounds the sleeve and has a tapered inner surface which matches and engages with the tapered outer surface of the sleeve. Before swaging, the deforming ring is positioned outwardly with respect to the sleeve such that no radial force is applied by the deforming ring to the sleeve. During swaging, the deforming ring is moved axially in a forward direction over the sleeve such that the interaction of the tapered surfaces on the ring and the sleeve applies a radial force deforming the sleeve and the tube inwardly to make a swaged connection between them. These fittings shall be generally referred to as axially swaged fittings.
In the aircraft industry and in the marine and commercial fields, it is desirable to have the weight of the hydraulic plumbing installation as low as possible. All of the fittings described above pose a problem in this regard, since many hundreds of them are used in an aircraft, thus making their total weight contribution a noticeable amount. Because of the high flexure and operating pressures in the tubes, the fittings are made of metal and generally must be sufficiently large in both size and weight to resist fatigue failure and to ensure adequate holding power and tube retention capability. As a result, most fittings in use today are relatively large and heavy and, therefore, add undesirable weight to the aircraft. Since axially swaged fittings have a deforming ring, which remains as a permanent part of the swaged fitting, these fittings tend to add extra undesirable weight.
Another problem which especially concerns axially swaged fittings is the inability to conveniently hold the deforming ring onto the sleeve prior to swaging, and then to securely lock the ring to the sleeve after swaging. In some instances, the deforming ring is preassembled onto the sleeve and held there by frictional engagement or other means. However, if the frictional engagement is insufficient, the deforming ring may become separated from the sleeve and sometimes lost or damaged. If the frictional engagement is too great, however, the outer end of the sleeve may be radially pre-deformed to such an extent that the tubing will not fit within the radially constricted sleeve. In other instances, the deforming ring is simply loosely packaged with the sleeve and subject to loss or damage or, even worse, the ring may be incorrectly installed when placed over the sleeve.
Accordingly, there has existed a definite need for an axially swaged fitting that is smaller in size and lighter in weight than the known fittings, while still maintaining a high tube retention capability. There has further existed a definite need for an axially swaged fitting in which the deforming ring is securely attached to the swaging sleeve prior to swaging, without permanently deforming the sleeve's tube insertion diameter, and in which the ring is positively locked to the sleeve after swaging. The present invention satisfies these and other needs and provides further related advantages.

Axially swaged fitting with composite swaging ring


An adaptive physical education device has a spring-back assembly with a U shaped frame that is positioned over first and second vertical posts. The spring-back assembly has a webbing attached by springs to a webbing frame, which is pivotally attached to the U shaped frame. The spring-back assembly is pivotable to different angles so that a ball may be caught and tossed at a variety of angles. In a separate embodiment, the webbing frame is removed and replaced with a ball catapult assembly, which is attached to the U shaped frame with elastic cords. The ball catapult assembly has a ball holder and a handle. A ball is placed in the ball holder, then a wheelchair bound participant pulls back the handle to apply tension to the elastic cords. The handle is released to propel the ball.

In many public supported schools, physical education is a course that is required curriculum. Therefore, in many physical education classes while the average person is participating in kickball, softball, hockey and basketball the handicapped people are left with an inactive role, such as score keeping, equipment manager or the like.
Nevertheless, a variety of devices have been either specifically developed to include handicapped, wheel chair bound, or otherwise incapacitated people in a wide array of sporting activities, or the devices may be adapted to include the handicapped participant.
For example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,410,258 issued to Lee discloses a device, which propels the ball forward by an lever actuated by the handle when the handle is displaced.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,598,413 issued to Lippert discloses a spring actuated apparatus, wherein the device is mounted atop of a cart, the user aims the device and pulls a trigger, which actuates an arm to strike the ball.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,368,898 issued to Lay discloses a bowling ramp attachment for a wheelchair, wherein the ramp fastens to the front portion of a wheelchair and has a track for aiming and dispensing a ball, such as a bowling ball.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,470,598 issued to Steele et al. discloses a wheelchair bowling device, wherein the device attaches to the front of a wheelchair and has a spring or other propulsion means to propel the ball forward.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,753,449 issued to Doucet discloses a recreation device that attaches to a wheelchair, wherein the device is a bracket that is attached to the wheelchair frame, the bracket has a loop at the user's end so that the loop may hold a ball.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,911,435 issued to Johns discloses exercise equipment that is adaptable to users in wheelchairs.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,363,934 issued to Edmund et al. discloses a wheelchair that is intended for use on the golf course, wherein the seat can be automatically raised so to allow the user to stand and swing a conventional golf club.
Nevertheless, the above mentioned patents have limited use in a physical education environment, especially with severely handicapped students.
Therefore, what is needed is an adaptive physical education device, wherein the device allows a student in a physical education environment to participate in class exercises and even team sports.


The present disclosure is directed to a multipurpose tool for painters and/or the like. The tool allows for individual use of several basic tools while remaining versatile and compact. The tool comprises a blade, with a scraper edge, a pointed end, a square end, a concave surface, and a nail pulling means. The tool handle has rotatably mounted screwdriver attachments, each of which locks into a position through the use of an urging means, and a hammer head means substantially located on the aft end.

A multi-function painter's tool has become an essential tool of the trade in the painting and construction fields. The optimum tool is one that combines the features of several basic tools into one device because of limited dexterity when standing on a ladder. Several attempts have been made to construct such a tool without compromising the usefulness of the basic tools incorporated therein. However, most attempts have resulted in a basic core device with a numerous appendages. Such a device lacks the simplicity of the desired tool.
Naturally, the basic painter's utility tool is a time saving device which allows the painter to proceed undaunted through his project without wasting time looking for a screwdriver or the like to perform a simple task such as, removing a switch plate cover. The optimum utility tool is one that addresses the painter's various tool requirements while remaining compact and extremely portable. For instance, a painter must use several basic tools while he is painting or preparing a surface for painting. However, once in the middle of a project the painter, while performing a required task, may require the use of a scraper, nail puller, screw driver, roller cleaner, hammer or any combination thereof.
Since a painter is sometimes required to be extremely mobile by either walking on scaffolding or climbing a ladder it is not practical for a painter to carry each one of these tools on his body. In addition, it is not very cost effective for the same painter to waste time climbing up and down a ladder to search for a specific tool. Moreover, the same tool unless carried on his body may be lost again thereby wasting additional time searching for the same tool.
The present invention is concerned with this very problem. More particularly, the present invention is concerned with incorporating the most frequently required tools into a single device which a painter can quickly and efficiently utilize while performing his tasks. Thus, the present invention allows the painter to proceed unhindered through his job.
As might be expected, there is no shortage of utility tools for use in the construction field and more particularly the painting field. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,272,788, issued to Hutt, discloses a multipurpose painter's tool having a flat scraper, a collar part and a comb.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,228,159, issued to Gurka, discloses a combination tool for painters. This tool comprises a single elongated rigid device with bends, apertures and incisions on it.
U.S. Pat. No. 699,207, issued to Moe is directed to a three way combination tool comprising a scraper, locking screwdriver and claws. See also U.S. Pat. No. 3,774,252, issued to Cantales is drawn to a spackling knife tool which performs the functions of a spackling knife, a nail puller, and a screwdriver.
There are also many other multipurpose tools. U.S. Pat. No. 3,562,826, issued to Vaughn is directed to a multipurpose tool comprising a handle, hammering means, scraper, nail pulling means, and a magnet. U.S. Pat. No. 898,568, issued to Emmerson discloses a calciminer's knife with an improvement for removing nails. U.S. Pat. No. 5,063,627, issued to Marra discloses a tapping blade with a handle that includes a hammering surface and rotatably mounted screwdriver blades.
From the above, it can be seen that none of the above patents disclose a portable device which provides the user with a quick and efficient combination tool that is simple to use and suitable for use in solving the common problems encountered while painting.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,251,352, issued to Cullison, discloses a device which attempts to address these deficiencies. Cullison discloses a seven way combination tool for allowing separate use of each functional portion. He utilizes a central blade which has a beveled end and concave surface opposite the tool handle. The tool handle is comprised of upper and lower portions which are rotable. The handle portions have openings which accommodate screwdriver heads. However, the use of the screwdriver heads is extremely limited and the combination design inhibits the use of the paint scraper aspect of the tool. In addition, the Cullinson device lacks the means for pulling out nails, and a hammer head type end.


