The present invention relates to a membraneless piezoelectric/electrostrictive microactuator comprising: a chamber; a chamber plate in which the chamber is formed; a lower electrode formed on the chamber plate and covering the chamber; a bonding layer formed between the chamber plate and the lower electrode and bonding the chamber plate and the lower electrode; a piezoelectric/electrostrictive film formed on the lower electrode and vibrating when electrified; and an upper electrode formed on the piezoelectric/electrostrictive film, and a manufacturing method thereof, which is membraneless so that structure is simple so that manufacturing method is simple and production cost is reduced to effect eventually the productivity improvement, so also which produces effect of reliability and yield ratio improvement as it is membraneless so that there occur no deformation, crack or void at the bonding part of vibration plate and piezoelectric/electrostrictive film.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a piezoelectric/electrostrictive microactuator and manufacturing method thereof. In particular, the present invention relates to a piezoelectric/electrostrictive microactuator whose structure is simple because of being membraneless and easy of low voltage driving and also it relates to a manufacturing method of such an actuator.
2. Description of the Prior Art
An ink jet printer head actuator using a piezoelectric substance is usually composed of an infrastructure made of a vibration plate (22) and a chamber (20), a piezoelectric/electrostrictive film (26) which undergoes mechanical transformation if electricity is applied as the piezoelectric/electrostrictive film is connected on the vibration plate (22), and electrodes (24) (28) which transmit electricity to the piezoelectric/electrostrictive film (26) as in FIG. 2.
The piezoelectric substance of an actuator has characteristics poling (by which a directionality is given at piezoelectric substance when electric field is applied) when electric field is applied. If electricity is supplied to an upper electrode and a lower electrode formed on and under piezoelectric substance under poling state, the piezoelectric substance located between electrodes undergoes mechanical deformation or vibrates with recycling of transformation and restoration.
In the ink jet printer head, ink is jetted to a record medium as the vibration plate undergoes mechanical transformation thickwise if the piezoelectric substance of actuator vibrates.
Thus in the ink jet printer head, the infrastructure composed of the chamber and the vibration plate is an important factor for the operation of the actuator.
Metal, resin, ceramic etc. are used as material of the chamber plate and the vibration plate of the actuator using the piezoelectric substance.
Ordinarily chamber structure is formed mainly by half etching of wet etching method in case where metal is used as the material; three dimensional structure is formed by injection molding method in case where resin is used as the material; and three dimensional structure is formed by integrated molding of vibration sheet and punching of the sheet in case where ceramic is used as the material.
It is important to supply uniform vibration plate when manufacturing the infrastructure of the chamber and the vibration plate by the methods.
And because the actuator is made by forming a piezoelectric/electrostrictive film on the vibration plate, void may easily be formed between the vibration plate and the piezoelectric/electrostrictive film, and by way of which void there is worry of occurring partial crack.
The present invention to solve the problem aims to provide a piezoelectric/electrostrictive microactuator of simple structure having no vibration plate by way of direct binding of piezoelectric/electrostrictive film onto a chamber plate done of full etching or punching method, and a manufacturing method thereof.
The present invention to accomplish the purpose features a manufacturing method of a membraneless piezoelectric/electrostrictive microactator comprising the steps of providing a chamber plate; forming a chamber in the chamber plate; forming a piezoelectric/electrostrictive film separately; forming a lower electrode under the piezoelectric/electrostrictive film; bonding the chamber plate and the lower electrode using a bonding layer; and forming an upper electrode on the piezoelectric/electrostrictive film.
Also the present invention features a membraneless piezoelectric/electrostrictive microactuator comprising a chamber; a chamber plate in which the chamber is formed; a lower electrode formed on the chamber plate and covering the chamber; a bonding layer formed between the chamber plate and the lower electrode and bonding the chamber plate and the lower electrode; a piezoelectric/electrostrictive film formed on the lower electrode and vibrating when electrified; and an upper electrode formed on the piezoelectric/electrostrictive film.

Membraneless piezoelectric/electrostrictive microactuator and manufacturing method thereof


An apparatus is provided for therapeutic exercising of the scapula related muscles of a body. A scapula harness fits tightly over a shoulder and an upper arm of the body and extends over a breast and an opposing scapula area of the body. The harness has a plurality of attachment straps, each of which has a downwardly extending attachment end. A plurality of urging springs are each connected to one of the attachment ends and establish a variable tension force to each attachment strap. A plurality of tensioning straps are each connected at one end to one of the urging springs so that a force applied to any one of the tensioning straps causes one of the urging springs to extend. A seat has a horizontal, upward facing surface for supporting the body in a seated position, a peripheral edge, and at least one holding clamp for holding the straps in fixed positions and under a desired tension. The tension force is transferred by the attachment strap through the harness to the scapular muscles, thereby providing resistance to upward, forward, and rearward motion of the scapula muscles during exercising. A colinear tensioning strap and an urging spring attached to the tensioning strap may be further included for causing a resistance vector in a horizontal plane so that the scapular related muscles may be exercised by moving the body so that the harness moves downwardly and posteriorly.

Exercising devices for the shoulder, or scapula, region of the body are known in the prior art. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 1,402,179 to Piscitelli on Jan. 3, 1922, illustrates on exercising device in combination with a harness. Such a device is intended for strengthening primarily the muscles associated with the arms, and is particularly well-suited for strengthening muscles used in the sport of boxing. Moreover, such a device is extremely portable, thereby extending the usefulness of such a device outside of a gym or physical therapy center. However, such a device is not well-suited for full therapeutic exercising of the muscles associated with the scapula region since such a device tends to exert force in only one direction, toward the body. As the shoulder girdle comprises four individual joints that work together to permit the greatest range of movement possible in the human body, a variety of resistive forces must be available to adequately exercise all of the muscles associated with the scapula region. Moreover, some muscle groups in this region are naturally stronger than other muscle groups, and various therapeutic treatments require that a varying degree of exercise and resistive force be applied to these different muscle groups individually. Such a device, therefore, while being portable and easy to use, does not fully exercise the muscles of the scapula region.
Other prior art devices are known that can be configured to exercise certain scapula muscle groups. However, such devices are typically heavy, non-portable gym equipment, or the like, and are not easily portable. Further, such devices are costly to manufacture.
Clearly there is a need for a portable exercising device that fully exercises the muscles of the scapula region. Such a needed device would be relatively simple to manufacture, configure, and use. Moreover, such a needed device would allow varying degrees of resistive force to be applied to different scapula regions during use. The present invention fulfills these needs and provides further related advantages.

Resistance exercise apparatus for the muscles associated with the scapula


The present invention relates to radiation curable compositions (A) comprising—(a) at least one photoinitiator compound of formula (I) wherein Q is the residue of a hydroxy compound having 1 to 6 hydroxyl groups, and wherein x is a number that is at least 1 but no greater than the number of hydroxyl groups originally present in said hydroxy compound;—(b) at least one ethylenically unsaturated compound selected from monomers (b1) and/or from oligomers (b2); and—(c) optionally, at least one co-synergist which preferably is an amino co-synergist. The present invention further relates to photoinitiator compounds(a) and their preparation.

