A mounting structure includes a first electronic component, a second electronic component, and an adhesive. The first electronic component includes at least one protruding electrode including a protruding member and at least one electrically conductive layer. The protruding member is formed of resin. The at least one electrically conductive layer is disposed on the protruding member. The second electronic component has a facing electrode electrically conductively in contact with the at least one protruding electrode. The adhesive is used to adhere the first electronic component and the second electronic component to each other. The protruding member has a first area and a second area. The first area has the at least one electrically conductive layer provided thereon. The second area does not have the at least one electrically conductive layer provided thereon. The first area of the protruding member is squashed more than the second area.

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to a mounting structure, an electro-optical device, an electronic apparatus, and a method of producing the mounting structure. More particularly, the invention relates to a structure of a protruding electrode provided at an electronic component.
2. Related Art
In general, various electronic components, such as semiconductor devices, including a protruding electrode (bump electrode), provided on a surface of a substrate so as to protrude therefrom, are known. The protruding electrode is adhered to, for example, a substrate, at a side where mounting is performed, for electrical conduction. In general, a metallic bump electrode, formed by, for example, thickly plating a seed electrode with a metal (such as Au), is used as the protruding electrode. For example, a method of mounting a driving IC on a substrate of various display members is known as a mounting method using such a protruding electrode.
A proposal of using, as the above-described protruding electrode, a protruding electrode formed by forming a resinous protruding member on a substrate and forming an electrically conductive layer on a surface of the protruding member has been proposed (refer to, for example, JP-A-2005-136402 and JP-A-2005-101527 below). Compared to a related metallic bump electrode, this type of protruding electrode can use a thinner electrically conductive layer, so that fine patterning can be performed, thereby making it possible to reduce an electrode pitch. In addition, the use of a resinous protruding member makes it possible to ensure a stable contact pressure as a result of making use of elastic deformation of the protruding member, so that, compared to a related bump electrode, electrical reliability can be increased, etc.
A top portion of the protruding electrode discussed in each of JP-A-2005-136402 and JP-A-2005-101527 is squashed by a facing electrode during mounting. When a deformation amount of the protruding electrode is too large, for example, a crack occurs in the aforementioned resinous protruding member or the electrically conductive layer, formed on the protruding member. This results in variations in electrical conductivity of the protruding electrode and an increase in a resistance value, thereby reducing electrical reliability.
That is, in general, mounting is performed as a result of setting a compression force at the time of mounting in a range in which the protruding electrode does not crack. Since variations exist in, for example, the form of the protruding electrode, the elastic modulus of a constituent material, the mounting temperature, and the compression distribution, even if the mounting is performed under the previously set compression force, variations occur in the amount of deformation of the protruding electrode. Therefore, it is not possible to eliminate the possibility of, for example, the protruding electrode becoming cracked (as well as deformation of the electrically conductive layer resulting from variations and an increase in resistance. This also applies to the discussion below). To sufficiently reduce this possibility, it is necessary to set the compression force considerably lower than a limit value. However, when this is done, contact pressure or contact area may no longer be ensured due to an insufficient deformation amount of the protruding electrode. Therefore, in either case, variations or an increase in a conductive connection resistance occurs, thereby resulting in improper mounting in extreme cases.

Mounting structure, electro-optical device, electronic apparatus, and method of producing the mounting structure


An electronic measuring apparatus for measuring the rate of an analog-display electronic watch which comprises a quartz oscillator, a frequency divider with an adjustable division factor, a stepping motor and a circuit which, when the stem of the watch is pulled, produces a measuring signal emitted by the stray field of the coil of the stepping motor and comprising trains of pulses whose period and content are respectively representative of the frequency of the oscillator and the division factor. The measuring apparatus comprises a pick-up means for detecting said measuring signal, circuits for computing the rate of the watch and means for displaying said rate.

The present invention cencerns apparatus for measuring the rate of an electronic timepiece responding to an interrogation signal for emitting a wave formed by means of pulses, the measuring apparatus comprising means for detecting said wave, computing means responding to said detection means for providing a representation of the rate of the timepiece, and means for displaying said representation.
Electronic devices are known for measuring the rate of an analog-display electronic watch, comprising a stepping motor for detecting the stray magnetic field of the coil of the motor and precisely measuring the time which elapses between two drive pulses. Such devices give the desired measurement result when the watch is provided with a frequency divider which has a fixed division factor, but they are not suitable for measuring the rate of a watch comprising a frequency divider which has an adjustable division factor.

Apparatus for measuring the rate of an analog-display electronic timepiece


Hydrostatic pressure testing apparatus for sealing and delivering fluid into a pipe wherein the pipe wall is maintained in tension. A pair of cam actuated movable jaws are mounted on a body for engaging the outer wall of the pipe. A seal ring on a mandrel is positioned to expand into sealing engagement with the inner wall of the pipe. A shaped passage in segments of a split die block lock behind the upset portion on the end of the pipe.

Joints of pipe or tubing used in a well are generally connected end to end and suspended vertically in the well such that each joint of pipe is in tension. The types of force which may act on a body are shear or tangential force, tensile force, and compressive force.
Pressure testing devices of the type disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,067,228 for joints of pipe often include heads which are urged into sealing engagement with opposite ends of the joint of pipe to prevent the escape of pressurized water forced into the pipe. The heads are generally urged by hydraulic or mechanical jacks into sealing relation with ends of the joint of pipe, which puts walls of the pipe in compression. When pressurized fluid is delivered into the pipe, stress in the tubing wall is not an accurate reproduction of the stress in the pipe wall when it is pressurized while suspended in a tubing string.
Some pressure testing devices for joints of pipe or tubing require that threaded caps or plugs be attached to threads on opposite ends of the joint. This type of pressure testing device maintains walls of the tubing in tension while the joint is being pressure tested. However, the use of threaded sealing apparatus is undesirable because of the time required for attaching the sealing devices and because the threaded sealing devices may damage threads on the joint of pipe while they are being connected and disconnected from the pipe.
Pressure testing devices have been developed for relatively thin wall tubing which is pressure tested at low pressures. U.S. Pat. No. 2,610,651 discloses a plug assembly for pressure testing pipe which includes a plug member having a threaded end to receive a hub section of a hand wheel. The hand wheel moves the hub section inwardly toward the pipe section such that a follower is pressed against an annular pressure transmitting member which in turn presses against members until they make contact with each other for compressing and forcing seal rings into sealing engagement with the interior wall of the pipe. The pressure to which the pipe can be tested is limited by frictional forces between the seal rings and the walls retaining the plug assemblies in the pipe which will be overcome by the longitudinal component of fluid pressure within the pipe tending to expel the plug assemblies from opposite ends of the pipe. The patent also discloses a second embodiment which incorporates resilient seal rings which are urged into sealing engagement with the outer wall of the pipe.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,765,560 discloses sealing apparatus for pressure testing a pressure vessel which grippingly engages outer walls of a tubular member for holding an expandable seal in position adjacent an inner wall of the pressure vessel. Fluid pressure urges the expandable seal into sealing engagement with inner surfaces of the vessel. Wedge shaped rings, in sliding relation with inclined surfaces on legs secured to the apparatus, apply force to the outer wall of the vessel for holding the pressure testing apparatus in position.
A long felt need exists for hydrostatic pressure testing apparatus which is capable of testing joints of relatively thick walled tubing to a high pressure, for example 2000 pounds per square inch, while the pipe section is in tension to more nearly simulate conditions to which the pipe section will be subjected in the field under normal operating conditions.


A structural bunk system for a sleeper cab or other confined space is provided. The bunk system includes first and second shells that are made by injection molding and are then bonded together. The structural bunk system is secured to the wall of the sleeper cab or other confined space and is adapted to be moved between and upright stowed position and a lowered sleeping or storage position.

The present invention relates to a structural bunk system for vehicles and, more particularly, to a molded bunk substrate used in an upper bunk application in a vehicle.
Many vehicles, such as large over-the-road trucks, or long-haul tractor-trailers, include a sleeping compartment or other area in which one or more bunks may be placed so that the drivers have a place to sleep or relax during breaks in driving. Traditional construction methods for current bunk systems include metal structures with honeycomb, plywood or cot-like materials.
Current bunk systems having rigid sleeping surfaces are typically very hard and uncomfortable to sleep on or require large cushions or mattresses that take up storage space and add to the weight and cost of the bunk system. Moreover, current bunk systems for vehicle use require multiple pieces that must be mechanically attached using numerous fasteners or twin-sheet thermoformed urethane foam-filled bunks with integral metal structures.
A need still exists for a bunk arrangement, particularly an upper bunk, that can be compactly and conveniently stored within the vehicle so as to provide extended storage place, as well as a convenient and comfortable sleeping surface.


A posterior stabilized cruciate notch femoral cut guide shaped to fit over the distal end of a femur and including various cut guides to prepare the femur for a knee implant and methods for its use. Also described is a method for manufacturing the posterior stabilized cruciate notch femoral cut guide and various other cut guides and trialing instruments.

