A surface acoustic wave device has a main substrate; a comb-like electrode formed on one of the main surfaces of said main substrate; and a supplementary substrate joined with the other main surface of said main substrate, wherein said supplementary substrate has a smaller thermal expansion coefficient and a larger thickness than said main substrate.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to surface acoustic wave devices used for mobile communication equipment and their manufacturing method.
2. Related Art of the Invention
Due to the development of mobile communication, there is a growing demand for the improvement of the performance of surface acoustic wave devices that are one of the key devices in manufacturing equipment. The characteristics of surface acoustic wave devices depend on the electromechanical coupling coefficient, delay time temperature coefficient, and surface acoustic wave propagation velocity of piezoelectric substrates. Common piezoelectric substrates are now formed of piezoelectric monocrystal such as crystal, lithium tantalate, or lithium niobate. Due to the anisotropy of the piezoelectric monocrystal, substrates of the same material may have different characteristics depending on their cut angle or propagating direction. Thus, such substrates are selected depending on their applications. In general, the temperature coefficient of frequency (TCF) of these piezoelectric substrates increases with increasing electromechanical coupling coefficient, while it decreases with decreasing TCF, and substrate materials have been required that have a large electromechanical coupling coefficient and a small TCF.
In addition, various mobile communication systems are used and the working frequency band has spread from a conventional 800-MHz band to a 1.9-GHz band. The PCS system in the U.S. and the PCN system in Europe are mobile communication systems that use the 1.9-GHz band and that have a very small difference in frequency (20 MHz) between the transmission and reception bands. Thus, if, for example, a transmission filter is used, it is very difficult to achieve sufficient attenuation in the reception band. When a surface acoustic wave filter is used for these systems, piezoelectric substrates formed of lithium tantalate or niobate having a large electromechanical coupling coefficient are normally used in order to provide a pass band. Due to the large TCF of such piezoelectric substrates (for example, about -35 ppm/.degree. C. in lithium tantalate for 36.degree. Y-cut and X propagation), however, only 10-odd MHz of interval can be substantially provided between the transmission and reception bands taking the operating temperature range and manufacturing deviances into consideration. Consequently, in the above example of a transmission filter, it is further difficult to achieve sufficient attenuation in the reception band. These factors further enhance a demand for piezoelectric substrates having a large electromechanical coupling coefficient and excellent temperature characteristics.
Various approaches have been executed to improve the TCF of surface acoustic wave devices. For example, (1) the well known methods disclosed in J. Appl. Phys. (Vol. 50, pp. 1360-1369, 1979) and IEEE Transactions Sonics and Ultrasonics (Vol. SU-31, pp. 51-57, 1984) improve the TCF of surface acoustic wave devices by forming on lithium tantalate or niobate a silicon oxide film (SiO.sub.2) of a TCF with an opposite sign. (2) In addition, the method disclosed in IEEE Transactions Ultrasonics, Ferroelectrics, and Frequency Control (Vol. 41, pp. 872-875, 1994) forms a polarization inverting layer on the surface of a piezoelectric substrate to allow the electrostatic short-circuit effect of the piezoelectric to be used to control the TCF of a surface acoustic wave device. (3) A method has also been proposed that directly joins different piezoelectric substrates together to provide a piezoelectric substrate having new piezoelectric characteristics.
Conventional surface acoustic wave devices are described below.
First, a conventional surface acoustic wave device is described in which a silicon oxide film is formed on an existing piezoelectric substrate. FIG. 9 is a sectional view of a conventional surface acoustic wave device in which a silicon oxide film is formed on a piezoelectric substrate. In this figure, 201 is a piezoelectric substrate, 203 is a comb-like electrode, and 204 is a silicon oxide film. The piezoelectric substrate 201 comprises lithium tantalate or niobate. This surface acoustic wave device is fabricated by forming the comb-like electrode 203 on the piezoelectric substrate 201, and using a sputtering method to form the silicon oxide film 204 on the piezoelectric substrate 201 on which the comb-like electrode 203 is formed. The piezoelectric characteristics vary depending on the thickness of silicon oxide, and a zero temperature coefficient is obtained at a certain thickness (normally expressed by normalizing the surface acoustic wavelength).
Next, a conventional surface acoustic wave device is discussed in which a polarization inverting layer is formed on the surface of a piezoelectric substrate. FIG. 10 is a sectional view of a conventional surface acoustic wave device in which a polarization inverting layer is formed on the surface of a piezoelectric substrate. In this figure, 201 is the piezoelectric substrate, 203 is the comb-like electrode, and 205 is a polarization inverting layer. This surface acoustic wave device is fabricated by forming the polarization inverting layer 205 on the front surface of the piezoelectric substrate 201 and then forming the comb-like electrode 203. When the polarization inverting layer 205 has a certain depth, the electrostatic short-circuit effect of this layer 205 improves its temperature characteristics compared to existing piezoelectric substrates.
In addition, FIG. 11 is a sectional view showing a configuration of a conventional surface acoustic wave device wherein piezoelectric monocrystals are directly joined together to provide new piezoelectric characteristics. In this figure, 201 is a main substrate consisting of a first piezoelectric substrate, 202 is a supplementary substrate consisting of a second piezoelectric substrate, and 203 is a comb-like electrode. According to this configuration, a surface acoustic wave device with new characteristics is provided by reducing the thickness of the main substrate 201 below one surface acoustic wavelength to excite a surface acoustic wave in a mode different from that of a surface acoustic wave that propagates along the main substrate.
These conventional surface acoustic wave devices, however, have the following problems.
First, while the silicon oxide film or polarization inverting layer can improve the temperature characteristics, the characteristics of the piezoelectric substrate inevitably change. That is, the surface acoustic wave velocity may vary, the propagation loss of surface acoustic waves may increase, the electromechanical coupling coefficient may vary, or unwanted spurious responses may occur. Furthermore, if the silicon oxide film is used, the varying thickness of this film may cause the piezoelectric characteristics and surface acoustic wave velocity of the piezoelectric substrate to vary, thereby hindering manufacturing deviances from being controlled. The film quality of silicon oxide may cause the characteristics of the substrate to change. Similarly, if the polarization inverting layer is used, varying the depth of the polarization inverting layer may cause the piezoelectric characteristics and surface acoustic wave velocity of the piezoelectric substrate to change.
On the other hand, the conventional surface acoustic wave device using a direct junction requires the thickness of the first piezoelectric substrate, that is, the main substrate to be reduced accurately, thereby preventing high frequencies from being used for the process.

Surface acoustic wave devices and their manufacturing method

Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.


Device for fitting a cluster of teat cups 3 on animals, comprising a corresponding set of bearing arms 1 in which each teat cups 3 is situated at the end of its own bearing arm 1, which bearing arms are each rotatable around a transfer-running rotary shaft 20, and are each suitable for varying the distance between the teat cup 3 in question and the rotary shaft 20, and also driving means for moving each bearing arm in such a way that the corresponding teat cup 3 can be fitted on a teat, wherein each bearing arm is essentially horizontal and can be slit parallel to each rotarty shaft. The rotary shaft 20 of the bearing arms can be suspended from a common telescopic supporting structure 12, 13 for inserting or removing the teat cups at the rear side of the animal to be milked between its hind legs.

The invention relates to a device for fitting a cluster of teat cups on animals, comprising a corresponding set of bearing arms, in which each teat cup is situated at the end of its own essentially horizontal bearing arm, which bearing arms are suspended from a supporting structure, by means of which the bearing arms and the teat cups can be placed or removed from between the hind legs of the animal to be milked, and also drive means for moving each bearing arm in such a way that the corresponding teat cup can be fitted on a teat.
Such a device is known from European Patent Application EP-A-209202. In the case of this known device the bearing arms are suspended from a supporting structure which extends between the hind legs of the animal to be milked. By means of this supporting structure, the bearing arms, and thus the teat cups, are moved up and down together when the teat cups are being placed on or removed from the teats.
The disadvantages of this known device is that all four teat cups always have to be fitted or removed at the same time. If, for example, the fitting of a single teat cup goes wrong, it is not possible to repeat the fitting procedure for that one teat cup, but the whole teat cup cluster with all four teat cups, thus including those which were fitted properly, has to be removed.

