A portable cot which is light in weight, may be disassembled into a compact package but which forms a firm sleeping surface when assembled. The cot has a generally rectangular canvas surface with an elongated pocket along each side. Side rails are held in each of the pockets and three leg assemblies are affixed to the side rails by wire U-shaped legs pivotally attached to the bottom to a base bar and at the top to the side rails. Adjustable straps tighten the side rails against the legs and form a firm assembly with the base bars. The straps may be adjusted so that the bed can be made level even against a slanted surface.

The field of the disclosure is camping equipment and the invention relates more particularly to cots which may be disassembled into a small light weight package.
Portable cots have been known for many years. Some have hinged bars along the sides and leg members hingedly affixed to the side rails. More recently, cots have been made from aluminum tubing which is light in weight and have legs which are hingedly or which are tubular and inserted into tubular sockets riveted or otherwise affixed to the side rail. Examples of such cots are shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,965,502 and 4,219,896 and also in a catalogue described as follows: "The Magical Spare Bed," U.S. News & World Report, Nov. 30, 1992.
Most of the portable cots heretofore are used have either been heavy, expensive to fabricate, difficult to assemble, and permit a small amount of longitudinal or sideways motion so that the user is insecure in the user's use of the cot.


The invention relates to a compact, slimmed-down, low-cost optical system and electronic equipment that incorporates the same. The optical system at least comprises a stop 2, at least one object-side reflecting surface 12 located on the object side with respect to the stop 2 and inclined from the optical axis of the optical system, at least one image-side reflecting surface 22, 23 located on the image side of the optical system with respect to the stop 2 and inclined from the optical axis, and an image pickup device 3. Regarding all reflecting surfaces inclined from the optical axis in the optical system, the reference plane for each reflecting surface is given by a plane defined by an entrance-side axial chief ray and a reflection-side axial chief ray regarding each reflecting surface. In the invention, the reference plane for at least one object-side reflecting surface 12 and the reference plane for at least one image-side reflecting surface 22, 23 cross at any angle, and at least one object-side reflecting surface 12 and at least one image-side reflecting surface 22, 23 have a rotationally asymmetric aspheric shape.

The present invention relates generally to an optical system and electronic equipment that incorporates the same, and more particularly to a compact optical system and electronic equipment that uses such an optical system. The "electronic equipment" used herein, for instance, includes digital cameras, video cameras, digital video units, personal computers, mobile computers, cellular phones, and personal digital assistants.
Some optical systems with an image pickup optical unit comprising free-form surface prisms have already been proposed in the art.
In a typical optical system of this type, an axial light ray is defined by a light ray that propagates from the center of an object to the center of an image through the center of a stop, and reference planes are set for reflecting surfaces located obliquely to the optical axis of the optical system. Each reference plane is a plane defined by an axial chief ray incident on a certain reflecting surface and an axial chief ray reflected thereat. The reference plane exits for each reflecting surface.
One example is an optical system made up of two prisms that are provided separately or as a one piece, wherein all reference planes lie in one plane. In another optical system, thickness reductions are achieved by allowing light incident on prisms to be reflected three-dimensionally. However, all reference planes likewise lie in one plane. This optical system works as an image relay optical system.
In yet another optical system, too, light is reflected three-dimensionally. This optical system also works as an image relay optical system.

Optical system, and electronic equipment that incorporates the same


Organic chelating ligands, organic chelating ligand precursors, and metal chelates are disclosed. Methods for synthesizing the same are also described, including methods for preparing optically-enriched or optically-pure compositions of the same.

Complexes between gadolinium or other paramagnetic metal ions and organic chelating ligands are widely used as magnetic resonance (MR) contrast agents. Typically, a gadolinium contrast agent increases MR contrast by increasing the nuclear magnetic relaxation rates of water protons that are accessible to the contrast agent during MRI (Caravan, P., et al., R. B. Chem. Rev. 99, 2293 (1999)). The relaxation rate of these protons increases relative to water protons that are not accessible to the contrast agent. This change in relaxation rate leads to improved contrast of the images. In addition, this increase in relaxivity within a specific population of water molecule protons can result in an ability to collect more image data in a given amount of time, resulting in an improved signal to noise ratio.
Because MR contrast agents are treated as drugs by regulatory agencies (e.g., FDA), they undergo extensive clinical testing to assure efficacy and safety. In this regard, certain drugs, e.g., thalidomide, have been shown to have differing safety and/or efficacy profiles depending on whether the drug is an enantiomeric mixture of isomers, or is an optically pure or optically enriched isomer composition (e.g., preferentially the R or S isomer at a particular stereocenter). Thus, it would be useful to have methods to prepare and purify optically enriched or optically pure MRI contrast agent compositions, including those capable of demonstrating increased relaxivity in vitro and in vivo.

Optically pure and enriched isomers of chelating ligands and contrast agents


A microscopy technique for viewing regions where a sample absorbs, as opposed to emits, fluorescent light. The technique includes illuminating a sample with an exciter light in order to generate fluorescent light from the sample and filtering light received from the sample such that fluorescent light is substantially attenuated. Regions that primarily emit fluorescent light will then be black, but regions where the exciter is primarily absorbed but where there is little emissive fluorescent activity can be viewed as a darker shade of the background color.

An important class of microscopy image contrast techniques is based on the phenomenon of photoluminescence. It well known that when certain molecules are exposed to an exciter light (typically a high power, short wave ultra-violet or blue light), they will emit a longer wavelength light (i.e., fluorescent light). Fluorescence (and/or phosphorescence) may occur naturally in a sample, for example, chlorophyll in botanical specimens, or may be induced through the use of particular binding agents such as dyes or other such fluorochromes. In conventional fluorescence microscopy, an excitation filter is typically employed to generate the exciter light from a polychromatic illumination source, and a sharp barrier or emission filter is typically employed to permit only the fluorescent light to reach the ocular or camera (i.e., the viewer). Thus, for example, a short-wave blue light exciter filter in conjunction with a red barrier filter enables chlorophyll-containing organelles to appear brilliant red over a relatively dark background.
One of the shortcomings with conventional fluorescence microscopy, however, is that the information which is provided to the viewer only indicates the area or region where fluorescent light is emitted from the sample. The conventional technique does not inform the viewer as to where the light is absorbed, which may be different from where light is emitted. This difference may arise, for example, due to some type of tunneling mechanism or other unexplained phenomenon.
Accordingly, it would be desirable to be able to image a sample in order to ascertain where the exciter light is being absorbed, and to ascertain if fluorescent emitting structure is or is not co-located with the fluorescent absorbing structure. This would enable the microscopist to determine if the sample does indeed exhibit some type of tunneling effect.


Polymorphism detection probes that can distinguish polymorphisms that have only one different base are provided. At least one oligonucleotide selected from the group consisting of the oligonucleotides of SEQ ID NOS. 4, 23, 30, 47, 57 and 64 is used as a probe in a Tm analysis. A Tm analysis using such probes allows easy detection of specific polymorphisms of the FCGR3A gene, the FCGR2A gene, the IL-10 gene, the TNF α gene and the TNF β gene that have an effect on the pharmaceutical effects of antibody drugs or the like. Moreover, such probes allow detection of two or more types of polymorphisms in a single reaction system by introducing two or more types of the probes concomitantly.