A winch for opening and closing an umbrella includes a winch drum mounted within an elongate support tube of the umbrella, to rotate about a longitudinal axis thereof. A threaded shaft is coaxial and rotationally fast with the drum. A line is fixed at one end to the drum and at other end to a sleeve, to which struts are pivotally connected, each strut being associated with a canopy-supporting rib. A travelling nut is engaged with the threaded shaft and blocked for rotation relative to the tube. A guide is fixed to the nut for guiding the line onto the drum, and a motor is also enclosed in the support tube and drivingly connected to the winch drum.

The present invention relates to umbrellas having a winch by which the umbrella is opened and closed and particularly, but not exclusively, to umbrellas having a motorised winch.
A typical large umbrella for use with outdoor seating, or the like, is constructed with a support rod carrying at its uppermost end a crown with radiating ribs pivotally connected thereto and a sleeve sliding over the rod with struts being interconnected between the sleeve and the ribs. Various drive mechanisms have been provided to slide the sleeve along the rod in order to cause the struts to splay the ribs attached to the crown upwardly and outwardly to erect the umbrella.
A winch may be employed to erect the umbrella, turning the winch tightens a line trained about a pulley at the upper end of the rod and connected to the sleeve. In tiltable umbrellas the rod includes upper and lower portions joined by a transverse pivot to allow relative angular movement. The winch likewise includes a drum mounted upon a transversely aligned axle. A sector engaging a rack or worm wheel may be provided for accurately positioning the upper portion relative to the lower portion. As a result of the above complexity these prior art designs have assumed an unattractive appearance owing to the presence of many exposed mechanical elements, and the size of these elements or their housings projecting from the support rod is a drawback, both for use and storage of these umbrellas. It is therefore an object of the present invention to overcome or substantially ameliorate at least one of the above disadvantages, or more generally to provide an improved umbrella.


Functionalized detonation nanodiamond particulates of the formula:

The present invention relates to arylcarbonyl-functionalized detonation nanodiamond (DND) particulates and the method of preparation. In comparison to other members of nanocarbon family, viz. fullerenes, single-walled, double-walled, multi-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNT, DWNT and MWNT) and nanofibers, nanodiamonds (ND) have received much less attention even though they were discovered relatively early (in the 1960's) in USSR. This carbon nanomaterial is known by three popular names: 'ultra-nanocrystalline' diamonds (UNCD) or 'ultra-dispersed' diamond (UDD), because its basic diamond constituents (primary particles) has the characteristic size in the range of 3-6 nm, and detonation nanodiamond (DND, abbreviation used in this disclosure) because of its production by detonation of trinitrotoluene (TNT)/hexogen explosives in a steel chamber. Many of the bulk properties of diamonds are well-understood, but those of nanodiamonds are mostly unexplored. An ab-initio computer simulation studies indicated that a nanodiamond is a structural combination of a diamond core and fullerene-like surface ("bucky diamond"), having both the HOMO and LUMO states localized at the surface and the interface between the diamond core and the fullerenic surface. With the advantages in the availability in larger quantities and at relatively low cost, DND is very attractive as a material platform for nanotechnology. Furthermore, a recent investigation has demonstrated that DND is non-toxic and biocompatible. These features make it attractive for bio-related applications in view of DND's rich surface chemistry that could be modified in a controllable way.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide uniquely functionalized detonation nanodiamond particulates with desirable properties.
Other objects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objects and advantages of the invention may be realized and attained by means of the instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

Abstract: wherein Ar is selected from the group consisting of:

Abstract: wherein R is selected from the group consisting of H, H3C—(CH2)n— and

Abstract: wherein n has a value of 0-10. Also provided is a process for functionalizing detonation nanodiamonds particulates.

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


A method of forming integrally an axis on a metallic plate at an arbitrary position thereof and perpendicular to a surface thereof. A first surface of the metallic plate is place on a first die having a first diameter opening and a second surface of the metallic plate, opposing the first surface, is pressed with a first punch to form a projection from the first surface via half blanking or forward squeezing. The projection has a tip surface extending into the first diameter opening a first distance from the first surface. The first surface of the metallic plate is then placed on a second die having a depression with the projection extending into the depression. The depression has a second diameter and a depth distance greater than the first distance. The second surface of the metallic plate is then contacted with a second punch causing the tip surface of the projection to contact a bottom surface of the depression and form the axial projection via rear-squeezing. The axial projection has a tip surface extending a second distance from the first surface, greater than the depth distance of the depression.

When a shaft is provided on a metallic plate, it has been a usual practice to fix a shaft prepared separately on a metallic plate by caulking, spot welding and the like.
An explanation will be made below on the prior art methods for forming a shaft on a metallic plate.
FIG. 17 shows a prior art method for forming a shaft on a metallic plate by caulking.
A hole is formed on a metallic plate 10, on which a shaft 11 is to be attached, and the shaft 11 prepared separately is fixed on the metallic plate 10 by caulking.
FIG. 18 shows another prior art method for forming a shaft on a metallic plate by spot welding.
A shaft 13 prepared according to a separate process is fixed by spot welding on a metallic plate 12, on which the shaft 13 is to be mounted.
The Japanese patent gazette Heisei 6(1994)-26737 describes a method for forming an shaft as shown in FIG. 19, whereby, after a hole has been formed on one surface of a plate material 21 and a projection 24 on the other surface thereof by pressing forcefully a first tool 22 against the surface of the plate material 21 a bottom surface 23a of a second tool 23 is pressed forcefully against the foregoing hole, thereby a certain amount of material being pushed out to make the projection 24 further protrude and then the first tool 22 is again pressed against the hole to increase the height of the projection 24, thus completing the formation of a shaft.
In addition, it is known that there are a forward extrusion method as shown in FIG. 20 and a backward extrusion method as shown in FIG. 21 as the methods for making things in an axial shape.
However, the prior art method for forming shafts by caulking or spot welding as described in the above comprises the steps of preparing shafts separately and then fixing the shafts on a metallic plate with a resulting increase in cost.
Furthermore, in the case of caulking, the metallic plate involved is liable to be deformed due to the pressure applied by caulking and also it is rather difficult to achieve squareness between the metallic plate and the shaft that are to be put together, and in the case of spot welding, sufficient strength is unable to be gained due to a relatively small welding area, thus presenting rather a serious problem.
In the case of the method as described in the Japanese patent gazette Heisei 6(1994)-26737, since a pushing down force of tool is always applied to the boundary between a plate material and a projection, it is difficult to obtain a sufficient height of the projection and also it is difficult for the projection to achieve squareness against the plate material and accuracy in the outer diameter thereof with an additional problem of requiring many steps in processing.
Also, both the forward extrusion method and backward extrusion method are the methods intended for producing things in an axial shape from a material in pellet form and not for forming integrally a shaft by extruding from a flat plate.