Device for fitting or removing a cluster of teat cups for animals


In a spark plug for an internal combustion engine, a spark gap is defined between an insulated sparking portion and a grounded sparking portion. At least one of the insulated sparking portion and the grounded sparking portion is made of a molten alloy composed of (a) 99 to 80 wt. % of Ir and (b) 1 to 20 wt. % of Pt. The insulated sparking portion can be a center electrode or a discharge chip attached to a free end of the center electrode, while the grounded sparking portion can be a ground electrode or a discharge chip attached to a free end of the ground electrode.

a) Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a spark plug to be mounted on an internal combustion engine, especially to electrodes of the spark plug.
b) Description of the Related Art
As electrodes of a spark plug to be mounted on an internal combustion engine, those made of an alloy composed of 85 to 70 wt. % of Pt and 15 to 30 wt. % of Ir have been practically used to reduce the consumption (wear) of the electrodes through repetitions of a spark discharge to an air-fuel mixture in a combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine and hence to improve its durability Japanese Patent Publication (Kokoku) No. HEI 2-58756!. With a view to achieving further improvements in the durability by minimizing the consumption of a center electrode through repetitions of a spark discharge, many electrodes made of Ir or sintered Ir--Y.sub.2 O.sub.3 alloys have also been proposed and actually used.
During use in an ordinary internal combustion engine, the temperature of an insulator-supported center electrode, for example, at its central free end remains around about 800.degree. C. When the electrode is made as in the conventional art, namely, is made of an alloy composed of 85 to 70 wt. % of Pt and 15 to 30 wt. % of Ir as disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication (Kokoku) No. HEI 2-58756 or is made of Ir or a sintered Ir--Y.sub.2 O.sub.3 alloy, the consumption of the center electrode through repetitions of a spark discharge can be reduced because the alloy material making up the center electrode contains a great deal of Ir which has excellent spark consumption resistance in the temperature range of the central free end of the center electrode. Keeping in step with the recent move toward a higher power output in internal combustion engines, more heat may however be produced as a result of combustion of an air-fuel mixture in a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine. The temperature of the center electrode at the central free end thereof exposed in the combustion chamber therefore rises considerably. When the temperature becomes as high as about 850.degree. C. or higher, the volatility of IrO.sub.3 which is formed on the center electrode as a result of repetitions of a spark discharge becomes significantly higher than that of PtO.sub.2 formed likewise on the center electrode. In the high temperature range that the temperature of the center electrode is 850.degree. C. and higher at the central free end thereof, vaporization of IrO.sub.3 is more dominant than that of Pt or an alloy composed of 80 wt. % of Pt and 20 wt. % of Ir so that the spark consumption resistance of the center electrode is conversely reduced and the durability of the center electrode is also lowered.
To cope with the above-mentioned problem, it has also been proposed to sinter Ir powder or Ir--Pt mixed powder and to use the sintered product as a discharge electrode of a center electrode Japanese Patent Applications Laid-Open (Kokai) Nos. SHO 61-88479 and SHO 63-257193, etc.!. In a discharge electrode formed by sintering as described above, Ir and Pt are however not alloyed in a uniformly distributed form as illustrated in FIG. 4. As a result, Ir-only portions and Pt-only portions are localized in the discharge electrode. In the high temperature range of 850.degree. C. and higher at the central free end of the center electrode, more dominant vaporization of IrO.sub.3 formed through repetitions of a spark discharge takes place compared with vaporization of PtO.sub.2 formed from Pt or a Pt alloy. This results in nonuniform consumption of the electrode by sparks, leaving only porous Pt behind. There is accordingly a problem that the durability required for electrodes or the like cannot be sufficiently assured.

Spark plug for internal combustion engine having platinum and iridium alloyed emissive tips


A method for perforating a wellbore comprises placing a perforating device in a cased wellbore that passes through a subterranean formation. The perforating device comprises at least one explosive perforating charge that can be detonated in order to perforate the casing and allow the formation fluids to enter the wellbore. A perforating fluid is placed in the wellbore between the perforating device and the casing. The ratio of the critical temperature of the perforating fluid in ° K and the temperature of the subterranean formation adjacent to the casing in ° K is between about 1.0-1.3. When the at least one explosive charge in the perforating device is detonated, at least one perforation is formed in the casing, and at least a portion of the perforating fluid is forced into the subterranean formation.

The present invention relates generally to a method of perforating the casing in a well from which oil and/or gas can be produced.
In order to produce hydrocarbon fluids from subterranean formations, a borehole is drilled from the surface down into the desired formations. Typically, cylindrical casing is placed in the borehole, thereby defining a hollow wellbore. In order for the hydrocarbon fluids to flow from the surrounding formations into the wellbore and up to the surface, it is necessary to perforate the casing. This is typically done using a perforating gun, a downhole tool that detonates explosive charges at selected locations in order to form holes in the casing.
Because the fluids in the formation are under pressure, a choice must be made whether to perforate the well with the bottom-hole pressure in the wellbore lower or higher than the formation pressure. The former condition is referred to as "underbalanced" and the latter condition is referred to as "overbalanced".
It has been common in recent years to perforate the casing of a well in an underbalanced condition. For high pressure reservoirs, an underbalanced condition is easy to achieve. However, if the pressure in the formation is relatively low, it may be difficult or impossible to achieve a lower pressure in the wellbore, especially considering the great depth of some wells. In that situation, the well operator does the best that is possible under the circumstances, and perforates the well with whatever liquid is in the wellbore.
Experience has shown that different wellbore fluids can have significant effects on production rates. For example, perforating with brine in the wellbore usually results in two-phase (oil and water) flow in the formation pores. This condition is known to deleteriously affect production rates. It is also possible to perforate with an oil-based mud in the wellbore. This eliminates the two-phase flow in the formation pores, but can results in plugging some pores with the solid (clay) portion of the mud.
There is a need for improved methods of perforating well casing that reduce or eliminate at least some of the above-described problems.


An image processing apparatus configured to obtain a resized image of a suitable size in a case where a plurality of image data are enlarged or reduced, while keeping a vertically long or horizontally long state of the image. Thus, a matched state between a resize object image and a resize rectangle as target values for a resized image as to whether being vertically long or horizontally long is determined. Responsive to a result of determination, the resize rectangle is rotated 90 degrees, and the resize object image is enlarged or reduced such that the enlarged or reduced resize object image is matched with the resize rectangle rotated.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus generally called a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as a PC) being operated as an image processing apparatus, and in particular, the present invention relates to an image processing apparatus configured to edit an image captured by a digital still camera and the like by enlarging or reducing the image.
2. Description of the Related Art
In a case where a user manages images captured by an image capture apparatus such as a digital still camera and the like, the user generally uses an image processing application program running on a PC.
Further, in recent years, with the advancement of PC performance, a user can post-process and edit a captured image according to the user's own preference. In the meantime, miniaturization and large capacity of storage media have rapidly progressed to such an extent that digital still cameras can capture a large number of images.
Under such circumstances, in order to effectively perform post processing on a large number of captured images, various tools are emerging which set parameters for image processing for every image, for example, resize processing such as enlarging or reducing an image, and finally collectively process images.
However, in a case where images are collectively processed by a PC, there are the following problems. First, to perform the resize processing using the collective processing, it is a common practice for a user to specify an output rectangle, and then,
(1) to forcibly resize an image to the size of the specified output rectangle, or
(2) to resize an image to a size where the image is inscribed or circumscribed by the specified output rectangle.
However, in a case where images to be processed contain both a vertical image in which its height is larger than its width and a horizontal image in which its width is larger than its height, the above method (1) may create the following problem.
That is, there is a problem that if the vertical image is resized to a horizontally-long specified rectangle or if the horizontal image is resized to a vertically-long specified rectangle, the resized image becomes extremely distorted with respect to the original image, and eventually becomes non-practicable.
On the other hand, according to the method (2), there are cases where the output size becomes greatly different between the vertical image and the horizontal image. For example, in a case where a vertical image having 800 pixels vertical and 600 pixels horizontal is set to be outputted as an image having 640 pixels vertical and 480 pixels horizontal, the resized output image becomes a vertical image having 640 pixels vertical and 480 pixels horizontal. Thus, no problem is arisen. However, in a case where a horizontal image having 600 pixels vertical and 800 pixels horizontal is set to be outputted as an image having 640 pixels vertical and 480 pixels horizontal, the resized output image becomes a horizontal image having 360 pixels vertical and 480 pixels horizontal, which is an extremely small image compared to the set number of pixels.
FIG. 10 is a view illustrating these problems. FIG. 10 shows a case where the same resize output rectangles 1011 to 1013 are specified with respect to resize object images 1001 to 1003. In the case of the resize object images 1001 and 1003, since the vertical-to-horizontal relation is not extremely different from the resize output rectangles 1011 and 1013, practical resized images 1021 and 1023 can be obtained.
On the other hand, in the case of the resize object image 1002, since the vertical-to-horizontal relation is extremely different from the resize output rectangle 1012, a reduced resized image 1022 is eventually obtained.
In view of such problems, with regard to a resize processing accompanied with the rotation of an image, there is a known technique in which, when a copy is made, rotation of an image is performed as occasion demands, and a magnification varying processing is performed on the rotated image (for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 6-152862, corresponding to U.S. Pat. No. 5,649,033).
In this technique, an image (resize object image) obtained by reading an original is rotated so as to be matched with the orientation of an output sheet, and the size of a resultant copy becomes the same as that of the output sheet (resize output rectangle).
However, the above technique is not directed to acquiring a resized image whose orientation is the same as the orientation of an original. In a copying machine such as that disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 6-152862, no real problem is arisen. However, particularly in the case of an image captured by a digital still camera, a major problem is arisen if the orientation of the image is changed.

Image processing apparatus for resizing of images, image processing method for resizing images, program, and storage medium


The present invention is directed to a hair conditioning composition comprising as the active ingredient, a homopolymer of the formula. ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 is hydrogen or methyl;. R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 are independently lower alkyl;. R.sub.4 is C.sub.2 -C.sub.25 alkyl or aryl group;. n is 1-6; and. X is lower alkyl sulfate or aryl sulfonate and to the use thereof for treating hair.