Detection of a point mutation, a so-called single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), is employed widely as a method of analyzing, at the gene level, for example, the causes of all types of diseases and the individual differences in disease liability (susceptibility to diseases) and in drug action.
Polymorphism detection methods that generally are practiced include (1) direct sequencing in which, in connection with the target DNA of a sample, a region to be detected is amplified by PCR (polymerase chain reaction) and the entire sequence of the amplification product thereof is analyzed; (2) PCR-RFLP (restriction fragment length polymorphism) in which PCR is performed in the same manner as in item (1) above, the amplification product is treated with restriction enzymes, and the change in restriction fragment length due to the polymorphisms is subjected to typing by Southern hybridization; and like methods.
However, the method of item (1) above requires, for example, sequencing after PCR and then electrophoresis or the like by a sequencer. The detection is thus very troublesome and costly. Moreover, the resulting amplification product needs to be subjected to treatment after PCR and may be contaminated during such treatment. The method of item (2) above also requires treatment of the resulting amplification product with a variety of restriction enzymes for analysis after PCR, thereby being troublesome. Moreover, the treatment of the resulting amplification product with restriction enzymes needs to be performed after the amplification product is transferred. Therefore, it may be possible that the amplification product obtained in a first reaction is scattered and may find another way into a second reaction that is performed separately. These problems cause another problem in that it is difficult with the methods of items (1) and (2) to automate the detection of point mutation.
Addressing these problems, a Tm (melting temperature) analysis recently has been attracting attention as a method for detecting an SNP. In this method, first, using a probe that is complementary to a region containing the SNP to be detected, a hybrid (double-strand nucleic acid) between a sample nucleic acid and the probe is formed. The hybridization product then is subjected to heat treatment, and the dissociation (melting) of the hybrid into a single-strand nucleic acid in response to a temperature increase is detected by measuring a signal such as absorbance. This is a method for determining an SNP by obtaining a Tm value based on the result of detection. The higher the homology of a hybridization product, the higher the Tm value, and the lower the homology, the lower the Tm value. Therefore, when the polymorphism of a detection target site is X or Y, a Tm value (reference value for evaluation) is obtained in advance in connection with a product of hybridization between a nucleic acid containing the desired polymorphism (for example, Y) and a probe that is 100% complementary thereto. Then, the Tm value of the sample nucleic acid and the probe is measured (measured value). When this measured value is identical to the reference value for evaluation, the sample nucleic acid and the probe perfectly match. That is, the detection target site of the sample nucleic acid can be determined as being of the desired polymorphism (Y). In contrast, when the measured value is lower than the reference value for evaluation, the sample nucleic acid and the probe mismatch. That is, the detection target site of the sample nucleic acid can be determined as having the other polymorphism (X). With such a method, an SNP can be detected, for example, only by subjecting a PCR reaction solution to which such a probe is added to thermal treatment and performing a signal measurement, and it is thus possible to automate a detection device.
However, such detection methods using Tm analysis have problems as follows. Generally, a gene polymorphism is present in the form of a homozygote (for example, X/X or Y/Y) or a heterozygote (for example, X/Y). It is important in the detection of a polymorphism to distinguish between a homozygote (X/X or Y/Y) and a heterozygote (X/Y) and, in the case of a homozygote, to distinguish between an X/X homozygote and a Y/Y homozygote. In the case of a heterozygote, gene polymorphism X and gene polymorphism Y are included, and the difference between these polymorphisms is merely a point mutation, i.e., a difference of one base. Accordingly, the following phenomenon occurs: a probe that fully hybridizes with a sequence that contains one polymorphism (for example, Y) (perfect-match) also hybridizes with a sequence that contains the other polymorphism (X) (single-base mismatch). In a case like this, there is a problem in that, as shown when a melting curve that indicates a relationship between signal intensity and temperature is drawn up based on a Tm analysis, it is difficult to detect a peak on the low-temperature side that indicates a mismatch sequence due to the presence of a peak on the high-temperature side that indicates a perfect-match sequence. That is, even when there is a mismatch sequence in a sample, the presence of a perfect-match sequence makes it difficult to distinguish the mismatch sequence, and thus it may be possible that the detection sensitivity is impaired. Also with respect to homozygotes, the difference between a homozygote (X/X) of a polymorphism X and a homozygote (Y/Y) of a polymorphism Y is likewise due to one base. Therefore, as described above, when it is difficult to distinguish between the peak of a perfect-match and the peak of a mismatch, it is consequently difficult to distinguish between a peak indicating the former (X/X) and a peak indicating the latter (Y/Y). That is, it may be possible to determine whether a sample is a homozygote, but it is likely to be difficult to determine the type of polymorphism.
Recently, antibody drugs that take advantage of the human immune function have been attracting attention in the field of pharmaceuticals. Examples of such antibody drugs include trade-name rituxan (generic name: rituximab), which is a therapeutic agent for malignant lymphoma, trade-name herceptin (generic name: trastuzumab), which is a therapeutic agent for breast cancer, and like agents. However, the strength of human immunity varies from person to person, and this is considered to have an influence on the pharmaceutical effects of such antibody drugs. Gene mutation (for example, SNP) is reported as a factor that has an influence on the pharmaceutical effect of such drugs. In particular, a polymorphism of the FCGR3A gene (Non-Patent Document 1), which is a gene that is involved in immunity, has been reported. This gene codes for FcγRIIIa, a type of fragment C receptor (FcR) of IgG. Hence, when such an antibody drug is used in medical treatment, it is considered useful, for example, to detect polymorphisms (SNPs) in such a gene and then to determine the course of medical treatment, e.g., the dosage of the antibody drug and the change of a therapeutic agent, taking into consideration of the results of the detection.    Non-Patent Document 1: Buillaume Cartron et al., BLOOD, 1 Feb., 2002, Volume 99, Number 3

Probes for detecting immune-related gene polymorphisms and applications of the same


An ATM network topology management method for an ATM network using an NBMA Next Hop Resolution Protocol (NHRP) to obtain an ATM address from a network address in the ATM network, when a network management system (NMS) is directly connected to the ATM network, including the following steps: (1) reading a network address of an NHRP server that has been set in an NHRP client placed in the NMS; (2) recognizing a topology of a logical subnet served by the NHRP server within the ATM network by accessing the NHRP server with a network address derived from step (1) and obtaining information on a logical subnet served by the NHRP server, an ATM terminal and an ATM switch belonging to the logical subnet; and (3) the NMS reading information on another NHRP server within the ATM network from the NHRP server, obtains a network address of the other NHRP server, accesses the other NHRP server with an obtained network address and obtains information on other logical subnet served by the other NHRP server and an ATM terminal and an ATM switch belonging to the other logical subnet so that a topology of a logical subnet served by the other NHRP server is automatically recognized in the ATM network.

This invention relates to an Asynchronous Transfer Mode (referred to as ATM, hereinafter) network topology management method for an ATM network to which a plurality of ATM switches and a plurality of ATM terminals are connected. More particularly, the present invention relates to the ATM network topology management method that allows for detection to logical topology of the ATM network in either case that a network management system exists inside or outside of the ATM network. This method of the present invention can be easily integrated with a method for automatically detecting the equipment with no ATM interface such as routers or a terminals and the like, that is outside the ATM network.
A conventional ATM network topology management method physical connections of a plurality of ATM switches and a plurality of ATM terminals are automatically recognized that has been disclosed in, for example, JP-A-32597/1996, titled "ATM network topology management method".
The above conventional method is described hereinafter.
Each of the ATM switches and the ATM terminals transmits information on a network address of a network management agent for controlling those ATM switches and ATM terminals and port identifiers for identifying the respective ports to the adjacent ATM switch and the ATM terminal by every ATM port for the ATM switch and the ATM terminal using ILMI protocol. Those ports are directly connected to the adjacent ATM switches and ATM terminals.
Receiving the information, each of the ATM switch and the ATM terminal holds a table containing a network address of the network management agent that controls the adjacent ATM switch and adjacent ATM terminal directly connected to the respective ATM port and a port identifier representing the connected ports.
Accessing the above-derived data in the table sequentially can automatically recognize the physical connections of each of the ATM switches and ATM terminals.
Supposing that the ATM network is divided into a plurality of logical subnets, the conventional ATM network topology management method fails to automatically identify the ATM switches and the ATM terminals belonging to a certain logical subnet.


The invention concerns a semiconductor component with at east one lateral region which is provided to accommodate a lateral electric field strength, whereby the semiconductor body within the body and/or in regions proximal to the surface of the semiconductor body at least over regions thereof has a lateral three-dimensional structure which has vertical recesses in the semiconductor body within which there are electrical conductors which are smaller than in the intervening spaces of the semiconductor body between the recesses, as well as a method for making and of using the semiconductor component.