The present invention relates to a series of polymeric photoinitiators which may be used in various radiation curable compositions, including varnishes, lacquers, printing inks, coating compositions and the like. The invention also provides for radiation curable compositions which include at least one of the compounds of the present invention as a photoinitiator. Photoinitiators used in inks and varnish formulations need to have a good cure speed, and particularly good surface curing activity, low odour and good solubility. Moreover, as consumers become increasingly wary of extraneous compounds in foodstuffs, in order to comply with current and likely future legislation, the tendency of the compounds to migrate and be extracted should also be low.
At present, benzophenone is widely used as photoinitiator for ultraviolet cured inks and overprint varnishes as it has good surface curing, low yellowing and good solubility. It is also very cheap and widely available. However, benzophenone is also known for its relatively strong odour and its exceptional ability to migrate and be extracted from print into foodstuffs, even through barrier packaging such as board and plastic wrappers. Commonly used benzophenone alternatives for low odour applications include benzophenone-2-methyl ester (Speedcure MBB from Lambson) and acrylated benzophenone (EBECRYL® P38 from ALLNEX), although both of these materials are less efficient than benzophenone. Phenylbenzophenone and diphenoxybenzophenones are particularly efficient, but suffer from poor solubility and, in the case of phenylbenzophenone, increased yellowing, which means that it may be used in printing inks (which contain pigments and so can be formulated to hide the yellowing) but that it cannot be used in varnishes.
It is clear that there is a need for low odour benzophenone derivatives with good reactivity, particularly good surface curing, and a limited tendency to migrate.
It is well known that polymeric benzophenone derivatives and multifunctional benzophenone derivatives will give rise to systems that have low odour and reduced tendency to migrate and be extracted. The disadvantage with many of these systems is that their reduced chromophore equivalent per gram means they have poor cure speed. When used in higher concentration to increase reactivity, they often act as plasticizer which is detrimental e.g. for the mechanical properties of the cured ink.
EP1438282B1 describes multi-functional photo-initiators that are based on the reaction of a 4-carboxyalkoxybenzophenone with a polymeric polyhydric alcohol.
There is a need for further polymeric photoinitiators with a high functionality, good solubility in coating formulations, high reactivity, and which give rise to cured coatings which have extremely low odour, and are likely to have a much lower tendency to migrate and be extracted than most benzophenone alternatives.
We have now discovered a series of polymeric compounds based on 2-(4-phenylbenzoyl)benzoic acid as a starting material which meet these requirements.


A method and system for simulating, on a B-mode ultrasound simulator, a D-mode and C-mode Doppler ultrasound examination. Velocity and sound data describing blood flow at selected locations within blood vessels of a patient are gathered during an actual Doppler ultrasound examination. The gathered data are processed off-line to generate sets of flow velocity and sound values which describe blood flow at selected locations in a virtual B-mode frame buffer, and are stored in memory. Doppler simulation at a designated location on a the B-mode image generated from the virtual frame buffer is achieved by performing bilinear interpolation, at the time of simulation, from the data stored in memory, so as to determine flow velocity and sound values for all designated virtual frame buffer voxels. The interpolated flow velocity values are depicted as either a gray scale Doppler spectral waveform or a color scale flow map on the screen of the B-mode ultrasound simulator, and the sound values are depicted as an audible signal simulating a Doppler sound waveform.

The present invention relates to the field of medical simulation and, in particular, it concerns a device and method for achieving simulation of a Doppler ultrasound examination.
It is well known that a complete ultrasound interrogation of any part of the cardiovascular system includes both imaging of the physical structure of the tissues being examined, as well as interrogation of the nature of blood flow through the blood vessels or heart valves being examined. Two dimensional imaging is achieved by means of "B-mode" ultrasound imaging, in which a two-dimensional gray-scale image of the tissues being examined is generated. However, the nature of blood flow (i.e. it's velocity), cannot be depicted by B-mode imaging, and for this purpose C-mode and D-mode ultrasound imaging, both of which utilize the Doppler principle, are used.
Doppler ultrasound uses the Doppler effect created by moving objects, such as blood cells which are flowing through a blood vessel, to depict flow information. The Doppler effect consists of an acquired change in frequency of an ultrasound wave which occurs when the ultrasound wave is reflected off of a moving object. If the initial frequency of the ultrasound wave is known, then the velocity of the moving reflector can be inferred from the Doppler shift acquired by the reflected wave. By measuring the Doppler shift acquired by ultrasound waves focused on a blood vessel, a "Doppler spectral graph" can be generated, which plots the velocity of blood flow against time for a single location in the blood vessel. This is known as D-mode ultrasound imaging.
In C-Mode (or Color Flow) the Doppler shift created by the movement of blood cells at a particular location in a B-mode image is depicted on a color scale at that location. The location on the B-mode image at which C-mode color data is mapped is demarcated by a graphic box, also referred to as a "color box", which is positioned by the user at the desired location on the B-mode image. C-mode imaging can thus depict blood velocity data for a multitude of points simultaneously, and generate a dynamic color image which is displayed over the B-Mode (gray-scale) image of the same area.
To perform D-Mode imaging, the user first marks the desired measurement location (which is also referred to as the "sample volume" or "gate") with a cursor on the B-Mode or C-Mode image. D-mode imaging is then initiated by the user by activating the appropriate control on the ultrasound machine. Additional manipulations, such as marking the estimated direction of blood flow and adjusting the ultrasound gain, compress and/or aliasing limit, are manually performed by the operator so as to optimize the spectral Doppler waveform. FIG. 1 shows an example of a D-mode Doppler spectral graph (in the lower half of the figure) and the corresponding B-mode image and sample volume at which the spectral graph was acquired (in the upper half of the figure).
As the measured Doppler frequency shift at any instant in time is usually within the audible range, the measured signal is also depicted as an audible sound of that frequency. This sound helps the user to optimize the sample volume position within a blood vessel, to differentiate between different vessels, and to identify the presence of pathology.
Performance of a Doppler ultrasound examination is thus complex, and requires that the user be highly proficient at hand-eye coordination when manipulating the ultrasound probe and the many controls involved. In addition, the user must be familiar with a wide range of pathologies, and must understand the physical principles behind the Doppler shift and its measurement by means of ultrasound. Intensive training, and much experience, are therefore required before an ultrasound technician, or a physician who uses ultrasound, achieves competency in performing Doppler ultrasound examinations.
The training of physicians and technicians in the use of Doppler ultrasound techniques is currently performed on actual patients. This system suffers from several limitations:
1. The time available for hands-on training on a given patient or pathology is limited. As such, students are not free to spend as much time as they may require on a particularly difficult or interesting case, particularly if the case is an urgent one. In addition, experimentation by the trainee with different ways of performing the same examination is not always feasible. PA0 2. The level of training varies depending on the teacher and the availability of patients. PA0 3. Rarer pathologies are often not encountered at all during training. PA0 4. Hands-on training can only take place in clinical settings and at times when patients are available, rather than at times and locations which are most convenient to the teacher and trainee. PA0 1. There is no consistency from exam to exam. One pupil may thus get a very difficult case, whereas another will have an easier one. PA0 2. The scoring of an exam by an examiner is subjective. PA0 3. Appropriate patients with varied pathologies may not be available for examination purposes.
Furthermore, the accreditation process for sonographers is problematic when real patients must be used, for the following reasons:
There is therefore a need for a method of realistically simulating Doppler ultrasound examinations, such that trainee sonographers can perform Doppler ultrasound examinations without the presence of an actual patient. Such a system would allow trainees to learn at an optimal location, time, and pace, and under standardized conditions. Trainees could thereby be exposed to an appropriate variety of pathologies, be they common or rare. Furthermore, such a system would allow for standardized and objective testing of trainee sonographers.


An enhanced parallel port interface increases the bandwidth of a standard parallel port connector while at the same time maintaining backward compatibility with a standard parallel port interface. In order to increase the data transfer rate, the software overhead is substantially reduced by hardware generated signals. As such, the desirability of using a parallel port bus expansion is greatly increased.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to computer systems and more particularly to an enhanced parallel port (EPP) interface which allows for increased performance and bandwidth of a standard parallel port connector while at the same time maintaining compatibility with the existing parallel port interface which includes hardware that enables the software overhead for data transfers to be substantially reduced thus increasing the system performance to enable it to be utilized for bus expansion.
2. Description of the Prior Art
IBM type PC/AT compatible personal computers are provided with a relatively limited number of input/output (I/O) expansion slots to accommodate various I/O devices including additional memory storage devices, tape backup systems, network interface circuits and the like. In order to support a trend of an ever increasing need for expansion capabilities for additional I/O devices, based upon, for example, increased consumer demand for various I/O devices, such as CD-ROMS, various solutions are known. For example, additional I/O devices can be connected to existing expansion slots within personal computers. If existing expansion slots are unavailable, expansion buses are known for providing additional sets of I/O slots. Both IBM type PC/AT compatible and non-compatible (e.g., PCMCIO) expansion buses are known.
With such an arrangement, the addition of the I/O devices, whether supported by existing expansion slots or additional expansion slots created by an expansion bus is relatively cumbersome and generally requires the services of a computer technician which adds to the overall cost of adding an I/O device. In order to avoid such problems, standard parallel ports have been known to be used for expansion capabilities. Although standard parallel ports are undoubtedly the simplest and most cost-effective solution, there are other problems associated with using a parallel port in such an application. More particularly, parallel ports are known to be a relatively slow interface. In particular, parallel ports were developed in the past primarily to support printers whose maximum block transfer rate is about 500 kilobits/sec--assuming no data compression. The block transfer rate is limited by the software overhead required to support data transfers to such devices. For example, 4 to 6 instructions are typically required for transferring data. In particular, a typical transfer may be as follows:
1) write data to data port, PA1 2) assert a strobe signal, PA1 3) check the busy input, PA1 4) if the busy signal is active go to step 3, PA1 5) if the busy signal is inactive clear the strobe, PA1 6) go to step 1 if the block is not transferred.
The problem of relatively slow data transfer through a standard parallel port is not solved by the ever increasing clock speeds of newer IBM type PC/AT compatible computers. In such applications, the number of machine clock cycles per instruction merely increases, thus maintaining generally the same transfer rate.