Currently, traditional cut guide designs and instruments are bulky, one-piece components that are expensive to produce. Such traditional cut guides are heavy, cumbersome, non-adjustable in rotation, and have permanently captured cutting slots, which can complicate the surgeon's efforts to properly prepare accurate surgical cuts needed for a successful TKR. Examples of such traditional cut guides are illustrated by the traditional posterior stabilized cruciate notch femoral cut guide 200 shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, and the traditional distal femoral cut guide 3000 depicted in FIG. 25. There is a need for lighter, more efficient and less costly cut guides as disclosed herein. Disclosed herein are instruments, and their methods to manufacture and use, that provide the surgeon with the ability to achieve all of his/her precise preparatory cuts, angular and rotational adjustments, functional checks, and trial confirmation with better designed and less expensive instrumentation.
Femoral trials are instruments that resemble the implanted femoral component and are critical for surgeons to assess and confirm proper restoration of critical outcomes and performance parameters including joint mechanics, range of motion, and soft tissue balance. Like the traditional cut guides, traditional femoral trials are a complex geometry and when provided with traditional methods are expensive and time consuming to produce. The described femoral trial is considerably less expensive to produce, while still satisfying the demanding surgical performance requirements that such an instrument must meet during the procedure.

Surgical devices for interventional orthopedic surgical applications and prosthetic trial devices and methods of making the same


Synthesis of integral skin microcellular polyurethane elatomers by reacting hydroxyl-terminated aliphatic polyesters with symmetrical diisocyanates, prepolymers of these isocyanates such as derived from p,p'-diphenylmethane diisocyanate and an aliphatic glycol and mixtures thereof, these are polymerized in the presence of an organic blowing agent, and one or more plasticizers such as of the formulae ##STR1## further enhancement of the results is brought about by the presence of catalysts and cell regulating agents, such as dimethylpolysiloxanes; the obtained elastomers are useful, such as for shoe soles and in the manufacture of other products, e.g., vibration dampening devices, floatation devices, gaskets and the like.

In the manufacture of microcellular polyurethane elastomers from polyesters for shoe soles, it has been virtually impossible to perfect a suitable technique for the molding of products which have an acceptable peripheral outer skin (integral skin). The manufacture of skins of this type is important for lacquering of soles to obain asthetically acceptable and durable products. Moreover, the skin should be impervious to water or oil, and should be free of surface blisters, voids, and other blemishes.
Most of the microcellular urethane elastomers are produced from a polyester and an isocyanate employing water or mixtures of water and organic solvents as blowing agents (reaction of water with isocyanate yields carbon dioxide), to obtain the desired expansion of the polymer to yield a product having a density of from about 20 to 50 lbs./cu. ft. (Specific gravity about 0.2 to 0.8 gm/cm.sup.3). When water is used as the reactant for blowing, the resulting product is microporous up to and including the skin itself. This type of product is much more difficult to paint or coat because it contains a fairly porous surface, necessitating the use of sealing primers prior to painting.
The manufacture of integral-skin products has several advantages including direct paintability without primer, better flex life, because of higher resistance to growth from a cut inflicted in the dense skin (known as "cut growth"), much higher tear strength of the skin, and generally superior abrasion resistance.
It has been observed that during the reaction of polyethers, glycol chain extenders and aromatic polyisocyanates (for example prepolymers of p,p'-diphenylmethane diisocyanate), in the presence of fluorocarbon blowing agents and appropriate catalysts, it is feasible to manufacture integral-skin microcellular polyurethanes having suitable surfaces. Although these products are employed in the manufacture of shoe soles, these products are somewhat deficient in wear and abrasion resistance and also with respect to oil and solvent resistance. Consequently, these products are less useful, in general, and especially for athletic or work shoes than the polyester based products.
Prior to the present invention, the manufacture of integral-skin microcellular polyurethane elastomers from polyesters has been difficult (apart from the obtaining even of a satisfactory skin). Polymerization of polyesters, glycol chain extenders, and prepolymers from p,p'-diphenylmethane diisocyanate in the presence of fluorocarbon blowing agents and appropriate catalysts has caused many difficulties, since the resulting product has a normally closed cell structure and will shrink upon cooling. Cell control agents, such as polydimethyl siloxanes or polyphenylmethyl siloxanes, are helpful in this respect, as are mineral oils and crude oils, but these have had the disadvantage of yielding surface blemishes such as voids or craters near or just below the product surface.

Integral skin microcellular polyester base polyurethane elastomers


Apparatus, systems and methods for isolation of traffic composition in performance metrics are disclosed. A change in a performance metric of a content provisioning system is determined. The change in the performance metric is compared to a weighted change expected from the content provisioning system if traffic was not a factor. A traffic independent change is determined from the weighted change. A traffic related change is determined.

This document relates to information presentation.
The performance of a content provisioning system, such as an advertisement provision system, is influenced by a variety of factors, including for example targeting quality, page views by user per day, economic conditions, average ad campaign quality, advertiser budget constraints, and types of publishers in the network. To increase performance, providers of a content provisioning system may change one or more quality performance requirements, such as quality measures, bid requirements, etc. Such changes, however, are predicated on expected performance increases; the true effect of these changes are verified after they are implemented by measuring system performance over a performance monitoring period. If after a performance monitoring period the changes are determined to increase performance, the changes can be permanently implemented. However, if the changes are determined to unexpectedly decrease performance, they can be removed to restore the system performance to the pre-change levels.
Performance of a content provisioning system, however, also depends on traffic composition factors, i.e., the percentage of traffic directed to particular web sites, domains, an other identifiable publishing providers. These traffic composition factors can be independent of other performance metrics. For example, on any given day, the relative traffic between two different websites can vary significantly. Conversely, the performance of each web site may be highly dependent on the performance requirements of the content provisioning system. Thus, if the traffic composition factors of the content provisioning system before a performance monitoring period are different from during the performance monitoring period, the effects of the changes of the performance requirements may be highly influenced by the traffic composition change in the network. This traffic influence can make it very difficult to measure the true effect imparted by the changes in the performance requirements.

Isolation of traffic composition change in performance metrics


A computer-implemented method and an apparatus for facilitating staffing of resources receives customer data corresponding to a plurality of customers of an enterprise. At least one intention is predicted for each customer to configure a plurality of intentions. An expected volume of interactions is estimated for at least one time period based on the plurality of intentions. Each interaction in the expected volume of interactions is associated with interaction attributes. Resource data corresponding to a plurality of resources of the enterprise is received. Each resource is associated with a plurality of resource attributes. At least one resource is mapped to each interaction based on a match between resource attributes associated with the at least one resource and the interaction attributes associated with the each interaction. A staffing of the plurality of resources is facilitated based on the mapping of the at least one resource to the each interaction.

Customer sales and service are vital components for success of any enterprise and often a differentiating factor between competing enterprises. Accordingly, many enterprises deploy human and/or machine-based resources for interacting with the customers for selling to them, for answering their queries and/or for resolving their concerns.
The primary objective of deployment of resources is to promptly handle the customer interactions. However, staffing of adequate resources is often a challenge. Conventional mechanisms staff resources based on historically observed averages of customer interactions over a similar time period. However, such mechanisms typically lead to over staffing or under-staffing of resources, resulting in poor customer experience and/or operating losses. Therefore, it is desirable to reduce instances of under staffing and over staffing of resources, and, moreover to appropriately staff resources for handling fluctuations in volume of customer interactions.

Method and apparatus for facilitating staffing of resources


A molybdenum-loaded crystalline aluminosilicate molecular sieve that exhibits the MFI crystal structure and has a silica-to-alumina ratio of about 50:1 is useful for aromatizing a hydrocarbon feed stream. The crystalline aluminosilicate preferably has an external surface acidity selectively passivated by means of an amorphous silica layer. A process for the aromatization of methane comprises a one- or multi-step process that contacts a feed stream comprising at least methane with a catalyst composition comprising the preferred molecular sieve, at hydrocarbon conversion conditions that include a temperature of 600-800xc2x0 C., a pressure of less than 5 atmospheres absolute and a Weight Hourly Space Velocity (WHSV) of 0.1-10 hxe2x88x921, with the external surface acidity of the crystalline aluminosilicate preferably selectively passivated by an amorphous silica layer. C6-plus aromatic hydrocarbons are preferably recovered from the process by means of an intermediate separation step.