This application is a national stage of PCT/DE99/01410 filed May 10, 1998 under the International Convention
The invention relates to a semiconductor component with at least one lateral component for accommodating a lateral electric field strength, and to a method of making the semiconductor component and the use thereof.
In DE-A1-42 33 773 a microelectronic component in so-called SOI (Semiconductor-On-Insulator) technology is disclosed which has an enhanced breakdown voltage. The semiconductor component has a lateral component in a semiconductor body with a substrate whereby a dielectric zone is delimited on the substrate in which an electrically conductive region is embedded. The arrangement requires a technologically expensive adjustment of the buried structure with respect to the lateral component.
Furthermore, lateral as well as vertical components have been proposed which have on their surfaces structures which are provided to reduce the surface field strength to enhance the breakdown voltage. Such field plates or field rings also, however, give rise to an excessive technological cost in the production of such components.
it is the object of the invention to provide a semiconductor component and a method of making it which provides improved components with reference to the prior art described at the outset and especially affords higher breakdown voltages.
a semiconductor component of the invention has a semiconductor body and, at least in regions on this body and/or in layers disposed upon one another. The semiconductor body and/or in regions proximal to the surface of the semiconductor body at least in portions thereof there is a lateral three-dimensional structure which has vertical recesses in the semiconductor body within which the electrical conductivity is smaller than in the intervening spaces of the semiconductor body between the recesses.
A semiconductor component according to the invention has, in the semiconductor body and/or at least regionally in a surface-neighboring region of the semiconductor body a lateral three-dimensional structure which has vertical recesses in the semiconductor body in the interior of which the electrical conductivity is less than in the intervening spaces of the semiconductor body between the recesses.
In a preferred embodiment the semiconductor component is a lateral component with a dielectric zone bounding a substrate and between the dielectric zone and the semiconductor body the lateral three-dimensional structure is provided over at least a portion of the lateral component and is directly connected with the dielectric zone.
In an advantageous embodiment of the invention the three-dimensional structure has islands or lands which are separated by vertical recesses from one another, whereby the electrical conductivity in the recesses is less than that in the islands or lands.
In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention the three-dimensional structure has ribs which are separated from one another by vertical recesses and whereby the electrical conductivity in the recesses is less than that in the ribs.
Advantageously in the semiconductor body over at least a region thereof a semiconductor of another material, especially polycrystalline material, can be disposed and which bounds the dielectric zone.
Advantageously, between the substrate and the dielectric zone, at least over a region thereof, a lateral semiconductor layer is provided.
In a further advantageous arrangement, between the substrate and the dielectric zone, at least over a region thereof, a lateral insulating layer is provided.
Advantageously, with a lateral component at least over a region, the width of the recesses in an imaginary sectional plane perpendicularly through the lateral component is smaller than 10% of the lateral drift stretch of the lateral component.
In a preferred embodiment, in a lateral component at least over a portion thereof, the width of the intervening spaces or interstices between neighboring recesses in an imaginary sectional plane perpendicularly through the lateral component is somewhat smaller than 30% of the lateral drift stretch.
An advantageous configuration of the invention provides that at least over part of the component, recesses in an imaginary sectional plane perpendicularly through the semiconductor component are approximately equidistant. This simplifies the manufacture of the component since no expensive technology steps are required and especially no adjustment of the structure relative to the lateral component is necessary.
A further preferred embodiment of the invention has at least in part a varying density of the recesses in an imaginary sectional plane perpendicularly through the semiconductor component. The breakdown voltage can be further increased in that the density of the recesses in different regions of the semiconductor body differs. It is especially advantageous below different functional regions of the component to provide different densities of the recesses.
Advantageously at least partially, the depths of the recesses can be greater than their breadths. At least in part the widths of the recesses can be smaller than the thickness of the dielectric zone. The special advantage is that with a comparable locking voltage the thickness of the dielectric zone of a component according to the invention can be smaller than with a conventional component. The thermal dissipation in the component according to the invention is improved as is the ability of the component according to the invention to withstand transitionally higher electric powers. It is also advantageous to provide at least in part widths of the recesses so that they will be smaller than the widths of the regions of the semiconductor body between the recesses.
The semiconductor body between the recesses represents zones which are interrupted by the recesses and in which electron or hole channels are formed and which in their electrostatic effects are already slightly removed from the region in which a continuous charge distribution appears so that field gradients and/or space charge zone curvature are reduced, thereby giving rise to an increase in the breakdown voltage.
An advantageous arrangement provides for the invention a semiconductor component with an edge structure for reducing the surface field strength of the component, whereby the edge structure on or in an outer surface of the semiconductor body at least neighboring an effective region of a space charge zone near the surface is arranged at a blocking contact in the semiconductor body whereby the semiconductor body at least in part at a surface has a lateral three-dimensional structure with vertical recesses in the interior of which the electrical conductivity is less than that of the semiconductor body.
In the method according to the invention for producing a component with a semiconductor body and a substrate, on a surface of the semiconductor body which is juxtaposed with the lateral component, initially at least in part, recesses are etched, the recesses are then filled with a material which is more highly ohmic than the material of the semiconductor body between the recesses and covered with a layer of a dielectric material and at least indirectly bonded with the substrate or provided with an oxide for connection with the surface of a substrate provided on the semiconductor body and at least partially provided with recesses in the oxide and filled with a semiconductor material and then covered with a layer of a semiconductor material and the covering layer at least indirectly arranged with the semiconductor body.
In a further process according to the invention for producing a component with an edge structure, recesses are provided at least partially in the surface of the semiconductor body whereby the recesses are filled with a dielectric or the surface of the semiconductor body is at least partially coated with an oxide, whereby recesses are formed in the oxide and filled with semiconductor material.
Especially advantageously, the recesses are applied substantially homogeneously over the surface region or entire semiconductor wafer. The advantage of the method of the invention is that no extensive technology is necessary for producing the lateral structure and especially there is no need for adjustment with respect to the lateral and/or vertical component in the semiconductor body.
The advantage of the lateral structure is that a field intensity in the semiconductor body or on the surface, the semiconductor body can be partly shielded so that the blocking behavior of the component is improved. The structure of the invention is especially suitable for components on a SOI basis (silicon-on-insulator) and also for vertical or lateral components which have field strength-reducing structures on the surface for reducing a surface field strength and/or the curvature of space-charge zones. Especially advantageous is the use of the invention in combination with field plates or field ring-like structures at the surface. Advantageous is the use of a component with lateral three-dimensional structuring in a driver circuit for power electronic converter systems. The voltage stability can be easily raised above 500 V so that use in networks with higher voltages, especially 220 volt networks or 380 volt three-phase networks, is possible.

High-voltage semiconductor component, method for the production and use thereof


A pointer measuring instrument capable of indicating “zero” on an indication panel by a pointer even if a play (backlash) is present in gears. The measuring instrument comprises a pointer reference position setting means (7a, 7b) for determining the reference position of the pointer (4). A control means (6) rotates the pointer (4) in the direction toward the reference position when a power supply to a stepping motor (2) is turned on, and performs a first drive for stopping the rotation of the pointer (4) when it receives a pointer reference position arrival signal from the pointer reference position setting means (7a). Then, the control means performs a second drive for moving the pointer (4) by a first angle from the reference position in the reverse direction away from the reference position, and performs a third drive for rotating the gear (3S) of a reduction mechanism (3) on the stepping motor (2) side by a second angle.

Generally, the pointer instrument using the stepping motor is configured such that a rotation of the stepping motor is transmitted to a pointer using a speed-reduction mechanism including a plurality of gears, and accordingly the pointer indicates travel speed or engine speed.
In a case when a stepping motor is used as an instrument movement, unlike a vector follow-up method in which a magnet rotor follows in a synthesized-vector direction of a coil magnet field as in a cross coil instrument, variation of input signals are obtained in a certain period, and the motor is step-driven by an angle corresponding to the variation in many cases. A magnetic pole of a magnet rotor is subjected to micro-step processing performed in each step of a comb-like toothed yoke or in each interval between those steps so that the magnet rotor is driven. Therefore, in a typical configuration, a position of the magnet rotor in a situation when a power switch is turned on is assumed as an initial value (in a pointer instrument, zero initialization is performed, for example, by forcibly returning the rotor position to a zero position on a dial plate), and the motor is step-driven by an angle corresponding to a increase or decrease in input signal from the zero position.
Therefore, mechanical error may occur on the magnet rotor due to external vibration applied to a measuring instrument, which leads to a possibility that the magnet rotor is displaced from the precise angular position, which is established by drive control using step drive, that is, the magnet rotor strays from a precise position between the comb-like toothed yoke and the magnetic pole of the magnet rotor, resulting in an angular displacement by an angle corresponding to one step. Once such angular displacement so-called loss of synchronous occurs, a pointer cannot indicate the precise angular position, and the pointer is then always positioned at the angular position which includes the error angular due to the loss of synchronous unless the initialization is applied.
The phenomenon of loss of synchronous may not only occur due to the mechanical variation caused by external vibration, but also occur in the case that the magnet rotor cannot follow-up variation in input signal.
In such a stepping-motor instrument, a reset of loss of synchronous is performed to eliminate such pointing errors due to the loss of synchronous as many as possible. To perform the reset of the loss of synchronous, a stopper is mounted on a display board which is to be mounted with the stepping motor. In a measuring instrument that has been proposed, the stopper is protrusively provided at a position where a pointer starts rotation, and when the stepping motor falls into loss of synchronous, a reset-to-zero signal is outputted to the stepping motor so that the pointer is returned to a stopper side, and when the pointer comes into the stopper, reset of loss of synchronous is determined to be completed, and the reset-to-zero signal is stopped.
Patent document 1: JP-A-2001-314099