Method of fabricating shaft from metal plate

Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.


Disclosed are a transmitter and a receiver for providing multi-layered multimedia services, and a method thereof. The transmitter for providing multimedia services includes a multiple description coding unit that performs multiple description coding (MDC) with respect to at least one source to thereby output a description sequence with respect to each of the at least one source, a description multiplexing unit that multiplexes the description sequence in units of descriptions to thereby output a single multiplexing description sequence, and a transmission code block processing unit that divides and modulates the single multiplexing description sequence to thereby generate a transmission block. Therefore, it is possible to provide high-quality multimedia services while ensuring graceful performance degradation and scalability.

1. Technical Field
Example embodiments of the present invention relate in general to provision of multimedia services and more specifically to a transmitter and a receiver for providing multi-layered multimedia services and a method thereof.
2. Related Art
Along with the speedup of wireless networks and the Internet, multimedia content services focusing on video are becoming more common in a broadcasting and communication convergence environment such as video streaming, mobile broadcast, or IPTV. In particular, with the advent of mobile terminals such as smart phones, demands for mobile multimedia services have been rapidly increased.
The multimedia services require provision of various types of multimedia information having different information characteristics. In addition, there are various types of terminals capable of utilizing multimedia services, and various types of service qualities capable of being implemented for each terminal.
In order to effectively cope with this diversity, service scalability is required. In addition, since a channel state continuously changes in a mobile broadcast, it is necessary to ensure graceful performance degradation in order to prevent sudden degradation of service quality.
Since a transmitter does not have information (terminal type, required service quality, channel state, or the like) about a terminal in a broadcast system, it is difficult to effectively provide multimedia services to meet the needs of users.
That is, most of the existing broadcasting systems are designed in consideration of the worst terminal. For example, in an enhanced Multimedia Multicast Broadcast Services (e-MBMS) of 3GPP, considering a case in which a reception antenna of a terminal is one, and a channel status is very bad, a QPSK modulation having the lowest transmission efficiency and a Single Input Single Output (SISO) transmission method are adopted.
However, such an approach has a problem that, although a terminal having multiple reception antennas may receive information with high transmission efficiency in a superior channel environment, high-quality multimedia services may not be achieved due to a limitation in the quantity of information to be transmitted. Therefore, for the efficient multimedia services, a transmitter should provide high-quality multimedia services and a terminal should determine service quality depending on terminal performance and channel status.
Scalable video coding (SVC) ensures scalability as leading technology, and many standard organizations have adopted SVC as a standard. SVC represents input signals as information of several layers having different information priorities.
In order to efficiently transmit such layer information having different information priorities, unequal error protection (UEP) transmission in which a degree of error protection differs depending on information priorities should be performed. Since UEP transmission should be configured by comprehensively and mutually considering a description part and a transmission part of information, the design becomes complex, and the structure and operation become complex.
A transmitter for providing high-quality multimedia services is required to transmit information at a high speed, and for this, Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) technology may be suitably utilized. In order to perform transmission of information by the MIMO technology, the number of reception antennas is required to be the same as or larger than the number of transmission antennas. However, in an existing mobile broadcast, since there are many cases in which the number of reception antennas of a terminal is smaller than the number of transmission antennas of a base station, it is difficult to utilize the MIMO technology.

Apparatus for providing multimedia services and method thereof

Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute


A Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag. The RFID tag comprises a flexible substrate and an integrated circuit embedded within the flexible substrate. The top surface of the integrated circuit is coplanar with the flexible substrate. At least one conductive element is formed on the flexible substrate. The conductive element is electrically connected to the integrated circuit. The conductive element serves as an antenna for the RFID tag.

1). Field
Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to the Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) devices or tags and methods of making RFID devices or tags.
2). Description of the Related Art
Radio frequency identification (RFID) tags allow for the remote identification of objects through the use of radio waves.
Certain embodiments of the present inventions described here are aimed at improving the present state of RFID technology by lowering assembly cost, by providing new and useful form factors, or by enabling new applications of RFID. While the designs and processes described here can be used to form many types of electronic assemblies (e.g. sensors or arrays for antennas or other devices which are not RFID tags), they are particularly useful for RFID tags, where cost, size, and form factor are desirable elements.
Demands for RFID tags are expanding into many applications from small merchandises to large merchandises. It is desirable to have the RFID tags be made as small as possible and as flexible as possible to enable the effective incorporation of the RFID tags into various merchandises. Also, it is desirable to have the RFID tags to be made as least expensive as possible to allow for wide integration of the RFID tags to into various merchandises.

RFID tags and processes for producing RFID tags


Disclosed herein is a hybrid battery using an electrochemically stable electrolyte composition and electrodes suitable for use in the electrolyte composition. The hybrid battery is non-toxic and highly stable, and has improved high-current charge/discharge characteristics.