Control system for a multiple mode standard parallel port for a personal computer


An anti-reflection structure and a fabrication method thereof, a display device and a fabrication method thereof are provided. The anti-reflection structure includes a retardation film, a linear polarizer sheet, and at least one alignment layer, configured to align the retardation film and the linear polarizer sheet, wherein, the retardation film and the linear polarizer sheet include liquid crystal.

Flexible display, which is thin and light-weighted, bendable and even rollable and has many other advantages, has thus become one of main trends of a display technology, and has a broad prospect in a future market.
With respect to a flexible display, in order to reduce reflection of external light on internal metal wiring or the like, a polarizer attached to the outside of a display panel is generally used as an anti-reflection structure, but such an anti-reflection structure has a large thickness, for example, a commonly used polarizer has a thickness of 100 μm to 150 μm, while a retardation film has a thickness of 20 μm to 100 μm, so that a total thickness of the anti-reflection structure constituted by the two is between 120 μm and 250 μm. Obviously, by using the structure, a thickness of the flexible display becomes large, so that the flexible display becomes thick and heavy, which loses characteristics of lightness and thinness, so the structure is not suitable for flexible display.
Therefore, there is an urgent need for an anti-reflection structure which is thinner and capable of implementing light, thin and flexible display.

Anti-reflection structure and fabrication method thereof, display device and fabrication method thereof


A method includes receiving an input from a user, the input including a selection of an object, where the object is contained in a video, identifying, in response to the input, the object in the video, determining an attribute of the object associated with a profile of the user, where the profile contains a preference of the user regarding at least one object to be viewed, and determining, in response to the attribute of the object associated with the profile, a target segment in the video, where the target segment includes the object.

The present invention generally relates to multimedia, image processing, and analytics, and more particularly, to a method for generating personal visual segments from a video based on user preferences.
Video technology is a popular instrument for entertainment and/or delivering information. Movies, television programs, and games may be provided by local or remote sources for recording, copying, playback, broadcasting, and display of moving visual media. Media player devices including, for example, personal computers (PCs), mobile devices, cable television boxes, video game consoles may obtain videos from such local or remote sources and present them to a plurality of users.

International Business Machines Corporation


Disclosed are a light guide which distributes light, transmitted from a light source, uniformly to a light emission surface of the light guide, and a display device and an image forming apparatus using the light guide. The light guide includes a light incidence part having a diffusion structure diffusing light, a reflecting surface reflecting the light diffused by the diffusion structure to reduce a light loss from the light guide, and a light guide part guiding light between the light incidence part and the light emission part.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a light guide guiding light emitted from a light source, and more particularly, to an improved light guide, a display device and an image forming apparatus employing the same.
2. Description of the Related Art
Various electronic products have display devices for informing users of the product's operating state. These display devices are often found on image forming apparatuses, such as, e.g., printers, copying machines, fax machines, and multi-function machines, or the like.
Generally, a display device includes a light source and a light guide. When the function or operation of the electronic product changes, power is supplied to the light source or the amount or color of light emitted from the light source is changed. The light guide transmits light from the light source to the external display through a light emission surface, thereby communicating the change of the state of the instrument to a user.
In order to allow the user to easily recognize the light of the display device, light guided by the light guide should be distributed uniformly on the light emission surface of the light guide. When light is concentrated upon a specific region of the light emission surface of the light guide, the viewing angle at which the user perceives the light may be narrowed, and the amount of light incident upon a user's visual field is not uniform.
Prior attempt to improve uniformity includes scattering of diffusion material throughout the entire area of the light guide so as to disperse light within the light guide. While such a method may achieves a uniform distribution of light on the light emission surface of the light guide, it unfortunately may result in a substantial loss of light during diffusion of light, and thus greatly reduces the amount of light reaching the light emission surface of the light guide. To compensate for the loss of light, additional light sources may be employed, resulting in an increase of material costs and the power consumption of the display device.

Display device, image forming apparatus having the same, and light guide for display device


The present invention relates to a display device. A display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a first substrate, a second substrate facing the first substrate, a sensing electrode disposed on the first substrate or the second substrate, and at least one touch sensor protrusion facing the sensing electrode. The touch sensor protrusion includes an organic material and carbon nanotubes.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a display device.
2. Discussion of the Background
A liquid crystal display (LCD) is one of the most widely used flat panel displays. An LCD includes two display panels that each have field-generating electrodes, such as pixel electrodes and a common electrode, and a liquid crystal (LC) layer interposed therebetween. The LCD induces an electric field on the LC layer by applying a voltage to the field-generating electrodes. The electric field determines the alignment of LC molecules in the LC layer to control the transmittance of incident light, thereby displaying an image.
Recently, a touch screen panel has been combined with a thin liquid crystal display, which is lightweight and small.
A touch screen panel is an apparatus on which characters may be drawn or written when a finger or touch pen touches the screen, and it performs a desired command on a machine, such as a computer, by operating icons. The liquid crystal display having a touch screen panel can detect whether or not a user's finger or touch pen touches the screen and can determine touch position information.
Among touch screen panels, an inner-type touch screen panel, in which the functions of the touch screen panel are attached onto the inner of the liquid crystal panel, is widely used since it can provide a high contrast ratio and a thin film type LCD that is lightweight, small, and low cost.
There are several kinds of inner-type touch screen panels including optical-type, ultrasonic-wave type, electrostatic capacitance-type, resistive-type, etc. The resistive-type touch screen panel has good characteristics against vibration, external light, and impact, may be manufactured easily, and provides a thin film type LCD that is lightweight and small. Therefore, resistive-type touch screen panels are widely used.
However, in a resistive-type touch screen panel, the touch sensor portion that determines contact by an externally applied pressure may be easily damaged.

Display device having particular touch sensor protrusion facing sensing electrode


Implementations generally relate to the sharing of media content. In some implementations, a method includes providing a grid view in a user interface, where the grid view displays media content items that have been shared in a network. The method also includes providing a gallery view in response to a user selecting a media content item among the media content items in the grid view, where the gallery view displays the selected media content item. The method also includes providing a share menu view in response to the user selecting a re-share button, where the share menu view displays options for sharing the selected media content item. The method also includes providing a comment view, where the comment view enables the user to comment on the selected media content item. The method also includes re-sharing the selected media content item to other users.

Network systems often enable users to upload media content such as videos, images, broadcasts, etc. Users can share such media content with other users such as friends and family, which increases engagement through user expression. Other users who receive the shared media content can typically comment on shared media content. Such sharing of media content and commenting on media content also provides enjoyable, shared experiences among users of a network system.


A control panel for displaying, monitoring and controlling conditions of a process plant, the control panel includes a graphic display, and permits quick and easy rearrangement and repositioning of control switches associated with the graphic display. The control switches are mounted behind a graphic display panel without extending through the display panel, and the control switches are actuated by the presence of an object such as an operator's finger at the outside of the display panel. The control switches may be magnetically secured in place, so as to permit ease of repositioning.