A method for producing a hollow body for storing gases, the hollow body including at least one boss part having a projection. The method includes providing a sheathing composed of a plastic material or a reactive material, over the at least one boss part, at least in a region of the projection. The sheathed at least one boss part is then heated and introduced into a blow mould, where it is surrounding with a plastic tube to form the hollow body. The plastic tube is then brought into permanent contact with the sheathing on the projection to thereby obtain a permanent material connection between the plastic of the plastic tube to the plastic or the reactive material of the sheathing. An internal pressure is then applied to the plastic of the plastic tube to obtain a final shape of the hollow body.

It is known that hollow bodies for storing gases, which may in particular form high-pressure containers, e.g., for storing hydrogen as a fuel for motor vehicles, can be constructed from an inner layer, referred to as the "liner", and a winding of fibre material around the liner.
The use of the technologies of blow moulding and thermoforming for the production of a container is known. Production is then based on the forming of semi-finished products in tube or sheet form. These are given their final shape via a vacuum and/or excess pressure. It is possible, for example, to produce two half-shells, which are joined together to form a container.
In the case where gas-tight liners are used for type IV containers, which are used for the pressurized storage of gases, there are two common production methods. On the one hand, the blow moulding of entire liners and, on the other hand, the method of producing segments of the container by injection moulding and extrusion, and subsequent connection of these components via a joining method.
The materials used in this process are mostly based on HDPE (high density polyethylene) or polyamides.
An important distinguishing feature for liner materials are the mechanical low-temperature properties as well as the emission properties. Monolayer materials such as polyamide have a good barrier property for gases, but do not have optimum low-temperature properties. HDPE, on the other hand, does not have a suitable barrier effect, but has very good low-temperature properties.
For this reason, it is principally polyamide that is currently being used specifically for applications in the hydrogen sector. However, this imposes limits with regard to component size, especially for blow moulding technology. Moreover, the available suitable grades are expensive and problematic when used at low temperatures because of their extensive use of additives.
High-pressure containers for gases are subject to large temperature fluctuations in the course of their operation (filling, storage and emptying). This puts high demands on the materials and, in particular, on the liner.
In connection with the lightweight construction and use of composite materials, the challenge arises in this context of connecting the different materials to one another in a gas-tight manner at the joint.


A cutter including a blade member (30) having an edge portion (31) for cutting a current-carrying member (12) and an insulating portion (32); a gas generator (35) that generates high-pressure gas to move the blade member (30) toward the current-carrying member (12); a receiving member (25) arranged on a side opposite to the edge portion (31) relative to the current-carrying member (12) and defining a receiving surface (25b) for receiving the current-carrying member (12) upon cutting thereof; a stopper (23) configured to restrict forward movement of the blade member (30) such that the insulating portion (32) of the blade member (30) stops, after cutting of the current-carrying member (12), at a position corresponding to a cut surface of the current-carrying member (12); and an insulating protective member (15) positioned between at least one of the blade member (30) or the receiving member (25) and the current-carrying member (12) and configured to protect a surface of the current-carrying member (12) facing the at least one of the blade member (30) or the first inner cylinder member (25) are provided.

Cutters configured to cut current-carrying members through which current flows have been known. Such cutters are used to shut off power from a power supply in, e.g., disaster situations. Patent Document 1 discloses, as the cutters of this type, a cutter including a blade (blade member) configured to cut a current-carrying member by thrust generated by explosion of an explosive filling a cylinder, a cylindrical member (receiving member) configured to receive the current-carrying member upon cutting of the current-carrying member by the blade, and a stopper configured to stop the blade at a predetermined position after cutting of the current-carrying member. The blade includes an edge portion in which a cutting portion configured to cut the current-carrying member is formed, and an insulating portion having insulating properties.
When the explosive inside the cylinder explodes in the cutter, the blade moves toward the current-carrying member, and the cutting portion cuts the current-carrying member. Subsequently, the blade further moves to the position where the insulating portion of the blade contacts cut surfaces of the current-carrying member, and then is stopped by the stopper. Thus, since the insulating portion of the blade is interposed between cut portions of the current-carrying member, it can be ensured that passage of current in the current-carrying member is disconnected.