General capacitors have a structure in which a dielectric is interposed between a pair of electronically conductive electrodes. Capacitors are energy storage devices in which charges are accumulated in proportion to a voltage applied between a pair of electrodes.
Of these capacitors, supercapacitors show battery characteristics and superior discharge characteristics, including instantaneous high current and high power, despite low energy density as compared to common batteries. In addition, supercapacitors can withstand several hundreds of thousands of charge/discharge cycles, indicating a feasible semi-permanent cycle life. Based on these advantages, extensive research and development have been conducted on supercapacitors.
Supercapacitors are divided into the following types: (1) electric double layer capacitors for energy storage using an anode and a cathode, both of which are made of activated carbon, to form an electric double layer; and (2) hybrid batteries for energy storage using a first electrode made of a material capable of storing charges by electrical redox reactions and a second electrode made of an electric double layer capacitor material.
Since the electric double layer charge storage in the second electrode takes place by physical adsorption and desorption of ions arising from an electric potential, the reaction rate is very high and the charge/discharge cycle life is significantly extended while the storage capacity (or energy density) is lowered.
On the other hand, since the charge storage in the first electrode takes place in a bulk portion rather than on surfaces by electrical redox reactions, the reaction rate is low in materials for secondary batteries but the energy storage capacity is 10 times higher than that in the electric double layer charge storage.
The hybrid batteries are energy storage devices that use a material for a secondary battery as a material for the first electrode and an electric double layer capacitor material as a material for the second electrode. Accordingly, such constitution of the hybrid batteries overcomes low capacity, which is a disadvantage of electric double layer capacitors, and short cycle life and low power density, which are disadvantages of secondary batteries. According to the state of the art, hybrid batteries have about two-fold higher energy density than electric double layer capacitors, and ensure a cycle life of 10,000 cycles or more.
The hybrid batteries are largely classified into the following systems: (1) systems that use an anode made of a metal oxide material, e.g., lithium manganate, for a secondary battery, and a cathode made of activated carbon, which is used in electric double layer capacitors; (2) systems that use an anode made of activated carbon and a cathode made of graphite or mesocarbon microbeads (MCMB), which are used in secondary batteries. The systems (2) in which activated carbon is used as a material for an anode and graphite is used as a material for a cathode, are currently being developed for many applications because they have a working voltage of a maximum of 4 V and exhibit excellent cycle characteristics and high-temperature characteristics. However, the systems (2) have a problem in that a large excess of lithium must be added to activate the cathode, making it difficult to manufacture the systems (2) on an industrial scale.
In the systems (1) in which lithium manganate is used as a material for an anode and activated carbon is used as a material for a cathode, the use of an aprotic solvent, such as acetonitrile (AN) or propylene carbonate (PC), as a solvent for an electrolyte is under consideration, and mixed salts of tetraethylammonium tetrafluoroborate (TEABF4) and lithium tetrafluoroborate (LiBF4), etc. are used as salts of the electrolyte. Particularly, only one salt is not used, but two salts are used in hybrid batteries. The reason for the use of two salts, such as lithium tetrafluoroborate and tetraethylammonium tetrafluoroborate, in hybrid batteries is that energy is stored in an anode by intercalation/deintercalation of Li ions (Li+) while energy is stored in a cathode by adsorption/desorption of TEA ions (TEA+).
FIG. 1 is a graph showing the conditions of a cycle test for a hybrid battery specified by the US Department of Energy (DOE), and FIG. 2 is a graph showing changes in capacity according to the kind of electrolytes used in hybrid batteries under the test conditions shown in FIG. 1.
With reference to FIG. 1, in accordance with the procedure proposed by the US DOE, a cycle test for a hybrid battery is conducted by continuously repeating a cycle consisting of charging from ½ Vw (working voltage) to Vw for 20 seconds at a charge/discharge current of 50 mA/F, maintaining at Vw for 10 seconds, discharging from Vw to ½ Vw for 20 seconds, and maintaining at ½ Vw for 10 seconds.
In FIG. 2, for example, the cycle life of hybrid batteries is measured at a working voltage (Vw) of 2.5 V and a charge/discharge current of 50 mA/F. Specifically, the cycle life is measured under the output conditions by continuously repeating a cycle (60 seconds) consisting of charging from 1.25 V to 2.5 V for 20 seconds, maintaining at 2.5 V for 10 seconds, discharging from 2.5 V to 1.25 V for 20 seconds, and maintaining at 1.25 V for 10 seconds.
The graph of FIG. 2 compares the use of propylene carbonate with the use of acetonitrile as a solvent of an electrolyte under the test conditions shown in FIG. 1. For the experiments of FIG. 2, LiMn2O4 was used as a material for an anode and activated carbon was used as a material for a cathode to manufacture capacitors. 1 M lithium tetrafluoroborate (LiBF4) and 1 M tetraethylammonium tetrafluoroborate (C2H5)4NBF4) were used as solutes of an electrolyte when acetonitrile was used as a solvent of the electrolyte, while 0.75 M lithium tetrafluoroborate (LiBF4) 0.75 M and 0.75 tetraethylammonium tetrafluoroborate (C2H5)4NBF4) were used as solutes of an electrolyte when propylene carbonate was used as a solvent of the electrolyte.
The graph of FIG. 2 shows that about 90% of the initial capacity was maintained after 10,000 cycles when acetonitrile was used as a solvent of an electrolyte, whereas only 70% or less of the initial capacity was maintained after 10,000 cycles when propylene carbonate was used as a solvent of an electrolyte.
This difference in the decrease in capacity is attributed to the fact that the carbonate material has a low electrical conductivity, a low solubility for the salts and a high possibility of redox reactions at high temperatures when compared to acetonitrile.
Acetonitrile can be used to manufacture high-power hybrid batteries because of its low viscosity and high solubility for salts. Accordingly, acetonitrile is suitable for use as a solvent of an electrolyte. However, acetonitrile has a low boiling point of about 82° C., is highly flammable, and has a high probability of forming cyanide when a fire occurs. Particularly, when it is intended to design large-scale products, heating to 140° C. or higher results in sublimation of electrolytes present in the products, thus risking the danger of sudden explosion. In addition, acetonitrile is an organic cyanide compound classified into categories of toxic substances, and therefore, there is a limitation in use from a standpoint of technical design valuing environmental stability.
Propylene carbonate is widely used as a solvent of an electrolyte due to its non-toxicity, safety and high boiling point. However, propylene carbonate has a higher resistance and a lower solubility for salts than acetonitrile. Accordingly, there is a limitation in using propylene carbonate in the manufacture of large-sized products requiring high power and low resistance.
Thus, there is a need for a hybrid battery using a carbonate-based solvent, which is more stable than acetonitrile, as a solvent of an electrolyte, thereby achieving improved high-power and cycle characteristics.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Abstract: The hybrid battery comprises an electrode unit consisting of an anode and a cathode, a separator for electrically separating the anode and the cathode, and an electrolyte filled in a space between the anode and the cathode so as to form an electric double layer on surfaces of the anode and cathode when a voltage is applied wherein the electrolyte contains a mixture of a lithium salt, an ammonium salt and a pyrrolidinium salt as solutes in a carbonate-based solvent so that the solute mixture has a concentration of 1.0-2.5 mol/L.