Not applicable.
The present invention relates to a catalyst preparation and hydrocarbon conversion process used for upgrading natural gas into more valuable hydrocarbons. The invention specifically relates to a process for the conversion of hydrocarbon feedstock containing a major proportion of methane into liquids rich in aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzene, toluene, xylene and naphthalene. The scope of the invention preferably comprises the non-oxidative aromatization of methane using a crystalline aluminosilicate molecular sieve catalyst exhibiting a high conversion and a high selectivity to such aromatic hydrocarbons. Such crystalline aluminosilicate molecular sieve catalysts preferably contain molybdenum carbide or oxycarbide, have high stability, and are suitable for multiple regeneration.
There has been recognition in the prior art that it is desirable to convert methane into a higher molecular weight hydrocarbon. For instance, it is known that it is normally commercially unfeasible to transport methane produced with crude oil or natural gas from a well site to a distant location for consumption as fuel. Often the transportation problems relate to the extremely low temperatures needed to liquefy methane or to liquefy a gas mixture containing large amounts of methane. It is normally very costly to separate other light hydrocarbons such as ethane from methane and it is undesirable to admix methane with other hydrocarbons prior to transport. The result has been that large amounts of methane are essentially disposed of in a wasteful manner as by flaring without utilization of the hydrocarbonaceous nature of the methane.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,567,311 issued to L. DeVires et al. teaches the recognition of the general problem of methane utilization and also for its presentation of a process for the upgrading of methane using a specific silicon-containing catalyst. This reference provides an excellent discussion of the problems involved with methane utilization and provides a summary of the prior art relating to other methods of converting methane to ethylene or other C2+ hydrocarbons.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,565,897 issued to B. R. Gane et al. teaches the conversion of C2+ hydrocarbons using a catalyst comprising a ZSM-5 variety zeolite and gallium.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,654,455 issued to T. Chao teaches the preparation and use of a catalyst that comprises a phosphorous-containing alumina, a gallium component and a crystalline aluminosilicate such as a ZSM zeolite. The reference is directed to the conversion of C2-C5 aliphatic hydrocarbons to aromatic hydrocarbons.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,727,206 issued to D. M. Clayson et al. teaches the conversion of methane to aromatic hydrocarbons at 600-800 degrees C. using a catalyst that comprises an aluminosilicate such as a ZSM-5 variety zeolite, which has been exchanged or loaded with (i) gallium or a compound thereof and (ii) a metal or a compound thereof from Group VIIB of the Periodic Table. The preferred group VIIB metal is rhenium. This reference also teaches, at line 39-41 of column 1, that the feedstream may contain at least 50 percent and preferably at least 70 weight percent methane. The three examples all specify the aromatization of methane by contacting the catalyst with methane. Dantsin and Suslick, in an article entitled xe2x80x9cSonochemical Preparation of a Nanostructured Bifunctional Catalystxe2x80x9d, in the Journal of the American Chemical Society, Communications to the Editor, teach preparation of xe2x80x9ceggshell catalystsxe2x80x9d for the dehydroaromatization of methane to benzene, where the outer surface of the support holds nanometer sized catalyst particles. The catalyst of this reference has essentially all of the active metal on the outer surface of a ZSM-5 support relative to the pores.
It has been found that methane can be aromatized using a catalyst composition comprising a molybdenum-loaded crystalline aluminosilicate molecular sieve exhibiting the MFI crystal structure. The process of the invention preferably operates at reaction temperatures of 600-800xc2x0 C. in the absence of oxygen.
Accordingly, the present invention comprises preparation of a molybdenum-loaded crystalline aluminosilicate molecular sieve that exhibits the MFI crystal structure and has a silica-to-alumina ratio of about 50:1, said crystalline aluminosilicate preferably having the external surface acidity selectively passivated by means of an amorphous silica layer.
In another aspect, the invention comprises a one or multi-step process that contacts a feed stream, comprising at least methane, with a catalyst composition comprising a molybdenum-loaded crystalline aluminosilicate molecular sieve that exhibits the MFI crystal structure and has a silica-to-alumina ratio of 50:1, said crystalline aluminosilicate preferably having the external surface acidity selectively passivated by means of an amorphous silica layer, at hydrocarbon conversion conditions that include a temperature of 600-800xc2x0 C., a pressure of less than 5 atmospheres absolute and a Weight Hourly Space Velocity (WHSV) of 0.1-10 hxe2x88x921, and recovering product C6-plus hydrocarbons by means of an intermediate separation step.

Catalyst and process for aromatic hydrocarbons production from methane


An enhanced handoff signaling method is disclosed that provides a short negotiation time by avoiding the need to downgrade and upgrade, provides greater efficiency by preventing calls from being dropped due to unsuccessful negotiation after the mobile station has moved to the target system, and minimizes the signaling load on the spectrum during handoff negotiations. The method includes the steps of negotiating air interface attributes that the target system can grant, sending a single message to the mobile station to order the mobile station to execute a handoff and to convey granted air interface attributes to the mobile station and executing a handoff of the mobile station to channels on the target system in accordance with the granted air interface attributes. Accordingly, a channel is not dropped even when the target system supports air interface attributes different from the source system. Further, the negotiating is performed solely over wireline links between the source system and the target system, and no negotiation involving the mobile station is required.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates in general to communication systems, and more particularly to an enhanced handoff signaling for high speed data and multimedia.
2. Description of Related Art
Cellular communication systems, operate on various air interface standards. For example, there is the first generation Analog Mobile Phone Systems (AMPS) whose air interface is described in detail in EIA/TIA (Electronics Industry Association/Telecommunications Industry Association) IS-553. Second generation standards include the U.S. Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) standard, IS-54/IS-136, GSM (Global System for Mobile communications), and a Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) standard, IS-95. In addition, there are standards for wireless local area networks that specify the air interface between stations and between stations and access points.
A major driver for the evolution to third generation cellular communication systems is the provision of high speed data and multimedia services. This implies that wireless networks must provide high speed packet-based and circuit-based transport and bandwidth-upon-demand, as well as support multimedia applications. Since the radio spectrum is limited, future wireless systems will have micro/picocellular architectures in order to provide the higher capacity needed to support high speed data services. Due to the small coverage area of micro/picocells and characteristics of the multipath and shadow fading radio environment, hand-off events in future microcellular systems will occur at a much higher rate as compared to today's macrocellular systems, and control of such systems will introduce a new set of challenges including handling the increased load on the wireless spectrum during handoff negotiations.
Wireless/mobile connections may be viewed as consisting of paths (or routes) through the backbone network; and radio links between the mobile, wireless terminals and base stations (or access points) which connect mobile users to the fixed backbone network through mobile switching centers (MSC), or functionally equivalent entities. In what follows, "wireless network" refers to the base stations and MSCs, or functionally equivalent entities.
When the quality of a radio link between a wireless terminal and its base station degrades, a new base station with acceptable quality must be found (hand-off), and network control functions need to be invoked in the wireless network, and possibly in the fixed network. Hand-off requires the establishment of a new route, which transports the user data destined to (or originated from) the wireless terminal to (or from) the new base station. Here, network call processing functions need to be invoked in order to set up such a route and ensure that the newly established route maintains acceptable quality-of-service (QOS) to both the wireless connection and to pre-existing calls sharing links of the new route. Furthermore, to execute hand-off, one must first ensure that the new wireless connection does not overload the new system and then create a radio link between the mobile terminal and the new base station. As one can see, a substantial number of call processing and control functions of the fixed and wireless network must be invoked to complete a hand-off event.
High speed data services require more complex service and air interface attributes than speech or lower speed data services. Service attributes are relevant to the calling party and called party's applications and are independent of air interface attributes. Examples of service attributes are an indication whether the bit rates are the same in both directions (symmetric) or not (asymmetric), the bit rate range, acceptable residual error rate, acceptable delay, etc. Air interface attributes are relevant only to the air interface. For example, in IS95, these attributes specify characteristics such as the multiplex option, rate set, etc. In essence air interface attributes provide the information required for building and interpreting traffic channel frames. With the advent of third generation systems, it is quite possible that there will be various types of base stations, i.e., base stations that support different sets of air interface attributes.
For convenience and conciseness, the collection of service attributes pertaining to a call are referred to as the Application Service Configuration (ASC). Herein below, ASC will be used interchangeably with service attributes. Note that the term "call" is used here in the broadest sense, and may include a multimedia conference or packet data session. The air interface attributes are referred to as High Speed Data Service Configuration (HSDSC). Herein below, HSDSC will be used interchangeably with air interface attributes. If a system does not have the required resources, the HSDSC may only meet the minimum requirements of the ASC, not the preferred ones. Examples of ASC and HSDSC will be discussed below. In what follows, in the most general case, "system" refers to a base station and the associated MSC.
Handoff between systems cannot be carried out unless a service negotiation take place so the target system and mobile terminal can agree on HSDSC that are compatible with their respective capabilities and also meet the service requirements, as indicated by the ASC. Service negotiation has to be efficient to minimize duration of service disruption caused by handoff, and minimize signaling load on spectrum resources.
One approach is to downgrade the radio channels to a default lower speed, carry out the handoff using the existing second generation handoff signaling procedure (for lower speed data), and perform service negotiation once the mobile is on the target system. After negotiation is completed, the air interface may be upgraded to the agreed upon higher bandwidth. The drawbacks of the method are a longer negotiation time, caused by the additional steps to downgrade and upgrade, and lower efficiency, caused by the possibility of the call being dropped due to unsuccessful negotiation after handoff is performed. Also, there is a heavier signaling load on the wireless link, where bandwidth is at a premium.
It can be seen that there is a need for an enhanced handoff signaling method that provides a short negotiation time by avoiding the need to downgrade and upgrade.
It can also be seen that there is a need for an enhanced handoff signaling method that provides greater efficiency by preventing calls from being dropped due to unsuccessful negotiation after the mobile station (MS) has moved to the target system.
It can also be seen that there is a need for an enhanced handoff signaling method that minimizes the signaling load on the wireless spectrum during handoff negotiations.
It can also be seen that there is a need for a target system to be capable of granting air interface attributes that more closely match the preferred service attributes, when the target system has the resources to do so, and when the air interface attributes currently in effect on the source system happens to not match the preferred service attributes.
It can also be seen that there is a need for an enhanced handoff signaling method that gives the option to switch to a new HSDSC, provided the new HSDSC is compatible with the mobile terminal's capabilities and meets the service requirements.