The present invention relates in general to a control panel for controlling conditions of a process plant, and more specifically to a system for positioning and operating the control devices of the control panel relative to the display and monitoring devices.
Annunciator systems have been developed for monitoring and displaying operating conditions in complex process plant systems. The typical annunciator system might include a plurality of gages for indicating variable parameters such as pressures, temperatures quantities, or the like for illustrating the various conditions in the process plant. When a complex process is displayed by an annunciator system, the various details and indicators may be so many in number and so complex in their arrangement that a graphic display is desirable in order for the plant operators to understand and easily read the various indicators. A graphic display of this type might include a translucent panel positioned in or near the annunciator cabinet which carries symbols that represent pumps, valves, liquid levels, pressures, and other plant equipment and conditions, and flow lines extending between the various symbols. The various symbols on the display panel are illuminated by lamps placed behind the display panel, and the light emitted from the lamps would represent various plant conditions. For instance, when a lamp illuminates the symbol of a pump on the display panel, it would indicate a certain condition existing in a corresponding pump in the process plant; e.g., if the pump were in operation, overheated, or not operating properly. Similarly, a lamp might be utilized to illuminate the symbol of a storage tank to indicate an empty, properly filled, or an overfilled condition in the storage tank. Associated with such annunciator systems are control systems by which the process plant can be controlled in response to the conditions indicated by the annunciator display and monitoring operations.
Often times, the control system includes a separate array of switches or other control devices disassociated from the graphic display of the annunciator system. That is, the switches are arranged on a separate control panel located at some point removed from the graphic display. Certain of the symbols on the graphic display may correspond with certain of the switches of the switching panel. When the operator desires to control a condition within the process plant which is indicated by a certain symbol on the graphic display, the operator must search out the corresponding switch on the control panel in order to actuate the indicated condition. In such control systems with switches disassociated from the graphic display, precious seconds can be wasted in properly relating the graphic display symbol or function and the corresponding switch. Once a symbol on the graphic display is lit up, for example, the operator must search the separate control panel for the appropriate corresponding switch. Furthermore, the separate control panel and graphic display set in a control room occupy a great deal of space, much of which could be conserved if the separate control panel was eliminated.
Other control systems include switches which are mounted directly onto and protrude from the graphic display of the annunciator system, in locations which coincide with the symbolic representation of the process or condition that is controlled by each such switch. One practice is to bore a hole through the graphic display panel and attach, extending therethrough, a button or toggle switch or similar type switch. The switch protrudes from the display adjacent the corresponding symbol or sometimes replaces the symbol itself. In such control systems with switches mounted directly to the graphic display panel, the ability to vary the process plant display (or flow chart) is very limited and costly. Each time the operational process of the plant is to be varied, e.g., a pump moved or valve sequence rearranged, a new display panel must be constructed or else new holes must be bored and old holes plugged in the existing panel.
Examples of typeical graphic display annunciator systems and related control devices of the prior art are shown by way of example in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,624,648 to Willoughby, and 3,754,245 to Peprnik.


A multiple surface LED light has at least a first surface on which LED elements are arranged to provide an illumination function and at least one other surface arranged to provide other desired functions, performances, and/or features. The said LED light has a frame or housing, and an opening that allows the exposed one of the first and other r surfaces to be changed when external force is applied to the LED light.

This application has subject matter in common with the inventor's prior U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 12-624,621, 12-622,100, 12-318,471, 12-318,470, 12-318,473, 12-292,153, 12-232,505, 12-232,035, 12-149,963, 12-149,964, 12-073,095, 12-073,889, 12-007,076, 12-003,691, 12-003,809, 11-806,711, 11-806,285, 11-806,284, 11-566,322, 11-527,628, 11,527,629, 11-498,874, 12-545,992, 12-806,711, 12-806,285, 12-806,284, 12-566,322, 12-527,628, 12-527,629, 12-527,631, 12-502,661, 11-498,881, 11-255,981, 11-184,771, 11-152,063, 11-094,215, 11-092,742, 11-092,741, 11-094,156. 11-094,155. 10-954,189, 10-902,123, 10-883,719, 10-883,747, 10-341,519, 12-545,992, 12-292,580, 12-710,918, 12-622-000, 12-710,561, 12-710, 12-711,456, and 12-771,003.
The above-listed prior applications of the inventor apply optics theory to LED lights for outdoor or indoor applications and powered by alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC) supplied by and electric cord and plug for an outlet, or by a battery, transformer, solar cell, or other power source to create a plurality of LED light beams to illuminate both close areas and remote areas, the latter by projection means. Other features disclosed in the listed prior patent applications of the inventor and which may be incorporated with present invention in any combination, include the use in an LED light of more than one light source, more than one function, more than one optics means, more than one projection means, and super power saving circuits and cost saving concepts.
The market-available LED light has only one surface on which to install the LED elements that offer the light function, as well as other circuitry and components of the LED light. The current invention is an LED light with multiple surfaces, at least one of the multiple surface(s) being installed with at least one LED element that provides at least one pre-determined function, light output, color, effects, and light performance of the type that may also be provided by conventional market-available LED light devices, the other surfaces being installed with other electric devices, circuits, or components, which may be selected from receiving-units for any kind of electric device, such as outlets, sockets, adaptors, hubs, USB sockets, memory storage sockets, memory stick sockets, memory card sockets, Internet sockets, interface card sockets, prong sockets, quick connector sockets, male or female connector ends, and any electric device's connector, power connector, electric signal connector, cable connector, other light source, second light device, sound device, sensor device, alarm device, time related device or any other electric or mechanical device.
The multiple surface LED light of the current invention not only offers illumination but also offers other electric or mechanical device functions on the other surface(s) to save people money and save space by providing multiple functions for certain locations.
The multiple surface light of the current invention has a frame with an opening to enable the multiple surface LED light to change surfaces by an external force applied to the LED light. The frame and opening, depending on the number of surfaces needed, can be any design. For example, for 2 surfaces, the LED light can have a round opening and frame that allows two extended bars of the LED light to be rotated from the first surface to other surface. The LED light also can have more than two surfaces, such as three surfaces, four surfaces, five surfaces, six surfaces or N (any number of) surfaces, the opening and frame being easily designed to accommodate the number of surfaces needed.
The multiple surface LED light of the current invention may consist of desired parts and accessories selected from a frame, opening, locking means, extend bars, holding means, support means, fixing means, elastic means, screw means, clip tight means to enable the LED light to be installed on any surface by itself or in a group of LED lights, the surfaces including a main substrate of a desk, wall, ceiling, bar, tube, fence, closet, cabinet, power strip, light fixture, light bar, door, window, and rack for indoor or outdoor application, with optional waterproofing or protection from the environment.
The LEDs included on the first surface of the multiple surface LED light of the current invention may include any LED type, LED color, LED brightness, LED output, number of LEDs, shape of LED, LED dimensions, raised LEDs, flat type LEDs, SMT LEDs, recessed LEDs, and any corresponding shades, covers, lenses, or decorative parts that may be added to increase the value of the LED light. For example, when the LED light device of the current invention is arranged for desk top use, one can put any kind of home-available water bottle, milk bottle, glass, cup, balloon, light transmitting material, transparent material, or translucent material on top of the said LED elements on the first surface to provide different light effects. one does not even need a shade, cover, or lens for the LED elements because the current invention allows people to play with any kind from home-available items to change light effects.
The multiple surface LED light of the current invention can have its own frame arranged to fit on any surface by itself, including walls, ceilings, boards, cabinets, closets, and doors for indoor or outdoor use, or on any surface of a main object such as a light fixture, light set, light device, power strip, or other objects that form a finish product.
The external force that causes the multiple surface LED light device of the current invention to change to another surface may come from people, or machine or mechanical device.
The multiple surface LED light of the current invention may incorporate an electric parts and accessories selected from any combination of resistor, capacitor, IC chip, transistor, diode, sensor means, switch means, timer means, time delay means, adjustable means, sensitivity means, variable electric value means, wireless control means, transmitter and receiver means, PIR means, infrared means, Bluetooth means, photo sensors, manual switches, automatic means to make the said LED element(s) to turn on an turn off to achieve pre-determined functions, effects( ) and performance(s). The electric signal connection used by the LED light device of the current invention may incorporate conventional signal connections or apply the signal connections taught in the inventor's prior U.S. Pat. No. 7,824,185 or the inventor's copending US 2008/0266 856.