A photodetector having sensitivity in both an infrared and an ultraviolet band is provided. The photodetector is formed on a single chip and is designed to be blind to solar or visible radiation. Structures disclosed allow fast and efficient detection of signals with high spatial and temporal resolution. Such sensors may be used for multi-pixel focal arrays and applied for fire detection applications, various space- and military-related applications and other applications.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to photodetectors with resolved sensitivities in the UV and IR bands. Method for fabrication of the photodetectors is also provided.
2. Description of Related Art
Solid-state optical detectors based on semiconductor materials have replaced photoemissive devices in a wide variety of both commercial and military applications due to their broad spectral responsivity, excellent linearity, high quantum efficiency, high dynamic range of operation, and possibility of large-format image arrays. The spectral range of most semiconductor-based optical detectors is determined by optical absorption in the active semiconductor material layer at energies above the semiconductor band gap, the cutoff wavelength. In such terms narrow-band gap semiconductors, such as II-VI compounds like HgCdTe, are suitable for infrared detection, Si and some III-V compounds are suitable for detection in the visible and near infrared range, and wide band gap semiconductor materials, such as diamond, SiC, and III-Nitrides, are superior for applications in the UV range.
Several military and industrial applications require simultaneous (or at least spatially synchronized) detection of optical emissions in different spectral regions. A large number of various objects, such as, for example, fires, jet or rocket nozzles, hot filaments, stellar luminaries, electrical arcs, and lightning produce optical emissions ranging from ultraviolet to IR. Such emissions can be detected over the wide-range of ambient light background only by fast multi-range optical detectors allowing time-resolved measurements in particular optical bands. As a result, not only the spectral range, but also the detector speed and spatial resolution and alignment become critical for fast fire-detection with high false-alarm immunity. The currently used photomultiplier tubes (PMTs) have high sensitivity, but are bulky, require high voltage operation, and have low mechanical and temperature strength. Some recently developed flame detectors are composed of discrete UV and IR solid-state components in one housing, sustain temperatures only up to 125° C., and are not capable of detecting multi -band optical signals with high spatial resolution.
To date significant progress has been made in the development of UV detectors based on wide band gap materials. Several attempts to develop UV detector structures on diamond were made by 1996, but lack of high quality layers and insufficient doping levels did not result in practical devices. Visible-blind UV photodetectors have been fabricated on silicon carbide (SiC) substrates, but the technology is relatively immature due to the absence of high quality large area substrates until recent years.
Group III-nitride materials are superior for advanced UV detector fabrication due to their wider direct band gap and high thermal, chemical, mechanical, and radiation tolerance. A large amount of research by several groups has been dedicated to the development of UV detectors based on GaN, GaN/AlGaN, and AlGaN. Currently attracting most interest are AlGaN-based structures since they can provide detection in the very important UV range of 240-280 nm, which corresponds to the optical window where solar radiation is significantly absorbed by the ozone layer. Research and development performed by several groups indicate that effective optical emission and detection can be achieved in a wide spectral band ranging from 200 to 1770 nm. This would allow integrated nitride only-based devices working in separate bands (including UV and IR) from the entire referenced range.
In the area of IR detection, the conventional HgCdTe- and InSb-based detectors display high quantum efficiencies but are difficult to integrate into large arrays. Detectors based on heterointernal photoemission (HIP) in GexSi 1-x/Si heterojunctions have demonstrated excellent opportunities for integration on Si wafers at sufficient sensitivities in the infrared range of 1-12 μm. Large area SiGe-based HIP photodetector arrays of 400×400 pixels have been available for close to ten years. Schottky barrier photodetectors based on metal suicides formed on silicon also allow extending the sensitivity to the longer IR (>than 1.1 μm) range.
The Radio Frequency Molecular Beam Epitaxy (RF MBE) method used for nitride material growth allows fabrication of multilayer structures that incorporate binary, ternary, or even quaternary nitride compounds with a precise control over the layer thickness, chemical composition, crystalline quality, and doping during a single-process growth on commercial sapphire or silicon substrates. Growth of III nitrides on Si wafers takes advantage of both the commercial and technological benefits offered by the well-commercialized silicon technology and the existing low cost electronic and optical IR devices. Device-quality GaN layers grown on silicon wafers have been demonstrated by several groups. Additional benefits for employment of silicon in the present invention come from its optical properties providing the ability to detect and block optical emissions in the near IR and visible ranges, respectively.
A multi-spectral infrared photodetector and imager is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,897,447 B2. Two or more different bands of IR radiation are detected by a diffractive resonant optical cavity. U.S. Pat. No. 6,049,116 also teaches a device and fabrication method for a two-color IR detector
What is needed is a miniature, chip-based dual-color high-temperature visible- or solar-blind photodetector that will allow for fast and efficient detection of optical emission in UV and IR bands using sensors in close proximity, so as to produce high spatial- and temporal-resolution signals. Such sensors should allow fabrication of multi-pixel focal arrays for dual-band visible- or solar-blind cameras, which can be used not only for fire/flame detection and imaging, but also for various space- and military-related applications that involve object/target recognition.

Single-chip monolithic dual-band visible- or solar-blind photodetector


The present invention can easily acquire images having a uniform aspect ratio. In an imaging device of the invention, a control section detects the movement amount and the movement direction of the imaging device based on output from an acceleration sensor. Then, when the movement direction of the imaging device in its initial movement started at the beginning of imaging is substantially linear and a substantially horizontal or vertical direction, the control section calculates a reference movement amount by which a composite image having a predetermined aspect ratio can be generated, based on the movement amount of the imaging device, and controls the display section to display imaging area information (guide) indicating the final imaging area having the predetermined aspect ratio based on the reference movement amount.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an imaging device, an imaging method and a storage medium.
2. Description of the Related Art
In imaging devices such as digital cameras, a wide-angle lens is used to capture an image having a wide viewing angle. However, the viewing angle is limited. In addition, when a wide-angle lens having a short focal distance is used distortion occurs. Accordingly, there is a technology that generates an image having a wide viewing angle by combining images consecutively captured while the imaging device is being moved in up/down and left/right directions.
For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open (Kokai) Publication No. 2003-163823 discloses a technology by which the user can decide an imaging area while capturing images by an imaging device that generates a wide-angle image by combining images consecutively captured while the imaging device is being moved in up/down and left/right directions.

Imaging device, imaging method and storage medium for combining images consecutively captured while moving


A display panel includes an opposite substrate and an array substrate, the array substrate includes a first base substrate, a plurality of pixels and a color filter. The opposite substrate includes a second base substrate, a first black matrix and a second black matrix. The first black matrix maintains an interval between the second base substrate and the array substrate, and the first black matrix is formed to correspond to a display area to block light. The second black matrix includes a first area and a second area. The first area surrounds the color filter and the second area surrounds the first area. The second area includes a height different from a height of the first area when viewed in a plan view.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a display panel. More particularly, the present invention relates to a display panel capable of simplifying process steps.
2. Description of the Related Art
Generally, a liquid crystal display ("LCD") includes an LCD panel to display an image and a backlight assembly to provide light to the LCD panel.
The LCD panel includes an array substrate, a color filter substrate which faces the array substrate and a liquid crystal layer interposed between the array substrate and the color filter substrate. The array substrate includes a plurality of pixels that serve as basic elements used to represent an image. Each pixel includes a thin film transistor ("TFT") and a pixel electrode. The TFT switches a pixel voltage applied to the liquid crystal layer. The pixel electrode is electrically connected to a drain electrode of the TFT, and faces a common electrode which is formed on a color filter substrate. The liquid crystal layer is interposed between the pixel electrode and the common electrode. Meanwhile, a color filter layer formed on the color filter substrate includes a plurality of color pixels, and each color pixel is provided to correspond to each pixel in order to display an image.
The LCD is fabricated in a slimmer size as compared to a cathode ray tube display, but the LCD has a narrower viewing angle.
Therefore, in order to improve the narrow viewing angle of the LCD, a patterned vertical alignment ("PVA") mode LCD panel and a super-patterned vertical alignment ("SPVA") mode LCD panel, which each have a relatively wider viewing angle characteristics, have been recently developed. In the PVA and SPVA mode LCD panels, a pixel electrode and a common electrode are patterned to thereby form a plurality of domains in one pixel. In addition, the liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer are aligned differently according to each domain.
Since the PVA and SPVA mode LCD panels are provided with openings formed through the common electrode in order to define the domains, a mask used to pattern the common electrode is required. For this reason, a number of process steps and a number of masks increase, thereby reducing a productivity and increasing manufacturing costs thereof.

Display panel and method of fabricating the same


A ground-penetrating RADAR-based system can include a transmitter configured to transmit multiple RADAR impulses and a receiver configured to receive a signal comprising return waves generated responsive to the transmitted RADAR impulses. The signal can include a direct wave portion and a reflected wave portion. The system can also include a processing unit configured to analyze the return waves by determining the direct wave portion, fitting the direct wave portion to determine parametric information corresponding to the return waves, determining the reflected wave portion, determining characteristics of the reflected wave portion based on the parametric information, and comparing the determined characteristics against known characteristics.

