A composite light dividing device is provided. The composite light dividing device receives a light beam mixed by lights of at least two wavebands. The composite light dividing device includes a refracting/diffracting unit, and a refracting unit. The refracting/diffracting unit is adapted for receiving the light beam and condensing the light beam into a condensed light beam, and dividing the condensed light beam at a deflection direction to obtain the lights of the wavebands. The refracting unit is adapted for deflecting the divided lights of the wavebands for outputting them from a specific direction. The composite light dividing device for example can be used in an image apparatus, and the divided lights of the wavebands can serve as primary color lights of the pixel colors.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to a technology for composite light dividing devices and an image apparatus applying the same, and more particularly, to a composite light dividing device adapted for dividing light of multiple wavebands.
2. Description of Related Art
An important function of a typical light dividing device is for example dividing a white light to obtain three color lights, i.e., red (R), green (G), blue (B), or multiple color lights of other colors. The mechanism and structure of the light dividing device may vary in accordance with the used apparatus. Conventionally, the R, G, B color lights can be achieved by color filters (CF) of different colors.
In a flat display, a backlight source is often provided with a liquid crystal spatial light modulator and CFs for achieving full color images. Further, image sensors of digital cameras (DC) also demand CFs for cooperating with color variation calculation to present true colors of the original objects. Moreover, some other larger systems, such as a color video recorder and a rear projection TV, adopt a triple-plate type prism set, a dual plate type prism set, or CFs, for cooperating with a collimating light source to display full color images. When the system adopt CFs, because each painted pixel of each CF presents only one of the R, G, B three primary colors, about two third of the incident white light energy is undesirably absorbed, which lowers the optical efficiency, as well as lifespan of the battery. Further, CFs are featured with very complicated fabrication processing, in which each of the primary colors requires at least one semiconductor yellow light processing, thus has a very high production cost.
Further, U.S. Pat. No. 6,867,828, "Light Guide Apparatus, A Backlight Apparatus and a Liquid Crystal Display Apparatus", and U.S. Pat. No. 7,164,454, "Color Filterless Display Device, Optical Element, and Manufacture", propose to employ a micro-prism array having a specific angle or a variable structure micro-grating array serving as a light dividing device, for dividing the white light. The divided white light will be far-field diffracted in the space and thus the white light is decomposed into the R, G, B three primary color lights. However, such a light dividing device has a complicated fabricating process, and a complex structure, and therefore is difficult to achieve a satisfactory yield and a lower production cost. Further, the decomposed R, G, B three primary color lights are going to be divergent along the diffraction angles, and thus being further divergent after entering the display panel, which causes parasitic light, or ghosting images. Such a light dividing device is not an ideal one in practical application of the display panel. Further, the above conventional designs are incapable of improving the aperture ratio and polarization efficiency.
As such, optical elements are being continuously developed of the purpose of replacing CFs, and producing three primary color lights perpendicularly incident into the liquid crystal layer and corresponding to the display panel pixels, while maintaining a high optical efficiency.

Composite light division device and image apparatus using the same

Industrial Technology Research Institute


A piezoelectric resonator (10) includes a single crystal elongated plate (12) having a transverse extensional mode of oscillation. Two sets of split electrodes (20,22,30,32) are provided on the surfaces (14,16) of the plate (12) to define two acoustically coupled oscillating regions (24,26) therebetween. The oscillating regions (24,26) present a similar inductance and have similar performance to allow the use of the resonator (10) in a double-ended electrical transformer circuit (100). An AC source (112) drives non-opposing top and bottom electrodes of the resonator (110). The remaining electrodes are coupled with shunt capacitors to provide two resonant LC circuits with the resonator (110) so as to provide a voltage gain for driving a load.

Prior art piezoelectric transformers are based on the well known Rosen design (U.S. Pat. No. 2,830,274). These prior art transformer designs are of a piezoelectric ceramic plate which includes a driving section and a driven section which each have different polarizations. The different polarizations provide for the voltage transformation in these designs. However, these designs have several drawbacks. First, the piezoelectric plate must undergo special pre-processing in order to provide separately polarized sections. Second, the piezoelectric plate is limited in its power handling abilities. Third, in applications where a double-ended transformer design is needed, two transformers must be used having matched frequencies and impedances. However, it is very difficult to provide two resonators the have the same properties for all conditions, such as changing temperature and load conditions.
Generally, extensional mode resonators have opposing electrodes that cover essentially the whole top and bottom surfaces of a resonator substrate. In those applications requiring two resonators, such as in a double-ended transformer circuit, the resonators must be strongly coupled or of identical frequencies and impedance. Pairs of individual identical resonators can be made through tighter manufacturing tolerances and matching processes. However, both of these processes can be very costly.
The need exists for a new piezoelectric resonator which: includes strongly coupled oscillating sections, identical frequencies, and identical impedances that change similarly over time and temperature. In addition, it would be a benefit to provide these features in an simple, easily manufactured low cost device.

Extensional mode piezoelectric crystal resonator with split electrodes and transformer driving circuit


An apparatus is provided for a micro focus X-ray tube for a high-resolution X-ray including a housing, an electron beam source for generating an electron beam and a focusing lens for focusing the electron beam on a target. The micro focus X-ray tube includes a substantially rotationally symmetrical, ring-shaped cooling chamber configured to circulate a liquid cooling medium.

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a micro focus X-ray tube for a high-resolution X-ray device comprising a housing, an electron beam source for generating an electron beam, and a focusing lens for focusing the electron beam onto a target. Such X-ray tubes are known, for example, for high-resolution computer tomography devices.
Due to advances in detector technology, in computing and in storage capacities as well as the increased resolution of micro focus X-ray tubes, the micro-CT allows the volume reconstruction with a very high spatial resolution (voxel size) up to the sub-micrometer range.
Since the measurement of all the X-ray projections, which are required for a reconstruction with high resolution, takes several hours typically, thermally induced displacements of the sample projections create significant problems on the detector. Although it is known that these displacements are compensated using software-based algorithms, the resolution improvement thus achieved is limited.
The critical component is the X-ray tube, because it is not possible to fix the tube in the focal spot on a thermally insensitive manipulator; it always remains a thermo sensitive (usually metallic) connection over the tubular housing between the focus and the attachment of the tube on the manipulator, which, without further measures leads to the fact that the focus position of the X-ray tube over the duration of measurement moves considerably.
A common measure, to keep the focus position of the x-ray tube over the entire measurement period as constant as possible, consists of heating up the tube to operating temperature and waiting until a thermal equilibrium is reached before the scans are started. However, it takes several hours until the thermal equilibrium is reached because of the considerable mass of the X-ray tube and the associated large heat capacity. Furthermore, the thermal equilibrium is disturbed again with each parameter change of the tube, causing additional significant delays.
The objective of the embodiments of the invention is to provide a micro-focus X-ray tube which allows, in the industrial application, to obtain data in a shorter time with a higher resolution.

Microfocus X-ray tube for a high-resolution X-ray apparatus

GE Sensing & Inspection Technologies GmbH


In a controller device, when a first transmitting signal is at a “L” level, a first operation voltage is high and the amplitude of signals CK and ICK is large, and on the contrary, the amplitude is small when the first transmitting signal is at a “H” level. In a data carrier device, the signals CK and ICK are subjected to full-wave rectification by a rectifier circuit so as to generate a second operation voltage, and a first receiving signal is extracted from the second operation voltage by a first signal detection circuit. On the other hand, in the data carrier device, when a second transmitting signal is at a “L” level, impedance between two contacts is small and the amplitude of the signals CK and ICK is small, and on the contrary, the amplitude is large when the second transmitting signal is at a “H” level. In the controller device, change of the amplitude of the signal ICK is extracted as a second receiving signal by a second signal detection circuit. Accordingly, supply of power and clock and two-way serial data communication can be simultaneously executed between the controller device and the data carrier device through merely two contacts.