A fish scaling device which is characterized by a flat support designed to receive a fish for scaling, a tail clamp adjustably mounted on one end of the support for clamping the tail of the fish to the support and a head clamp located at the opposite end of the support for immobilizing the head of the fish. In a preferred embodiment a scaling device which includes an electric motor, to which is attached a scaling tool, is used for scaling the fish. In another preferred embodiment a transparent cover is fitted over the support and the fish to be scaled and a slot is provided in a scaling panel hinged to the support, such that the scaler can be moved from side-to-side along the support to scale the fish when the cover is used to prevent scattering of the scales.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to scaling fish and more particularly, to a fish scaling device which is characterized in a first preferred embodiment by a base or support for receiving a fish, an adjustable tail clamp located on one end of the support for clamping the tail of the fish to the support and a head clamp attached to the opposite end of the support for securing the head of the fish to the support. In another preferred embodiment a scaling mechanism is used for removing scales from the fish, which is immobilized on the support. In yet another preferred embodiment of the invention the scaling device is characterized by an electric motor having a handle and a rotating scaling tool and a removable, transparent cover may be positioned over the base to contain the removed scales. In a most preferred embodiment a scaling panel may be hinged to the base and fitted with a longitudinal slot to access the scaling tool and close one side of the support when the cover is deployed over the support.
One of the problems realized in scaling fish is the difficulty of immobilizing the fish during the scaling operation. Another problem is the difficulty of obtaining a scaling tool which is sufficiently versatile to scale fish of any desired size with a desired degree of efficiency and minimum effort. Fish are typically scaled by securing the body of the fish on a flat surface with one hand and using a spoon or other scaling implement to scrape the scales from the fish in a laborious, tedious and inefficient manner. Regardless of the degree of care utilized in the scaling operations, scales are scattered throughout the area and scales invariably remain on the fish and are difficult to detect until the fish is cooked, at which time they appear as opaque, hard, white flecs on the cooked fish. The scaler may also inadvertently contact the hand, resulting in injury.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Various scaling devices are known in the art for scaling fish. U.S. Pat. No. 1,982,083, dated Nov. 27, 1934, to O. V. Strand, details a "Fish Scaling Device" which includes a handle, a housing extending from the handle and a cylindrical, rotating scaling member positioned in the housing and rotatably attached to an electric motor for scaling fish. U.S. Pat. No. 2,557,272, dated Jun. 19, 1951, to J. Gabriel, details a "Fish Scaler" of similar design, the scaling portion of which is fitted with curved blades that are serrated for contacting and removing scales from fish. Another fish scaling device is detailed in U.S. Pat. No. 2,655,689, dated Oct. 20, 1953, to W. R. Witte. The fish scaling device is characterized by an electric motor and a scaling mechanism, complete with handle attached to the electric motor by means of a flexible cord. U.S. Pat. No. 3,248,751, dated May 3, 1966, to J. D. Wilborn, details another fish cleaning device. The device includes a flat board fitted with adjustable head and tail-securing portions that immobilize the head and tail of the fish for manual scaling. A "Fish-Holding Device" is detailed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,445,885, dated May 27, 1969, to A Reitz. The device includes a flat board provided with a clamp for engaging and immobilizing the tail of a fish and a spring and retainer member for engaging the head of a fish and securing the fish for scaling. U.S. Pat. No. 3,518,719, dated Jul. 7, 1970, to D. D. Anderson details a "Fish Holding Rack". The rack includes a frame for receiving a fish and having a clip at one end for immobilizing the tail and a second clip at the opposite end for immobilizing the head, so the fish can be scaled manually. U.S. Pat. No. 3,740,794, dated Jun. 26, 1973, to George R. Smith, details a "Fish Fillet Aid". The device includes an L-shaped base member for supporting the fish in a vertical position and clamps to rigidly hold the fish at its head, body and tail portions to the base member. The fish is thusly immobilized for manual scaling. U.S. Pat. No. 3,790,988, dated Feb. 12, 1974, to Neal J. Maxwell details an "Anchor For Holding a Fish While Working On The Same". The fish retainer includes the combination of a support for a fish, including a board or table top and an anchor for yielding holding the fish on the top surface of the support when it is desired to skin, fillet or scale the fish. The anchor includes a stem which extends rearwardly through the mouth of the fish and the free end of the stem abuts the rear wall of the stomach cavity of the fish. The stem forces the fish against the support. U.S. Pat. No. 3,833,967, dated Sep. 10, 1974, to Lester C. Kieser, details a "Fish Cleaning Board". The device includes a board, against which the body of the fish is placed, a hook at one end of the board for holding the head of the fish and a dual purpose tool removably clamped on the board adjacent to the opposite end of the board for confining the body of the fish during scaling or skinning.
It is an object of this invention to provide a fish scaling device which is characterized by a flat base or support for receiving a fish to be scaled, an adjustable tail clamp for securing the tail of the fish to the base and an adjustable head clamp for engaging the fish and securing the head portion of the fish to the base.
Another object of this invention is to provide a new and improved fish scaling device which is characterized by a support fitted with adjustable tail and head clamps for immobilizing a fish to be scaled on the support member, a transparent cover removably fitted over the support member and engaging a scaling panel hinged to the support and provided with an open-ended slot for receiving a scaling implement and scaling the fish inside the transparent cover.
Yet another object of this invention is to provide a new and improved, portable fish scaling device which includes flat support for receiving a fish, an adjustable tail clamp characterized by a tail clamp bar seated on the support and made adjustable by a pair of parallel slots for receiving bolts extending through the tail clamp bar and fitted with wing nuts for securing the tail of the fish to the support, a head clamp fixed or hinged to the support and provided with multiple openings for receiving a tapered dowel that extends through the head clamp openings into the mouth of the fish and immobilizes the head of the fish and a rotating scaler which includes an electric motor having a handle and a shaft, to which shaft is attached a rotating scaling tool for removing the scales from the fish immobilized on the support.
Still another object of this invention is to provide a fish scaling device which includes a flat support for receiving and supporting a fish, an adjustable tail clamp characterized by a tail clamp bar resting on the support and made adjustable by a pair of parallel slots that receive bolts extending through the tail clamp bar and fitted with wing nuts for securing the tail of the fish to the support, a head clamp secured to the opposite end of the support and provided with multiple openings for receiving a tapered dowel that extends through the head clamp openings, into the mouth of the fish and immobilizes the head of the fish, a scaling panel hinged to one edge of the support and an open-ended, horizontal slot located in the scaling panel, an L-shaped, transparent housing shaped to fit over the support and engage the scaling panel and a scaler which includes an electric motor, to the shaft of which is attached a rotating scaling tool for removing the scales from the fish immobilized on the base as the shaft projects through the slot in the scaling panel.


A hoist, in accordance with various embodiments, is disclosed herein. The hoist comprises a cooling apparatus coupled to a motor and disposed within a torque tube. The cooling apparatus may operate with the hoist or independently of the hoist. The cooling apparatus may pull air external to a housing of the hoist through the torque tube and cool the motor and/or a controller of the hoist.

Hoists are devices used to mechanically lift and/or lower loads (e.g., cargo, persons, etc.). Hoists may include a motor-driven cable drum around which a cable winds and/or unwinds. The hoist applies a pulling force to the load through the cable in order to control and/or move the load from one physical location to another physical location. Hoists are used in many environments, including aircraft, automobile, and truck applications, as well as anchor systems, cable cars, cranes, and the like. Hoists electronic controller and electric motor components utilize active air cooling during operation, to prevent overheating.


Packaging containers for foods in which the contents can be safely kept and which give no metallic residue after incineration. A bag made of a film material wherein a light-blocking printed layer (4) having a sepia printed layer (7) is provided on the internal face of the bag. The color of the sepia printed layer (7) is controlled to give a color hue of 5R to 10R in the Mansell color system, a lightness of 5 to 7 and a chroma of 0 to 3, while the light (300 to 800 nm) permeability of the packing material (1) is controlled to 10% or less.

In recent years, marketing products in packaging containers such as retort pouch and the like which keep foods as contents are required to avoid alterations of food tastes and of the qualities during a period from the production of products until eating by customers. Therefore, packaging materials provided a light blocking property by a lamination of films with metal foils such as aluminum or a vapor deposition layer, are used for such packaging materials.
On the other hand, since retort foods and the like provided by the above mentioned packaging containers are widely commonly distributed and consumed, packaging containers made by the above mentioned packaging materials come into circumstances to be disposed as wastes, and in case of a thermal disposal of packaging containers, the fact that metal portions in packaging materials remain as residues in incinerators, is acknowledged as a problem.
From this point of view, in order to acquire a light-blocking property without the use of metals such as aluminum, a colored printed layer formed in layer constructions of packaging materials has become to be tried. While, the forming of a color printed layer has big advantages to reduce production costs because it can be easily conducted by printings during productions of packaging materials, in case that a color printed layer is formed by an all-over printing with black color which has a great effect for acquirement of a light-blocking, it is not applicable for food packaging materials in appearance, and in case that an all-over printing in white color provides drawbacks of insufficiency for light-blocking property.

Packaging materials and packing containers using the same


Devices and methods for performing dynamic sampling of a back electromotive force (BEMF) measurement are provided. A device has hardware, including a voice coil motor (VCM) for receiving a VCM command signal and a correction circuit, for obtaining the VCM command signal and a coil voltage measurement from the hardware, where the correction circuit removes a transient voltage measurement due to a change in the VCM command signal from the coil voltage measurement and outputs an estimated BEMF measurement.

Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to disk drives. Specifically, embodiments of the present invention relate to methods and apparatuses for performing dynamic sampling of a back electromotive force (BEMF) measurement.
In hard disk drives back electromotive force (BEMF) is used as a way to measure the velocity of an actuator arm. It is important to be able to accurately control the velocity of the actuator arm without having to access the positioning information of the read/write head, which is attached to the arm. For Self-Servo-Writing applications, accurate velocity control translates to accurate positioning of the read/write head during repeated motions across the disk surface. Accurate velocity control also prevents mechanical stresses from occurring on the slider and head and improves acoustics and reliability, for example, in ramp Load/Unload operations. Further, accurate velocity control allows for more mechanical design options (i.e., the design of ramps) which may increase the usable area of the disk surface and in turn save manufacturing costs.
In a hard disk drive, a BEMF voltage drop is created across the coil while the coil is moving in a magnetic field. The voltage observed across the coil during normal operation is the combined effect of actuator BEMF (a function of actuator angular velocity) and the impedance of the coil (both resistive and inductive effects) in response to a voice coil motor ("VCM") command. Changes to the VCM command will (through the impedance of the coil and amplifier dynamics) contribute to voltage drops across the VCM that are not due to induced BEMF.
In conventional disk drive applications, the sample rate for BEMF measurements is limited because one has to wait for the voltage in the coil to reach a steady state after a command change. Various methods have been used to collect BEMF measurements by measuring a voltage across a coil. In order to take the measurement, the VCM driver is disengaged then the coil voltage is measured after a set amount of time has elapsed. To obtain measurements with a constant VCM current a calibrated inductive and/or resistive ("IR") cancellation is employed. In addition, the VCM current is kept constant for a specified amount of time.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,611,118 and 6,864,656 are directed to a magnetic disk drive and voice coil motor drive circuit. The disk drive has a BEMF sensor that detects the BEMF produced in a VCM actuator. The BEMF sensor accepts as input the coil terminal voltage of the voice coil motor and outputs the voltage as a band limited signal and accepts as input the drive current of the voice coil motor and outputs a voltage proportional to the drive current. A computation circuit takes the difference between the two outputs to obtain the BEMF measurement.
The main disadvantage of the above-described methods is time delay. In order to take the BEMF measurement the known systems must wait a discrete time period for transient voltages across the coil due to amplifier/coil dynamics to sufficiently decay. In turn, the sample rate of the BEMF measurement is limited. Further, if the BEMF is sampled at too fast a rate, the accuracy of the measurement will be degraded. This has a direct impact on the responsiveness of the control system for the hard disk.
Accordingly, a method and device is needed to cancel the effects of the coil impedance and amplifier dynamics on the voltage drop across a VCM. Further, a method and device is needed that is capable of sampling BEMF measurements at a rate comparable to the rate at which the VCM command signal changes.