Enhanced handoff signaling for high speed data and multimedia


A tank toilet with a ball cock, flap valve, or other type of flush valve that is opened manually by lever operating a chain or the like is retrofitted and also made to operate electrically by installation in the tank of the toilet of a float that rides on a substantially vertical shaft that constrains motion of the float. The float is connected by a floating chain to the flush valve. When the flush tank is empty or nearly empty, the float sinks near the bottom of the shaft, where it is held in place by a sear as the tank fills. A solenoid located above the water level is connected to the sear by a lever. When the solenoid is energized, the sear is withdrawn, permitting the float to rise on the shaft, pull the plastic chain, and operate the flush valve. The electrically-operated flushing system does not interfere with manual operation of the flushing lever of the toilet.

This invention is related to toilets. In particular, it is a device for flushing a toilet electrically that may be used instead of the typical hand-operated flushing lever and that is particularly adapted to be added to an existing tank toilet having a ball-cock or other flush valve that is operated by a chain or the like.
Most existing residential toilets are tank toilets. That is, they include a tank of water that is emptied into a toilet bowl at a rate that is initially faster than the rate at which water can run out of the bowl. This raises the level of the water in the toilet bowl and causes a relatively rapid evacuation of the contents of the bowl when the level is high enough to break a siphon in the outlet from the bowl. This process requires a water tank that holds an appropriate amount of water in a location higher than the toilet bowl, means for filling the toilet bowl to a desired level, and means for emptying the tank into the bowl. It is useful to add means for preventing overflow of the tank, typically an overflow standpipe that is connected to the inside of the rim of the toilet to discharge water from under the rim of the bowl. The tank is connected to the toilet bowl by a conduit that typically has a relatively large diameter, of the order of inches. This lets the water tank empty into the bowl in a time of the order of seconds. The conduit is sealed in the tank by a ball cock or flap valve.
Normal operation of the flush cycle is as follows. With the tank filled with water to the desired level, a user works a lever that causes the ball cock or flap valve to be lifted by a chain or the like, opening the conduit from the tank to the bowl. Water rushes through the conduit to the bowl, lowering the level in the tank and raising the level in the bowl. A float-controlled valve or other valve that is sensitive to the level of water in the tank is opened by the lowered level, and water begins to flow into the tank as soon as the level of water in the tank starts to drop. A tube is typically connected from the float valve or other level-control valve to the standpipe to cause water to flow in the standpipe while the level-control valve is open. The water continues to flow into the bowl until it reaches a predetermined low level, at which point the flush valve closes. The main flushing action stops at this point as the tank begins to refill. While this happens, water continues to flow in the tube to the standpipe, maintaining the flow into the rim of the bowl to continue the rinsing action in the bowl and also provide a continuing input of water to the bowl while the tank is filling. Water flows into the tank until it reaches the predetermined level, at which point the float valve or other level-control valve shuts off the flow of water. The toilet is ready to repeat the cycle.
It is difficult to operate the typical tank toilet with a lever that is placed anywhere except on the tank. This location restricts bathroom designers who want to control the flushing of a toilet from locations other than the tank, and it also presents a problem to handicapped people who are confined to wheelchairs, especially if they are paraplegics. The location of the handle on the toilet also makes it difficult to equip a tank toilet to be flushed by a foot pedal. Mechanical linkages have been developed which enable tank toilets to be flushed by foot pedals, but these linkages tend to be complicated, difficult to clean, and easy to damage.
The desire to have a device that will flush a toilet by the use of electricity is not new. U.S. Pat. No. 342,495, entitled "Apparatus Governed by Electricity for Flushing Water Closets," was issued on May 25, 1886. It teaches a solenoid operated by a remote switch and connected to a lever or chain that lifts a ball cock to flush a toilet. The '495 patent is adapted to the tanks of the time that were located high in the air. It teaches no means for flushing the toilet manually, and is thus not readily adapted to be retrofitted to an existing toilet that is flushed manually.
Any device that is developed to make it easier for people, and especially handicapped people, to flush toilets or that makes it easier to flush tank toilets from remote locations will be most useful if it is adapted for installation in existing tank toilets without extensive modification of the existing flushing mechanisms. For many existing toilets that use lever-operated ball cock valves and are refilled by a valve controlled by a float at the end of a lever, it may be necessary to create room in the flush tank by substituting a flush valve that uses an integral level-control valve of the type that is sold as a replacement unit. The float-lever tank toilets have a relatively small amount of room in the tank to install the apparatus of the present invention, and most commercially available lever-operated float valves need most of the room in the top of the flush tank to provide enough moment on a lever arm to close the valve when the tank is full. In addition, any such device that is added to an existing toilet must not interfere with normal manual operation of the toilet, either as a matter of choice by a user or in case of electrical failure.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a remotely controlled flusher for a tank toilet.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide an electrically-operated flushing mechanism for a tank toilet.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a remotely operable flushing unit that is electrically operated for a tank toilet.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a remotely operable flushing unit that can be installed in an existing tank toilet having a ball cock, flap valve, or other flush valve operated by a chain.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a remotely operable flushing unit for a tank toilet that operates in conjunction with an existing manually-operated flushing device in the toilet.
Other objects will become apparent in the course of a detailed description of the invention.


A plasma addressed liquid crystal display in which the structure of the plasma address portion is improved is disclosed. In the plasma address portion of the present liquid crystal display, a plurality of independent parallel discharge spaces are formed by the grooves formed on a middle plate, and each pair of second electrodes formed by a screen printing are formed to be opposed on the groove. The liquid crystal display has advantages of easy manufacturing of a low cost.

The present invention relates to a plasma addressed liquid crystal display, and more particularly to a plasma addressed liquid crystal display having a plasma address portion of an improved structure, thereby having an improved manufacturing.
There are several types of display devices such as a conventional cathode ray tube using a high speed electron beam, a vacuum fluorescent display using low speed electron beam, a plasma display using gas discharge, an electro-luminescence (the so-called E.L) display, a liquid crystal display using the electro-optic effect, etc. These display devices are different in function and structural characteristics, so that according to their characteristics, they have been selectively applied.
The common point of these display devices is in that an electrical picture signal or data signal, etc. is visualized. In various ways, the structures and functions are improved and developed.
Recently, a new matrix-type display which is constituted by the combination of a plasma discharge display, and an electro optic display, i.e. a liquid crystal display, is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,896,149 by Tektronix. This display in which one line is addressed by plasma discharge is structured in such a way that, as shown in FIG. 1, a liquid crystal shutter 10 where a plurality of stripe-like pixel electrodes 14 are arranged in parallel is lapped over a plasma addressing portion 20 where a plurality of unit discharge lines 21 are arranged perpendicular to the stripe-like pixel electrodes 11 of the liquid crystal shutter 10. An ordinary back light generator (not shown) is provided at the rear of plasma addressing portion 20.
In detail with reference to FIG. 2, first of all, in the liquid crystal shutter 10, a liquid crystal 16 is injected between two plates, i.e., transparent front plate 12 and middle plate 13, and a stripe-like pixel electrode 14 is formed on the inner surface of the front plate 12. In the plasma addressing portion 20, a plurality of grooves 24 for forming a discharge line 21 in perpendicular to the strip-like pixel electrodes 14 are formed in parallel on the rear plate 25, and a pair of electrodes 22 and 23 are provided on the both bottom sides of each groove 24. The rear plate 25 is closely adhered to the middle plate 13 of the liquid crystal shutter 10, so that the groove 24 forms a sealed discharge space, where a discharge gas is filled.
In liquid crystal shutter 10, since a data signal is applied to a selected pixel electrode 14, a potential for activating the liquid crystal is formed along a selected pixel electrode 14. In plasma addressing portion 20, according to the ionized state of each discharge line due to the plasma discharge of each sequentially-selected plasma scanning line 21, a positive potential for activating the liquid crystal 16 is formed linearly along scanning line 21 on middle substrate 13 in contact with the liquid crystal. Accordingly, a potential difference is formed by a selected pixel electrode 14 of liquid crystal shutter 10 and scanning line 21 of plasma addressing portion 20. Liquid crystal 16 positioned at the intersection is activated and oriented by the potential difference at the interconnection, which forms a light passing area through which light from the rear ward back light generator passes.
In other words, in plasma addressing portion 20, when voltage of a predetermined potential is applied to a pair of parallel electrodes 22 and 23 on a sequentially selected scanning line, linear direct-current-discharge occurs between parallel electrodes 22 and 23. Due to this, a linear ionization region is formed along scanning line 21 on the thinner middle substrate 13. When the linear ionization region is formed on middle substrate 13 by the linear discharge on scanning line 21 selected by the scanning signal a data signal is selectively applied to data electrode 14 of the upper liquid crystal shutter 10. When liquid crystal is then activated by the potential difference at the intersection of the selected data electrode 14 and the selected and discharged scanning line 21 and is locally re-arranged, back light passes, forming one picture point.
Such a display is a planar display of special type in which a liquid crystal is oriented by the pixel electrode and the discharge line, and has the following disadvantages. As described above, since the structure of the addressing portion is based on the grooves 25 formed on the rear plate and the extra material sealing it, for instance, the middle plate 13 of the above liquid crystal shutter, its manufacturing process is very complicated. Moreover, the thickness of the middle plate is about 50 .mu.m or less, so that there is a high probability of being broken during handling. Thus, the maximum size of the middle plate is limited.
Meanwhile, since the electrode for plasma discharge is formed on the bottom of the groove of the rear plate, its manufacturing is very difficult. Accordingly, the manufacturing process has difficulties in that this conventional liquid crystal display cannot be applied with the convenient electrode manufacturing method such as the general silk screen printing method.