The present invention relates to a data communication system. More particularly, it relates to data transfer technology suitably used in a connect-type data carrier system in which a controller device and a data carrier device are connected to each other through two lines.
FIG. 1 is a diagram for roughly showing a conventional data communication system. As shown in FIG. 1, in the conventional data communication system, a data carrier device 52 and a controller device 51 are connected to each other for data communication through four contacts respectively used for power supply, grounding, a clock and a data signal.
Since the conventional data communication system thus needs four contacts for the data communication, it is difficult to downsize the whole system.

Data communication system, controller device and data communication method

Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.


Apparatus for preparing packaging materials for use in shipment of heat sensitive materials, utilizes a hydration module, a freezing module, and a delivery module. Rolls of superabsorbent polymer based refrigerant media in the form of a continuous web of a selected length and width are maintained in dry storage. These may be cut to size along the web material which separates cells containing the super absorbent polymer or may be precut by the manufacturer into pads of desired sizes. The web or pad is advanced into the hydration module which comprises a dip tank or spray system to provide an adequate supply of hydrating fluid to the superabsorbent polymer. The absorbed fluid fills the cells of the web. The hydrated web is then conveyed into a freezing chamber having a temperature of -10 degrees Fahrenheit, or lower, where the fluid absorbed within the cells freezes. The frozen material then exits the freezing chamber. The small footprint of the modular system means that necessary handling, including cutting into a suitable size and shape, may be accomplished in the consumer's shipping area for placement around perishable materials in shipping containers.

The present invention is an apparatus and method for hydrating and freezing superabsorbent polymer based refrigerant media similar to that disclosed in international patent application number PCT/US92/06486 (in reference to U.S. App. Ser. No. 07/738835), herein incorporated for reference, or similar media which is used to keep perishable materials at a controlled, cool or freezer temperature during shipment. Accordingly, discussion of the structure and properties of the media disclosed in the referenced patent shall be discussed in detail only to the extent necessary to explain the media's interaction with the components of the apparatus and method herein described, and inasmuch as a detailed understanding of the chemical properties of the media are not necessary for an understanding of the invention.
Prior to using superabsorbent polymers laminated into individual cells, shipping containers utilized only a few substances to maintain a cool temperature inside a shipping container. These include: ice in sealed pouches, dry ice, and gel blocks. However, for reasons such as high cost, contamination and handling problems, and an inability to maintain critical temperatures in a container during shipment, these shipping materials have begun to be replaced with frozen, superabsorbent polymer based refrigerant media [hereinafter media]. One such media is ThermaFreeze.RTM. made by Thermafreeze, Inc. of Mobile, Ala. ThermaFreeze.RTM. is manufactured in long rolls, typically in 15 or 30 inch widths, containing a matrix of laminated individual cells between elongated continuous sheets of thermoformable media, as disclosed in the referenced patent. Each cell contains a measured amount of superabsorbent polymer capable of absorbing water to many times its own weight and size, thereby filling each cell upon exposure to water. Prior to exposure of the cells to an aqueous environment, the cells in the rolls are filled with the superabsorbent polymer powder which occupies negligible space inside the cells. Therefore, prior to hydration the cells are un-expanded and the media consists of a flat sheet or web of cells typically 15 or 30 inches wide and of a preselected length (typically 300 feet).
In one preferred operation, a media roll must be unwound, exposed to an aqueous environment suitable to quickly hydrate the media, frozen, and cut into shapes and sizes suitable for arrangement within shipping containers. This preparation operation may be established "on-site" within a production facility for a user consuming the media in shipping operations. However, current methods for preparing the media are manually based and, therefore, time consuming; thereby increasing the overall cost of utilizing the media in shipping operations. Furthermore, the consumer may not have the necessary know how to optimize the preparation operation so that the media is suitably prepared for incorporation within shipping containers of varying sizes and shapes. In addition, a variety of other uses may be made of the product, but for the lack of proper knowledge and a feasible automation facility.
Therefore, there is a need in the shipping packaging, and other industries for an apparatus and method for automating the preparation of superabsorbent polymer refrigerant media prior to arrangement into shipping containers. Inasmuch as many facilities place a premium on the use of floor space, a modular unit which has a relatively small "footprint" is important.

Modular hydration and freezing plant for flexible refrigerant media


A tool body includes a damping apparatus having a damper mass body with an axial through bore and a central tube received in the through bore and surrounded by a cavity. An elastic element is arranged on each side of the damper mass body and provided with two socket-like portions extending axially through a central hole of two disc-like members clamping the elastic element therebetween. The socket-like portions project in a rest state of the elastic element extend axially beyond the respective axially directed side of the respective disc-like member and are in an assembled state of the tool body compressed for sealing the cavity with respect to the exterior.

A tool body of the type defined in the introduction is known through WO 03/093696. This tool body comprises a damping apparatus including a cylindrical damping body and a cylindrical elastic element which is connected to a circular washer at each side. One of the washers is connected to the damping body and the other of the washers is connected to an end piece inside the tool body. The damping body and the elastic element with its washers each have an axial boring going there through and a central tube extends through the axial boring. In the boring, there is a space between the tube and the damping body so that a tube-shaped cavity is formed. This cavity is filled with damping fluid.
The tool body is provided with such a damping apparatus for damping radial and tangential forces applied on the tool body by the machining action of such a machining tool and by that improving the accuracy of the machining operation and prolonging the lifetime of the cutting edges of the tool. The damping effect of the damping apparatus is a result of an interaction between the damping body, which is of high density material, such as lead, and the elastic element. The elastic element is in this known tool mainly exposed to shear forces.
The cavity has to be sealed with respect to the exterior by preventing the damping fluid to escape from the cavity along the interface between the respective washer and the damping body and the end piece. An O-ring of rubber is manually fitted to bear between one washer and the damping body, and between one washer and the end piece. Such manual assembly means an inherent risk of a non-tight seal and a not neglectable contribution to production costs in the form of labour costs.

Tool body including a damping apparatus and a machining tool having such a tool body


A communication method of a base station is provided. The communication method of the base station includes determining, by the base station, an aggregate interference caused by a terminal in a heterogeneous cell, transmitting information about the aggregate interference to a higher layer node entity, receiving information about an almost blank subframe (ABS) pattern from the higher node entity, and configuring an ABS based on the information about the ABS pattern.

In general, mobile communication systems have primarily been developed to provide voice communication services while guaranteeing user mobility. Mobile communication systems have gradually extended their scope of communication services to include high-speed data communication services as well as voice communication services. However, due to a lack of resources and a demand for higher-speed communication services by users in currently available mobile communication systems, an enhanced mobile communication system is needed.
To meet such requirements, a long term evolution (LTE) system, which is one of next-generation mobile communication systems under development, is being standardized in the 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP). LTE is technology for implementing high-speed packet based communication at a transmission rate of up to about 100 Mbps. Several schemes are being discussed to implement high-speed packet based communication. The schemes include, for example, a scheme for reducing the number of nodes on a communication path by simplifying the structure of a network and a scheme for maximally approximating radio protocols to radio channels.
A wireless communication system may include a plurality of base stations capable of supporting communication for a plurality of user equipments (UEs) (or terminals). A terminal may communicate with a base station on downlink and uplink. Downlink (or forward link) means a communication link from the base station to the terminal and uplink (or backward link) means a communication link from the terminal to the base station.
The base station may transmit data and control information to the terminal on downlink and/or receive data and control information from the terminal on uplink. Here, during the transmission of data and control information from the base station to the terminal on downlink, interference may occur due to transmission from neighboring base stations to other terminals. Interference may also occur on uplink during transmission from the terminal to the base station due to transmission from other terminals communicating with neighboring base stations. Such interference on downlink and uplink may deteriorate communication performance.
In the LTE system, inter-cell interference coordination (ICIC) is technology for enabling a base station to control interference by informing a neighboring cell of information about a maximum transmission power of a frequency resource used between cells. In more detail, the base station informs the neighboring cell of information about a resource block (RB) resource on which transmission is performed with a high power and information about an RB resource on which interference is sensed at a prescribed level or more among RB resources used in a cell thereof. Upon receiving the related information, the neighboring cell may adjust a transmission power and a scheduling method of an RB resource used thereby based on the received information.
In a heterogeneous environment of an LTE-advanced (LTE-A) system, a pico cell having a relatively low power is present in a macro cell having a relatively high transmission power. In this environment, however, an existing ICIC cannot show maximum performance due to severe interference between base stations. Accordingly, an ICIC technology in the time domain rather than in the frequency domain is needed and enhanced-ICIC (eICIC) based on the ICIC technology needs to be studied.
The above information is presented as background information only to assist with an understanding of the present disclosure. No determination has been made, and no assertion is made, as to whether any of the above might be applicable as prior art with regard to the present disclosure.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Wireless communication system and method for managing resource for interference coordination therein


A plastic closure cap of the present invention includes a plastic interior liner. The cap and the liner are bonded by melting them to one another without penetrating either the cap or the liner. The bond between the cap and the liner is extremely durable and resistant to solvent vapour action.