Methods and apparatuses for measuring VCM BEMF at a VCM control update rate


A system, method and apparatus is disclosed for coloring a substantially wicking substrate comprising applying to a substantially wicking substrate an ink comprising a first dye and a second dye applying a first solvent to the substantially wicking substrate to move the first dye and or the second dye in a defined direction coloring at least a portion of the substantially wicking substrate by allowing the first solvent to move through a portion of the first dye for a first distance from the point of origin of the ink and the second dye a second distance from the point of origin of the ink wherein the first distance is sufficiently different from the second distance to visualize a separation between the first dye and the second dye shaping a portion of the colored wicking substrate into a form and affixing the form onto a support for display.

The present invention relates generally to the field of methods for coloring a substrate and creating a water color or tie-dye effect on the substrate and subsequent use in a greeting card or other product.
A colorant, or the substance used to give color to the ink, is either dye or pigmentation. The colorant, consisting of molecules or small particles, blends with a carrier-based solution or suspension. A carrier-dye based ink tints or stains the substrate on a molecular level and gives color to the substrate by virtue of differential absorption or reflection of some region or regions of the visible electromagnetic radiation spectrum of light.
Chromatography is an analytical process for separating mixtures containing substances which may or may not be colored. In the chromatographic process, the substances in a mixture move by intentional displacement of a mobile phase in a defined direction through a stationary phase which separates one molecular substance from other molecules in a mixture. Chromatography exploits the differences in partitioning behavior between a mobile phase (solvent) and a stationary phase to separate the components in a mixture. Components of a mixture may be chemically or physically interacting with the mobile and stationary phases based on charge, molecular size, molecular polarity, hydrogen bonding, relative solubility or adsorption.
Watercolor art often requires repeated sequential applications of wet colorant to substrate interspersed with time periods of drying. The watercolor is applied to a position using a brush. Effort is taken to prevent the color from running. Young children and people with handicaps have a difficult time using a brush and keeping the colors from bleeding.
It should be appreciated that this invention, methods, and processes would work equally well with 'dyes' and 'inks' that are not initially visible to the eye, e.g. 'invisible inks', that are revealed only after a secondary treatment such as short wave ultraviolet irradiation, heating, or chemical treatment, or a combination thereof, in which a chemical or photochemical process takes place to produce the colored regions of the substantially wicking substrate.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.


A transmission apparatus comprises a plastic fiber, and a photodetector for detecting light, which has been propagated through the plastic fiber. The photodetector comprises a plurality of semiconductor light receiving devices, whose light receiving sensitivity wavelength regions are identical with one another, each of the semiconductor light receiving devices having a light receiving area smaller than a cross-sectional area of a core of the plastic fiber. The transmission apparatus is capable of achieving both a high light receiving efficiency and quick response characteristics.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a transmission apparatus, which utilizes a plastic fiber, for use in an optical communication system, and the like.
2. Description of the Related Art
Ordinarily, as light propagation paths in optical communication, single mode fibers or multi-mode fibers containing quartz glass as a principal material are utilized. The single mode fibers or the multi-mode fibers containing quartz glass as a principal material have a diameter of at most 200 μm. In alignment processes for the fibers, a high position matching accuracy on the order of micron is required. Therefore, fiber laying operations under ordinary environmental conditions, such as conditions at construction work sites, are not easy to perform. The difficulty of the fiber laying operations obstructs further popularization of the fibers described above.
Recently, plastic fibers, which have a comparatively large diameter and are comparatively easy to lay, have been proposed. However, for reasons of production processes, the plastic fibers primarily have a step index type of structure. The step index types of plastic fibers cannot transmit a signal of a high bit rate over a long distance. Specifically, in cases where a pulsed light signal as illustrated in FIG. 8A is inputted into a light entry end face of the step index type of fiber, a phenomenon is encountered in that a wave form of the pulsed light signal becomes deformed and spreads at a light radiating end face of the fiber as illustrated in FIG. 8B after being propagated over a long distance through the fiber. Therefore, in cases where a successively pulsed light signal as illustrated in FIG. 9A is inputted into the step index type of fiber and transmitted through the step index type of fiber, the problems occur in that, as illustrated in FIG. 9B, the pulses, which are adjacent to each other on the time axis, overlap one upon the other, and a perfectly extinct state cannot be obtained with respect to a logic "0" level of the signal at the light radiating end face of the fiber. In other words, in cases where the pulsed light signal of a short pulse width is transmitted through the fiber, a logic "0" level and a logic "1" level of the signal cannot easily be discriminated from each other after the signal has been transmitted through the fiber. Accordingly, the step index types of plastic fibers are not appropriate for large capacities of optical communication. The problems described above are described in, for example, "Fundamentals and Practice of Plastic Optical Fibers" by Yasuhiro Koike, supervised by Seizo Miyata, NTS K. K., pp. 84–87, 2000.
In order for the aforesaid problems to be eliminated, a graded index type of fiber, which has a comparatively large diameter and is free from an increase in pulse width of a pulsed light signal after being transmitted, has been proposed and is expected to be used in practice. However, it has been found that the problems described below are encountered with this type of fiber.
Specifically, the plastic fiber has the feature such that the diameter of the plastic fiber is capable of being set to be large. This means that, as illustrated in FIG. 7, in cases where the light signal having been propagated through the plastic fiber is to be detected and converted into an electric signal, it becomes necessary to utilize a photodetector 5, which has a light receiving section 4 having a large area corresponding to a cross-sectional area of a core 2 of a plastic fiber 1, in order for the light signal to be detected efficiently. (In FIG. 7, reference numeral 3 represents a cladding layer.) However, a light receiving device having a light receiving section with a large area corresponding to the core diameter of the plastic fiber, which core diameter is ordinarily at least 500 μm, has the problems in that the light receiving device has a large electric capacity and cannot always convert the quickly modulated light signal into the electric signal in response to the quickly modulated light signal.
More specifically, in cases where a successively pulsed light signal as illustrated in FIG. 10A is inputted into the plastic fiber, and the successively pulsed light signal having been propagated through the plastic fiber is detected by the light receiving device, which is provided with the light receiving section having a large area, at the light radiating end face of the plastic fiber, a detection signal is obtained such that, as indicated by a wave form A in FIG. 10B, the logic "0" level of the detection signal cannot be obtained with respect to the logic "0" level of the light signal, and therefore the logic "0" level and the logic "1" level of the light signal cannot easily be discriminated from each other.
In order for the aforesaid problems to be solved, it may be considered that a light receiving device, which has a small electric capacity and is capable of performing quick response, be utilized. However, the light receiving device, which has a small electric capacity and is capable of performing quick response, is capable of detecting only a small part of the light radiated out from the plastic fiber. Therefore, in such cases, a detection signal is obtained such that, as indicated by a wave form B in FIG. 10B, though the response characteristics are good, the intensity of the detection signal is markedly low.

Transmission apparatus using a plastic fiber


A compact, low profile electronically scanned antenna module is provided. The antenna module includes a multi-layer antenna integrated printed wiring board (AiPWB) that includes a radiator layer on a front surface. The radiator layer includes a plurality of RF radiating elements. The antenna module additionally includes a plurality of radiator electronics modules orthogonally connected to a back surface of the AiPWB. The electronics modules are interconnected with radiating elements through the AiPWB and include a plurality of beam steering electronic elements mounted to a multi layer conformable substrate. The orthogonal connections allow the antenna module to have outer dimensions that are substantially equal to the dimensions of a perimeter of the AiPWB. Additionally, frequency and scanning angle requirements of the antenna module can be increased by merely increasing the length of the electronics modules in the orthogonal direction to allow for additional beam steering electronic elements needed to accommodate the increased frequency and scanning requirements.