1. Field of the Invention
The present application is directed to homopolymers prepared from ammonium quaternary salts of amino alkylacrylamides, the processes for preparing same, formulations containing these homopolymers and the use thereof in personal care formulations.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Polyquaternary polymers have been used in a variety of industrial formulations, including cosmetic formulations. However, to date, one of the most important applications is their use in hair and skin formulations, including hair shampoos and hair conditioning products. More specifically, they have been used to sufficiently condition the hair so that it holds a preset configuration.
Hair shampoos generally are formulated with highly effective synthetic surfactants, such as anionic surfactants, that clean the hair. The anionic surfactants not only remove the dirt and soil from the hair but concomitant therewith, they unfortunately also remove all of the sebum naturally present on the surface of hair fibers. As a result, shampoo compositions containing these surfactants leave the hair with an undesirable harsh, dull and dry touch or feel, usually called "creak", after the hair is shampooed and then rinsed with water.
Furthermore, thoroughly cleansed hair also is extremely difficult to comb, in either the wet or the dry state, because the individual hair fibers tend to snarl, kink and interlock with each other. If the hair is incompletely dried, such as hair dried with a towel, the hair has poor brushing properties, and after complete drying, the hair does not set well. The combing or brushing property of the hair remains poor and in low humidity atmospheres, the hair has undesirable electrostatic properties, causing the hair to "fly away", thereby reducing the brushing properties of the hair. The unsatisfactory combing or brushing property of hair immediately after shampooing also causes hair damage, such as split ends or hair breakage. In addition, shampooing of hair reduces the natural luster and resiliency of the hair, thereby giving the hair a dull appearance.
Thus, shampoos usually neither aid in the detangling of wet hair nor impart any residual conditioning benefits to dry hair, such as manageability or styleability of hair sets. The overall unsatisfactory condition of the shampooed hair necessitates the use of a conditioning composition to improve these undesirable physical characteristics. The conditioning composition may be applied separately from the hair shampoo as a post-shampoo treatment of the hair or may be incorporated into the hair shampoo. However, because many of the most widely used products for treating hair contain anionic surfactants and as explained hereinbelow, conditioning compositions usually contain cationic polymers as the active ingredient, and because cationic material are usually inactivated by reaction with anionic surfactants, it is customary to employ conditioner containing cationic materials as a separate composition, such as post-shampoo rinse, separately applied.
The conditioning agents that have been utilized in the prior art are cationic compounds such as cationic surfactants and cationic polymers. They render the hair more manageable. For example, the wet combing problem discussed hereinabove is solved by the use of these conditioners which coat the hair shaft and cause the individual hair shafts in a tress to resist tangling and matting because of the conditioner residue retained on the shaft. The ability of these cationic compounds to absorb or react with the keratinous material of the hair makes them the most desirable compounds for imparting the desired improvement in wet hair detangling and dry hair manageability. Many of these cationic compounds are polyquarternary polymers prepared from monomers with an ester functionality, for example, acrylate or methacrylate types, as a comonomer.
Although they are useful, these polyquaternary polymers containing esters have several disadvantages associated therewith. For example, they tend to be hydrolytically unstable to the extent that the formulation must avoid conditions conducive to hydrolysis during formulation, such as acidic or basic conditions and higher temperatures such as temperatures greater than about 30.degree. C. Under these conditions, they decompose and catalytically hydrolyze as a result of contact with water, including trace amounts thereof, into the (meth) acrylic acid and the corresponding dialkylalkanolamine, resulting in significant lowering of viscosity and concomitant reduction in beneficial properties.
Moreover, the esters used heretofore lack hydrogen bonding capability with skin protein or hair keratin; consequently the hair substantivity, when applied, is not satisfactory.
Furthermore, commercial formulations used heretofore are indiscriminate in the anion utilized. For example, many hair care products utilize anions derived from organic and inorganic acids, such as hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, hydrobromic acid, hydroiodic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, formic acid and the like. In the prior art conditioners, the preferred acid is hydrochloric acid, with the anion being a chloride ion. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 4,973,637. However, the presence of a chloride is undesirable, especially because it is a skin irritant. In addition, many conditioning agents are adapted for use as a spray from a container. However, chlorides have corrosive properties, and over a period of time, results in the corrosion of the spray container.
Another problem associated with conditioners heretofore, especially those that absorb particularly strongly to the hair, is that they reduce the elasticity, body and set of the dried hair.
The need for improved compositions that condition the hair has long been recognized in the art. Therefore, although conditioning compositions for applications to freshly shampooed hair are well known, new and improved conditioning formulations based on cationic compounds are continually sought. These new conditioning compositions must overcome the problems discussed hereinabove. They must also be aesthetically acceptable to consumers, improve the wet combing and dry combing properties of hair, leave the dry hair with satisfactory cosmetic and physical properties, including, in particular, dry combing and feel, less hair coating, manageability, and body. The conditioners sought must be substantive to hair.
The present inventors have found a homogenous and clear cationic polymer which, when formulated into a hair conditioning composition, does not suffer from the disadvantages enumerated hereinabove. The resulting formulation is an excellent hair conditioner which gives the hair body moisture, combability, etc. Such formulations are not corrosive or skin-irritants, but yet are stable to pH changes and impart improved physical and cosmetic properties to the hair.

Homopolymers prepared from ammonium quaternary salts of aminoalkylacrylamides


A rotary cutter assembly (11) includes a rotary cutter (74) rotated by a motor (76) through a drive including pulleys (250, 264) and a belt (326) inside of a combination guard and belt tensioner assembly (260). The rotary cutter (74) includes a cutter head (82) having integral blade holders (92) which slideably receive knives (90) in a channel (230) each having a detent (236) which is received in an aperture (91) in the knife (90) so that no fasteners or moveable parts are provided for holding the knives (90) and adjustment of the knives (90) is not needed or allowed. Guard quarters (266, 314) and a guard half (268) are moveable between closed and open positions and are held in the closed position by a single latch (325). The guard half (268) includes an idler (300) which tensions the belt (326) in the closed position. The second guard quarter (314) is mounted upon a pivotable cover (306) which together with the mount (262) for the motor (76) defines an enclosure for the rotary cutter (74) and the food products cut thereby and abuts with the guard half (268) in their closed positions.

The present invention generally relates to assemblies useable in the field of rotary cutting, particularly to easily removable guards performing multiple functions and to rotary cutters, which are believed to produce synergistic results when utilized together.
The production of many food products involves the extrusion of cooked food material under pressure through a die port as an extrudate and then to cut that extrudate into lengths as it exits the die ports in the die. A common technique for cutting the extrudate is the use of a rotary cutter which rotates multiple blades past die ports located in a circular pattern in the die. It can be appreciated that the blades are subject to wear and need replacement. In this regard, rotary cutters are often serviced or at least inspected whenever it is necessary to service the die.
It can be appreciated that safety guards are needed to enclose the rotary cutter and drive therefor to prevent engagement by personnel or clothing as well as to retain the cut food products in an uncontaminated environment and to prevent engagement of the cut food products with the drive. However, it should be appreciated that such guards must allow access when it is desired to service the rotary cutter and/or die. Prior to the present invention, such guards often required removal of several fasteners and often components themselves. Also, components for such prior guards accomplished only single functions, adding complexity to the assembly.
Servicing the rotary cutter itself also created problems. Particularly, blades of the rotary cutter were held on the blade holders by a clamp plate typically with two or more fasteners. Additionally, the blades and/or blade holders were adjustable so that the cutting angle relative to the die face could be adjusted for optimum operation. However, removing or loosening fasteners was time consuming and added to the overall complexity of the rotary cutter itself. Furthermore, adjusting the blades is a time consuming process even for a skilled operator. Additionally, if not adjusted properly, the blades can cut poorly resulting in defective food products and/or can result in increased wear, breakage, or other damage to the face of the die and/or to the blades themselves. As an example, an incorrect angle of the blade could be compensated by increasing the engagement pressure of the blade with the die, with frictional forces and wear being directly dependent upon the engagement pressure. In addition to increased operating costs as the result of shortened operating life of the components themselves, concerns arise of metal filings and/or pieces being introduced with the food product.
Thus, a need exists for improved rotary cutters which overcome the deficiencies of prior rotary cutters including but not limited to the need for adjustment and fasteners. Additionally, a need exists for improved assemblies which overcome the deficiencies of prior guards including but not limited to complexity, lack of easy access and single function components.


A spoolable connector which connects two opposing sections of coil tubing so as to transmit load between one section of coil tubing and another section of coil tubing. The spoolable connector has opposing non-circular grooves into which portions of the sections of coil tubing are deformed so as to create the torque transmitting connection between the spoolable connector and sections of coil tubing. The spoolable connector also includes a plurality of parallel radial slots on each opposing end to enhance bending of the connector at the ends as well as a plurality of longitudinal slots at each end to accommodate the weld seam line in the coil tubing. Seals may be installed as a sleeve which in use fits over the mid-section of the connector.