The compounds of the subject invention can be represented as follows: ##STR1## wherein each of R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3, R.sup.4, are the same or different and are hydrogen (H), or a lower alkyl group of from about 1-4 carbon atoms, or a lower alkoxy group of from about 1-4 carbon atoms.. R is a substituted aniline ##STR2## wherein one of R.sup.5, R.sup.6, R.sup.7 is an alkanol having the formula --(CH.sub.2).sub.n OH, n=1-4, or its carbamate ester having the formula --(CH.sub.2).sub.n OCONR'R", n=1-4, and wherein R' and R" the same or different lower alkyl groups of from about 1 to 4 carbon atoms, one of R' and R" may be hydrogen (H), and the remaining groups are hydrogen. PA1 Additionally, the subject invention provides methods for synthesizing the above-identified compounds, physiologically acceptable compositions containing these compounds and methods for using these compounds to inhibit the growth of tumor cells.

Recently, a novel type of potential anticancer agent has been developed [Koyama, Kelly and Watanabe, U.S. Ser. No. 302,836, filed Jan. 27, 1989] now U.S. Pat. No. 4,966,918 which contains both intercalating and alkylating capabilities. Chrysophanol (1A, FIG. 1) and emodin (1B) were converted into 3-[N,N-bis(2-chloroethyl)-amino]methyl-1,8-dihydroxy-9,10-anthraquinone (3A) and its 6-methoxy analog (3B) via the respective 1,8-dimethoxy intermediates (2A and 2B). The natural products, 1A and 1B, may have the intercalating capability but lack the alkylating function, whereas 2A and 2B may have the alkylating capability but are incapable of intercalating into DNA due to the presence of two bulky methoxy groups. These compounds are practically inactive against mouse leukemic cells L1210 in tissue culture. However, 3A and 3B which contain both intercalating and alkylating capabilities exhibited potent inhibitory activity against L1210 cells in tissue culture.
A recent publication [Koyama, Kelly and Watanabe, J. Med. Chem., 31:283-284 (1988)], showed that planar molecules with basic nature can interact with DNA more strongly than the neutral species. On the basis of the above considerations and discoveries, the present invention was developed.

Potential anticancer agents derived from acridine

Sloan-Kettering Institute For Cancer Research


A non-contact type power transmitting apparatus may include a rectifying unit rectifying alternating current (AC) power, a power converting unit converting the power rectified by the rectifying unit into direct current (DC) power through a single power converting operation and switching and transmitting the DC power, and a power transmitting coil transmitting transmission power transmitted from the power converting unit externally in a non-contact scheme.

Some embodiments of the present disclosure may relate to a non-contact type power transmitting apparatus, a non-contact type power transmitting-receiving apparatus, a contact/non-contact type power transmitting apparatus, and a contact/non-contact type power transmitting-receiving apparatus capable of transmitting power in a non-contact scheme.
In order for an electric/electronic apparatus to receive externally-available power, a power supply apparatus for transferring power from an external power supply facility to the electric/electronic apparatus may be needed.
A wired type power supply apparatus directly connected to the electronic apparatus by a connector, or the like, to supply power to a battery embedded in the electronic apparatus is generally used. Alternatively, power may be supplied to a battery embedded in the electronic apparatus in a non-contact scheme by a magnetic induction effect or by a magnetic resonance effect as in the following Related Art Document (Patent Document).

Non-contact type power transmitting apparatus, non-contact type power transmitting-receiving apparatus, contact/non-contact type power transmitting apparatus, and contact/non-contact type power transmitting-receiving apparatus


An apparatus including at least one microphone; audio circuitry connected to the at least one microphone; and a memory connected to the audio circuitry. The audio circuitry is configured to output a first audio track and at least one second audio track. The audio circuitry is configured to form the first audio track from an output signal, provided by the at least one microphone, by processing the output signal with a first audio configuring, and where the audio circuitry is configured to form the at least one second audio track from the output signal, provided by the at least one microphone, without the first audio configuring. The memory is configured to store the first audio track and the at least one second audio track together.

Technical Field
The exemplary and non-limiting embodiments relate generally to multi-resolution audio signals and, more particularly, to audio signals where the audio signals have different audio resolutions.
Brief Description of Prior Developments
In some devices, such as a conventional smartphone for example, audio recording settings are fixed. Thus, audio resolution (sampling rate and dynamic range) of recorded audio is fixed. In this type of conventional smartphone, playing of audio signals is limited to the same resolution as the recording resolution, such as only 16 bit dynamic range and 48 kHz sample rate.


The 3D visualization kit helps visualize concepts relating to points, surfaces, planes, curves, contours, and vectors in three dimensions. The kit is an inexpensive solution provided along with accompanying materials for its use that will allow students to effectively visualize concepts in three dimensions and aid in understanding important calculations in multivariable calculus eliminating the abstraction normally associated with concepts in three dimensions.

Currently, there exists a lack of geometric visualization in the student's comprehension of three-dimensional concepts in multivariable calculus. Unfortunately, this in turn makes it difficult for the student to understand the basic calculations involved in math and engineering classes. For example, most students are confused about the signs of the first and second derivatives in various directions, when confronted with a picture of a surface on an exam. They are unable to determine the slope of the line between two points in 3D. Nor could they easily determine which integral is larger when given two surfaces, one clearly above the other.
Computer software has provided enormous aids to students and professors wishing to visualize concepts in three dimensions. However, there are many concepts where the two dimensional nature of a computer screen can limit the effectiveness of these packages; particularly if students have a weak geometric background. For example, directional derivatives require the tangent line to a surface in a direction associated with the xy plane. In three dimensions, a surface can be placed over the xy plane, the direction on the xy plane can be indicated and the concept can be visualized quite easily. However, visualizing a precise direction and its associated tangent line on a 2D computer screen is often difficult for students. Correspondingly, a more effective pedagogical approach is to use physical 3D manipulatives. These allow visualization and motivation of, concepts in a real three dimensional space. Particularly when students are first being introduced to multivariable functions, this often proves more effective than a projection of three dimensions onto a two dimensional computer screen.
Thus, what is needed, is a simple, hands-on 3D tool for use as aid in teaching these concepts.


A method is described for preparing an antigenic product which incorporates exposing an aerosol of a microbial suspension to temperatures at which substantially only the heat stable components of the microbial suspension which retain their immunogenic properties remain. More specifically, the aerosol is exposed to an elevated temperature which denatures all labile components and removes the liquid portion of the aerosol by evaporation.

Vaccines and/or bacterins (formalin inactivated whole cell suspensions) are widely used to prevent diseases in humans and other animals. They usually consist of the organism and/or its metabolites responsible for a particular disease problem. The organisms may be in either their natural form, dead whole cells or live or attenuated or in non-native forms comprised of structural subunits of the pathogen or crucial metabolites. Almost all gram negative bacteria have a heat stable cell wall structural component referred to as lipopolysaccharide (LPS), that may function as a protective antigen. That an immune response directed against these structural components is sufficient to protect the animal against subsequent challenge by the pathogen. As with other animals, fish reared for food also suffer from systemic diseases that require prevention and/or treatment.
These diseases are due to variety of pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, fungi, protozoans and metazoans. The types of diseases depend upon geography (where the fish are being reared), genetics (the species and genetic makeup), the environment (i.e., fresh versus brackish versus salt water) and the management/husbandry philosophies of those individuals rearing the fish. Disease prevention is always preferable to reactive disease treatment. Many of the primary bacterial pathogens that affect fish can readily be prevented by immunization.
Fish vaccines generally consist of formalin inactivated suspensions of whole cells. These preparations are diluted and administered to fish by injection or immersion. Alternative methods include bathing the fish in highly dilute suspensions or spraying fish directly with the diluted preparation, which is then absorbed through the gill membranes.
Virtually all commercially available fish vaccines are in liquid form and are prepared by either continuous culture or batch fermentation and are subsequently inactivated with formaldehyde. They are whole cell-based products that depend on a stable cell wall component (LPS) for their protective properties. Due to their liquid nature, these products have strict refrigeration requirements. Accordingly, a relatively short shelf-life can be expected and the products may become contaminated with extraneous organisms or even occasionally with living organisms contained in the vaccine, particularly if the container of the liquid product is opened and resealed improperly. The liquid products are also bulky and inconvenient to transport in large quantities. Furthermore, the use of liquid based bacterins in oral vaccine preparations may be hampered by rancidity problems, standardization of antigen levels and stability problems.
Exemplary of the currently available methods for the preparation of vaccines are the following:
U.S. Pat. No. 3,862,313 to Fryer et al. describes a wet whole cell vaccine of Vibrio anguillarum which may be administered orally or by injection. The actual preparation of the vaccine comprises growing the bacterial cells in a suitable medium, killing the cells by formaldehyde addition, harvesting the cells by centrifugation and finally freezing the resultant wet cells. For use, the frozen vaccine is thawed into a paste.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,755,557 to Jacobs teaches the use of lecithin as a stabilizer to disperse dry antigens in a liquid propellant for spray vaccines. The antigens must be worked up into the vaccine in a dry condition. The techniques of freeze-drying and vacuum drying are described.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,608,066 to Illartein describes a pharmaceutical preparation of finely ground, killed, lyophilized microorganisims and a suitable carrier. It is designed to be used in the upper and lower respiratory tracts. The preparation of the antigenic component includes heat killing and centrifuging the chosen bacteria, lysing the cells and then lyophilizing the resultant suspension by conventional means. The powdered antigen is then prepared into an aerosol formulation with a lubricant and a propellant.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,287,179 to Amend provides a liquid vaccine in which whole fish are immersed which comprises killed Yersinia ruckeri.
It is an object of the present invention to obviate or mitigate the above disadvantages.