Plasma addressed liquid crystal display with grooves in middle plate


A communication system facilitates both voice and data communications between endpoint devices and includes a switch and at least one peripheral device. The switch includes a switch interface while each peripheral devices includes a peripheral device interface. In combination, the switch and the peripheral device route communications through an asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) network. However, the switch interface and the peripheral device interface operate so that the communications, from the viewpoint of the switch and the peripheral device, are seamlessly transferred in a native communication protocol which may be a time switched protocol. Each peripheral device couples to a respective plurality of endpoint devices. Each peripheral device then connects to the ATM network via a respective peripheral device interface. The switch couples to the ATM network via the switch interface. In its operation, the switch sets up calls from one endpoint device to another endpoint device. In setting up the calls, the switch manages the peripheral devices and determines routing via the ATM network for the call. Such call setup functions may be performed either via a connection to the peripheral device over the ATM network or may be performed on a dedicated control line. The switch also interfaces to the public switched telephone network and routes communications from one endpoint device to another endpoint device via both the ATM network and the public switched telephone network. At least one of the endpoint devices provides both voice and data communications. In such case, the voice communications may be routed by the switch while the data communications may routed by a respective peripheral device if the data communications have a differing destination.

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates generally to the communication systems; and more particularly to a wired communication system facilitating both voice and data communications, the wired communication system employing an (asynchronous transfer mode) ATM network for a portion of its switching path.
2. Related Art
Wired communication systems that facilitate voice communications are well known in the art. Further, enterprise based wired communication systems are also well known in the art. In such enterprise communication systems, an organization purchases or rents its own switching equipment to facilitate voice communications within the organization. In such systems, the user typically purchases a local switch referred to as a private branch exchange (PBX) to provide local switching for end point devices, such as telephones, as well as to provide an interface to the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN).
In its operation, the PBX sets up and routes voice communications between end point devices that are located within the organization. Further, the PBX also sets up communications between the end point devices it serves and distant endpoint device connected to the PBX by an enterprise network or the PSTN. In some enterprise communication systems, peripheral equipment is also installed to service endpoint devices which provide interfaces to a number of endpoint devices. For example, a university or large corporation may have a centrally located PBX and have peripheral equipment located at each physical location where end point devices reside.
The peripheral equipment is linked to the PBX via a dedicated time switched line such as a T1 line. In such systems, the PBX typically sets up all calls between the end point devices. Further, in some systems, the PBX routes all calls within the enterprise communication system. Thus, in some systems, the peripheral equipment acts merely to package calls onto and from the lines linking the PBX to the peripheral equipment. Such packaging of calls, which may be coded in a pulse code modulated (PCM) format, is typically accomplished via a time division multiplexing (TDM) scheme.
As organizations expand at their physical locations, the number of endpoint devices increases, and additional peripheral equipment must be installed to service the additional end point devices. Additional dedicated lines must also be installed from the new peripheral equipment to the PBX. The cost of these lines is often substantial since the lines must typically be leased from a local phone company or be completed with dedicated hardware connections that are expensive to install.
In many organizations, local area networks, wide area networks, and global area networks service data transfer among computer systems operating within the organization. An example of such a network is an asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) network. An ATM network is packet based and is typically a dedicated network having its own set of switches, routers, repeaters and other equipment which is interconnected by dedicated communication lines. Network computers connect either directly to the ATM network or via a bridge between another type of computer network, e.g. an Ethernet network, and the ATM network. Operation of the ATM network is incompatible with the time switched voice communication network since the ATM network is a packet based network and the voice communications network operates in a time switched fashion. Thus, when an organization expands, the ATM network must be expanded in addition to expansion of the voice network to facilitate additional computer resources.
Thus, there is a need in the art for a system that combines resources required for voice communications and data transfer so that required expansions for the transmission of data between computers and required expansions for voice communications in an enterprise type system may combine resources.

Communication system and method of operation for interfacing a private branch exchange with an asynchronous transmission mode voice and data network to provide seamless communication routing


A method of detecting the level of transcriptionally-related gene expression from a population of cells includes the steps of isolating mRNA and DNA from a population of cells, quantifying the amount of a specific subpopulation of target mRNA transcribed from the target DNA and normalizing the amount of quantified target mRNA to target DNA for measuring transcriptional activity of the target DNA; a measure of gene expression per gene dosage.

The detection of gene expression is paramount for the detection of the functioning of organisms in their respective environments. There is a great commercial interest in being able to detect the effects of certain environmental stimuli, such as environmental contaminations, on populations of cells in the environment (both aquatic and terrestrial environments). For example, there is great commercial interest in quantifying the effect of various types of commercial dumping in bodies of water, such as gulfs and oceans, on these ecosystems.
Specific applications of the measurement of gene expression include 1) the functioning of bacteria in fermentors for the production of biotechnological products; 2) the detection and measurement of microorganism activity in the environment, either for bioremediation, activity of genetically engineered organisms for agricultural, or pesticide activity; and 3) the measurement of activity of natural microbial components of ecosystems, including nitrogen fixing organisms, carbon dioxide fixing organisms (to assess the impact of greenhouse gases and their bioremediation), sulphate-reducing organisms, nitrate-reducers, nitrifiers etc.
An integral part of all gene expression methodologies is the isolation of mRNA. When a gene is active, the first process following gene activation is the synthesis of mRNA on a DNA template. This process is termed "transcription". If the mRNA is isolated and probed with a probe which is homologous to the mRNA, the total amount of mRNA can be quantified and the extent of expression of the target gene determined. Unlike the detection of activity for a particular enzyme, where there are different reagents, detection systems etc. which are needed, only one basic technology is needed to detect expression at the mRNA level of any gene in all organisms.
Currently, technology exists for the rapid isolation of mRNA from eucaryotic cells. This process involves guanidinium-isothiocyanate extraction followed by chromatography on polydT cellulose or some other support that takes advantage of the fact that all eucaryotic mRNA's have polyA tails.
No simple technology exists for the isolation of procaryotic (bacterial) mRNA because procaryotic mRNA lack polyA tails. Additionally, bacterial cell walls are more refractile than eucaryotic cells and require some degree of mechanical disruption. Thus, the present invention combines guanidinium-isothiocyanate extraction with mechanical disruption for RNA isolation from procaryotic cells.
Target gene mRNA isolation, detection, and quantification is not enough to determine the level of gene expression by specific microorganisms. For example, a high concentration of mRNA of a target gene may be only the result of a large concentration of cells. Prior art methods can only determine total mRNA content but cannot determine whether a single cell is producing a tremendous amount of mRNA or a whole population of cells is producing a very small amount mRNA. It is conceivable that a sample from an environment may yield a high target mRNA level because it has a very large quantity of cells with a low level of gene expression. Thus, it is essential to normalize the amount of mRNA present to the number of target cells. Typically, this has been done by normalizing mRNA to 23S rRNA content on gels. Although this may be an accurate method for pure cultures, this method will not function to provide useful data in mixed cultures or in the environment where a large amount of nontarget 23S rRNA will be present.
Various prior art methods have been used for the isolation of mRNA. For example, Pichard and Paul (1) disclosed the extraction of mRNA from procaryotic organisms using a modification of method of Chomczynski and Sacchi (2) combined with radio-labeled sense and antisense RNA probes to detect expression of specific genes in isolated indigenous populations of microorganisms. The reference does not disclose any further steps for combining the extraction of DNA from an additional aliquot of the same sample with sense or antisense RNA probe to quantitate expression of specific DNA sequences, target genes, and from this, information determining the amount of specific RNA expressed per target gene DNA in a mixed cell population.
Rymaszewski et al. (3) discloses a method of measurement of DNA content in cell lysates prepared for subsequent isolation of mRNA from the same sample of eucaryotic cell lines or cell cultures. The total DNA content is determined in the quantitation of cellular mRNA in relation to total cellular DNA content is made. The reference does not mention the determination of the level of the specific mRNA in relation to its specific DNA sequence (gene dose).
Raha et al. (4) discloses a method for the simultaneous extraction of total cellular RNA and DNA from the same sample as do the Karlinsey et al. reference (5) and the Zarkenga and Gamble reference (6). The isolated RNA and DNA is suitable for dot blot analysis. Neither reference shows or suggests the determination of the level of specific mRNA expression in relation to its specific DNA sequence by the use of radio-labeled sense or antisense RNA probes.
Atlas and Sayler (7) disclosed the direct extraction of DNA from environmental samples (i.e. mixed cell population) coupled with dot blot hybridization of radio-labeled DNA probe as a method for monitoring the presence of a specific DNA sequence, target gene, in the environment. The reference does not suggest or show monitoring of radio-labeled sense or antisense RNA probes to determine the level of mRNA expression of a specific DNA sequence.
The following references provide technical background for the present invention but are no more pertinent with regard to the patentability of the present invention than those references discussed above: Fleming, J.T. et al. (8); Tsai, Y-L et al. (9); Tsai, Y-L et al. (10); Oelmuller, U. et al. (11); and U.S. Pat. No. 5,021,335 to Tecott et al.
No prior art reference solves the problem of detecting gene expression in mixed cultures or in the environment which is adequate for the commercial applications discussed above. The present invention provides a novel solution to the problem by determining the target, or gene specific mRNA per target DNA or gene expression per gene dosage of sample. This is the most accurate measure of transcriptional activity in the gene expression providing significantly more useful information than the prior art methods set forth above.