Coil tubing is primarily used to perform various down hole operations in oil and gas wells. The depth of the well can be many thousands of feet which makes the continuous coil tubing reel very heavy and in some situations impossible to move in one piece. In offshore rigs, the weight of the coil tubing reel is limited by crane capability and other logistical issues related to the harsh working environment, which requires the coil tubing to be transported in two or three reels. Conventional methods of joining coil tubing requires a certified welder to weld two ends of coil tubing together without significantly de-rating the fatigue limit of the coil tubing, which is in the range of 30-40% for a manual butt weld. However, certified welders are very expensive and not always readily available. The equipment needed to insure a high integrity weld is also expensive and not always readily available. Furthermore, the weather conditions can make the welding operation a significant challenge.
There are several coil tubing connectors on the market which have attempted to address some of these issues. A dimple connector of the type shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,474,701 is one example of such a connector. It uses a dimpling method to join two ends of the coil tubing to a central connector. The center of the connector is formed with radial slots filled with elastomeric pieces. The dimple connector has an acceptable fatigue life and exhibits a good tensile strength, however, the elastomeric material is not suitable in all fluid environments. Furthermore, this design requires a hydraulic dimpling tool on location.
A simple roll-on type connector has also been proposed. However, such connectors do not have a good torque rating and hence are not practical for joining two ends or sections of coil tubing. Other connectors, such as slip connectors and splined connectors, are not spoolable and therefore are also not practical for joining spoolable coil tubing.
Therefore, there is a need in the coil tubing industry for a connector which has approximately the strength of the base coil tubing, can be spooled easily on a reel with sufficient fatigue life for multiple spooling/unspooling operations, requires minimal equipment and time to install, and has sufficient torque imparting characteristics for typical coil tubing operations.


According to an exemplary embodiment, a method includes preparing a workpiece including a silicon film and a mask provided on the silicon film, etching the silicon film using the mask by plasma of a gas containing a first halogen atom, modifying a surface of the silicon film into an oxide layer by plasma of a gas containing an oxygen atom, a hydrogen atom, and a second halogen atom, the oxide layer including a first region extending along a side wall surface of the mask and a second region extending on the silicon film, etching the oxide layer to remove the second region while leaving the first region, and etching the silicon film using the mask and the oxide layer including the first region by plasma of a gas containing a third halogen atom.

Patent Document 1 discloses an etching method for forming a dummy gate of a fin-type field effect transistor. In this method, a gate material formed of amorphous silicon (a-Si) is etched using a mask of silicon nitride (SiN). The etching gas is a mixed gas of an argon (Ar) gas, a hydrogen bromide (HBr) gas, and an oxygen (O2) gas.

Etching method and plasma treatment device


A method for target detection and angle estimation in a radar system includes receiving a signal from a radar array; based on the received signal, performing monopulse beamforming to obtain one or more monopulse beams; based on the monopulse beams, determining monopulse ratios; using maximum likelihood estimation based on the determined monopulse ratios to determine a monopulse ratio estimate corresponding to a maximum of a likelihood function; accessing a table correlating monopulse ratio estimates and target angle values and determining from the table an estimated target angle; accessing a complex target amplitude corresponding to the estimated target angle, comparing the complex target amplitude to a threshold; and if, based on the step of comparing, the target amplitude exceeds the threshold, providing an output signal indicative of target detection and the estimated target angle.

A monopulse antenna system for search and tracking radars includes a plurality of antenna elements designed to receive a signal from a target. In a typical monopulse antenna system, one beam is formed in transmission for search in a specified direction and two or more beams are formed on reception for target detection and angle estimation. A processing schema referred to a maximum-likelihood (ML) target detection and angle estimation makes it possible to reduce or eliminate the beam-shape loss in the received beam thus providing better detection performance and angle estimation accuracy over a large surveillance volume when compared to conventional schema. The plurality of associated antenna elements that define the received beam serve as input to a beamformer which forms various relationships such as: the target detection signal or sum signal rΣ=(I+II+III+IV); an azimuth difference signal rΔAz=(I+IV)−(II+III); and an elevation difference signal rΔEl=(I+II)−(III+IV). FIG. 1 illustrates a plot of the sum and delta beams according to the prior art. In the presence of a target as detected from the sum beam, the elevation difference signal is divided by the sum signal to generate a value to determine the elevation angle of the target, and the azimuth difference signal is divided by the sum signal to generate a value to determine the azimuth angle of the target. The quotients of the division are applied to look up tables in order to determine the corresponding angular location within an antenna beam (see, U.S. Pat. No. 6,404,379, Yu, et al, incorporated herein by reference for a complete explanation of the foregoing monopulse reception scheme).
Technology currently exists to achieve digital beamforming (DBF) at the element or at the sub-array level that serves to provide flexibility in forming multiple received beams, e.g., highly overlapped or squinted sum beams. In this context, maximum-likelihood (ML) estimation schemes have been formulated at the element, the sub-array level and at the beam level.
The ML estimation process entails performing a search over all possible direction of arrival (DOA) of a target return and selecting the direction with a beam weight vector that yields the highest probability of declaring a target to be present. The search can be conducted within a region which is slightly larger then the 3 dB beamwidth of the transmit beam as depicted in FIG. 1. An independent beam search can be performed in every range cell within the range sweep. Thus there will be a set of optimum weights one for each range cell. ML estimation schemes applied at the element level, the sub-array level or beam level require storage of the element pattern or the sub-array pattern or the overlapped sum beam pattern over the beamwidth. Also, an iterative search or a grid search is required for locating the peak of the likelihood function. The ML estimation approach for target detection and angle estimation has a number of advantages (see, E. Kelly, I. Reed and W. Root, "The detection of radar echoes in noise II," J. Soc. Ind. Appl. Math, vol. 8, pp. 481-510, September 1960).
ML searches over a few beams have been advocated for reducing the computational burden. This approach is called maximum-likelihood beam-space processing (MLBP) (see, R. M Davies and R. L. Fante, "A Maximum-Likelihood Beamspace Processor for Improved Search and Track," IEEE Trans. Antennas & Propagation, vol. 49, No. 7, July 2001, pp. 1043-1053). This approach also reduces the probability of being stuck in local minima. The MLBP approach divides an antenna into a number of subarrays and digitizes their outputs. The digital signals are then processed in two stages wherein during the first stage the element or sub-array measurements are multiplied by sets of complex weights and summed to form a number of highly overlapped sum beams. The centers of these beams are all within the beamwidth of the transmit beam. During the second stage of processing the beams are weighted and combined to form a single output beam. The beam weights are then chosen to maximize the likelihood of detecting a target return.
MLBP eliminates beam shape loss on receive and increases the volume of space that can be searched for a given number of transmissions. This advantage provides the radar with additional time and energy to perform other functions. The MLBP architecture supports improved angle estimation accuracy compared to monopulse. The MLBP also supports angle estimation over a larger surveillance volume than monopulse. However, there is an increase in demand in terms of both computational and storage requirements. The MLBP requires the beam pattern values of the overlapped beams or the elements or the sub-arrays. It also requires a substantial computational burden when searching over the beamwidth using iterative search or exhaustive grid search methods.
The implementation of a maximum-likelihood target detection and angle estimation in accordance with the present invention can be understood by reference to FIG. 2. Process 200 refers to as element-based or subarray-based ML, whereby digital beamformer (DBF) 210 at the at the element or at the sub-array level creates: gBH(u)=1×N vector of the antenna beam patterns depending on directional cosine u whereby H denotes the complex conjugate transpose; RB=covariance matrix of the set of cluster beams in the form of measurements of the variances plus the correlation measurement; and rB=the measurement of the sum beams. The MLE Angle Estimator 220 computes the likelihood function in accordance with Equation 1 as follows:
                                          Γ            B                                          (            u            )                          =                                                                                                                g                    B                    H                                                                          (                    u                    )                                                                                R                  B                                      -                    1                                                                                r                  B                                                                    2                                                              g                B                H                                                          (                u                )                                                                R              B                              -                1                                                                                g                B                                                          (                u                )                                                                        (        1        )
Where:
ΓB(u)=Maximum likelihood target parameter estimator
Again referring to FIG. 2, using essentially the same variables as use in the computation of ΓB(u), a target detection step 230 computes "ŝ" the complex target amplitude and compares the absolute value of "s" to a threshold value to determine if a target has been detected. Equation 2 states:
                              S          ^                =                                                            g                B                H                                                          (                                  u                  ^                                )                                                                R              B                              -                1                                                                r              B                                                                          g                B                H                                                          (                                  u                  ^                                )                                                                R              B                              -                1                                                                                g                B                                                          (                                  u                  ^                                )                                                                        (        2        )
One approach to finding an approximate solution is to hypothesize a dense grid over angle "u" within the main beam receiving antenna pattern and evaluate the ΓB(u) at each location and then choose the angle that corresponds to the maximum. Typically, with this approach a large number of angular locations are required to achieve the desired accuracy. Consequently the grid search implementation is computationally expensive. The requirements for the foregoing prior art element-based or beam-based ML estimation approach are: (a) a storage requirement where all the cluster beam pattern values within the beamwidth with sampling of "u" are sufficiently high for accuracy requirements (the number of storage points is given by: (2× beamwidth/accuracy requirement)); and (b) a computational capacity that performs an iterative search for the maximum with sufficient accuracy or evaluates ΓB(u) at each location and then choose the angle that corresponds to the maximum in over a grid of points with sufficient accuracy. In this prior art beam-based ML estimation approach there are several impediments to the element-based or subarray-based procedure: (1) computational burden, (2) becoming stuck in a local minimum, and (3) excessive storage requirements of all the element or subarray patterns within the beamwidth. As mentioned above, maximum-likelihood beam-space processing (MLBP), which is essentially an ML search over a few beams, has been advocated for reducing the computational burden. This approach reduces the probability of getting stuck in local minima. It has lesser storage requirements, i.e., M beam patterns instead of N element patterns. However, what is needed is an efficient target detection and angle estimation scheme without requiring extensive searching and excessive storage requirement of antenna patterns. The prior art solutions require exhaustive grid search or iterative search over several beams.