The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art.
Electronically scanned antennas, also commonly referred to as phased array antennas, are comprised of multiple radiating antenna elements, individual element control circuits, a signal distribution network, signal control circuitry, a power supply and a mechanical support structure. The total gain, effective isotropic radiated power ("EIRP") (with a transmit antenna) and scanning and side lobe requirements of the antenna are directly related to the number of elements in the antenna aperture, the individual element spacing and the performance of the elements and element electronics. In many applications, thousands of independent element/control circuits are required to achieve a desired antenna performance.
A phased array antenna typically requires independent electronic packages for the radiating elements and control circuits that are interconnected through a series of external connectors. As the antenna operating frequency (or beam scan angle) increases, the required spacing between the phased array radiating elements decreases. As the spacing of the elements decreases, it becomes increasingly difficult to physically configure the control electronics relative to the tight element spacing. This can affect the performance of the antenna and/or increase its cost, size and complexity. Consequently, the performance of a phased array antenna becomes limited by the need to tightly package and provide vertical interconnects from the electronics to the RF distribution network and radiating elements. As the number of radiating elements increases, the corresponding increase in the required number of external connectors (i.e., "interconnects") serves to significantly increase the cost of the antenna.
Additionally, multiple beam antenna applications further complicate this problem by requiring more electronic components and circuits to be packaged within the same module spacing. Conventional packaging approaches for such applications result in complex, multi-layered interconnect structures with significant cost, size and weight.
FIG. 1 illustrates one form of architecture, generally known as a "tile" architecture, used in the construction of a phased array antenna. With the tile architecture approach, an RF input signal is distributed into an array in a distribution layer 10 that is parallel to the antenna aperture plane. The distribution network 10 feeds an intermediate plane 12 that contains the control electronics 14 responsible for steering and amplifying the signals associated with individual antenna elements. A third layer 16 includes the antenna elements 18. The third layer 16 comprises the antenna aperture and typically includes a large plurality of closely spaced antenna elements 18 which are electronically steerable by the control electronics 14. Output signals radiate as a plurality of individually controlled beams from the antenna radiating elements 18. Additionally, with the tile architecture approach, the radiating element 18 spacing determines the available surface area for mounting the electronic components 14.
The tile architecture approach can be implemented for individual elements or for an array of elements. Additionally, the traditional tile architecture approach has the ability to support dual polarization radiators as a result of its coplanar orientation relative to the antenna aperture. Individual element tile configurations can also allow for complete testing of a functional element prior to antenna integration. Ideally, the tile configuration lends itself to most manufacturing processes and has the best potential for low cost if the electronics can be accommodated for a given element spacing. However, this configuration requires discrete interconnects for each layer in the structure, where the number of interconnects required is directly in accordance with the number of radiating elements of the antenna. Additionally, the mechanical construction of the individual tiles in the array typically contribute to limitations on the minimum element spacing that can be achieved.
A tile architecture configuration for a phased array antenna can also be implemented in multiple element configurations. As such, the tile architecture approach can take advantage of distributed, routed interconnects resulting in fewer components at the intermediate plane 12. The tile architecture approach also takes advantage of mass alignment techniques providing opportunities for lower cost antennas. The multiple element configuration, however, does not support individual element testing and consequently is more severely impacted by process yield issues confronted in the manufacturing process. Conventional enhancements to the basic tile architecture approach have involved multiple layers of interconnects and components, which increases antenna cost and complexity.
FIG. 2 illustrates a different form of packaging architecture known generally as a "brick" or "in-line" packaging architecture. With the brick architecture, the input signal is distributed in a 1×N feed layer 20. This distribution layer feeds N 1×M distributions 22-36 that are arranged perpendicular to the 1×N feed layer 20 and the antenna aperture plane. With the brick architecture, the radiating elements 38 on each distribution layer 22-36 are arranged in line with the element electronics 38 (shown in highly simplified form). Because of the in-line configuration of the radiating elements 38 and their orthogonal arrangement to the antenna aperture, the traditional brick architecture approach is typically limited to single polarization configurations. Like the tile architecture approach, however, the radiating elements can be packaged individually or in multiple element configurations as shown in FIG. 2. External interconnects are used between the input feed layer 20 and the distribution layers 22-36. Typically, the brick architecture approach results in an antenna that is deeper and more massive than one employing a tile architecture approach for a given number of radiating elements. The brick architecture approach, however, can usually accommodate tighter radiating element spacing since the radiating element electronics are packaged in-line with the radiating elements 38. The ability to test individual radiating elements 38 prior to antenna integration is limited, with a corresponding rework limitation at the antenna level.
The assignee of the present application is a leading innovator in phased array antenna packaging and manufacturing processes involving modified tile and brick packaging architectures. The prior work of the assignee in this area is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,886,671 to Riemer et al, issued Mar. 23, 1999 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,276,455 to Fitzsimmons et al, issued Jan. 2, 1994. The disclosures of both of these patents are hereby incorporated by reference into the present application. While the approaches described in these two patents address many of the issues and limitations of tile and brick packaging architectures, these approaches are still space limited as the frequency increases.
Accordingly, there is a need for a packaging architecture for a phased array antenna module which permits even closer radiating element spacing to be achieved, and which allows for even simpler and more cost efficient manufacturing processes to be employed to produce a phased array antenna.

Compact, low profile electronically scanned antenna


Provided is an air intake device for an internal combustion engine, the air intake device being configured so that a reduction in the amount of intake air is minimized. An air intake device for an internal combustion engine has: an intake air path for supplying air from a surge tank to the combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine; and an exhaust gas path for supplying exhaust gas from an exhaust gas distribution header to the combustion chamber. The length of the exhaust gas path measured along the centerline of the exhaust gas path is set to be in the range from 75% to 125%, inclusive, of the length of the intake air path measured along the centerline of the intake air path.

The air intake device for the internal combustion engine as described above includes the intake air path and the exhaust gas path in order to mix, for combustion in a combustion chamber, exhaust gas, blowby gas, or evaporated gas (evaporated gas of fuel) that is produced as wasted gas by driving the internal combustion engine, with combustion air.
Patent Document 1 listed below discloses a conventional air intake device for an internal combustion engine including a first exhaust gas path for supplying exhaust gas as waste gas from an EGR surge tank acting as the exhaust gas distribution header to the combustion chamber, a second exhaust gas path for supplying blowby gas as the waste gas from the interior of a cylinder head cover acting as the exhaust gas distribution header to the combustion chamber, and a third exhaust gas path for supplying evaporated gas as the waste gas from an unillustrated exhaust gas distribution header to the combustion chamber.
A downstream exhaust gas path section in each of the first to third exhaust gas paths and a downstream intake air path section of the intake air path constitute a common path.
An upstream exhaust gas path section of each of the first to third exhaust gas paths positioned upstream of the common path is provided desirably depending on a position of the EGR surge tank or the cylinder head cover.
In other words, no consideration is given to the relationship between the length of the exhaust gas path extending along the centerline of each of the exhaust gas paths and the length of the intake air path extending along the centerline of the intake air path. The length of each of the exhaust gas paths is set to a desirable value depending on the position of the EGR surge tank or the cylinder head cover.

Air intake device for internal combustion engine


A modular insulator assembly for an x-ray tube includes an annular insulator having a cylindrical perimeter wall, the insulator constructed of an electrically insulative material. A wall member is fixedly attached to and extending beyond the cylindrical perimeter wall, and a first shield positioned adjacent to the wall member and having an end extending proximate a corner formed by the wall member and the insulator.