Method for measuring specific gene expression: transcriptional activity per gene dose


An intramedullary nail, comprises a proximal portion, a middle portion and a distal portion. The proximal portion has a longitudinal slot and the distal portion has at least one transversal bore. The proximal portion has a longitudinal axis and a longitudinal bore extending over the longitudinal extension of the slot in the distal direction. The longitudinal bore has an internal thread. An insert which is intended to be inserted in the longitudinal bore. The insert comprises a guiding bore in the form of a slot which is intended to receive fixing elements. The alignment of the guiding bore of said insert is transverse with respect to the longitudinal axis of the proximal portion. The insert has a compression screw adapted to be screwed into said internal thread of the longitudinal bore of the proximal portion to move a fixing element in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the intramedullary nail.

The present invention refers to a modular intramedullary nail, more particularly to a modular femoral intramedullary nail comprising a nail which is composed of a proximal portion, a middle portion and a distal portion, said proximal portion having a longitudinal slot and said distal portion having at least one transversal bore.
So-called unreamed locking intramedullary nails have been used for the treatment of fractures of tubular bones for some time now. Lately, the indications of such intramedullary nails have been extended to include proximal fractures of the femur shaft, these fractures existing in a great diversity while their treatment is extremely complex. As a consequence, a great number of intramedullary nails have been developed which take into account the different types of fractures. These nails only distinguish themselves by the manner in which the proximal fixing screws are positioned according to the type of fracture. This leads to an expensive storage of a large number of nails and instruments. Furthermore, it is increasingly difficult for the surgeon and the nurses to master a great number of different implant systems in such a manner that an optimum treatment of fractures is ensured.
WO-94/13219 describes an unreamed intramedullary nail of modular structure which allows a considerable reduction of the number of required intramedullary nails by its diversity in use. The intramedullary nail is provided with a cylindrical sleeve which is adapted to be slid over its proximal end in a telescopic manner and whose design allows different modes of attachment in order to adapt the intramedullary nail to the required application. However, such a telescopic attachment is not optimal with respect to biomechanical aspects, which must be considered as essential on account of the great loads at the proximal femur, and furthermore, the proximal portion of the nail is additionally thickened by the attached sleeve, thus resulting in negative effects with respect to the vascularization of the neck area of the femur head. Finally, the telescopic attachment compulsorily lengthens the nail, resulting in a modification of its original length.
DE 85 33 134 U describes a device for treating a bone fracture, which comprises a proximal hollow portion accepting a threaded bolt for fixing a screw in a transversal slot. This device is designed for a particular type of fracture and does not permit the reduction of required intramedullary nails.
On the background of this prior art, it is the object of the present invention to provide a modular intramedullary nail and a relating method where the above-mentioned drawbacks are eliminated and which has an increased biomechanical stability and ensures a better vascularization. This object is attained by an intramedullary nail wherein the proximal portion comprises a longitudinal bore extending over the longitudinal extension of said slot in the distal direction and an insert which is intended to be inserted in said longitudinal bore, said insert comprising at least one guiding bore which is intended to receive fixing elements.


The present invention is related to an apparatus that can include a portable computer with a keyboard apparatus and/or a docking station. A keyboard apparatus can be secured to a main body of the computer system and selectively enable users to input data when the computer (e.g., web pad) is turned on. The keyboard apparatus can be used for a portable multi-type computer with web pad function and notebook personal computer. The docking station can include a stand pivotably coupled to a dock that can receive the main body with/without the keyboard apparatus. The docking station can support selective display in a portrait or landscape mode. Further, combinations of the portable multi-type computer allows unique versatility of viewable options of a display of the main body (e.g., web pad) when with the keyboard apparatus and/or docking station.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a portable computer system.
2. Background of the Related Art
As more business is being handled outside the office, people prefer a notebook personal computer (PC) to a desktop PC or a personal digital assistant (PDA) because the notebook PCs are more convenient to carry out and operate outside of the office with high functionality. A related art desk top computer has large keyboards and a wide variety of peripheral devices. Large keyboards or a wide variety of peripheral devices may not be practical in the portable or mobile computer, because they may make the portable computer prohibitively large or heavy (e.g. making them ill suited for traveling).
A related art notebook PC is one main body including a system with keyboard to input text or data attached to the main body. Although the notebook PC can be carried anywhere, its weight is rather heavy and it is occasionally inconvenient to use. To reduce the total weight, a floppy disk drive (FDD) or an optical disk drive was separated from the main body, and connected to the main body only if necessary for use.
Related art personal digital assistances (PDAs) allow one to input data by using a stylus pen to tap a virtual keyboard on a display or actually write on the display. However, tapping the virtual keyboard on an extremely small screen is difficult. Further, when one writes characters on the liquid display that is normally sensitive to any type of pressure, a web pad recognizes the characters as a text. In doing so, however, the web pad makes a number of errors (e.g., character recognition error). Also, it is not easy to write document while the web pad is not being steadily supported or is moving.
Accordingly, there has been a long felt need for a computer that is mobile, but also has a capabilities of a larger keyboard and a broad range of peripheral device. The above references are incorporated by reference herein where appropriate for appropriate teachings of additional or alternative details, features and/or technical background.


In a low pressure type air separation apparatus provided with a reversing heat exchanger for removing water vapor and carbon dioxide gas in feed air, a nitrogen gas taken out of a high pressure column in a duplex type rectification tower is led to an expander for generating subcooling for the air separation apparatus, and the effluent nitrogen gas is obtained under a predetermined pressure by controlling a pressure of the effluent gas from the expander. The effluent nitrogen gas is adjusted to a temperature satisfactory for the inlet temperature conditions for the reversing heat exchanger by passing the effluent nitrogen gas through a heat exchanger, and then is passed through the reversing heat exchanger, whereby the effluent gas from the reversing exchanger is obtained as a product nitrogen gas under a predetermined pressure.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a process for recovering nitrogen in a low pressure type air separation apparatus provided with a reversing heat exchanger for removing water vapor and carbon dioxide gas from feed air, which is applicable to recovery of a product nitrogen gas under a predetermined pressure higher than the pressure of a nitrogen gas taken out of a low pressure column of duplex type rectification tower, but lower than the pressure of a nitrogen gas directly taken out of a high pressure column of the duplex type rectification column.
2. Prior Art
When a nitrogen gas from a high pressure column (which will be hereinafter referred to as "lower column") of duplex type rectification tower is used as a feed fluid for an expander in a low pressure type air separation apparatus using a reversing heat exchanger, the nitrogen gas is adiabatically expanded down to a pressure of a low pressure column (which will be hereinafter referred to as "upper column") of the duplex type rectification tower to increase the subcooling generation in the expander, and the effluent nitrogen gas from the expander is mixed with a low pressure product nitrogen from the upper column or a waste nitrogen gas according to the conventional process.
Recently a demand for nitrogen is increasing in various fields, and its application purposes are made versatile by employing new systems, etc. The pressure of a nitrogen gas recovered in the low pressure air separation apparatus is generally 100-500 mm Aq when the nitrogen gas is taken out of the upper column. When a nitrogen gas under a superatmospheric pressure is required, a nitrogen gas can be directly taken out of the lower column and supplied under a pressure of 4-5 kg/cm.sup.2 gage. However, in the latter case, it is necessary to increase the rate of feed air to meet the required pressure, and this is disadvantageous from the viewpoint of power requirement. Recently there is a demand for an air separation apparatus capable of recovering the nitrogen gas under a relatively low pressure of 0.5-2 kg/cm.sup.2 gage, depending upon application purposes.
To meet such a demand in the conventional low pressure type air separation apparatus, another nitrogen compressor is required in taking the nitrogen gas from the upper column, whereas the pressure becomes higher than required in directly taking the nitrogen gas from the lower column, resulting in an increase in power loss.
Furthermore in the low pressure type air separation apparatus using a reversing heat exchanger, it is necessary to control the temperature of return gas such as nitrogen gas, etc. to a specific temperature because of a sublimation problem of carbon dioxide gas in the reversing heat exchanger. For this purpose, two heat exchangers are provided at the outlet of the expander, where one of the heat exchangers serves as a heat exchanger for elevating the temperature of the effluent gas from the expander if it is lower than the inlet temperature of the reversing heat exchanger, and another serves as a heat exchanger for cooling if it is too high. However, the provision of two heat exchangers and switching a high temperature fluid to a low temperature fluid or vice versa to control the temperature of the effluent gas from the expander are not only expensive from the viewpoint of apparatus, but also complicated from the viewpoint of automatic temperature control, and thus this system has not actually been employed yet.
According to one actually employed example, another passage is provided at a liquefier in the waste nitrogen line from the upper column and employed without any automatic control on the basis of the fact that the saturation temperature of air in the lower column is not changed. This system is applicable to the apparatus of not so large scale without any problem, but in the case of the apparatus of large scale, a heat transfer area must be increased because of the gas-gas heat exchange in the heat exchanger, and thus the system is disadvantageous in cost.