Method and system for target detection and angle estimation based on a radar signal


A technique to adequately provide a sound pressure of a horn that is less affected by a flow of air. In a motorcycle including a front cover for laterally covering a horn, the front cover includes an outer cover and an inner cover located inwardly of the outer cover in a vehicle-width direction. The inner cover includes an air guide surface extending in a vehicle-longitudinal direction. The horn is placed at the rear of the air guide surface. The inner cover further includes a relief portion leaning outwardly in the vehicle-width direction to steer clear of a vehicle forward side of the horn. The inner cover includes a covering provided on a surface contiguous with the air guide surface to cover at least a part of the vehicle forward side of the horn. The covering has a mesh structure.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an improvement in a saddle-ride type vehicle with a horn.
2. Description of Background Art
A technique for adjusting the sound pressure of a horn producing a warning sound has been suggested for a saddle-ride type vehicle. See, for example, JP-A No. H11-263264 (FIG. 4) and JP-A No. 2012-162228 (FIG. 6).
As shown in FIG. 4 of JP-A No. H11-263264, in a saddle-ride type vehicle, such as a motorcycle, lower pipes (18) (The numerals in parentheses indicate the numerals referred to in JP-A No. H11-263264. The same shall apply hereinafter.) extends downwardly from a head pipe (16). A horn (15) is placed between the lower pipes (18). A horn cover (53) for adjusting the sound pressure of the horn (15) is placed forward of the horn (15).
As shown in FIG. 6 of JP-A No. 2012-162228, a speaker (64) and a louver (61) adjusting the direction of the sound produced by the speaker (64) are provided in an upper chamber (60) of a vehicle headlamp device (29).
In this manner, a cover or a louver for adjusting the magnitude or the direction of sound pressure is placed in front of the horn in the embodiments disclosed in JP-A No. H11-263264 and JP-A No. 2012-162228.
Essentially, the cover or the like is not desirably placed in front of the horn in order to provide a predetermined sound pressure with ease. However, if the cover or the like is not placed on front of the horn, the horn catches the flow of air. Because of this, drag or lift is generated to make the flow of air easily exert an influence.
A technique to adequately provide a sound pressure of a horn and also to be less affected by a flow of air is desired.


An illumination beam director for use with a diagnostic instrument having an optical lens system including a camera aperture for observing along an optical viewing axis passing through the camera aperture, and an illuminator including an illuminator aperture for projecting illumination along a first illumination axis passing through the illumination aperture. The light beam director includes a pair of opposed redirecting surfaces which receive the light from the illuminator along a first illumination axis and redirect the light onto a second illumination axis, wherein the second illumination axis is closer to the optical axis than is the first illumination axis to overcome shadowing effects on the viewing axis.

Diagnostic instruments having viewing optics for viewing a target are commonly known, particularly in the medical field, for conducting diagnostic examinations. An example is a colposcope which is used by gynecologists to conduct patient vaginal examinations. Typically, the scope is placed a predetermined distance from the patient and pointed at a speculum, which is used to hold open the vaginal cavity in order to allow viewing of the cervix. Light from an illumination source of the colposcope is projected along an illumination axis with the illumination system being set at an angle off-axis relative to an optical viewing system, such as shown in FIG. 2.
A recurring problem is that the presence of the speculum, as well as the off-axis alignment of the illumination system causes shadowing of the image being viewed,( ie: the cervix or other intended target), making examination difficult, as well as time-consuming to perform. In the same described procedure, shadowing of the viewed image may also occur when a physician attempts to obtain a culture, or otherwise introduces a probe or swab into the vaginal cavity.
There is a need, therefore, to provide an improved illumination system, particularly for a colposcope, but advantageously for other diagnostic instruments as well, which reduces the effects of shadowing and allows more efficient use of the instrument's optical system.

Diagnostic instrument illumination system


Disclosed are various embodiments for tracking the flow of data through a network environment. A monitor can detect that a data transaction event has occurred. Then, the monitor can identify data involved in the data transaction event. Next, a trace identifier can be assigned to the data involved in the data transaction event. Subsequently, a transaction data subset representing a subset of the data involved in the data transaction event that is subject to a common data processing event can be identified. Then, a span identifier can be assigned to the transaction data subset. Next, a correlation identifier can be link to a combination of the span identifier and the trace identifier. Finally, a transaction event record can be written to a distributed ledger, the transaction event record comprising the span identifier and the transaction data subset.

Applications and databases are routinely configured to write information about their activities to a log. The level of detail provided by the log is often quite detailed. Such information can include what actions were performed by an application, what queries were received from or executed by a database, and other relevant information. However, databases are often unable to track what happens to data stored in the database once the data is returned in response to a query or is migrated to another database. As a result, a database is unable to continue logging what happens to the data. Similarly, a database is often unable to track the lifecycle of data prior to the data being imported or otherwise entered into the database. As a result, an organization may find it technically difficult to monitor or track how data is used as it flows between applications or databases based on the logs generated by those application or databases.

AMERICAN EXPRESS TRAVEL RELATED SERVICES COMPANY, INC


An information reproducing apparatus has an equalizing filter which performs partial response equalization of a detection signal detected by a detecting section and which outputs an equalized signal, a variable gain amplifier which corrects the potential of the equalized signal in accordance with a correction amount determined in accordance with a plurality of reference levels that are used for maximum-likelihood decoding and a plurality of peak levels in a histogram of equalized signals corresponding to the plurality of reference levels, and a maximum-likelihood decoder which performs the maximum-likelihood decoding by referencing the reference levels, in accordance with the equalized signal that has been corrected. The apparatus controls the signal amplitude of the equalized signal to an appropriate value, thereby implementing high-reliable decoding processing.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates generally to an information reproducing apparatus, and more particularly to an information reproducing apparatus and an information reproducing method for performing decoding using PRML (partial response and maximum likelihood) techniques.
2. Description of the Related Art
In recent years, information recording/reproducing apparatuses for performing recording/reproduction with a recording medium, for example, an optical disk such as a DVD (digital versatile disk), have enjoyed widespread public use. This involves growing demands for implementing even higher recording densities by use of various techniques. In response to such demands, for example, PRML techniques are used as information recording/reproducing techniques for recording media such as optical disks.
In a PRML signal communication technique, a reproduction signal corresponding to optical-disk containing information detected by a pickup head is partial-response (PR) equalized by an equalizer or the like, an equalized signal is thereby obtained, the equalized signal is maximum-likelihood decoded, and the optical-disk containing information is thereby reproduced.
A maximum likelihood decoder (ML decoder) calculates an Euclidean distance between the equalized signal and an ideal signal, and decodes the signal into a bitstream that outputs an most likely ideal signal. In PRML signal processing, a bit error rate of a bitstream decoded by the maximum-likelihood decoder much relies on the equalized signal level. As such, control of the equalized signal level, specifically, the signal amplitude, is a problem to be resolved.
As a prior art related to the above, a digital device has been proposed (as disclosed in Jpn. Pat. Appln. KOKAI Publication No. 9-44998). In the proposed digital device, an amplitude control circuit for controlling the amplitude of an equalized signal performs amplitude control in accordance with the difference between a signal of an equalizer and a target signal used to perform maximum-likelihood decoding.
In the prior art, however, in PRML signal processing, errors can occur more easily as the Euclidean distance between correct and error bitstreams is shorter. Generally, such a bitstream includes contiguous bits conforming to a minimum run-length constraint, such as 2T. A deviation may be caused between the reference level and the level of the equalized signal produced by a minimum run-length sequence of, for example, 2T. Thus, according to the prior art, a deviation is caused between the reference level and the peak level of the equalized signal in shortest contiguous bits of, for example, 2T. This increases the probability of causing bit errors in decoding processing by a maximum-likelihood decoder in a rear stage.

Information reproducing apparatus and method with correction of equalized signal levels


The invention provides 1.alpha.-hydroxyvitamin D compounds in which the C-25 or equivalent position of the C-17 side chain has a double bond and method for their use in the treatment and prophylaxis of hyperparathyroidism and hyperproliferative diseases, and in the modulation of the immune and inflammatory responses as well as the treatment of bone depletive disorders.