Many of todays bottled liquid products give off harmful vapours which must be trapped within the bottle or container. Typical closure caps are made with interior liners of a material such as cardboard, cork, paper, and even metallic foil that is secured to the cap by means of a suitable adhesive.
None of the presently available liner securing adhesives are capable of withstanding the deteriorating action of solvent vapours. Furthermore, where these caps are used to seal a solvent container the actual liners themselves will break down and allow vapour escape from the containers.


An automated banking machine includes a lower fascia covering the door of the chest or secure enclosure. The lower fascia is movably mounted in supporting connection to the chest housing to permit access to the chest door. An inwardly extending flange supported on the lower fascia engages the chest door when the lower fascia is in an accessible position and the chest door is open. The chest door is thus retained in an open condition for access to the secure area for restocking a currency dispensing mechanism or servicing ATM components.

Automated banking machines are well known in the prior art. A common type of automated banking machine is an automated teller machine (ATM). Automated banking machines may be used by customers to carry out banking transactions. Common banking transactions include dispensing cash, checking account balances, and transferring funds between accounts. As used herein, automated banking machine refers to any of the types of devices that enable carrying out transactions involving the transfer of funds or value electronically, including but limited to ATMs, cash dispensers, credit card terminals, ticket dispensers, utility payment terminals, smart card value transfer terminals, and devices that perform similar functions.
It is generally valuable to provide an ATM having an attractive appearance. However, some ATM enclosure designs require that valuable manufacturing time be taken up by the need to align parts and measure gaps in multi-component machines.
Thus, there exists a need for an automated banking machine having an attractive appearance which is produced with less manufacturing time.
ATMs utilize a variety of banking machine components and mechanisms which require routine maintenance or servicing. In addition, authorized personnel must replenish currency for dispense by dispensing mechanisms and remove customer deposits. It is generally desirable that; the various components be arranged so as to minimize the space occupied by the ATM. However, the efficient use of space can crowd the components making servicing them more difficult.
Thus, there exists a need for an automated banking machine wherein serviceable components carried in the ATM can be readily accessed for servicing or replenishment.
Most ATMs include a secure enclosure, generally referred to as a chest or safe, to hold currency and other valuable items inside the machine. Deposits made by customers into an ATM are also preferably held within the secure enclosure or chest until they can be removed by authorized personnel. The chest also preferably houses portions of the mechanism used for receiving deposits and dispensing currency. The chest also preferably houses electronic components of the ATM which may be subject to attack by someone attempting to compromise the security of the ATM or the electronic communications network in which it is operated.
ATMs often are produced with chests that must be accessed by servicers from the front of the machine. For example, such machines may be designed for use in a lobby of a bank or other facility in which the back of the ATM and chest portion are positioned against a wall or other structure. Other ATMs are produced so that the chest must be accessed by servicers from the rear of the machine. Such ATMs are often made with a user interface that extends through a wall of a building. The manufacture of different ATM chests that are accessed from the front and others that are accessed from the rear adds complexity and cost to manufacturing processes.
Thus there exists a need for approaches to more effectively manufacture ATMs with chests of various types.

Diebold Self-Service Systems division of Diebold, Incorporated


The synthesis of fluorinated dimethyl ethers of the formula CF.sub.2 HOCCl.sub.x F.sub.y H.sub.3-(x+y) wherein x is 0, 1 or 2; y is 1, 2 or 3; and wherein (x+y) is 1, 2 or 3. The process involves chlorination of methyl difluoromethyl ether in the presence of oxygen to form a chlorinated reaction product of the formula CF.sub.2 HOCH.sub.3-z Cl.sub.z wherein z is 1 or 2, and wherein the formation of CF.sub.2 HOCCl.sub.3 is inhibited. The resulting compound(s) is then fluorinated with HF before or after separation, to give a fluorinated reaction product including the aforementioned fluorinated dimethyl ethers.

This invention relates in general to fluorinated dimethyl ethers and specifically to methyl difluoromethyl ether as a starting material for the synthesis of fluorinated dimethyl ethers. Such fluorinated dimethyl ethers, including bis(difluoromethyl)ether (CHF.sub.2 OCHF.sub.2), have utility has CFC alternatives, particularly for use as refrigerants, blowing agents, etc.
Bis(difluoromethyl)ether has been prepared previously by chlorination of dimethyl ether followed by isolation and fluorination of bis(dichloromethyl)ether. The chlorination step resulted in a complex mixture of chlorinated dimethyl ethers, some of which were unstable, e.g. to distillation, from which bis(dichloromethyl)ether was separated. Moreover, chloromethyl methyl ether and bis(chloromethyl)ether are produced by this reaction, and are carcinogens.
Another approach to the synthesis of methyl difluoromethyl ether is disclosed by Hine and Porter in Methylene derivatives as intermediates in polar reaction VIII. Difluoromethylene in the Reaction of Chlorodifluoromethane with Sodium Methoxide, published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society 79, 5493-6 (1957). This article describes a reaction mechanism wherein the desired difluoromethyl-methyl-ether is synthesized in a batch reaction in a fixed ratio with the by-product trimethyl-orthoformate, while continuously refluxing the unreacted feed. However, not only does this reaction produce large amounts of trimethylorthoformate, but also the product itself breaks down to trirnethylorthoformate, resulting in less than advantageous yields of the desired difluoromethyl methyl ether.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,185,474, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference, discloses avoiding the production of such carcinogens and unstable compounds by using methyl difluoromethyl ether as a starting material. The methyl difluoromethyl ether is chlorinated to produce a reaction mixture including at least one compound of the formula CF.sub.2 HOCH.sub.3-z Cl.sub.z, wherein z is 1, 2, or 3. The mixture can then be fluorinated, or any one of the chlorination compounds first separated from the mixture and separately fluorinated.
However, during the chlorination of CF.sub.2 HOCH.sub.3, it is difficult to control the distribution of products. Although manipulation of the molar flow rates of Cl.sub.2 and CF.sub.2 HOCH.sub.3 can give a slight predominance of CF.sub.2 HOCH.sub.2 Cl or CF.sub.2 HOCHCl.sub.2, a significant amount of CF.sub.2 HOCCl.sub.3 is formed. If the desired product to be subsequently fluorinated is either CF.sub.2 HOCH.sub.2 Cl or CF.sub.2 HOCHCl.sub.2, the formation of CF.sub.2 HOCCl.sub.3 causes a considerable reduction in the efficiency of the process.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved process for the production of bis(difluoromethyl) ether.
It is an further object of the present invention to provide an improved process for the production of bis(difluoromethyl) ether wherein the various required separations may be effected by distillation without loss of yield and danger of explosion due to marked instability of the various intermediates.
It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a process for efficiently producing difluoromethyl methyl ether.