An electronic endoscope system includes a video scope having a solid-state image sensor for successively producing a frame of color image-pixel signals, and an image-signal processor for producing a color video signal based on the frame of color image-pixel signals. A calculation system calculates a difference value between a value of a central single-color image-pixel signal and an average of values of one selected from single-color image-pixel signals surrounding the central single-color image-pixel signal. A color-balance alteration system alters the value of the central single-color image-pixel signal based on the difference value calculated by the calculation system. A selection system performs the selection of the circumferential image-pixel signals such that the circumferential image-pixel signals to be selected are farther from the central image-pixel signal, as a spatial frequency of an endoscope image to be reproduced based on the color video signals is lower.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an electronic endoscope system in which an endoscope image is reproduced as a full color image on a TV monitor, and, in particular, to such an electronic endoscope system with a simulated dye-spraying process or color-balance alteration process, which is constituted such that the endoscope image can be reproduced on the TV monitor as if it were sprayed with a dye-solution.
2. Description of the Related Art
As is well known, an electronic endoscope system includes a video scope, inserted in an organ of a human body, having a solid-state image sensor for capturing an organ image or endoscope image as a frame of image-pixel signals, an image-signal processing unit for producing a video signal based on the frames of image-pixel signals successively read from the solid-state image sensor, and a TV monitor for reproducing the endoscope image as a motion picture based on the video signal fed from the image-signal processing unit.
Recently, it is usual to manufacture an electronic endoscope system such that the endoscope image is reproduced as a full color motion image on a TV monitor. Thus, a dye-spraying examination method was developed and has been used as a medical examination method in the medical field in which electronic endoscope systems are used. For example, when a subtle uneven surface of the mucous membrane of a stomach or a colon is examined, the dye-spraying medical method is utilized.
In particular, the mucous membrane surface of the stomach or the colon features a reddish orange tone as a whole, and thus it is very difficult to examine the subtle unevenness of the mucous membrane surface. In order that the subtle unevenness of the mucous membrane surface can be clearly and easily examined on a TV monitor, a bluish solution, such as an Indigo Carmine solution, is introduced into a forceps-insertion passage of the video scope, and is sprayed over the mucous membrane surface. The solution has a tendency toward gathering at fine recess areas on the mucous membrane surface, and it flows away from fine land areas on the mucous membrane surface. Namely, the fine recess areas on the mucous membrane surface are colored blue, and clearly contrast with the reddish orange areas. Thus, it is possible to easily carry out an examination of the subtle unevenness of the mucous membrane surface.
However, there are various drawbacks in the dye-spraying medical examination method. For example, a dye must be harmless to a human body, and it is troublesome to develop a harmless dye. Also, an introduction of a dye-spraying medical examination method prolongs the medical examination time when using the electronic endoscope system, resulting in an increase in the patient's pain. Further, once a dye-solution is sprayed, it is impossible to immediately reproduce an endoscope image without the sprayed dye-solution.
In order to settle the above-mentioned problems, Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication (KOKAI) No. 2001-25025 discloses an electronic endoscope system with a simulated dye-spraying process for electronically processing an endoscope image as if it were sprayed with a blue-solution.
In this electronic endoscope system, a full color endoscope image is formed based on a frame of three-primary color image-pixel signals, which is composed of a frame of red image-pixel signals, a frame of green image-pixel signals, and a frame of blue image-pixel signals. In the simulated dye-spraying process, for example, a value of a central red image-pixel signal is compared with an average of values of eight circumferential red image-pixel signals surrounding the central red image-pixel signals.
If the value of the central signal is lower than the average of the values of the circumferential signals, the central red image-pixel signal derives from a fine recess area on a mucous membrane surface of, for example, a stomach. However, if the value of the central signal is higher than the average of the values of the circumferential signals, the central red image-pixel signal derives from a fine land area on the mucous membrane surface of the stomach. The same is true for the green image-pixel signals and the blue image-pixel signals.
Accordingly, for example, if the frame of three-primary color image-pixel signals is processed such that the values of red and green image-pixel signals, deriving from the fine recess areas, are lowered, an endoscope image can be reproduced as if it were sprayed with a bluish-solution.
Further, before the simulated dye-spraying process can be properly performed, it is necessary to take account of a spatial frequency of an endoscope image captured by the image sensor. Nevertheless, the aforesaid KOKAI No. 2001-25025 does not refer to the spatial frequency of the endoscope image captured by the image sensor.
In particular, when an unevenness on the mucous membrane surface of the stomach is captured by the image sensor, the captured unevenness image exhibits a specific spatial frequency. On the other hand, an image sensor has a specific pixel pitch, which is defined as an array pitch of photodiodes arranged on the light-receiving surface of the image sensor. In this case, for example, when the spatial frequency of the captured unevenness image is too low in comparison with the pixel pitch of the image sensor, it is impossible to properly perform the simulated dye-spraying process, because the eight circumferential image-pixels, surrounding the central image-pixel, do not necessarily represent a land area surrounding the fine recess represented by the central image-pixel signal.
For example, when an endoscope image to be reproduced on the TV monitor is enlarged, the spatial frequency of the enlarged endoscope image becomes lower than that of the original endoscope image, resulting in degraded performance of the simulated dye-spraying process. Also, when the video scope is substituted for another type of video scope featuring a solid-state image sensor having a smaller pixel pitch, the simulated dye-spraying process cannot be properly performed, because the spatial frequency of the endoscope image captured by the other type of video scope becomes relatively lower, due to the smaller pixel pitch of the image sensor thereof.

Electronic endoscope system with color-balance alteration process


When a pulse width limitation control is carried out, an air-fuel ratio feedback correction control such as O.sub.2 feedback or an A/F (air-fuel ratio) learning correction control is prohibited or limited. When the pulse width limitation control is carried out, various kinds of factors for carrying out a basic injection amount are made a prohibition condition or a limitation condition, and when other operation conditions arise, the operability is not damaged.