Ultra-wide band (UWB) ground-penetrating RADAR technology can be used for a number of applications, such as finding mines buried in the ground. In such applications, a transmitting antenna directs an impulse toward the ground. A receiving antenna then receives a direct wave from the transmitting antenna, followed by a reflected wave from the ground. The reflected wave is typically sampled, digitized, stored, and analyzed to determine the electrical properties, and hence the material content, of the underlying ground. The outgoing impulse may be in the order of 50-1,000 picoseconds wide, with meaningful energy content from below 1 GHz up to 20 GHz or more. In these applications, the received signal must be captured with high resolution in order to distinguish subtle changes in the reflected wave.
One approach to digitizing the UWB pulses is the use of equivalent time (ET) sampling to capture the received signal. In this method, the outgoing pulse is transmitted many times, and the reflected wave is sampled and digitized once per pulse at a specific delay setting from the timing of the transmitted pulse. Multiple samples are taken at each delay setting to allow for averaging of the samples to reduce noise, and multiple delay settings are used to form an equivalent picture of the change in the reflected voltage versus the time of flight. For example, seven samples may be averaged at each delay setting, and 1,500 delay settings spaced in 10 picosecond increments may be used to capture a 15 nanosecond window of the reflected wave at an equivalent 100 Giga-Samples per second (GS/s).
ET sampling systems only need to sample once per pulse allowing such systems to use a relatively high-resolution and low-cost digitizer. However, ET systems also have a number of significant drawbacks. Firstly, acquisition time is long. For example, with regard to the example described above, 10,500 pulses would be required to acquire one reflected waveform. Secondly, if the transmitted pulses are randomized in time, e.g., spread in spectrum, to avoid detection or interference with communications, the sampling time must be similarly randomized. Any mismatch between these two will add jitter to the ET sampling process. Also, coherent interfering signals, e.g., from communication equipment, become random in nature when sampled at the rate of outgoing pulses, and thus become more difficult to recognize and remove from the data algorithmically.
A real-time (RT) sampling and digitization process is generally preferred over an ET system, but a high-resolution, high sample rate RT digitizer is quite costly. For example, a 10-bit, 30 to 50 GS/s digitizer would be needed to implement a full RT system instead of the ET system described above.
Accordingly, a need remains for improved ground-penetrating RADAR and return signal analysis systems, particularly with regard to identifying materials below ground such as buried mines.

Almost real-time sampling for ground-penetrating radar impulses


The blades of a turbomachine comprise airfoils, which are bent such that the lean angle (φ), defined as the angle which the stacking line of the airfoil includes with the radial direction, and measured in the direction of rotation (ω), is variable along the width of the flow channel and decreases from the hub towards the housing.

With turbomachines, and especially turbines with untwisted blades, the degree of reaction of the stages across the spread of the blade locally deviates from the average design degree of reaction. The degree of reaction reduces towards the hub in relation to the center section, while it increases towards the casing. In this case, a decreasing degree of reaction signifies a relative increase of the pressure drop across the stator blade row of the stage, while an increased degree of reaction signifies a relative increase of the pressure drop across the rotor blade row. That is to say the pressure difference across a blade ring becomes large in each case at the blade tips at which the leakage losses are large anyway as a result of overflow, and sensitively react to pressure differences.
The increased leakages over the blade tips of the stator blades at the hub on the one hand, and over the blade tips of the rotor blades at the casing on the other hand, can be countered by the blade airfoils being tilted by an angle of inclination from the purely radial orientation. The overflow losses for example can be reduced by the blade airfoils of the stator blades being inclined by several degrees towards the hub by their pressure face. By the same token, the overflow losses are also reduced if the blade airfoils of the rotor blades are inclined by several degrees towards the hub by their suction face. By means of the inclination of the blade airfoils, additional radially oriented pressure fields are induced in the blade passages. Consequently, however, for example with stator blade passages in the region of the casing, it results in a secondary flow field being drawn further into the core flow, which leads to an increase of the secondary flow losses.
By means of inclining the blade airfoils, therefore, the overflow losses are reduced, but on the other hand the secondary flow losses increase so that their increase soon quickly overcompensates the reduction of the overflow losses. By means of an inclination of the blade airfoils, therefore, comparatively tight practical limits are set upon the reduction of the overflow losses.


A chair mounting device for mounting a chair on a mounting frame of a motor-driven wheeled vehicle includes a seat post mounted on the mounting frame, a seat stem mounted on a seat of the chair, a locking member movable relative to the seat stem between a locking position to guard against swiveling movement of the stem relative to the seat post and an unlocking position to permit the swiveling movement, a lever mounted on and operable relative to an anchored mount located above the seat, a biasing member disposed to bias the locking member to the locking position, and a pulling cord coupled with the locking member and the lever.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a chair mounting device for mounting a chair on a mount frame of a motor-driven wheeled vehicle, more particularly to a chair mounting device which is operable to lock and unlock the chair relative to the mount frame so as to permit or prevent swiveling movement of the seat.
2. Description of the Related Art
Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a conventional motor-driven wheeled vehicle 1 (or an electrically driven wheeled chair) is shown to include amount frame 11 with an upwardly extending seat post 12, a chair 13 swivelably mounted on the seat post 12 by insertion of a seat stem 132 on a bottom wall 131 thereof into the seat post 12, a retaining disc 14 secured on the seat post 12, and a pull bar 15 which has a pivot end 151 pivotally mounted on the bottom wall 131, an operated end 152 extending outwardly of the bottom wall 131, and a retaining protrusion 132 engaging the retaining disc 14 such that, by pulling the operated end 152 against a biasing action of a spring 16, the retaining protrusion 132 is moved to disengage from the retaining disc 14 so as to permit swiveling movement of the chair 13 relative to the seat post 12. However, since the pull bar 15 is disposed beneath the chair 13, the user must bend and reach out his/her hand to find the pull bar 15, thereby resulting in inconvenience to the user.

Chair mounting device for a motor-driven wheeled vehicle


A transmission of the toroidal race rolling traction type, including ratio varying components (“variators”) for such transmissions. A set of rollers transmitting traction between an input disc and an output disc is connected to a hydraulic mechanism by which it is positioned, the roller position determining the transmitted ratio.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to transmissions of the toroidal race rolling traction type. It relates in particular to ratio varying components ("variators") for such transmissions, in which each of a set of rollers transmitting traction between an input disc and an output disc is connected to a hydraulic mechanism by which it is positioned, the roller position being a key factor in determining the transmitted ratio.
2. Background Art
Variators of this type are well known in the art, for example from GB-C-1395391, GB-A-2107009, EP-A-0078125 and EP-A-0133330. In common with most prior art variators, these specifications show a set of three rollers transmitting traction between a rotatable input disc and a coaxial and contra rotating output disc, each roller being spaced from the others by 120° of arc around the common axis of the discs. The ratio transmitted from the input to the output disc by each roller is caused to vary by changing the position of that roller in a direction substantially tangential relative to the centre circle of the common torus presented by the input and output disc races. The mechanism for imparting that tangential movement to at least some of the rollers comprises pistons formed at opposite ends of the roller carriage, that is to say the structure carrying the bearings on which the roller rotates, and movable within hydraulic cylinders.
In the prior art arrangements, the piston and cylinder assemblies for controlling the rollers necessarily project from the casings of the variator. Whilst this does not cause a problem from an operational point of view, it can be detrimental if the available space for installing the variator is limited.
EP-A-0538357 addresses this problem by positioning the cylinders to lie to the same side of a common plane including the axis of the discs. This improves the situation considerably but still results in lateral projections for the piston/cylinder arrangements.

Transmission of the toroidal race rolling traction type


A gas bag module for a vehicle occupant restraining system comprises a gas generator and a gas bag having an inflation opening formed in a wall of the gas bag and having an interior delimited by the wall. The gas bag is able to be unfolded from a folded state into a deployed state by means of gas under pressure provided by the gas generator and led into the interior of the gas bag through the inflation opening. The gas bag module comprises at least one guard flap arranged in the interior of the gas bag between the inflation opening and a portion of the wall opposite the inflation opening. The at least one guard flap protects the wall of the gas bag against the gas under pressure entering the interior of the gas bag.