Vapor phase chlorination of difluoromethyl methyl ether


This invention relates to switching power saving modes and rescheduling communication frames for various periods of a beacon interval (BI) defined under WGA Draft Specification 0.8 for the personal basic service set (PBSS) and infrastructure BSS to achieve further power savings and other advantages. Stations can be awake during a contention-based period (CBP) if it is in active state and can schedule frames during a service period (SP) to allow the assigned receiver to transmit to the assigned initiator. Stations in a group can schedule a group address frame to be sent during the CBP and group SP of a specific periodic BI. Stations in peer-to-peer connection may directly notify its peer stations of its power saving mode and wakeup schedule. Stations of an infrastructure basic service set (BSS) can also use the same power saving mechanism as stations of a PBSS noting a difference where each BI will be an access point's (AP's) awake BI.

The Wireless Gigabit Alliance (WGA) Draft Specification 0.8 (WGA-D08), January 2010, herein incorporated by reference, defines modifications to both the 802.11 physical layers (PHY) and the 802.11 Medium Access Control Layer (MAC) to enable operation in the 60 GHz frequency bank (mmWave) for very high throughput wireless networks.
The personal basic service set (PBSS) is a self-contained network which includes one PBSS control point (PCP) and other stations (STAs). Wireless communication is possible to all member STAs of the PBSS. The infrastructure BSS is a network which includes one access point (AP) and set of stations (STAs) that have successfully synchronized with the AP using the JOIN service primitives and one STA that has used the START primitive. Membership in a BSS does not imply that wireless communication with all other members of the BSS is possible. An AP in BSS serves as gateway to access another network, e.g., the Internet.
Section 9.23 of WGA-D08 defines the mmWave channel access. Channel access by a mmWave station (mSTA) during the Beacon Intervals (BI) and is coordinated by a schedule. The schedule of the data transfer time (DTT) of a BI is communicated through the Extended Schedule element in the Announce frame or the mmWave Beacon frame. The Extended Schedule element contains the scheduling information of all allocations in the DTT.
FIG. 1 shows an example BI structure as defined in WGA-D08. In a BI, the DTT is an access period during which frame exchanges are performed between STAs. The DTT is comprised of the contention-based access periods (CBPs) and service periods (SPs). SPs are allocated to specific transmitting and receiving STAs, and CBPs are not specifically allocated to any STA.
Section 11.2 of WGA-D08 defines power management modes for a wireless device working under mmWave channels. Table 44 lists the various power states for PCP and non-PCP STAs during the various access periods of an Awake BI.
TABLE 44Power management states for an Awake BI (selected portions reproduced).PS non-PCP BI PortionPPS PCPSTACBP marked as PCP available AwakeAwakein the scheduleDozeCBP marked as PCP unavailable DozeAwakein the scheduleDozeSP with broadcast AID as Destination AIDAwakeAwakeNon-truncatable or non-extensible SP with AwakeAwakenon-PCP STA (excluding the PS STA) as DozeDozeSource AID and Destination AIDTruncatable SP or extensible SP with AwakeAwakenon-PCP STA (excluding the PS STA) as DozeSource AID and Destination AIDSPs allocated to itselfAwakeAwakeAll other SPsAwakeAwakeDozeDoze
However, the power management states are generically defined. There are many inefficiencies when working together with transmitting frames. Thus, there is a need for optimizing the switching of power management modes and transmitting frames.
Further, a mSTA may additionally work in an infrastructure BSS beyond the PBSS. An infrastructure BSS contains an AP providing access to another network, e.g., the Internet. All STAs within an infrastructure are required to be associated with the AP. WGA-D08 does not define a power saving mechanism for the infrastructure BSS; therefore, only 802.11 baseline power saving mechanism will be used in 60 GHz infrastructure BSS. Thus, there is a further need to implement a power saving mechanism for mSTAs that can work with both PBSS and 802.11 baseline power saving mechanisms.


A method for reducing cross-luminance in an image display device includes receiving luminance signals of a plurality of frames in a composite video signal, determining a movement condition of a first frame of the plurality of frames according to the luminance signals, performing a filtering operation for the first frame according to the movement condition of the first frame, and outputting a result of the filtering operation.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a method and related apparatus for reducing cross-luminance in an image display device, and more particularly, to a method and related apparatus capable of selecting an appropriate filtering operation according as the image movement condition is in a motion state or a static state for eliminating cross-luminance artifact.
2. Description of the Prior Art
With technological advances in display technology, video processing, and integrated circuit fabrication, in tandem with the rapid development of wireless networking, users can view their favorite movies and television programs on a video display device (such as a television) any time, any place. Thus, information and entertainment become increasingly accessible, and user requirements for picture quality increase in like manner.
The human eye has four different types of light receptor, of which three are used for distinguishing light of different wavelength (the fourth is only used under dim lighting conditions, and cannot discern colors). In other words, all light visible to the human eye can be fully described by three axes. Thus, when displaying a picture, only red, blue, and green (RGB) light information output is needed, when speaking in terms of the human eye, to show an image of realistic quality. However, to reduce bandwidth and ensure compatibility, the prior art color television broadcast system does not directly output RGB signals, but instead outputs a composite signal. The "composite" signal is an output signal that is a mix of a luminance signal and a chrominance signal, which is compatible with black-and-white and color television systems, and also conserves bandwidth.
The earliest television was the black-and-white television. Later, when color television systems were being developed, to promote compatibility between black-and-white television signals and color television signals, black-and-white (luminance) signals and color (chrominance) signals were separated. In this way, a black-and-white television needed only to decode the incoming luminance signal from a television station in order to display a picture. Color televisions would decode both the luminance signal and the chrominance signal together in order to display a color picture. Because the human eye is more sensitive to luminance than chrominance, or in other words, the human eye requires less color resolution than black-and-white resolution, the color signal does not require as much bandwidth as the black-and-white signal. Thus, by taking advantage of the human eye's relative insensitivity to color, transmission bandwidth can be reduced and used in black-and-white and color televisions.
Taking the National Television Standards Committee (NTSC) standard as an example, NTSC originally used a YIQ color space. The YIQ color space uses quadrature modulation to synthesize a common spectrum intermodulation signal I with a quadrature signal Q to form a single chrominance signal C. The chrominance signal C is then added to a luminance signal Y, and with an accompanying horizontal and vertical synchronization pulse, a blanking pulse, and a color burst, the composite signal is generated. The NTSC standard adopts a 6 MHz channel bandwidth, with 4.2 MHz reserved for the luminance signal Y, 1.6 MHz given to the intermodulation signal I, and 0.6 MHz appropriated to the quadrature signal Q. In contrast to the NTSC standard signal, the Phase Alternating Line (PAL) standard adopts a YUV color space. To increase picture quality, a color phase of the chrominance signal is alternately set as positive and negative for each successive scanline. The PAL standard uses an 8 MHz channel, allocating 5.5 MHz to the luminance signal Y and 1.8 MHz to a signal U and a signal V.
Thus, by splitting the luminance signal and the chrominance signal, then transmitting the signals together, the transmission bandwidth can be reduced, and the transmitted signal can be used in both black-and-white and color televisions. Correspondingly, a receiving end need only comprise a circuit such as a comb filter, for isolating the luminance signal Y and the chrominance signal C, in order to play both black-and-white and color television. However, the composite Y/C signal has one large problem, which primarily lies in the fact that high-frequency components of the luminance signal Y overlap with the frequency spectrum of the chrominance signal C. This makes it difficult for the receiving end to accurately and completely separate the luminance signal Y and the chrominance signal C in their original forms from the composite signal Y/C. Ultimately, this inability to separate the luminance signal Y from the chrominance signal C results in flaws in the picture. For example, if the luminance signal Y is processed as part of the chrominance signal C, a cross-color artifact is produced, and the picture will exhibit a rainbow effect. Likewise, if the chrominance signal C is processed as part of the luminance signal Y, a cross-luminance artifact is produced, resulting in a horizontal or vertical dotted line in a static picture, and a meshed image in a motion picture.
In a prior art image display device, the Y/C separation circuit usually utilizes a three-dimensional filter for filtering signals. However, the three-dimensional filter can reduce the cross-luminance artifact in the static picture, but cannot eliminate the meshed image in the motion picture, so that the image quality of the motion picture cannot be enhanced effectively.