This invention relates to novel 1.alpha.-hydroxyvitamin D compounds and their use in the treatment and prophylaxis of hyperparathyroidism and hyperproliferative diseases, and in the modulation of the immune response as well as the treatment of bone depletive disorders.
Vitamin D has long been established as having an important biological role in bone and mineral metabolism. For example, vitamin D plays a critical role in stimulating calcium absorption and regulating calcium metabolism. The discovery of the active forms of vitamin D in the 1970's (M. F. Holick et al., 68 Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 803-804 (1971); G. Jones et al., 14 Biochemistry 1250-1256 (1975)) and active vitamin D analogues (M. F. Holick et al., 180 Science 190, 191 (1973); H. Y. Lam et al., 186 Science 1038-1040 (1974)), caused much excitement and speculation about the usefulness of these compounds in the treatment of bone depletive disorders.
Animal and early clinical studies examining the effects of these active vitamin D compounds suggested that such agents would be useful in restoring calcium balance. An early clinical study indicated that oral administration of 0.5 .mu.g/day of 1.alpha.,25-dihydroxyvitamin D.sub.3, the hormonally active form of vitamin D.sub.3, to a group of postmenopausal women improved intestinal calcium absorption as well as calcium balance in the women. On this basis, U.S. Pat. No. 4,225,596 ("'596 Patent") described and claimed the use of 1.alpha.,25-dihydroxyvitamin D.sub.3 for increasing calcium absorption and retention.
The best indicator of the efficacy of vitamin D compounds to prevent or treat depletive bone disorders, however, is bone itself rather than calcium absorption or calcium balance. More recent clinical data indicate that, at the dosage ranges taught in the '596 Patent, 1.alpha.,25-dihydroxyvitamin D.sub.3 has, at best, modest efficacy in preventing or restoring loss of bone mass or bone mineral content (S. M. Ott and C. H. Chesnut, 110 Ann. Int. Med. 267-274 (1989); J. C. Gallagher et al., 113 Ann. Int. Med. 649-655 (1990); J. Aloia et al., 84 Amer. J. Med. 401-408 (1988)).
These clinical studies with 1.alpha., 25-dihydroxyvitamin D.sub.3, and another conducted with 1.alpha.-hydroxyvitamin D.sub.3 (M. Shiraki et al., 32 Endocrinol. Japan 305-315 (1985)) indicate that the capacity of these two vitamin D.sub.3 compounds to restore lost bone mass or bone mineral content is dose-related. These studies also indicate, however, that at the dosage ranges required for these agents to be truly effective, toxicity in the form of hypercalcemia and hypercalciuria becomes a major problem. Specifically, attempts to increase the amount of 1.alpha.,25-dihydroxyvitamin D.sub.3 above 0.5 .mu.g/day have frequently resulted in toxicity. At dosage levels below 0.5 .mu.g/day, clinically significant effects are rarely observed on bone. (See, G. F. Jensen et al., 16 Clin. Endocrinol. 515-524 (1982); C. Christiansen et al., 11 Eur. J. Clin. Invest. 305-309 (1981)).
Data from clinical studies in Japan, a population that has low calcium intake, indicate that efficacy is found with 1.alpha.-hydroxyvitamin D.sub.3 when administered at 1 .mu.g/day (M. Shiraki et al., 32 Endocrinol. Japan. 305-315 (1985); H. Orimo et al., 3 Bone and Mineral 47-52 (1987)). Two .mu.g/day of 1.alpha.-hydroxyvitamin D.sub.3 were found to have efficacy in increasing bone mass in patients exhibiting senile osteoporosis (O. H. Sorensen et al., 7 Clin. Endocrinol. 19S-175S (1977)). At 2 .mu.g/day, however, toxicity with 1.alpha.-hydroxyvitamin D.sub.3 occurs in approximately 67 percent of the patients, and at 1 .mu.g/day, this percentage is approximately 20 percent. Thus, these 1.alpha.-hydroxylated vitamin D.sub.3 compounds can produce dangerously elevated blood calcium levels due to their inherent calcemic activity.
Due to this toxicity, 1-hydroxylated vitamin D.sub.3 compounds can only be administered at oral dosages that are, at best, modestly beneficial in preventing or treating loss of bone or bone mineral content. Indeed, Aloia recommends that alternative routes of administration be sought which might avoid the toxicity problems and allow higher dosage levels to be achieved. (J. Aloia et al., 84 Amer. J. Med. 401-408 (1988).) Yet, despite reported toxicities of 1.alpha.-hydroxyvitamin D.sub.3 and 1.alpha.,25-dihydroxyvitamin D.sub.3, these two compounds remain the drugs of choice for many bone depletive disease treatments.
These two drugs also remain the only approved forms of 1.alpha.-hydroxylated vitamin D for treating or preventing hyperparathyroidism which occurs secondary to end stage renal disease, although both drugs are not currently approved in all major pharmaceutical markets. Hyperparathyroidism is a generalized disorder resulting from excessive secretion of parathyroid hormone (PTH) by one or more parathyroid glands. It is thus characterized by elevated blood levels of parathyroid hormone. Typically, one or more parathyroid glands reveal a marked enlargement. In the case of primary hyperparathyroidism, the glandular enlargement is usually due to a neoplasm or tumor. In the case of secondary hyperparathyroidism, the parathyroid gland hyperplasia typically occurs because of resistance to the metabolic actions of the hormone. Secondary hyperparathyroidism occurs in patients with, e.g., renal failure, osteomalacia, and intestinal malabsorption syndrome. In both primary and secondary hyperparathyroidism, bone abnormalities, e.g., the loss of bone mass or decreased mineral content, are common and renal damage is possible. Hyperparathyroidism is thus also characterized by abnormal calcium, phosphorus and bone metabolism.
More recently, other roles for vitamin D have come to light. Specific nuclear receptors for 1.alpha.,25-dihydroxyvitamin D.sub.3 have been found in cells from diverse organs not involved in calcium homeostasis. For example, Miller et al., 52 Cancer Res.(1992) 515-520, have demonstrated biologically active, specific receptors for 1.alpha.,25-dihydroxyvitamin D.sub.3 in the human prostatic carcinoma cell line, LNCaP.
It has been reported that certain vitamin D compounds and analogs are potent inhibitors of malignant cell proliferation and inducers/stimulators of cell differentiation. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,391,802 issued to Suda et al. discloses that 1.alpha.-hydroxyvitamin D compounds, specifically, 1.alpha.,25-dihydroxyvitamin D.sub.3 and 1.alpha.-hydroxyvitamin D.sub.3, possess potent antileukemic activity by virtue of inducing the differentiation of malignant cells (specifically, leukemia cells) to nonmalignant macrophages (monocytes), and are useful in the treatment of leukemia. In another example, Skowronski et al., 136 Endocrinology 20-26 (1995), have reported antiproliferative and differentiating actions of 1.alpha.,25-dihydroxyvitamin D.sub.3 and other vitamin D.sub.3 analogs on prostate cancer cell lines.
Previous proliferation studies, such as those cited above, focused exclusively on vitamin D.sub.3 compounds. Even though such compounds may, indeed, be highly effective in differentiating malignant cells in culture, their practical use in differentiation therapy as anticancer agents is severely limited because of their equally high potency as agents affecting calcium metabolism. At the levels required in vivo for effective use as antileukemic agents, these same compounds can induce markedly elevated and potentially dangerous blood calcium levels by virtue of their inherent calcemic activity. In other words, the clinical use of 1.alpha.,25-dihydroxyvitamin D.sub.3 and other vitamin D.sub.3 analogs as anticancer agents is precluded, or severely limited, by the risk of hypercalcemia.
Still other roles for vitamin D have been suggested in modulation of the immune response (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 4,749,710 issued to Truitt et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,559,107 issued to Gates et al.; U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,540,919; 5,518,725 and 5,562,910 issued to Daynes et al.) and the inflammatory response (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,589,471 issued to Hansen et al.).
Considering the diverse biological actions of vitamin D and its potential as a therapeutic agent, a need exists for compounds with greater specific activity and selectivity of action, e.g., vitamin D compounds with antiproliferative and differentiating effects but which have less calcemic activity than therapeutic amounts of the known compounds or analogs of vitamin D.

1 .alpha.-hydroxy-25-ene-vitamin D, analogs and uses thereof


Indole carboxylic acids are useful as UGGTASE inhibitors.

Uridine diphosphate glucose: glycoprotein glucosyltransferase (UGGTase) is an enzyme found in the endoplasmic reticulum which catalyzes the glucosylation of glycoproteins containing glucose free high mannose oligosaccharides. UGGTase is a key enzyme in the calnexin/calreticulin cycle acting as a protein folding sensor. Those glycoproteins which are misfolded or incompletely folded are selectively glucosylated by UGGTase such that they remain ligands for calnexin/calreticulin and remain in the endoplasmic reticulum until properly folded. Inhibitors of UGGTase may be used to treat several pathological conditions including viral infection, cystic fibrosis, emphysema, scurvy, hereditary hyperlipemia, Glanzman's thromobostenia, congenital sucrose-isomaltese deficiency, hexosaminidase A deficiency, Marfan's syndrome, fibrinogen storage disease, nanomelia (in chicken), .alpha.-antichymotrypsin deficiency, von Willebrand's disease, retinitis pigmentosa, and glioblastoma.