The invention relates generally to x-ray tubes and, more particularly, to an apparatus and method of fabricating a high-voltage insulator for x-ray tubes. The invention is described with respect to an x-ray system, but one skilled in the art will recognize that the invention may be used in, for instance, electron tubes or other devices in which high voltage instability occurs.
X-ray systems typically include an x-ray tube, a detector, and a gantry to support the x-ray tube and the detector. In operation, an imaging table, on which an object is positioned, is located between the x-ray tube and the detector. The x-ray tube typically emits radiation, such as x-rays, toward the object. The radiation typically passes through the object on the imaging table and impinges on the detector. As radiation passes through the object, internal structures of the object cause spatial variances in the radiation received at the detector. The detector then emits data received, and the system translates the radiation variances into an image, which may be used to evaluate the internal structure of the object. One skilled in the art will recognize that the object may include, but is not limited to, a patient in a medical imaging procedure and an inanimate object as in, for instance, a package in a computed tomography (CT) package scanner.
X-ray tubes include a rotating anode structure for the purpose of distributing heat generated at a focal spot. The anode is typically rotated by an induction motor having a cylindrical rotor built into a cantilevered axle that supports a disc-shaped anode target and an iron stator structure with copper windings that surrounds an elongated neck of the x-ray tube. The rotor of the rotating anode assembly is driven by the stator. An x-ray tube cathode provides a focused electron beam that is accelerated across a cathode-to-anode vacuum gap and produces x-rays upon impact with the anode. Because of the high temperatures generated when the electron beam strikes the target, it is necessary to rotate the anode assembly at high rotational speed.
Newer generation x-ray tubes have increasing demands for providing higher peak power and higher accelerating voltages. For instance, x-ray tubes used in medical applications typically operate at 140 kV or more, while 200 kV or more is common for x-ray tubes used in security applications. However, one skilled in the art will recognize that the invention is not limited to these voltages, and applications requiring greater than 200 kV may be equally applicable. At these voltages, x-ray tubes are susceptible to high-voltage instability and insulator surface flashover which can reduce the life expectancy of the x-ray tube or interfere with the operation of the imaging system.
In a typical x-ray tube, there is a disk-shaped ceramic insulator having an opening for electrical feeds therein. The cathode post, or conduit for the electrical feeds, typically houses three or more electrical leads for feeding voltage to the cathode. Typically, the insulator, at its center opening, is attached to the cathode post which may structurally support the cathode. The cathode typically includes one or more tungsten filaments. At its perimeter, the insulator is typically hermetically connected to a cylindrical frame, which houses a vacuum chamber in which the anode and the cathode are typically positioned. In a monopolar design, voltage may be applied solely to the cathode, or to the anode. By contrast, in a bipolar design, the voltage may be applied to both the anode and cathode.
In either case, areas of the x-ray tube susceptible to failure due to high-voltage stresses include the junctions between the insulator and center cathode support structure, and between the insulator and cylindrical frame. These areas are common sources of the high-voltage instability that can reduce the life expectancy of the x-ray tube and interfere with operation of an imaging system.
The electron beam in the vacuum gap of the x-ray tube creates an electric field therein. There is the potential for insulator surface flashover in an x-ray tube when the intensity of the electric field at the insulator surface causes electrical arcing along the insulator surface between, for example, the cathode post and the cylindrical frame. The intensity of the electric field along the insulator surface, and similarly the likelihood of surface flashover, is highest when electric field force lines are perpendicular to the insulator surface.
In addition to their high-voltage operation, x-ray tubes typically operate at high temperature, which can add to the electrical stresses on x-ray tube insulators. Furthermore, the peak voltages and temperatures to which these components are subjected are likely to increase in future x-ray tube designs. Thermal stresses on x-ray tube components play a role in reducing the life expectancy of the x-ray tube as well. In some advanced applications, x-ray tubes may employ external cooling systems to cool critical components (e.g. the anode). Such advanced applications would benefit from an insulator that enables the flow of coolant to thermally stressed components in the x-ray tube.
Computed tomography (CT) systems represent an advanced application of x-ray tube technology. Some newer generation CT systems rotate the CT gantry, which includes the x-ray tube, about the patient at three revolutions per second or more. Such operation subjects the x-ray tube components to accelerations of 20 g or more, and future applications may exceed 60 g. Additionally, the newer generation CT systems seek to improve performance while decreasing the size and weight of the x-ray tubes. By reducing the size and weight of the devices that are attached to the CT gantry, the mechanical stresses on the gantry and its components are thereby reduced.
Furthermore, future x-ray tube applications may include an increased number of electrical feeds to the cathode to provide additional functionality at the cathode, such as in deflected beam applications.
Therefore, it would be desirable to have an apparatus and method to fabricate an insulator for x-ray or electron tubes that is resistant to high-voltage instability and insulator surface flashover, compact for advanced applications, and modular in design to allow for ease of repair and passage of additional electrical feeds and coolant therein.

Apparatus for a compact HV insulator for x-ray and vacuum tube and method of assembling same


Photocatalytic materials based on coupling of semiconductor nanocrystalline quantum dots (NQD) and molecular catalysts. These materials have capability to drive or catalyze non-spontaneous chemical reactions in the presence of visible radiation, ultraviolet radiation, or both. The NQD functions in these materials as a light absorber and charge generator. Following light absorption, the NQD activates a molecular catalyst adsorbed on the surface of the NQD via transfer of one or more charges (either electrons or electron-holes) from the NQD to the molecular catalyst. The activated molecular catalyst can then drive a chemical reaction. A photoelectrolytic device that includes such photocatalytic materials is also described.

The invention relates to photocatalytic materials. More particularly, the invention relates to photocatalytic materials comprising nanocrystalline quantum dots chemically coupled to molecular catalysts. Even more particularly, the invention relates to photoelectrolytic devices comprising such photocatalytic materials.
The broad field of photocatalysis utilizes numerous molecular catalyst or semiconductor nanocrystalline catalysts. However, limited attempts have been made to couple molecular and serniconductor components in a functional assembly.
In one approach, the light activated component is the molecular catalyst rather than the semiconductor. The semiconductor is a "passive" component of the assembly, as activation requires absorption of a photon by the molecular catalyst and subsequent electron transfer into the semiconductor. Moreover, this approach utilizes mesoscopic nanocrystalline materials with average particle sizes of at least about 20 nm rather than quantum size (i.e., 2-10 nm diameter) materials, thus eliminating the possibility of taking advantage of quantum size effects.
Current photocatalytic materials rely on mesoscopic semiconducting materials that are unable to capitalize on quantum effects. In addition, the dyes that are used to sensitize the photocatalytic material have poor stability, low absorptivity, and narrow absorptivity ranges, and a limited ability to convert photon energy to charges. Therefore, what is needed is a photocatalytic material having improved stability. What is also needed is a photocatalytic material having a broader absorptivity range and improved capability to convert photon energy to electronic charge.

Activation of molecular catalysts using semiconductor quantum dots


The present invention relates to an apparatus for photographing an experimental object or animal. The apparatus comprises: a two-dimensional image photographing device which includes a light source, a first optical filter wheel, a first motor, a beam splitter, a second motor, a first window, a second window, an optical zoom module, a second optical filter wheel, a fourth motor, a photographing means and a first enclosure; a three-dimensional image photographing device which includes a laser scanner, a test tube, a third motor, a test tube mounting stand and a second enclosure; and a control section for controlling the operations of the first motor, the second motor, the optical zoom module, the photographing means, the third motor and the fourth motor. The experimental object photographing apparatus includes the three-dimensional experimental object photographing device detachably mounted to the two-dimensional image photographing device so as to obtain two-and three-dimensional images of the experimental object. Since the three-dimensional image photographing device is coupled to the two-dimensional image photographing device only when it is desired to photograph the three-dimensional image, its installation and operation are easy and the two-and three-dimensional image photographing devices do not need to be purchased separately, thereby saving the cost.

An experimental object photographing apparatus is equipment for photographing images of results produced from various experiments. Conventionally, a device for photographing a two-dimensional image and a device for photographing a three-dimensional image are provided independently to photograph an image of an experimental object.
An example of a conventional prior art relating to an experimental object photographing apparatus includes the Korean Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 1998-044511 entitled "a fracture scene photographing system for testing durability of components" in which a torsion or a bending force is repeatedly applied to a sample several hundred thousand times so as to test durability of the sample while allowing a camera to automatically photograph a fracture scene of the sample while.
However, such a conventional technique is intended to photograph the sample in order to test durability of parts, and entail a problem in that it is impossible to photograph a two-dimensional image or a three-dimensional image of an experimental object or the sample according to a certain wavelength band.

Testing matter photographing apparatus attached three dimensional image photographing device