Method and apparatus for reducing cross-luminance in an image display device


In an air conditioner which is a refrigerating apparatus, a superheat degree controller is provided, which is configured to control, in an evaporation mode of an outdoor heat exchanger, the opening degree of an expansion valve such that the superheat degree of refrigerant whose flows are joined together after passing through a main heat exchange part and an auxiliary heat exchange part reaches a predetermined superheat degree. Moreover, in the air conditioner, a flow volume adjustment valve configured to adjust, in the evaporation mode of the outdoor heat exchanger, a flow ratio of refrigerant in the heat exchange parts and a flow ratio controller configured to control the flow volume adjustment valve such that refrigerant temperatures after passage through the heat exchange parts are substantially equal to each other are provided.

Conventionally, a refrigerating apparatus has been known, which is configured such that an air-cooling/air-heating operation is performed using refrigerant circulating in a refrigerant circuit in which a heat-source-side heat exchanger (i.e., an outdoor heat exchanger) and a utilization-side heat exchanger (i.e., an indoor heat exchanger) are connected together. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses the refrigerating apparatus of this type. In the refrigerating apparatus, the air-cooling operation is performed using refrigerant circulating such that the heat-source-side heat exchanger functions as a condenser and that the utilization-side heat exchanger functions as an evaporator. On the other hand, the air-heating operation is performed using refrigerant circulating in a direction opposite to that in the air-cooling operation such that the heat-source-side heat exchanger functions as the evaporator and that the utilization-side heat exchanger functions as the condenser.
Patent Document 2 discloses a heat exchanger functioning as a condenser. The heat exchanger includes two headers and a plurality of heat transfer pipes arranged in the vertical direction between the headers. A main heat exchange part for condensation is formed in an upper part of the heat exchanger, and an auxiliary heat exchange part for subcooling is formed in a lower part of the heat exchanger. While passing through the main heat exchange part, refrigerant flowing into the heat exchanger is condensed into a substantially liquid state. After the refrigerant flows into the auxiliary heat exchange part, the refrigerant is further cooled.


The present invention discloses a thermal spray apparatus with improved thermal efficiency and wear resistance in both the nozzle and barrel combustion chamber. Specifically, disclosed herein is a thermal spray apparatus for spraying substrate coatings, comprising a high velocity oxygen fuel (HVOF) gun wherein said gun includes a combustion chamber generating heated flow therefrom and a nozzle downstream from said chamber. The nozzle and/or chamber contain a first layer of material heated by the flow, and a second layer of material which contacts the first layer when said first layer is heated. The first layer has a thermal conductivity that is lower than said second layer and preferably a lower thermal expansion coefficient. In use, the contact of the first heated layer of material with the second layer operates to remove heat from the first layer therein providing automatic/self-regulating temperature control of the HVOF apparatus.

Thermal spraying was initiated as early as 1910 when a stream of molten metal was poured into the path of a high pressure gas jet causing metal droplets to spray in a conical pattern onto an adjacent substrate to immediately freeze and form a coating of deformed particles in a lamella structure. Today, there are essentially two types of thermal spraying that use wire feedstock: combustion flame spraying and electric arc spraying.
In electric-arc (two wire) spray coating, two consumable wires form electrodes of an electric arc or "arc ball". The two wires are electrically energized and converge at a point in which the electric arc is formed. A stream of compressed atomizing gas is passed through the converging point to atomize the molten material and drive a molten metal particle stream formed by the electric arc along an axis forward of the converging zone.
Various prior patents discuss electric-arc spray systems, noteworthy of which include U.S. Pat. No. 1,968,992 (apparatus for coating surfaces), U.S. Pat. No. 2,610,092 (spray discharge nozzle), U.S. Pat. No. 4,464,414 (method for spraying metallic coatings), U.S. Pat. No. 4,992,337 (electric arc spraying of reactive metals); U.S. Pat. No. 5,066,513 (method of producing titanium nitride coatings by electric arc thermal spray); U.S. Pat. No. 4,937,417 (metal spraying apparatus); U.S. Pat. No. 4,98,557 (method of arc spraying); U.S. Pat. No. 4,986,477 (spray gun with adjustment of the shape of the jet); U.S. Pat. No. 4,992,337 (electric arc spraying of reactive metals); U.S. Pat. No. 5,017,757 (pulsed arc welding machine); U.S. Pat. No. 5,109,150 (open-arc plasma wire spray method and apparatus); U.S. Pat. No. 5,143,139 (spray deposition method and apparatus); U.S. Pat. No. 5,145,710 (method and apparatus for applying a metallic coating to threaded end sections or plastic pipes and resulting pipe); U.S. Pat. No. 5,148,990 (adjustable arc spray and rotary stream sprinkler); U.S. Pat. No. 5,191,186 (narrow beam arc spray device), U.S. Pat. No. 5,194,304 (method of thermally spraying solid lubricant onto a metal target), U.S. Pat. No. 5, 442,153 (high velocity electric-arc spray apparatus and method of forming materials); U.S. Pat. No. 5,466,906 (process for coating automotive engine blocks) and U.S. Pat. No. 5,468,295 (apparatus and method for thermal spray coating of interior surfaces).
In combustion flame spraying, high velocity oxygen fuel (HVOF) flame spraying is a method of applying materials to a variety of heat resistant surfaces. Developed on or about 1981, HVOF has proven to be a highly efficient and effective method of coating, relying upon exit gas velocities of about 4,000 to 5,000 feet per second. The process required burning fuels such as propylene or kerosene with oxygen under high pressures up to about 300 pounds per square inch in an internal combustion chamber. Hot exhaust gases discharge from the combustion chamber through exhaust ports and expand into an extended nozzle. Powders of metals or ceramic materials are fed into the nozzle and confined by the exhaust gas stream until the particle exits at the nozzle in a high speed jet stream. The particle jet stream produces a more dense coating than coatings produced with low velocity powder flame spraying techniques. Recently, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,285,967, HVOF guns have been disclosed which are said to produce a high speed gas velocity and high speed particle velocity of from about 1000 to 1800 feet per second, while simultaneously producing a low temperature gas stream having an adjustable powder feed and temperature range from about 150.degree. F. to 750.degree. F. to properly preplasticize polymers and obtain optimal temperature for the thermoplastic polymer melt.
In all of the above prior art designs, however, a single material has been routinely employed for both the barrel and nozzle chamber of the guns. For example, copper, due to its high thermal conductivity, is currently one of the most popular materials for both the barrel and nozzle sections of many HVOF water-cooled designs. Copper is desirable from the point of view that with such high thermal conductivity, cooling will be more efficient, and problems of overheating will be avoided. In addition, as the outer surface of the nozzle is sealed with o-rings to a water cooling jacket, copper, due to its high thermal conductivity, will not melt the o-rings, thereby preventing down-time and refitting of o-ring seals.
However, the high thermal conductivity of copper comes at a price. That is, copper is relatively soft, and wear problems are common, particularly when making use of carbides and other hard powders for the resulting thermal spray. In addition, the high thermal conductivity of copper results in a relatively low inner surface temperatures in either the gun chamber or nozzle section. This corresponds to low thermal efficiency of the overall process due to such heat losses, resulting in low deposition rates and deposition efficiency as well as limiting the ability to spray high temperature materials.
The deficiencies of copper have been considered and gave rise to the us of high temperature alloys (stainless steel, nickel, nickel based super alloys, etc.). These materials have lower thermal conductivity than copper and higher wear resistance. From this standpoint they are more attractive than copper and would allow for higher temperatures to be realized on the inner walls of the barrel and nozzle. However, high temperature alloys also introduce some additional problems.
First, high temperature alloys still require one to manufacture relatively thick walls (not less than 0.635 cm) to create the proper thermal resistance for heal, transfer of the combustion products to the outer cooling (water) jacket. However, the low thermal conductivity of these materials give rise to problems with the o-rings attached to the outer surfaces thereof. That is, due to the low thermal conductivity, the high temperature alloys can overheat the o-rings and cause o-ring failure.
Finally, ceramic materials have also been considered. These materials typically have lower thermal conductivities than copper, with better wear resistance. In addition, ceramics offer higher working temperatures than high temperature alloys. However, once again, due to the relatively low thermal conductivities of these materials compared to copper, ceramic materials have similar problems associated and reviewed above. In addition, ceramic materials have their own peculiar problems, such as being relatively brittle. Furthermore, as the thermal expansion properties of ceramics are different than that of the surrounding metal components, cracks are commonly observed in the heating cycle thereby further complicating HVOF design.
Accordingly, as can be see from the above, there has been a long-standing need to improve the thermal efficiency of the HVOF apparatus and process, while at the same time providing increased durability of the hardware employed therein. That being the case, it is a primary object of the present invention to develop a HVOF gun design and process that insures lower heat loss along with high durability, thereby offering higher deposition rates and deposition efficiency, as well as the ability to spray higher temperature materials, than has been previously available in the HVOF designs of the prior art.