Substituted indole-2-carboxylic acids as glucosyl transferase inhibitors


Techniques for endpoint configuration for a communication session are described. According to various implementations, a cloud-based connectivity service maintains network path information that identifies routing paths for routing communication sessions across different networks. The connectivity service is also able to determine configuration information for configuring endpoint devices to participate in a communication session. According to various implementations, configuration information is determined based on a packet quality of a routing path. Thus, an endpoint device can apply the configuration information to attempt to increase packet quality across a routing path, and thus increase media quality for a communication session at the endpoint device.

Modern communication systems have an array of capabilities, including integration of various communication modalities with different services. For example, communication modalities available to users include voice/video communications, instant messaging, data/application sharing, white-boarding, and presence. Furthermore, collaboration systems that enable users to share and collaborate in creating and modifying various types of documents and content may be integrated with multimodal communication systems providing different kinds of communication and collaboration capabilities. Such integrated systems are sometimes referred to as Unified Communication (UC) systems.
While UC systems provide for increased flexibility in communications, they also present a number of implementation challenges. For instance, determining optimal networks for transmitting UC data is difficult since devices involved in UC sessions are typically unaware of network attributes. Further, UC is typically implemented via software that can be loaded on mobile devices, e.g., tablets, smartphones, laptops, and so forth. Thus, techniques for managing UC communication traffic typically have to be fluid and dynamic to accommodate changing connection scenarios.

Endpoint configuration for a communication session


A refrigerator includes a plurality of walls forming a refrigeration compartment, an evaporator is positioned proximate at least one of the walls, a thermal insulator is positioned proximate the evaporator, and an airflow duct is positioned proximate the thermal insulator such that the thermal insulator is between the evaporator and the airflow duct.

This invention relates generally to refrigerators, and more particularly, to refrigerators with an evaporator in a fresh food compartment.
Some known refrigerators include a fresh food compartment and a freezer compartment. Such a refrigerator also typically includes a refrigeration sealed system circuit including a compressor, an evaporator, and a condenser connected in series. An evaporator fan is provided to blow air over the evaporator, and a condenser fan is provided to blow air over the condenser.
In operation, when an upper temperature limit is reached in the freezer compartment, the compressor, evaporator fan, and condenser fan are energized. Once the temperature in the freezer compartment reaches a lower temperature limit, the compressor, evaporator fan, and condenser fan are de-energized.
Some known refrigerators typically regulate a temperature of a fresh food compartment by opening and closing a damper established in flow communication with a freezer compartment, and by operating a fan to draw cold freezer compartment air into the fresh food compartment as needed to maintain a desired temperature in the fresh food compartment. At least one refrigerator includes an evaporator in the fresh food compartment. However, there is typically a relatively large temperature difference between a fresh food compartment and a fresh food evaporator, and this difference may cause sweat and ice problems.


A multimedia interface receiving circuit includes a phase-locked loop (PLL) and four signal processing channels. Each of the channels includes a phase detecting circuit. In a High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) configuration, one of the processing channels is disabled, and the PLL provides a locked clock signal to the other three processing channels. Each of the other three processing channels adjusts the phase of the locked clock signal to generate a sampling clock signal. In a DisplayPort (DP) configuration, the PLL changes to connect to the phase detecting circuit of one of the four signal processing channels to form an analog clock data recovery (ACDR) circuit to generate a fundamental clock signal. Each of the three other processing channels adjusts the phase of the fundamental clock signal to generate the sampling clock signal.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates in general to a multimedia receiving interface, and more particularly to a circuit architecture of a multimedia receiving interface.
2. Description of the Related Art
With the constant progress of electronic technologies, display apparatuses of all diversities are becoming more and more popular. Various kinds of electronic device, such as television systems, computer systems, projectors, digital cameras, disk players, mobile phones and game consoles, all need a good video/audio transmission interface. To optimize the compatibility with other peripheral devices, many electronic devices simultaneously includes several multimedia receiving interfaces such as High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI), Mobile High-Definition Link (MHL) and DisplayPort (DP) standards.
FIG. 1 shows a function block of a front-end of an HMDI receiving circuit. As shown in FIG. 1, four pairs of differential signals CK, B, G and R are inputted into the HDMI receiver. The clock signal CK is provided to a clock signal receiver 101 and a phase-locked loop (PLL) 102, and the image data signals B, G and R are respectively provided to analog front-end circuits 110A to 110C. The PLL 102 generates a ten-fold frequency signal or a forty-fold frequency signal from the clock signal (i.e., a clock frequency of a transmitter), and transmits the generated signal to the phase adjusting circuits 140A to 140C. Sampling circuits 120A to 120C sample input signals by the sampling clock signals provided by the phase adjusting circuits 140A to 140C. Through multiplexers 150A to 150C, sample results of the sampling circuits 120A to 120C are respectively transmitted to digital clock data recovery (DCDR) circuits 130A to 130C. Detection results of the DCDR circuits 130A to 130C are feedback to corresponding phase adjusting circuits 140A to 140C, which then accordingly adjust phases of respective output signals (i.e., sampling clock signals utilized by the sampling circuits 120A to 120C), so that the sampling circuits 120A to 120C may generate preferred sample results.
FIG. 2 shows a function block of a front-end of an MHL receiving circuit. A pair of differential input signals can carry a clock signal and a data signal, and are provided to a clock signal receiver 201 and an analog front-end circuit 210. A clock signal extracted from the clock signal receiver 201 and a data signal having been preliminarily processed by the analog front-end circuit 210 are provided to an analog clock data recovery (ACDR) circuit 220 for the use of clock recovery. An output signal from the ACDR circuit 220 is transmitted to a subsequent circuit through a demultiplexer 250.
FIG. 3 shows a function block of a front-end of a DP receiving circuit. As shown in FIG. 3, four pairs of differential image data signals Data#0, Data#1, Data#2 and Data#3 are inputted into a DP receiver, and are respectively provided to analog front-end circuits 310A to 310D. Signals having been preliminarily processed by the analog front-end circuits 310A to 310D are respectively provided to subsequent ACDR circuits 320A to 320D for clock data recovery.
In the prior art, an electronic device simultaneously provided with an HDMI receiving circuit, an MHL receiving circuit and a DP receiving circuit is designed to include three independent receiving circuits, hence high hardware costs.


An emergency traffic system is provided. The emergency traffic system may include a power source, a battery, an emergency traffic light, a light sensor, a mounting assemblage, a computer and an existing traffic light system. The emergency traffic system may be mounted on a traffic light system, whereby the light sensor may be secured to at least one traffic light thereof. The computer may receive electrical signals from the light sensor so as to learn and record the history of the traffic light patterns of the traffic light system. In the next step, the computer compares the instant traffic light pattern to the history of traffic light patterns during the operation of the traffic light system being monitored. If the instant traffic light pattern is not found in the history, then the computer transmits the on signal to the emergency traffic light. If the instant traffic pattern is found in the history then the computer continues to monitor the step comparison. If the on signal has been transmitted to the emergency traffic light, then the computer continues to look for the return of a signal from the light sensor, it then reacts to traffic light system working again, and then the computer transmits the off signal to the emergency traffic light.

The present invention relates to traffic control and, more particularly, to a system for managing traffic during a power outage and/or during other emergencies that cause traffic signal failure.
Currently, systems for managing traffic during a power outage and/or during other emergencies that cause traffic signal failure are either fully integrated with the existing traffic system or not present because the full integration systems are prohibitively expensive. In the case of the latter, valuable human resources are diverted from responding to an emergency so that they are may manage traffic.
As can be seen, there is a need for an improvement in traffic light systems in case of emergencies, whereby an inexpensive installation can manage traffic without human intervention.


The invention provides an ultra-wideband (UWB) transmitter and various techniques for generating digitally filtered UWB pulses that substantially maximize power and bandwidth in one or more frequency bands while allowing narrow-band interference (NBI) to be avoided, e.g. interference to and from wireless local area networks (WLANs). In particular, the UWB transmitter utilizes a digital filter to generate digitally filtered UWB pulses to substantially maximize power and bandwidth in the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) spectral mask for UWB communications. In one embodiment, the invention provides a method comprising generating digitally filtered ultra-wide band (UWB) pulses to substantially maximize power in one or more frequency bands of a UWB spectrum and to substantially reduce power in one or more NBI frequency bands of the UWB spectrum. The invention may be implemented without modifying the analog components of existing UWB transmitters.

Ultra-wideband (UWB) communication has attractive features for tactical wireless communications, baseband multiple access, and multimedia services, especially in the area of short-range indoor wireless communications. In general, an UWB transmission consists of a train of very short pulses occupying an ultra-wide bandwidth. Utilizing pulses of duration on the order of a nanosecond, UWB transmissions enable rich multipath diversity. The information is typically encoded via either pulse position modulation (PPM) or pulse amplitude modulation (PAM). Additionally, UWB receivers are often carrier-free and can be implemented with low complexity in basedband operation. Several challenges, however, exist with respect to the generation of UWB pulses.