Process for recovering nitrogen in low pressure type air separation apparatus


A method and apparatus for measuring characteristics of meat, such as beef. More particularly, the invention uses quantitative analysis of ultrasonic A scan signals to measure the following characteristics of meat in real time: the percentage of intramuscular fat, the quality grade, the merit number, the depth of back fat, the depth of the rump fat, and the body composition (yield grade). The ultrasonic A scan signals are measured above the twelfth rib, above the thirteenth rib, between the twelfth and thirteenth ribs, and in the rump area. The invention can be used with either live or processed animals.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a method and apparatus for measuring characteristics of meat, such as beef. More particularly, the invention uses quantitative analysis of an ultrasonic A scan signal to measure the following characteristics of meat: the percentage of intramuscular fat, the quality grade, the merit number, the depth of back fat, the depth of the rump fat, and body composition (also referred to as yield). Ultrasonic A scan signals are measured above the twelfth rib, above the thirteenth rib, between the twelfth and thirteenth ribs, and in the rump area of the animal (halfway between the hang bone and the pin bone). The invention can be used with either live or slaughtered animals.
2. Description of the Related Art
Traditionally, meat is visually inspected and graded after an animal has been slaughtered. With beef, for example, a cut is made between the 12th and 13th rib. A grader then visually inspects the exposed meat. Based on the appearance of this cross section, the grader classifies the meat according to predetermined standards that reflect the amount of intramuscular fat, or marbling, present in the meat. Typically, beef is classified according to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) guidelines. Under USDA guidelines, meat can be classified as standard, select, choice or prime.
The visual inspection of meat has several disadvantages. First, the grading is subjectively based on the opinion of the grader. Different graders may assign different grades to the same piece of meat. Even the same grader might assign different grades to the same meat on different days. This is extremely important because the value of the meat is directly dependent on the grade it is assigned.
Visual grading of meat is also limited because the grader only has access to an area of the meat exposed at the cut. Generally, this grading is based solely on the quality of the meat at the cut between the 12th and 13th ribs. If that area does not accurately reflect the entire side of meat, the quality grade assigned to the meat will be incorrect.
Moreover, traditional techniques only provide information based on what is visually apparent to the grader. While the grader can visually estimate the marbling of the beef there is no way for him to determine the flavor and tenderness, or "merit," of the meat. This is important because one out of four sides of beef classified as "prime" is still rejected as unsatisfactory by discriminating customers, such as restaurants specializing in beef steak.
The traditional method obviously cannot be used to grade the quality of live cattle. Knowing exactly when to slaughter cattle is important to maximize profits. Ranchers send herds of cattle to feed lots prior to processing. The feed lots attempt to create the highest quality meat at the lowest cost. Currently, feed lots must estimate when an entire group, or pen, of cattle has been sufficiently fed. A pen might contain 50, 100, or even 150 head of cattle. If the cattle have not been fed long enough the quality of the meat, and its value, suffers. On the other hand, if the cattle are fed too long the increase in the quality of the meat will not justify the extra expense of feeding the animals plus a reduced grade penalty. Because there is no way to determine the quality of live cattle, an owner can only estimate the point of maximum profitability for a particular animal. For example, feed lot operators generally hold all pens a fixed number of days selected to maximize profits. Even with this approach, however, about one third of the individual animals in any given pen are under-fed and one third are over-fed. It would be desirable to know the quality of each animal in the pen so every animal can be processed at the peak of its profitability.
Because the traditional technique can only be used on slaughtered animals, it is of limited use when attempting to breed a more profitable herd. If the cattle owner had instant feedback about the quality of the animals in the herd, higher quality animals could be selected for breeding. This would improve the genetic quality of the herd over time. Currently, the cattle owner must wait until an animal has left the feed lot and been slaughtered before any decisions about the genetic quality of the animal can be made.
The lack of rapid feedback also prevents a cattle owner from responding to changes in consumer preferences. If consumers begin to demand leaner meat, for example, the cattle owner cannot make decisions about a herd until each animal has left the feed lot and has been slaughtered. This process can take up to six months or more.
To overcome some of these limitations, ultrasound technology has been used for the last two decades in animal research and applications. Ultrasound scanning technology utilizes high frequency sound waves to collect information from live tissue in a non-invasive manner. Efforts in the ultrasonic measurement of meat have concentrated on the use of real-time "B" mode imaging. B mode ultrasound, often used in medical applications, provides the operator with a two dimensional picture of the tissue being inspected. Brightness and texture are used in the image to characterize the animal's muscle tissue. By studying the two-dimensional image, the operator can characterize the muscle tissue and quality grade the animal. This approach, however, suffers from the same limitation as the traditional method because it is still based on the subjective opinion of the operator. Additionally, operators must be highly trained to interpret the B mode images correctly.
There have been attempts to mechanize and computerize the use of B mode imaging. Obtaining accurate measurements of these tissue characteristics is difficult because of speckle noise present in the image. Moreover, B mode imaging equipment is extremely expensive and transducers used with B mode imaging quickly wear out when used on rough surfaces, such as the hide of an animal. Equipment used with B mode imaging is also very large and does not lend itself to use in the field. Finally, B mode imaging is not able to determine the flavor and tenderness, or "merit," of the meat.

Method and apparatus for measuring the characteristics of meat


The present invention discloses a built-in scanner that applies a single light source to scan both the reflective and the transparent documents according to their materials. After the single light source is properly switched, scan operations start to pick-up image information of the scanned documents. In addition, the single light source can be allocated outside the computer case for further increasing effective scanning range.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a built-in scanner, and more particularly, to a built-in scanner that scans transparent and reflective documents by using single light source.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Science progresses have significantly brought many scanners to be manufactured for achieving kinds of requirements. Except a requirement of higher resolution, the scanners are requested to be standard equipment for building in a computer case.
Conventionally, the built-in scanners are usually constrained by usable spaces, and therefore the scanning range is serious influenced because the sizes of the mechanical and optical components can not be effective reduced. Furthermore, lights illuminated from two ends of the lamps are usually with insufficient brightness for scanning. For example, in the FIG. 4, it is obvious that the illuminating effective length 402 will be shorter than the lamp length 401. The darkest brightness of the illuminating effective length 402 is a half of the lamp center (B.sub.0.5). A label 403 indicates a lamp length with at least 90% brightness of the lamp center (B.sub.0.9), and ineffective parts that indicated by a label 404 are about 20 millimeters. Clearly, only the length indicated by the label 403 can be applied as a light source for scanning. Therefore, the effective range is constrained under the area of 4 inches by 6 inches.
Typical built-in scanners can only scan reflective documents, such as papers, photo, and business cards because the light source is usually allocated at the scanned side of the scanned documents. Those transparent documents such as projection slides or lantern slides can not be scanned directly in the conventional built-in scanners, and additional peripheral devices are needed for scanning such documents. A requirement has been arisen to disclose a built-in scanner, in which both the reflective and the transparent documents can be scanned without additional peripheral devices.

Built-in scanners having a switched single light source


An improved, torque cushioned compressor clutch supports the armature on a hard plastic molded disk, the inner edge of which closely pilots on, but is not directly attached to, a cylindrical surface of a drive shaft mounted central hub. Instead, the outer face of the disk, near the inner edge, is abutted with an axially inwardly facing shoulder, which keeps it from pulling axially off of the hub. A softer elastomer overmold adheres to both sides of the harder support disk, adhering to the hub as well, but not adhering to the interface between the disk inner edge and hub. Therefore, when the clutch engages, the disk is free to turn on the hub, at least as far as the "wind up" limit of the elastomer allows, cushioning the engagement shock. However, during operation, the close fit of the disk on the hub prevents radial whirl.