Thermal spray gun with improved thermal efficiency and nozzle/barrel wear resistance


A slanted chopping board accessory including a recessed frame to retain a chopping board as well as a waste receptacle for collecting waste, trimmings, and liquids that are produced during food preparation.

Chopping or cutting boards used to prepare vegetables, meats, and so forth, are an indispensable utensil in kitchens the world over. A variety of cutting boards and cutting board accessories are known in the prior art, for example, as set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 8,360,407 ("the '407 patent"), issued to Joseph Kent, which discloses a cutting board having a planar cutting surface. Though common in the prior art for cutting boards, planar boards that lie flat on a counter or table suffer from the tendency of waste and liquids to remain on the cutting board during use and/or to drip off the board onto the counter, table-top, or floor, creating a messy and/or unsanitary situation. For example, in the case of raw meat, it is highly desirable that the raw meat juices be kept away from the meat and other food being prepared at the same time. With traditional cutting boards, however, those juices often remain on the cutting board during food preparation and/or drip off the sides where they are likely to contaminate other food.
The '407 patent also discloses a waste receptacle, which is a separate unit from the cutting board, and which can be attached to or detached from the cutting board. Drawbacks of chopping boards such as that disclosed in the '407 patent with discrete accessory elements include the difficulty of cleaning discrete elements, the greater likelihood that or more accessory elements will malfunction, and the greater likelihood that the portions of the device will be lost or misplaced.
Another example of cutting boards in the prior art can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 8,251,357 ("the '357 patent") issued to Keith Young, which discloses an apparatus for treating food substances. The '357 patent also discloses a waste receptacle that can be used with the cutting board Like the '407 patent, the '357 patent discloses a multi-piece apparatus, and therefore suffers from some of the same drawbacks identified above.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,366,208 ("the '208 patent") issued to William Benjamin discloses a cutting board with separate tray for receiving waste. When assembled the tray is accessed through an opening or cut-out in the chopping board. Like some of the other prior art, the '208 patent suffers from the disadvantages of using a planar, rather than slanted device, the latter of which can provide automatic liquid run-off away from food and the food preparation surfaces. Moreover, practicing the device of the '208 patent requires reducing the surface area available for chopping in order to provide the cutting board with the opening or cut-out. In addition, the receptacle of the '208 patent (which lies directly underneath the chopping surface) effectively raises the height of the chopping surface considerably above the height of the work surface, creating an awkward environment for cutting or chopping in which it is difficult or impossible for the user to rest any part of his hands or arms on the work surface during food preparation.
In addition to addressing the drawbacks identified above with respect to the prior art, there is a need to provide a chopping board accessory that can accommodate multiple chopping boards simultaneously during use. It is often desirable to keep certain foods separate from other foods during food preparation. For example, it is commonly accepted that meat, poultry, and fish should be kept separate from vegetables and fruits during preparation to avoid cross-contamination, and that these types of foods should be prepared on separate cutting boards. Likewise, sharp foods such as onions and garlic are often kept separate from other foods and chopped on a separate cutting board, to avoid transferring their strong flavors to other foods such as fruits. Thus, there is a need for a chopping board accessory that facilitates waste disposal and liquid run-off from multiple chopping boards or surfaces at the same time.
Accordingly, there is a need to improve the utility, convenience, efficiency, and effectiveness of chopping board accessories.

Chopping board accessory with waste receptacle


A system for providing and/or collecting information relating to at least one object is provided. The system comprises a radio-frequency identification, RFID, tag that is provided proximate to the at least one object, the RFID tag being configured to enable detection of a position and/or a movement of the at least one object; a server device configured to receive position and/or movement data about the at least one object; and a mobile device configured to: identify the at least one object; send a request to the server device for object information about the identified at least one object; wherein: the server device is further configured to, in response to the request, provide to the mobile device targeted object information about the identified at least one object, the targeted object information being at least partially based on the position and/or movement data; and the mobile device is further configured to display the targeted object information.

In the last decades the supply offered by real-world stores has constantly increased, especially with the progressive disappearance of small businesses. The size of the stores and the number of customers make it challenging, on one hand, to provide an effective shopping experience to the customers. On the other hand, the store owners also struggle to obtain feedback about the products.

System and method for providing and/or collecting information relating to objects


A process for the preparation of olefins of the general formula (CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2).sub.p --CH.dbd.CH.sub.2 in which formula R is a hydrocarbyl group and p is an integer of at least 1, comprising reacting ethene with at least one additional alpha olefin of the general formula R--CH.dbd.CH.sub.2 under oligomerization conditions in the presence of a catalyst system comprising a first component which is a bis(cyclopentadienyl) Group IVA metal compound containing a substituent which is attached to the metal and which is capable of reacting with a cation, and a second component which is a compound having a bulky anion containing a plurality of boron atoms and which is substantially non-coordinating under the reaction conditions and a cation, and recovering an oligomeric product comprising linear olefins of the general formula R--(CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2).sub.p --CH.dbd.CH.sub.2, wherein the additional alpha olefin(s) and ethene are present in a molar ratio of at least 1 and wherein at least one of the cyclopentadienyl groups of the metal compound is (cyclo)alkyl and/or arylalkyl substituted.

Oligomerization processes for the production of linear alpha X olefins are well known. For example, from GB-A-1353873 it is known that C.sub.6 --C.sub.20 linear alpha olefins can be prepared from ethene by oligomerization in the presence of a nickel containing catalyst. Linear olefins, especially linear alpha olefins, over a range of carbon chain lengths have found use as valuable intermediates in the preparation of polyolefins, detergents and lubricant additives. While the known processes for the oligomerization of ethene provide linear olefins of which the number of carbon atoms is even, for certain application areas of olefins, it is desirable to have olefins which have special structural features, such as linear alpha olefins which have an odd number of carbon atoms or alpha olefins which have one or more hydrocarbyl substituents located at or near the end of the carbon chain opposite to the end at which the double bond is located. The object of the present invention is the provision of an oligomerization process by which olefins having such special structural features can conveniently be prepared.
A process for the preparation of olefins of the general formula R--(CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2).sub.p --CH.dbd.CH.sub.2 in which formula R is a hydrocarbyl group and p is an integer of at least 1, comprising reacting ethene with at least one further alpha olefin of the general formula R--CH.dbd.CH.sub.2 under oligomerization conditions in the presence of a catalyst system obtainable by combining a first component which is a bis(cyclopentadienyl) Group IVA metal compound containing a substituent which is attached to the metal and which is capable of reacting with a cation, and a second component which is a compound having a bulky anion containing a plurality of boron atoms and which is substantially non-coordinating under the reaction conditions and a cation, and recovering an oligomeric product comprising linear olefins of the general formula R--(CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2).sub.p --CH.dbd.CH.sub.2, is the subject matter of European Patent No. 91200367.0. By this co-oligomerization process it is possible to prepare mixtures comprising co-oligomers of high linearity which may have an odd or an even number of carbon atoms and which have a high content of alpha olefins. These oligomeric products are prepared in conjunction with oligomers of ethene from which they have to be separated in order to obtain them in a state of high purity. This separation may in some instances be difficult to perform.
It has now been found that, when in this process the further alpha olefin, designated by the general formula R--CH.dbd.CH.sub.2, in which R is defined as hereinbefore, is present in the reaction mixture in a quantity of at least 1 mole per mole of ethene and at least one of the cyclopentadienyls of the metal compound is (cyclo)alkyl and/or arylalkyl substituted, an oligomerization product can be obtained which has a high content of olefins of the general formula R--(CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2).sub.p --CH.dbd.CH.sub.2, in which R and p have the meanings given hereinbefore. The oligomerization product thus obtained has a very low content of other oligomers, for example oligomers of ethene and co-oligomers of ethene and the further alpha olefin, such as co-oligomers which have the double bond in the 2-position.
As products of the general formula R--(CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2).sub.p --CH.dbd.CH.sub.2 may comprise linear alpha olefins which have an odd number of carbon atoms or alpha olefins which have one or more hydrocarbyl substituents located at or near the end of the carbon chain opposite to the double bond, the present process is capable of providing olefins with special structural features as indicated hereinbefore, in a single step from readily available feedstock. The desired oligomeric alpha-olefins can be prepared with relatively little formation of by-products and, accordingly, they can be purified relatively easily. The present process therefore constitutes an improvement over the process described in European Patent No. 91200367.0.