The present invention relates to a fuel injection control apparatus of an internal combustion engine and a fuel injection method of an internal combustion engine.
Up to now, by carrying out a fuel control in which a desirable injection characteristic of a fuel injector can be obtained, a fuel injection control apparatus having a wide range linear characteristic area has been proposed. For example, Japanese patent application laid-open No. Hei 9-209803 discloses, in a fuel injection control apparatus constituted by including an operation condition detection means for defecting an engine operation condition, a fuel injection amount establishment means for establishing a fuel injection mount to the engine according to the detected engine operation condition, and a fuel injection control means for carrying out a fuel injection control according to the established fuel injection amount through a fuel injector. A fuel injection control apparatus for use in an internal combustion engine is characterized in that the fuel control apparatus is constituted including a correction amount establishment means for establishing a correction amount to have a desirable injection characteristic of the fuel injection amount from the fuel injector, and a fuel injection amount correction means for correcting the fuel injection mount is established by the fuel injection amount establishment means according to the established correction amount.
The above stated desirable injection characteristic is a relationship between a drive signal to the fuel injector and the fuel injection amount having the linear characteristic in which a substantially constant inclination extending over at substantially whole area.
In an engine such a lean burn engine and a cylinder-in injection gasoline engine, at a small area of the fuel injection amount, an actual fuel injection amount against a control value becomes small, namely there happens that a direction of a fuel pulse width disagrees with a direction of an increase area of the fuel amount. With the above stated reasons, an unstable use area exists in the small area of the fuel injection amount, there is a concern about inviting aggravation of the operability and the exhaust gas property. With these reasons, in the conventional example stated above, it has been proposed that the correction amount is determined to obtain that the relationship between the drive signal to the fuel injector and the fuel injection amount has the linear characteristic having a substantially constant inclination extending substantially over the whole area.
However, when the above stated linear characteristic control is carried out or not carried out, in the area where the fuel injection amount becomes further small, it is impossible to carry out the correspondence between the fuel injection amount and the fuel injection pulse width. This area is positioned as the use impossible area and the pulse width limitation is carried out.

Fuel injection control apparatus and fuel injection method


A method for monitoring a manufacturing process features acquiring metrology data for semiconductor wafers at the conclusion of a final process step for the manufacturing process (“Step a”). Data is acquired for a plurality of process variables for a first process step for manufacturing semiconductor wafers (“Step b”). A first mathematical model of the first process step is created based on the metrology data and the acquired data for the plurality of process variables for the first process step (“Step c”). Steps b and c are repeated for at least a second process step for manufacturing the semiconductor wafers (“Step d”). An nth mathematical model is created based on the metrology data and the data for the plurality of process variables for each of the n process steps ('Step e“). A top level mathematical model is created based on the metrology data and the models created by steps c, d and e (”Step f'). The top level mathematical model of Step f is based on those process variables that have a substantial effect on the metrology data.

Historically, semiconductor device manufacturers have managed the transition to tighter process/materials specifications by depending on process tool manufacturers to design better and faster process/hardware configurations. As device geometries shrink to the nanometer scale, however, the increasing complexity of manufacturing processes has changed the landscape that must be negotiated to meet and maintain process/materials specifications.
Stand-alone control of process tools (based on equipment state data) will not maintain viable yields at 65 and 45 nm. Advanced device processing requires tool-level control based on the combination of advanced equipment control (AEC) and sensor based process control. Furthermore, tool level control alone cannot meet all of the control needs of advanced device fabrication. System-wide implementation of advanced process control (APC) that integrates AEC with e-diagnostics, Fault Detection and Classification (FDC) and predictive mathematical models of the device manufacturing process are required.
Economic as well as technological drivers exists for the move to AEC/APC. The cost of purchasing (and developing) stand-alone process tools to meet advanced production specifications is expected to be staggering. A cost effective alternative to the purchase of a new generation of process equipment exists through the combined use of add-on sensors with AEC/APC in existing (legacy) equipment. Sensor-based AEC/APC in legacy equipment can drive these tools to the tighter specifications needed for nanometer-scale device fabrication. Additional cost benefits can be realized from reductions in scrap/rework (especially in 300 mm wafer processing) and in lower test wafer use since these can be reduced or even eliminated in systems using wafer- and/or process-state data for process control. Sensor-based AEC/APC can also reduce preventive maintenance downtimes and time to process qualifications, while increasing process capabilities, device performance, yields and fabrication throughput.
A need therefore exists for improved systems and methods for monitoring manufacturing processes. A need also exists for detecting and classifying faults associated with manufacturing processes and outputs of the manufacturing processes.

Process control using process data and yield data


A photoluminescent retroreflective sheeting for use in structures when a power outage occurs. Guidance systems are made from this sheeting to mark exits and escape routes as well as possible hazards and safety devices. The novel sheeting includes photoluminescent properties that glow in the dark as well as retroreflective properties that retroreflect light incident upon the same sheet such that only one sheet has to be used rather than individual sheets with separate properties.

The term "building" as used throughout this application is intended to include any structure such as an aircraft, boat or other moveable and non-moveable conventional structures.
It is well known that within buildings at night or especially when the power has been lost, it is difficult to find ones way along the necessary corridors to the building exits. Similarly, in some emergencies, the location of important fixtures such as fire alarms, extinguishers, shut-off valves and the like are difficult to find.
In the prior art, a photoluminescent material is utilized as a guide for such purposes. The luminous material is attached to doorways, hallways, and the like, so that in the event of a power outage, the photoluminescent material will glow in the dark and guide a person to an exit or along a prescribed path. Of course, it is only useful to those individuals in the building that have adjusted their eyes to the darkness. Further; the luminescence produced is significantly lost within the first 20 minutes of an "outage." This makes it virtually useless to anyone entering the building after a short period of time.
The present invention overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art by providing a single sheeting material having both photoluminescent and retroreflective properties. The sheeting should exhibit the same photoluminescent properties as the current product being used, and it has significant retroreflective properties.
Thus it is an important object of the present invention to provide a photoluminescent retroreflective sheet material that is designed to provide both photoluminescence and retroreflection of light.
It is also an object of the present invention to provide a photoluminescent retroreflective sheeting in which a phosphorescent pigment is added to the retroreflective layer.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a photoluminescent retroreflective sheet in which the retroreflective layer has cube corner retroreflectors embossed on the backside thereof and covered by a predetermined pattern of hydrophobic silica. A backcoating contains the phosphorescent pigment and is in contact with the retroreflective layer in areas of the pattern not covered by the hydrophobic silica.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a photoluminescent reflective sheet which has a transparent flexible film with retroreflective cube corners formed on the reverse surface thereof and a clear adhesive with phosphorescent pigment screen-printed in a pattern and cured on the cube corners.
It is believed that the present invention may be utilized with retroreflector sheeting produced in a variety of ways but will be particularly useful with that retroreflective sheeting described and claimed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,618,518, issued Oct. 21, 1986, to Robert M. Pricone, et al. and assigned to applicants' assignee, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference. Other forms and methods of producing retroreflective sheeting include those of "casting" cube corner elements, such as disclosed in Rowland U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,810,804, issued May 14, 1974; 3,684,348, issued Aug. 15, 1972; and 3,689,346, issued Sep. 15, 1972.
Useful apparatus for embossing a film to provide cube corner retroreflective elements is disclosed in Pricone, et al. U.S. Pat. No. 4,601,861, issued Jul. 22, 1986, commonly assigned. Other techniques for compression or sequential embossing are disclosed in Rowland U.S. Pat. No. 4,244,683, dated Jan. 13, 1981.
Efforts have been made in the past to utilize fluorescent pigmented materials in conjunction with retroreflective sheet materials of the cube corner type. However, such use of fluorescent materials was intended to provide a combination of day/night visibility in highway signs. One example is that found in Rowland U.S. Pat. No. 3,830,682, issued Aug. 20, 1974. However, in such uses, unlike phosphors, the flourescent material would not continue to glow or provide light under "darkened" conditions but instead is illuminated by the light of certain wave lengths, so as to provide some "daylight" visibility to highway signs.
The present invention utilizes a phosphorescent pigmentation in conjunction with retroreflective sheet material in a manner which does not materially impede the retroreflective capability of the sign when illuminated either under normal lighting conditions, such as in a building and under hallway lighting lights, nor does it impede the "dark" or night light retroreflective capability when illuminated by a flashlight or other temporary light source.