Pulse shaper design for ultra-wideband communications


Dual-precision analog memory cells and arrays are provided. In some embodiments, a memory cell, comprises a non-volatile memory element having an input terminal and at least one output terminal; and a volatile memory element having a plurality of input terminals and an output terminal, wherein the output terminal of the volatile memory element is coupled to the input terminal of the non-volatile memory element, and wherein the volatile memory element comprises: a first transistor coupled between a first supply and a common node, and a second transistor coupled between a second supply and the common node; wherein the common node is coupled to the output terminal of the volatile memory element; and wherein gates of the first and second transistors are coupled to respective ones of the plurality of input terminals of the volatile memory element.

Many different types of memory elements are available for use in modern computer systems, with different performance trade-offs. These memory systems include volatile and nonvolatile memory elements, both of which may be implemented in digital or analog form. The performance trade-offs include power consumption, speed, and duration of storage without power.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Dual-precision analog memory cell and array


The present invention provides a standing instrument support assembly having selectively adjustable elements which substantially reduce the amount of force a musician must exert to support and balance the instrument while playing. The support assembly generally has three basic, interlocking elements which are: 1) an elongated, rigid crossbar having a clamp integrally extending from one end thereof; 2) an elongated endpin holder which pivotally and slidably connects within a longitudinally extending slot formed in the crossbar via a laterally extending screw; and 3) an elongated, rigid endpin which telescopically and slidably engages within a longitudinally extending bore in the end of the endpin holder opposite the end which engages the crossbar. The three elements may be positioned such that the endpin engages the floor at the position which is coincident with the line of action caused by the weight vector) which thereby substantially eliminates the tilting moment caused by the weight of the instrument.

The present invention relates to means for supporting stringed instruments of the floor standing type such as a bass violin, for example, as they are played by standing musicians, and more particularly to a selectively adjustable support assembly which substantially eliminates the tilting moment caused by the weight of the instrument. The support assembly thus provides the musician with an instrument which is much less strenuous to handle.
The facility with which a musician may play a relatively large, standing musical instrument such as a bass violin, for example, tends to vary with a variety of circumstances. A right-handed player, for instance, typically operates a bow or plucks strings with his right hand, and slidingly positions the left hand on the neck of the instrument to appropriately finger the strings. In addition to fingering the strings, the left hand (and shoulder if playing in the high register) also needs to support and balance the instrument, thus requiring additional effort and concentration on the part of the musician. How much effort and concentration is needed, of course, depends upon, among other things, the physical proportions of the musician, the dimensions of the instrument, and the musician's playing technique.
Musicians playing in a standing position usually find it necessary to tilt the instrument a certain amount away from the vertical in order to reach the strings easier. When this is done, an instrument which includes a conventional, elongated endpin extending downwardly from a knob on the bottom surface of the instrument body tends to slip away from the musician due to the tilting moment created by the offset center of gravity (referred to hereinafter as CG) and the low coefficient of friction inherent in the material which composes the endpin. This requires the musician to support and balance the instrument with a force which will provide an equal and opposite moment to counteract the force produced by the tilting.
To remedy the problem of the instrument sliding away from the musician, non-slip materials have been used on the tip of the endpins. This cures the slipping of the instrument, but the large tilting moment still exists due to the offset CG.
A bent endpin has been used in the past in an attempt to remedy the problem of the offset CG. The bent endpin design positions the point at which the endpin engages the floor back towards the line of action which runs through the CG along the weight force vector of the instrument (i.e., the line of action which, in this case, is the line which extends perpendicularly upwards from the floor, through the CG). Depending on the amount of tilt of the instrument, the bent endpin reduces the tilting moment of the instrument accordingly, thus lessening the force required by the musician to counteract the moment.
A major disadvantage of the bent endpin design is that the endpin provides support which substantially eliminates the tilting moment of the instrument at only one particular tilt angle. This severely limits any experimentation a musician may perform to perfect his playing technique. In addition, if a musician plays a variety of instruments, it would be necessary to buy a separate support member for each instrument. Furthermore, this endpin construction flexes fairly easily, especially for musicians who are short, and/or have a tall instrument. This induces a "pogo-stick" type bouncing of the instrument which requires the musician to further increase his/her control and support of the instrument.

Support assembly for standing musical instruments


A low cost phased array sonic transducer is described in which an array of transducer elements separated by spacers are held within a frame which applies a compressive force transverse the length of the elements.

The present invention relates to marine instruments and in particular to phased array transducers for generating a beam of acoustic energy for use in sonar devices for echo ranging or as doppler speed sensors.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,644,788 issued Feb. 24, 1987 to S. G. Boucher discloses a modularized marine instrument which combines three marine sensors in one assembly; a paddlewheel speedometer for sensing the speed of a marine vessel, a temperature sensor for sensing water temperature and a sonic transducer for sensing depth or presence of objects such as fish.
The present invention relates to phased array transducer for use as an improvement in the sonic transducer portion of the '788 patent but is not limited thereto and may find general applicability in other devices or applications.

Phased array sonic transducers for marine instrument


The invention refers to method for packaging an integrated circuit (IC) comprising steps of:                attaching at least one die on a substrate;        attaching bond-wires from the die(s) to package terminal pads;        mold or dispense a thermo-degradable material on the substrate, die(s) and bond-wires;        mold an encapsulant material;        decompose the thermo-degradable materials by temperature treatment.

In Radio Frequency (RF) systems, semiconductor packages for RF amplifiers or RF Integrated Circuits (ICs) are typically made by means of over-molding such that the dies and wires are covered by a mould compound. Examples of this art are the Quad Flat Non-leaded package (QFN), Heatsink Small Outline Package (HSOP) and Ball Grid Array (BGA) package styles.
Another typical concept for RF packages is an air cavity package. The function of the air cavity is to provide a dielectric with low dielectric relative permittivity e.g. close to 1.0 between the wire loops to create less electrical losses and enhance the performance of the RF product and system.
Air cavity packages are typically built-up by a stack of different materials, which encapsulate semiconductor dies, internal wiring and an air cavity as it is shown in FIG. 1.
For obtaining the structure according to the present application shown in FIG. 4 the so called dam and fill dispensing method is used. For obtaining a standard non-heat-degradable glob top it is necessary a high viscosity material to create a dam and a low viscosity material as encapsulant fluid to fill the "bath tub" within the dam perimeter. In the above method i.e. "dam and fill", the dam is typically a rectangle of epoxy based fluid dispensed as lines or as a complete rectangle onto the substrate of the assembled package or assembled board for encapsulating the dies and the wires. The height of the dam can vary from slightly lower to slightly higher than the height of the parts within the dam perimeter. The width of the dam depends on the type of fluid and height.
The dam material typically needs fillers to increase viscosity. In the known art of "dam and fill" the epoxy based fluids contain fillers, such as silica.
FIG. 3a depicts a common process flow for an RF power amplifier package with air cavity.
FIG. 3b depicts a common process flow for an RF integrated circuit without air cavity.
The figures describing the above methods are self explanatory.
US-A 2007/0273013 provide systems and methods for producing micro electro-mechanical device packages. Briefly described, in architecture, one embodiment of the system, among others, includes a micro electro-mechanical device formed on a substrate layer; and a thermally decomposable sacrificial structure protecting at least a portion of the micro electro-mechanical device, where the sacrificial structure is formed on the substrate layer and surrounds a gas cavity enclosing an active surface of the micro electro-mechanical device. Other systems and methods are also provided.
Because of price erosion in RF products, it is a need for packages for RF products that are cheaper, especially the air cavity packages for RF products. A new package solution based on cheaper materials is needed for an air cavity package for RF products. Throughout the application we shall use the term the "encapsulant material" with the meaning of "the standard (epoxy) mold compound".


The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for automatically providing background music for a card message recording system thereby to enhance the feature of a conventional card recording system. The invention mainly comprises a speech analyzer, a memory, a speech synthesizer, a melody generator, a mixer and a speaker. At recording mode, the message is processed in speech analyzer and then stored in the memory. At playing mode, the message is read and processed in speech synthesizer. Then the mixer reads the message and the background music at proper time intervals such that when the volume of the message is increased, the volume of the musical signals fades and vice versa. Consequently, the mixed signals are played out by the speaker.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to an apparatus and method for a card message recording system, especially to a card message recording system which can automatically provide background music.
2. Description of the Prior Art
A card recording system usually called R&P (Record and Playback) is a small IC attached to a card for greetings, birthday, Christmas or any special event. Currently the card message recording systems available on the market provide the functions of message recording and playing. People can leave their messages in the card recording system and then send it to the card receiver. As the card receiver opens the card, the messages will automatically be played back.
The card message recording system is different from a tape recorder even though they both can record and play messages. The card message recording system is especially designed for leaving short vocal message on the card. As the cost and application are concerned, it must be small, lightweight, and cheap. Generally, it is an IC which can convert voice/speech signals into digital signals and then store the digital signals in a memory. When the playing mode is enabled, the message is read out from the memory and converted back to speech and then played out. Consequently, the card receiver can hear the message from the card sender. Despite the interesting features of the conventional card recording systems, they still cannot automatically provide background music or sound effects for the users.

Apparatus and method for automatically providing background music for a card message recording system