A method is taught for the accurate determination of the premature rupture of membranes (PROM), defined as spontaneous rupture of membranes before the onset of uterine contractions. More specifically, a lateral flow assay strip tests for at least two antigens to greatly limit or eliminate the possibility of false negatives. A built-in timer in the cassette holding the lateral flow assay further increases the accuracy of the test. A collection buffer vial with self-contained shipping and dropper caps and built-in stand is also taught.

Premature rupture of membranes (PROM), defined as spontaneous rupture of fetal membranes before the onset of uterine contractions, is one of the most common diagnostic dilemmas in contemporary obstetric practice. PROM can occur at any gestational age, and preterm PROM (PPROM, defined as PROM before 37 weeks) is responsible for 20% to 40% of preterm births. This may result in infections, fetal distress and preterm birth, responsible for perinatal morbidity and mortality, strong damage or disorders for the fetus. The treatment of PROM depends not only on the stage of pregnancy and on the fetus maturity but also on the risk of infection and fetal distress. It is thus crucial to be able to diagnose PROM with accuracy at an early stage in order to decrease the risks of complications.
Early and accurate diagnosis of PROM would allow for gestational age-specific obstetric interventions designed to optimize perinatal outcome and minimize serious complications such as cord prolapse, preterm delivery, fetal distress and infectious morbidity (chorioamnionitis, neonatal sepsis). Conversely, a false-positive diagnosis of PROM may lead to unnecessary obstetric interventions, including hospitalization, administration of antibiotics and corticosteroids, and even induction of labor. Therefore, the correct and timely diagnosis of this disorder is of critical importance to the clinician because PROM and PPROM may be associated with serious maternal and neonatal consequences.

Detection of amniotic fluid in vaginal secretions of pregnant women due to premature rupture of fetal membranes


Strategies, tools and techniques for establishing family purchase cards for customers of a financial institution are disclosed. The family purchase card may be established for a principal owner of a family in association with a household account held at the financial institution. The family purchase card may include a total purchase limit that can be allocated among one or more secondary purchase cards associated with various cardholders within the family. Different parameters may be configured for the secondary purchase cards, such as purchase limits, billing arrangements, activation or deactivation rules, and financial development milestone rules. The family purchase card may promote development of financial management skills and fiscal responsibility for various members of the family.

Consumer spending is an important component of modern worldwide economies. Consumers have significant assets and financial resources at their disposal that can be used to purchase a variety of goods and services.
The financial resources of consumers are often maintained and made available for use through checking accounts, savings accounts and other accounts held at different types of financial entities such as banking institutions. Effectively and efficiently managing financial resources can be challenging, however, and many consumers accordingly rely on their banking institutions to provide tools that can help them manage their finances. Such tools need to be nimble and intelligent in their ability to provide ready access to consumer financial information. Also, the tools need to mesh well with the lifestyles of the consumers, especially in the context of applying consumer financial resources to purchase transactions. In particular, there are insufficient financial tools available for educating younger or less mature consumers on credit and wealth management, for assisting more mature cardholders with day-to-day expenses, and for supporting families with credit education and financial organization.
It is not unusual for younger, less mature consumers to be bombarded with numerous offers for credit cards and other types of purchase cards; however, such consumers often have little or no prior experience with using credit cards and managing money and expenses. Older, less mature consumers may also be faced with credit and expense management issues, and due to a lack of experience with credit cards such consumers may become easy prey for unscrupulous businesses seeking to exploit uneducated and trusting consumers. Despite the disadvantages of possessing credit cards without the proper knowledge and experience to use them, there are nonetheless many good reasons for less mature consumers to have access to credit cards. When used properly, credit cards can provide substantial benefits to a variety of less mature cardholders. For example, credit cards can provide purchase protection, build credit for future purchases, provide a cushion in case of emergencies, and reduce the need to carry cash.
In view of the issues described above, enhanced systems, processes, tools, techniques and strategies are needed for managing financial resources, including the resources and assets of consumers who employ purchase cards for purchase transactions.

Family purchase card for developing financial management skills


The present invention provides a nitrogen-containing heterocyclic compound and an organic electronic device including the same.

An organic electronic device means a device requiring exchanging of electric charges between an electrode using holes and/or electrons and an organic material. The organic electronic device may be largely divided into the following two types according to an operation principle. A first type is an electric device in which an exciton is formed in an organic material layer by a photon flowing from an external light source to the device, the exciton is separated into an electron and a hole, and the electron and the hole are transferred to the different electrodes to be used as a current source (voltage source). A second type is an electronic device in which holes and/or electrons are injected into an organic material semiconductor forming an interface together with the electrode by applying a voltage or a current to two or more electrodes, and the electronic device is operated by the injected electrons and holes.
Examples of the organic electronic device include an organic light emitting device, an organic solar cell, an organic photoconductor (OPC), an organic transistor, and the like, and all of the examples require a hole injection or transport material, an electron injection or transport material, or a light emitting material in order to drive the device. Hereinafter, an organic light emitting device will be mainly described in detail, but in the organic electronic devices, the hole injection or transport material, the electron injection or transport material, or the light emitting material is operated based on the similar principle.
In general, an organic light emitting phenomenon means a phenomenon where electric energy is converted into light energy by using an organic material. The organic light emitting device using the organic light emitting phenomenon has a structure generally including an anode, a cathode, and an organic material layer interposed therebetween. Herein, in many cases, the organic material layer has a multilayered structure constituted by different materials in order to increase efficiency and stability of the organic light emitting device, and for example, the organic material layer may be formed of a hole injection layer, a hole transport layer, a light emitting layer, an electron transport layer, an electron injection layer, and the like. In the structure of the organic light emitting device, if a voltage is applied between two electrodes, the holes are injected from the anode to the organic material layer and the electrons are injected from the cathode to the organic material layer, and when the injected holes and electrons meet each other, an exciton is formed, and light is emitted when the exciton falls to a bottom state again. It is known that this organic light emitting device has properties such as self light emission, high brightness, high efficiency, a low driving voltage, a wide viewing angle, a high contrast, and a high speed response property.
In the organic light emitting device, the material used as the organic material layer may be classified into a light emitting material and an electric charge transport material, for example, a hole injection material, a hole transport material, an electron transport material, an electron injection material, and the like, according to a function thereof. Further, the light emitting material may be classified into blue, green, and red light emitting materials and yellow and orange light emitting materials required in order to implement better natural colors according to a light emitting color. Meanwhile, in the case where only one material is used as the light emitting material, since there are problems in that a maximum light emitting wavelength moves to a long wavelength or color purity is lowered due to interaction between molecules or efficiency of the device is reduced due to a reduced effect of light emission, host/dopant systems may be used as the light emitting material in order to increase the color purity and increase light emitting efficiency through transference of energy.
In order to sufficiently show the aforementioned excellent properties of the organic light emitting device, support of a material forming the organic material layer in the device, for example, the hole injection material, the hole transport material, the light emitting material, the electron transport material, the electron injection material, and the like with stable and efficient materials should be previously performed, but development of a stable and efficient material of an organic material layer for an organic light emitting device has not yet been sufficiently made. Therefore, there is a continuous demand for developing a novel material, and the necessity for developing the novel material is similarly applied to aforementioned other organic electronic devices.