A foot-operated, bass drum pedal assembly is provided with a series of interchangeable cam members selectively disposed on a sprocket hub mounted on the rotating axle disposed between the two upright posts. The interchangeable cam system permits a user to alter the performance characteristics or playing response of the drum pedal system by changing the cam profile for that pedal. The user need not disassemble the entire sprocket and hub assembly; rather, the cam profile is changed by selectively changing a detachable cam member with one of a series of cam members.

a) Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to improvements in bass drum beating equipment; more particularly, the invention provides an enhanced drum pedal system having interchangeable cam profile members for attachment to the drum pedal sprocket to thereby enhance drum performance and versatility.
b) Description of Related Art
Current drum technology includes foot-operated bass drum assemblies wherein the drum pedals are manufactured with a sprocket and hub assembly disposed on a shaft. The sprocket and hub assembly engages a drive chain or strap driven by the pedal. The strap rides along a cam surface to provide a predetermined beater speed and playing response. Each sprocket and hub assembly is provided with a particular cam shape and, thus, a particular playing response.
The cam shape associated with the sprocket and hub assembly directly affects the beater speed for the bass drum. The sprocket and hub assembly mounted on the drum pedal shaft is provided to limit the travel distance of the beater; thus, with the same stepping force acting on the pedal, a user may have different playing response based on the movement of the beater. Conventional drum systems do not provide a convenient and versatile manner for the user to alter the cam shape. Rather, when a user's cam preference changes, that user must either purchase a new pedal system or replace an entire sprocket and hub assembly defining the cam shape.
From this description, it is noted that many kinds of products sold in the market cannot fulfill the requirements of a drum user and, consequently, there is a long and unfulfilled need for a convenient and versatile cam assembly for use in pedal-operated drums and constructed in accordance with the present invention which tends to litigate or obviate the aforementioned problems.

Drum pedal system with interchangeable cam elements


A hanger/hook accessory supports articles on a vertically dependent member hung from an outer underside of a pool rim member. The hanger/hook accessory has a mounting bracket attached to an outer underside of a pool rim member; a removable fastener device connecting the mounting bracket to a member having opposite ends; and a hook connected to the member for supporting the articles. In a second embodiment, a mounting bracket is attached to outer underside of the pool rim member, the bracket having a vertically extending dependent portion; a hook with a mounting connector portion at one end; and a removable fastener device securing the mounting connector portion of the hook to the dependent portion of the bracket.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to hanger and/or hook accessories for supporting articles from a support member and, more particularly, to such hanger and hook accessories for supporting articles laterally of a support member.
2. Description of the Related Art
Hangers are known for supporting articles laterally of support members, including pipe stanchions, cable hangers, and the like. Other examples of hangers, include hangers for curtains, flower pots and the like or hangers used in the automotive field such as those used to support exhaust pipes, electrical wiring harnesses, and other articles that have a substantial longitudinal extent.
Another type of hanger is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,068,928 which discloses a hook that is configured to store a rolled pool cover. In the '928 patent the hook includes an inner mounting portion that is bent upon itself for coupling the inner edge portion of the storage hook to the inside, annular flange on an annular cap supported on the upper terminal end of a side wall of an above-ground pool. Such an arrangement requires a special hook configuration that will match a particular annular cap design. Since the dimensions of such annular caps differ in accordance with the pool design, the hook approach shown in the '928 patent requires a wide inventory of parts to fit the various types of above-ground pools presently being manufactured.


A physical therapy assistance device includes a base having a non-slip portion, a spring extending between a first end and a second end and having a first height in a fully expanded condition and a partially compressed condition, the spring being coupled to the base at the first end, and a cone extending between a first end having a first diameter, and a second end having a second diameter, the cone having a cone height, and at least partially housing the spring therein so that in the fully expanded condition of the spring, the first height of the spring is larger than the cone height.

Physical therapy can be a difficult process for patients recovering from injuries and/or accidents. While licensed and trained physical therapists can assist heavily in the process of rehabilitation, new techniques and products may assist in patient recovery. Specifically, small devices that require minimal physical therapist oversight, and that can allow a patient to perform exercises independently would be helpful. Such devices may allow the patient to perform exercises in a physical therapy office setting or at home.
The present disclosure relates to a physical therapy device that assists the user in rehabilitating their feet and hands. The present disclosure will allow patients to work on balance and stability of the peripheral extremities, such as the foot and hands, without the assistance of a physical therapist or another person. Additionally, the present disclosure relates to small devices that are easily transportable, and that can be easily modified to increase or decrease the level of difficulty for different patients.


An axial flow compressor for a bypass type jet engine has a low pressure stage which includes a one-piece, annular hoop shroud mounted to the airfoil of each of the rotor blades in the low pressure stage to divide the airflow entering the compressor into an outer, bypass airflow path and an inner airflow path directed to the higher pressure stages of the compressor. The hoop shroud is formed of circumferentially wound, parallel fibers such as silicone carbide fibers embedded in a metal matrix material such as titanium, wherein the volume ratio of the hoop shroud is approximately one-third fibers and two-thirds metal matrix material.

Axial flow compressors are commonly used in bypass-type jet engines to supply compressed air to the combustion chamber. These compressors are typically multi-stage units wherein each stage consists of a bank or row of rotor blades connected to the rotor disk and an adjacent row of stator vanes mounted to the compressor casing. The several stages of the compressor operate in series to gradually increase the pressure of the airflow therethrough in an aft direction for injection into the combustion chamber.
In bypass-type jet engines, only a portion of the air entering the forward end of the compressor passes through its high pressure stages. The rest of the air is ducted around the high pressure stages of the compressor and then later mixed in the exhaust system with the high pressure air before passing to the propelling nozzle of the jet engine.
In order to improve the aerodynamic performance of axial flow compressors for bypass-type jet engines, a flow splitter is sometimes mounted to the airfoil of the rotor blades in a low pressure stage of the compressor intermediate the root and tip of the airfoil. The purpose of the splitter is to divert the airflow at the intake or forward end of the compressor into a low pressure, bypass air stream which is ducted around the high pressure stages of the compressor, and a high pressure, inner air stream which passes into the high pressure stages of the compressor. This split or stratification of the air flow can increase the aerodynamic performance of the jet engine and thus lower fuel consumption.
In the prior art, blade splitters mounted to the airfoil of the rotor blades in the low pressure stages of a compressor have been "part span" shrouds, i.e., short, arcuate-shaped sections of metal alloys welded or otherwise permanently affixed to the airfoil of each rotor blade in the low pressure stage. The ends of the part span shroud of one airfoil abut the ends of the part span shroud of adjacent airfoils so that together the shrouds form an essentially continuous, annular-shaped ring around the entire rotor stage. The abutting ends of the part span shrouds are designed to create a seal therebetween to limit leakage of air between the inner and outer flow paths formed by the shrouds.
The stator vanes in the low pressure stage of the compressor adjacent to the rotor blades are also provided with shrouds similar in construction to those of the rotor blades. Both the part span shrouds of the rotor blades and the shrouds of the stator vanes are formed to engage one another along their facing, circumferential edges to create a seal therebetween. This circumferential seal between the rotating rotor blades and fixed stator vanes is intended to further limit the leakage of air between the inner air flow path and outer or bypass air flow path through the compressor.
Despite their aerodynamic advantages, part span shrouds of the type described above have several mechanical disadvantages. Each part span shroud is essentially deadweight on the airfoil and centrifugal loading produced by rotation of the rotor blades at high speeds induces a correspondingly high bending stress at the shroud-airfoil interface causing high local airfoil stresses. In turn, the centrifugal loads produced by the shrouds are transferred through the airfoils directly to the rotor disk which increases the overall weight of the rotor structure.
The high centrifugal forces applied to the shrouds by rotation of the rotor produces high bending stresses in the shrouds themselves and thus causes relatively large shroud deflections. Relative movement or deflection of the shroud mounted on one rotor blade airfoil with respect to the shroud mounted on an adjacent rotor blade airfoil allows air to leak therebetween. This diminishes the aerodynamic performance, i.e., splitting of the air incoming to the compressor into a low pressure bypass or outer flow and a high pressure or inner flow into the high pressure stages of the compressor.
Leakage of air between the high pressure air flow path through the compressor and the low pressure bypass air flow path can also occur along the contacting circumferential edges of the part span shrouds mounted to the row of rotor blades and the mating shrouds mounted to the adjacent row of stator vanes in the low pressure stage of the compressor. Such relative deflection is typically produced by centrifugal loading and airfoil untwist, i.e., a tendency of the airfoil to straighten under high centrifugal load. This airfoil untwist can cause the contacting shroud surfaces of the rotor blades and stator vanes to "lock up" and hence rub against one another causing additional shroud stresses and possible surface fatigue at the contacting surfaces of the shrouds.

Hoop shroud for the low pressure stage of a compressor