Automotive air conditioning compressors are generally not directly powered from the drive belt, but are actuated indirectly through an electromagnetic clutch, which allows the compressor to be turned on and off on demand, rather than running continually. A typical clutch includes a friction disk, which is fixed to a belt driven pulley that rotates freely on a ball bearing surrounding and coaxial to the compressor drive shaft. A central hub fixed to the drive shaft mounts an annular ferrous armature in axial opposition to the pulley so that an electromagnetic coil can pull the armature into frictional engagement with the pulley friction disk. The pulley can then transfer rotation and power to the compressor drive shaft. There are numerous existing designs for the component that mounts the armature to the hub, each of which has certain advantages and disadvantages.
It is necessary that the armature mount, of whatever construction, be axially flexible enough to allow the coil to pull the armature into and against the friction disk, but torsionally stiff enough to thereafter transfer rotation to the shaft. Some torsional resilience is desirable, however, to cushion the shock of initial disk-armature engagement, and so as to dampen torsional vibrations in operation. In the radial direction, it is best that the armature support be very stiff, so that the heavy armature will not whirl off axis about the shaft after engagement. It is also an advantage if that portion of the armature support in actual contact with the armature be insulative, so as to not interfere with the electromagnetic circuit therethrough, and it is also an advantage if it allows for a wide variety of armature designs, such as separate, concentric rings, to be easily joined thereto. That portion of the armature support directly connected to the central hub should be durable, and able to take repeated cycling and flexing without failure, since it will be highly stressed. In that regard, some fail safe mechanism to retain the armature support axially to the hub should the main connection fail is sometimes needed. It is helpful if the armature support acts as a cover, to exclude contaminants, and provides acoustic dampening. Finally, simplicity of components, and a minimal number thereof, as well as ease of manufacture and assembly, are always design goals.
Known designs fall short relative to the ideal features listed above. The most common armature support is simply multiple metal leaf springs fixed at their inner ends to the hub, and at their outer ends to the armature. The springs thus provide both a physical mount for the armature as well as the needed axial flex. Such a design is simple and durable, but wanting as to almost every other desirable feature. Separate leaf springs are radially stiff, but have little inherent torsional resilience. They are also typically steel, which is magnetically conductive, and it is difficult to use them for attaching anything but a standard, one piece armature piece to the central hub. Armatures made up of separate rings require much more complex spring designs. Leaf springs, of course, by themselves, provide no real protective cover for the from of the compressor, and are inherently noisy.
Proposed alternatives to the standard, separate leaf spring design generally involve a one piece, molded plastic or rubber disk to replace the separate metal springs. One basic design uses a thin, hard plastic disk, the inner edge of which is molded rigidly fixed to the central hub. The outer edge mounts the armature, which can be either one piece or separate rings molded into the disk. Since the disk is continuous, it inherently provides a good dust and acoustic cover. An example may be seen in U.S. Pat. No. 5,036,964 to Booth et al. Since the plastic material of the disk 45 is fairly rigid, it must be axially thin in order to have an axial flexibility comparable to a metal leaf spring. The potentially weak point of such a design is the integrally molded live hinge juncture between the plastic disk's inner edge and the hub, where all the flexing and engagement stress must be resisted and accommodated. The '964 design attempts to strengthen that juncture as much as possible by molding the inner edge into a wide, cylindrical sleeve 41, and in turn molding that sleeve around multiple lugs 42 extending out from the hub 36. Even with such a hinge, however, one embodiment provides a separate retention plate 80 to retain the disk 45 in case of structural failure. Moreover, the plastic material does not really have enough torsional flexibility to provide a good torque cushion. In fact, stiff, thin plastic disks have been found to be so impractical in terms of fatigue strength that co assigned U.S. Pat. No. 5,377,799 to Mullaney et al proposes to use a thin metal disk in a similar fashion. The metal is strong enough to flex repeatably, provides an integral return spring and dust cover, is quiet, and gives up little in terms of torsional flexibility, as compared to rigid plastics.
Given this inherent shortcoming of the more rigid plastics, it has been proposed to use more flexible, rubber like elastomer material. An example may be seen in U.S. Pat. No. 4,445,606 to Van Laningham. A bifurcated central hub having inner and outer metal sleeves has a radially thin layer of torque cushioning elastomer molded integrally between the sleeves. The outer sleeve is fixed to the drive shaft, while the outer sleeve mounts the armature through metal leaf springs. The amount of torque cushioning that is provided is limited by the radial thinness of the elastomer layer, and, of course, none of the other drawbacks inherent to separate metal leaf springs is eliminated. The more successful approach has been to use a radially wide, axially thick disk of elastomer material to directly mount the armature to the hub. This goes the farthest toward providing all the desirable features noted above. The thick layer of torsionally flexible elastomer provides good torque cushioning, replaces the separate leaf springs, dampens noise, and acts as a dust cover, and is a very simple design. An early example of such a design may be seen in co assigned U.S. Pat. No. 3,384,213 to Bernard et al, in which the elastomer cushion has a uniform axial thickness. An improvement to that basic design may be seen in co assigned U.S. Pat. No. 5,219,273 to Chang, where a unique elastomer pad with an axial thickness that decreases moving radially out is described. The pad is thick enough at the inner edge, where it is mold bonded to the outer surface of the hub, to be durable, and its resilience resists stress and fatiguing, as compared to a more rigid, molded plastic.
An inherent drawback of elastomer, however, as compared to harder plastic disks, is that the extra resilience and flexibility is inevitably reflected in an undesirable radial deformation and buckling. Other co assigned patented designs speak to that inherent problem. In U.S. Pat. No. 5, 195,625 to Chang et al, cylindrical reinforcements are molded into the body of the elastomer cushion to give it added radial stiffness, which at least reduces, but doesn't eliminate, the problem. U.S. Pat. No. 5,390,774 to Thurston et al goes the farthest in eliminating radial whirl of the elastomer cushion, but does not directly stiffen it. Instead, an outer cylindrical steel ring is fixed over the outer edge of the elastomer cushion, while a guide plate welded to the central hub has a cylindrical guide flange that overlaps the outer surface of the outer steel ring. Therefore, the ring can slide axially within the guide flange as the armature and pad are pulled toward the pulley disk, but the close radial confinement of the ring within the flange effectively eliminates radial whirl in the cushion. Still, the addition of the extra ring and plate add complexity and cost, and the radial interfit of the two has to be close enough to give guidance, but not so close as to bind and retard free axial sliding. And, of course, the benefits of being able to solidly mold an armature or separate armature rings into a rigid plastic are not available when using a softer elastomer cushion.

Electromagnetic clutch with improved torque cushion


Provided is a surface treatment method for a SiC substrate (40), the method being capable of controlling whether to generate a step bunching or the type of step bunching that is generated. In the surface treatment method in which the surface of the SiC substrate (40) is etched by heating the SiC substrate (40) under Si vapor pressure, an etching mode and an etching depth which are determined at least on the basis of an etching rate, are controlled to etch the SiC substrate (40), so that a surface pattern of the SiC substrate (40) after etching treatment is controlled.

SiC, which is superior to Si or the like in, for example, heat resistance and electrical characteristics, has attracted attention as a new semiconductor material.
Patent Document 1 discloses a surface treatment method for planarizing a surface of such SiC substrate. In the surface treatment method, the SiC substrate is heated while stored in a storing container having Si vapor pressure in its inside. Accordingly, the SiC substrate arranged within the storing container is etched, which can obtain a SiC substrate that is planar at a molecular level.
Here, the SiC substrate can be obtained by cutting out of an ingot made of single crystal SiC at a predetermined angle. When a semiconductor element is manufactured from the SiC substrate that is cut out, an epitaxial growth is performed. However, since a surface roughness is large in a state of the SiC substrate that is cut out, it is required to planarize the surface by performing steps of treatment such as mechanical polishing (MP) and chemical mechanical polishing (CMP), etc. However, polishing scratches are generated on the surface of the SiC substrate by performing mechanical polishing and chemical mechanical polishing, etc. A modified layer having disordered crystallinity that is formed by applying the pressure on the surface of the SiC substrate during mechanical polishing and chemical mechanical polishing (hereinafter, referred to as latent scratches) is generated.

Surface treatment method for SiC substrate


A system and method for comparing and searching for digital data, such as images, using histograms includes receiving a source image, receiving a comparison image, generating a first histogram for the source image and generating a second histogram for the comparison image. The source image may be received from a network device, such as a computer or camera, and the comparison image may one of a plurality of stored images in a database. The histograms may correspond to an image characteristic, including a color histogram corresponding to the distribution of the intensity of a corresponding color among image pixels in the source image. Each of first and second histograms is normalized and a similarity score is calculated between the two histograms. The similarity score represents a similarity measure between the two histograms, calculated from a subset of bins, which are independently selected for each image.

The proliferation of digital data has led to an increased need for efficient comparison of datasets, such as digital images. An image retrieval system, for example, may include an image query process that compares a source image to images stored in an image database to find matching or similar images. Comparing images on a pixel-by-pixel basis is computationally expensive and impractical for many applications where fast search results are expected.
To increase the speed and accuracy of search results, concept and content based search methods are employed. In concept-based searching, images are stored with corresponding tags, keywords, text-based descriptions, classifications, or other data that identifies the image. The image data is indexed and searched to identify corresponding images that match certain concept criteria. In content-based searching, each image is analyzed to identify image properties that may be summarized and used in a search. Known approaches for comparing images include color and pattern matching, shape identification, quantization and the creation of image summaries that capture relevant image information to be used in a search.
A common approach for summarizing an image is through a histogram representing the distribution of certain image properties. Images are stored and indexed with corresponding histograms and during an image search, the histogram of a source image is constructed and compared to stored histograms to determine whether corresponding stored images are similar.
Various approaches for constructing and comparing histograms are known in the art. In one approach, described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,721,449, a Gaussian pyramid is used to approximate a continuous diffusion process across all pyramid layers of a histogram, and the difference between two histograms is measured as a diffusion distance. U.S. Pat. No. 6,865,295 describes a palette-based histogram matching system that uses vector generation as a way of searching within a set of image features. In U.S. Pat. No. 8,897,553, images are compared using color histograms, including determining a comparison metric based on the difference between bin values. U.S. Pat. No. 7,386,170 discloses an approach that includes defining desired features of an image, which includes a color histogram, and then searching for similarity within a database. In U.S. Pat. No. 8,121,379, Earth Mover's Distance is used to determine the similarity between two histograms. Other approaches for measuring the similarity of histograms include determining the cost to transform one histogram into a second histogram, and comparing histograms using Chi Square tests.
However, there is a continued need for improved systems and methods for matching digital data in an electronic system, including improved systems and methods for image matching through histograms.