Typical gas bag modules comprise a gas bag which is provided with an inflation opening, through which the interior of the gas bag is able to be charged with a gas under pressure in order to change the gas bag from a folded state into a deployed one.
A significant problem occurring during inflation of a gas bag by gas under pressure from a gas generator is the risk of damage to the gas bag fabric constituting the wall of the gas bag by the impinging gas at an extremely high pressure and at a high temperature as it enters the interior of the gas bag. Conventionally the folded wall of the gas bag is opposite to the inflation opening so that the entering gas under pressure impinges directly on the wall. In order to preclude damage to the wall by the particles contained in the gas under pressure and the heat of the gas, it is possible to utilize a comparatively thick fabric. As an alternative, an additional fabric part can be employed, which is arranged between the inflation opening and the wall of the gas bag opposite thereto so that the gas under pressure may not directly strike the wall of the gas bag.

Gas bag module for a vehicle occupant restraining system


Aspects of the present disclosure include methods and systems for automated analysis of clinical fluid samples, such as urine, blood, or cerebral spinal fluid, where the number of fluid samples in increased or optimized without negatively impacting the accuracy of the analysis of a given fluid sample.

Flow cytometer and fluid handling systems may be used for performing quantitative analyses of fluids, such as urine, blood, or cerebral spinal fluid. Any of a variety of quantitative analyses may be performed, such as detection and enumeration of one or more events of interest in a fluid sample, such as detection and enumeration of bacteria populations in a fluid sample, as well as determination of the detected bacteria population's susceptibility to one or more antibiotics. Examples of such systems and methods are disclosed in international patent application number PCT/US2017/029492, filed on Apr. 25, 2017, and titled, "Systems, Devices And Methods For Sequential Analysis Of Complex Matrix Samples For High Confidence Bacterial Detection And Drug Susceptibility Prediction Using A Flow Cytometer," which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. Such automated systems can analyze a plurality of clinical samples, where the process for each sample includes a series of steps. While it is desirable to increase system throughput to maximize the number of clinical samples analyzed over a given time period, certain time periods during the analysis of a given sample, such as incubation time periods, are critical such that the system must be available to analyze a given sample at the end of such critical time periods.

Methods and systems for increasing the capacity of flow cytometer bacteria detection and antibiotic susceptibility testing systems


Among other things, a receptacle supports an electronic device; support legs connected to the receptacle are movable in a common plane between a first, retracted position and a second, extended position; and a coupling translates movement of one of the support legs between the positions to corresponding movement of at least another one of the support legs.

This description relates to supporting an electronic device.
Stands for supporting audio, video, and other electronic equipment sometimes include legs. Tripods, for example, have three legs connected at a central hub on which the electronic equipment is mounted. The lower free ends of the legs are splayed out to provide stable support. In some tripods, all three legs can be collapsed by pivoting at the central hub, sometimes in a coordinated motion.


Processes are provided that include additive compounds suitable for detecting the activity of an enzyme such as a lysosomal storage enzyme where the additive is a salt of oleic acid. Inclusion of a salt of oleic acid unexpectedly improves enzyme activity and reproducibility.

Lysosomal storage disorders are a group of inherited disorders characterized by deficiencies in specific enzymes in the body, which results in the body's inability to break down metabolic substances. As an example, Fabry disease is a lysosomal storage disorder seen in one out of every 40,000 people. It is caused by a deficiency in the enzyme alpha-galactosidase which results in the body's inability to break down specific fatty substances called globotriaosylceramides. A second example is Gaucher disease, a lysosomal storage disorder caused by an inability to break down fatty substances or lipids called glucosylceramides (also called glucocerebrosides). Individuals with Gaucher disease do not make glucocerebrosidase, an enzyme needed to break down these fatty substances. These fatty substances then accumulate in cells of the liver, spleen, and bone marrow. A third example is Pompe disease, a lysosomal storage disorder caused by a deficiency in the enzyme acid alpha-glucosidase, which is needed to break down certain sugars called glycogen. When the enzyme acid alpha-glucosidase is missing, glycogen accumulates in various tissues and organs in the body.
Lysosomal storage disorders are, for the most part, childhood disorders although some manifest in adulthood. In most of them, patients are normal at birth and have progressive neurological deterioration beginning at some later time. The clinical phenotype depends on the type and severity of the biochemical defect. Some of these lysosomal disorders, such as Pompe disease and Krabbe disease, manifest primarily in infancy. There have been ongoing efforts in developing methods to detect such disorders before the onset of clinical symptoms so that therapeutic interventions can be initiated.
Most of the screening tests for a lysosomal storage disorder (LSD) offered today are based on the mass spectrometry method and materials described by Zhang et al. (Methods Mol Biol. 2010; 603: 339-350). This method, for six LSDs (Pompe, Krabbe, Niemann-Pick A&B, Fabry, Gaucher, and MPS-1), conducts the six enzyme activity assays in six separate vessels using six separate conditions. Multiplex assays for the same disorders have been described (Scott et al, J Pediatr. 2013 August; 163(2):498-503; Spazil et al, Clin Chem. 2013 March; 59(3):502-11). Multiplex methods require less laboratory labor and reagents but it is generally more difficult to produce assay results of similar quality to non-multiplex methods where the assay conditions need to represent a compromise that supports adequate activity of the target enzymes while suppressing any confounding processes. Various enzyme activity enhancers and suppressors are added to multiplex buffers to support an optimized condition that allows each of the targeted enzymes to act measurably on its specific artificial substrate.
Oleic acid has been identified as an enhancer for the galactocerebrosidase (GALC) enzyme, for which low activity is associated with Krabbe disease (Zhang et al, ibid; Zhang et al Clin Chem. 2008; 54(10): 1725-1728; Li et al, Clin Chem. 2004; 50(10): 1785-1796). This acid has been added to buffers for Krabbe disease screening. However, oleic acid is very difficult to dissolve in aqueous buffers and the resulting varying concentration in assay buffer has led to assay results with poor reproducibility. For this reason, most published protocols for Krabbe disease screening omit oleic acid as the reproducibility problems outweigh any potential performance advantages from enhanced enzyme activities.
Thus, there is a continuing need for improving the methods and compositions for detecting lysosomal disorders.

Methods relating to testing for lysosomal storage disorders


A method for managing deposits within a pump mechanism (81) is provided. Fluid suitable for dissolving, diluting or otherwise disengaging deposits which have accumulated on the internal working surfaces of the pump is brought into contact with the mechanism. The performance of the pump is monitored and this data is used together with process data received from, or associated with, a tool (83) being evacuated by the pump to calculate (80) fluid flow characteristics which are required to compensate for the accumulation of deposits on the internal working surfaces of the pump. Fluid is then introduced (2, 84) into the pumping mechanism in accordance with the calculated fluid flow characteristics.

Screw pumps usually comprise two spaced parallel shafts each carrying externally threaded rotors, the shafts being mounted in a pump housing such that the threads of the rotors intermesh. Close tolerances between the rotor threads at the points of intermeshing and with the internal surface of the pump body, which typically acts as a stator, causes volumes of gas being pumped between an inlet and an outlet to be trapped between the threads of the rotors and the internal surface and thereby urged through the pump as the rotors rotate.
Screw pumps are widely regarded as a reliable means for generating vacuum conditions in a multitude of processes. Consequently, they are being applied to an increasing number of industrial processes. Such applications may involve materials that have "waxy" or "fatty" properties e.g. tallow based plasticisers. In operation of the pump, these products form deposits on the surfaces of the pump. On shutdown of the pump these surfaces cool, the deposits also cool and solidify within the pump. Where such deposits are located in clearance regions between components, they can cause the pump to seize up such that restart is inhibited or even prevented.
Similar problems can be encountered in a number of semiconductor processes that use vacuum pumps, especially those in the chemical vapour deposition (CVD) category. Such processes can produce a significant amount of by-product material. This can be in the form of powder or dust, which may remain loose or become compacted, or in the form of hard solids, especially if the process gas is condensable and sublimes on lower temperature surfaces. This material can be formed in the process chamber, in the foreline between the chamber and the pump, and/or in the vacuum pump itself. If such material accumulates on the internal surfaces of the pump during its operation, this can effectively fill the vacant running clearance between the rotor and stator elements on the pump, and can also cause spikes in the current demand on the motor of the vacuum pump. If this continues unabated, then this build-up of solid material can eventually cause the motor to become overloaded, and thus cause the control system to shut down the vacuum pump. Should the pump be allowed to cool down to ambient temperature, then this accumulated material will become compressed between the rotor and stator elements. Due to the relatively large surface area of potential contact that this creates between the rotor and stator elements, such compression of by-product material can increase the frictional forces opposing rotation by an order of magnitude such that rotation is prevented on restart.
In order to release the rotors in prior art pumps, a facility is provided whereby a bar can be inserted into sockets attached to the primary shaft of the rotor through an access panel. This bar is used as a lever to try to rotate the shaft and release the mechanism such that the machine can be restarted. This levering system allows more rotational force to be applied to the internal components than could be exerted by the motor. Such force will be transmitted to the rotor vanes and the associated stresses may prove to be detrimental to the structure of the rotor. If this system fails to release the mechanism it is then necessary to disassemble the apparatus such that a liquid solvent can be poured into the pump casing to dissolve the residue to a level where the shaft can be rotated manually. This disassembly not only causes the pump to be off line for a certain length of time, but it then must be re-commissioned and re-tested to ensure the reliability of the connections to the surrounding apparatus.
Our pending international application WO2004/036047 describes how the delivery of a cleaning fluid can be activated at predetermined intervals during operation of the pump, for example using solenoid valve control. The performance of the pump is monitored by measuring at least one of the group of rotor speed, power consumption and volumetric gas flow rate. These measured parameters are subsequently used to determine the extent of accumulation of deposits on the internal working surfaces of the pump. A cleaning fluid flow rate is then calculated, this rate being that of the delivered fluid that would be sufficient to compensate for the quantity of accumulated deposits. In this way the flow rate of cleaning fluid being delivered to the rotor can be continuously adjusted to reflect the new calculated value.
It is an aim of the present invention to seek to further improve the aforementioned process.

Cleaning method of a rotary piston vacuum pump


A system and method for establishing application identities including application runtime properties. A method includes signing at least one artifact of a first application communicating with a second application, wherein each of the at least one artifact includes data used for executing the first application, wherein a signing result of each artifact is a signed cryptographic hash of the artifact; monitoring events related to communications between the first application and the second application to identify a file event; generating at least one runtime hash for the file event, wherein the at least one runtime hash represents runtime properties of the first application; and generating an application identity for the first application, the application identity for the first application including the signed cryptographic hash of each of the at least one artifact and the at least one runtime hash of the file event.

Cloud computing platforms provide storage and computational resources deployed at remote locations. The infrastructure of the cloud computing platform is a collection of networked systems typically including a large number of nodes distributed throughout one or more data centers in which each node provides the resources of a physical machine or a virtual machine running on a physical host.
Cloud computing platforms are ever-changing environments where applications, services, and virtual instances may be added, removed, scaled up or down, or upgraded on demand. Due to the complexity of such platforms, operations related to resolving security incidents, deploying virtual instances, and implementing network control or security policies are performed by development operations (DevOps) personnel. This is currently a costly and inefficiently managed process.
Further, network control policies imposed on cloud computing platforms contribute to challenges in incident management and deployment. In particular, many cloud computing platforms are subject to network control policies that would limit access to certain data, and specifically would limit the interactions between applications and services executed in the cloud computing platforms.
Sufficiently protecting a typical tenant environment in a cloud computing platform requires defining and managing sets of rules as part of the network control policies. Managing thousands of such rules with currently available tools creates complexity, blind spots, and misconfigurations. The result is that rulesets are fundamentally impossible to manage at scale. Moreover, there are no practical solutions for controlling managed services or Application Programming Interface (API) keys.
Further, even if such policies are properly defined and enforced, existing solutions cannot protect allowable connections or access to data. For example, applications can communicate with unrestricted connections, and are therefore vulnerable to security breaches, malicious activity, or cyber threats traveling through such a connection.
In addition, the network control policies may dynamically protect the virtual instances in the cloud computing application. The identifiers and network addresses of such instances constantly change. Further, in some cases, the network addresses may be masked or translated. Thus, the actual address of a virtual instance may not be apparent to define or enforce a rule within such a policy.
It would therefore be advantageous to provide a solution that would overcome the challenges noted above.

Identity-based application and file verification


An image pick-up element comprises: an optical element substrate part in which the image pick-up element generates a signal charge by photo-electrically converting an incident light applied from one surface side of the optical element substrate part to read the signal charge from the other surface side of the optical element substrate part and picks up an image; and a CMOS circuit substrate part connected to the other surface side of the optical element substrate part so as to transfer the signal charge generated in the photoelectric conversion layer, wherein the optical element substrate part comprises a photoelectric conversion layer to generate the signal charge by photo-electrically converting the incident light.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a CMOS type image pick-up element that realizes the micro formation, the high function and the high sensitivity of a picked up image of a visible light.
2. Description of the Related Art
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing one example of a structure of the related-art CMOS type image sensor. The CMOS type image sensor is considered to be promising, like a CCD type image sensor, from the viewpoint that an integrated circuit similar to a one-chip camera can be realized by integrating a microlens for converging incident lights, a spectral filter, an optical element part provided with a photodiode for carrying out a photoelectric conversion and a signal storage, a signal scanning part for scanning stored signals, a gain control amplifier for amplifying the signal as an output and signal processing circuit parts such as a sample hold circuit for removing noise, an analog/digital converting circuit or the like. The related-art image sensors are disclosed in JP-A-2007-13089 and JP-A-1-102321.
However, the CMOS type image sensor has a problem that the scale of the circuit parts except the optical element part is enlarged, and includes problems in view of below-described points.
(1) Since a multi-layer wiring is introduced due to the high function of the peripheral circuit and the matching characteristics of a color filter process or a microlens process are not good, optical characteristics are inferior to those of the CCD image sensor.(2) When the scale of the peripheral circuits is enlarged, a cost is increased owing to the loss of the peripheral circuit that is inferior due to the defect of an image.(3) When a pixel is micronized, an optical path for guiding the incident light to the surface of a silicon substrate needs to be maintained to a size having a prescribed ratio to a wavelength so that an occupation rate of the photodiode is disadvantageously increased in the pixel to achieve a micro formation and a high function.

CMOS image pick-up with integrated optical and electronic elements and micro bump connectors