Nitrogen-containing heterocyclic compounds and organic electronic device comprising the same


The present invention relates generally to methods for identifying organ-specific secreted proteins and for identifying organ-specific molecular blood fingerprints therefrom. As such, the present invention provides compositions comprising such proteins, detection reagents for detecting such proteins, and panels, and arrays for determining organ-specific molecular blood fingerprints.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to methods for identifying organ-specific proteins that are secreted into the blood. The invention further relates to methods of diagnosis and methods of use of such proteins.
2. Description of the Related Art
The ability to detect the onset of disease very early has been a longtime goal of the diagnostic field. Early detection will in most cases permit the disease to be effectively dealt with. For example, with most cancers, early detection would permit a patient to be cured by conventional therapies (chemotherapy, radiation, surgery). Hence early diagnosis is the cornerstone of dealing effectively with many diseases.
Differentially expressed proteins, particularly proteins found in blood, may serve as biological markers that can be measured for diagnostic (or therapeutic) purposes. Different approaches for measuring blood proteins have been used with varying degrees of success. In particular, two-dimensional (2-DE) gel electrophoresis is widely used for analysis of proteomic patterns in blood and other tissues. However, several limitations restrict its utility in diagnostic proteomics. First, because (2-DE) gels are limited to spatial resolution, it is difficult to resolve large numbers of proteins such as are expressed in the average cell (1,000 to 10,000 proteins) or even worse—blood. High abundance proteins can distort carrier ampholyte gradients in capillary isoelectric focusing electrophoresis (CGE) and result in crowding in the gel matrix of size sieving electrophoretic methods (e.g., the second dimension of (2-DE) gel electrophoresis and CGE), thus causing irreproducibility in the spatial pattern of resolved proteins (see e.g., Corthals, G. L., et al. Electrophoresis, 18:317 (1997). Lopez, M. F., and W. F. Patton, Electrophoresis, 18:338 (1997)). Note, for example, that albumen constitutes about 51% of the blood protein. Indeed, 22 proteins constitute about 99% of the blood protein and most of these will not be useful diagnostic markers—those will be present in the 1% of the remaining proteins that are often hidden by the abundant proteins. High abundance proteins can also precipitate in a gel and cause streaking of fractionated proteins (Corthals, G. L., et al., supra). Variations in the crosslinking density and electric field strength in cast gels can further distort the spatial pattern of resolved proteins. Another problem is the inability to resolve low abundance proteins neighboring high abundance proteins in a gel because of the high staining background and limited dynamic range of gel staining and imaging techniques. Limitations with staining also make it difficult to obtain reproducible and quantifiable protein concentration values, with average standard variations in relative protein abundance between replicate (2-DE) gels reported to be 20% and as high as 45% (Anderson, L. and J. Seilhamer, Electrophoresis, 18:533 (1997)). For example, investigators were only able to match 62% of the spots formed on 3-7 gels run under similar conditions (Lopez, M. F., and W. F. Patton, supra; see also Blomber, A., et al., Electrophoresis, 16:1935 (1995) and Corbett, J. M., et al., Electrophoresis, 15:1205 (1994)). Additionally, many proteins are not soluble in buffers compatible with acrylamide gels, or fail to enter the gel efficiently because of their high molecular weight (see e.g., Ramsby, M., et al., Electrophoresis, 15:265 (1994)).
Thus, a major stumbling block in the diagnostic proteomic analysis of the blood is the high degree of complexity of the blood proteome. Another major challenge is the large dynamic range across which proteins are expressed—about 10e10. This means that one protein may be present at one copy in a given volume, whereas another may be present at 10e10 copies. Additionally, pattern analysis using techniques such as 2-DGE and other similar techniques has been problematic primarily as a result of the irreproducibility of the gel patterns, inability to detect very low abundance proteins, difficulty in quantitating the individual spots (e.g., proteins) that make up a complex proteomic pattern and the inability to identify the individual proteins that constitute the complex pattern. Further, the ability to extend these techniques to easy, consistent, and high throughput diagnostic assays has been extremely limited. Thus, there is a need in the art to provide such diagnostic assays. The present invention provides for methods and assays that fulfill these and other needs.

Methods for identifying and using organ-specific proteins in blood


A selenium alloy electrophotographic imaging member having an optically transparent NESA coated substrate. An x-ray image is formed from the side of the photoreceptor opposite the transparent substrate and then is scanned from the back side through the transparent substrate with a fine beam of light, the position of which is precisely monitored. The ensuing discharge from the light beam is detected by a non-contacting x-ray transparent electrode located on the outer side of the photoreceptor, away from the substrate, which reads the discharge signal through capacitive coupling, pixel by pixel, according to the position of the light beam, to form a high resolution raster pattern digital readout of the image.

The invention described herein relates to digital electrophotographic imaging systems and in particular to selenium based photoreceptors used for digital as well as conventional dry powder imaging.
The prior art includes the following:
W. D. Fender, "Quantification of the Xeroradiographic Discharge Curve," SPIE Vol. 70, 1975, 364. Chlorine and arsenic doped amorphous selenium photoreceptors are disclosed having a thickness of 120 to 300 microns. The x-ray photogeneration constant and relationship of charging potential to photogenerated charge signal are measured and quantified. In reference to this invention, the paper shows that the photogenerated charge signal is directly proportional to the internal field or charging potential (for a given selenium thickness) that the photoreceptor can sustain without exhibiting excessive artifact levels.
W. Hillen et al., "Imaging Performance of a Selenium Based Detector for High-Resolution Radiography," SPIE Med. Imaging III, 1989 and "A Selenium Based Detector System for Digital Slot Radiography," SPIE Vol. 914, Medical Imaging II, 1988. A selenium drum x-ray fan-scanning ganged detector readout system is described. The x-ray source slit may increase tube loading and exposure times to excessive levels. Coupling of the two scanning slits and drum synchronization over the object or patient may be awkward due to the possible interference of these various members.
D. M. Korn et al., "A Method of Electronic Readout of Electrophotographic and Electroradiographic Images," JAPE, Vol. 4, No. 4, Fall, 1978. An amorphous selenium photoconductor fashioned in a strip electrode configuration and associated electronic readout are described. The system is on an opaque substrate and is designed for front exposure and readout. The proposed device may not have the resolution capability needed for mammography due to the embedded strip configuration. Further, processes which allow high charging and prevention of artifacts and crystallization are not discussed.
U. Schiebel, "Image Quality in Selenium Based Digital Radiography," SPIE vol. 626, Medicine XIV, PACS IV, 1986. A front surface exposure, strip-electrode probe front surface reading system is described utilizing a conventional selenium receptor. No provisions are made for back surface access, minimization of crystallization nor for high charging fields and the ensuing increase in sensitivity and charge signal.
R. C. Speiser et al., "Dose Comparisons for Mammographic Systems," Med. Phys. 13(5), September/October, 1986, 667. A selenium photoreceptor is disclosed and x-ray sensitivity is discussed and compared with film screen mammographic imaging.
In U.S. Pat. No. 3,970,844 to Finn Jr. et al., an ionographic gaseous x-ray receptor scanning system is disclosed which utilizes embedded electrode strips for image readout. Ionographic systems require a large thick-walled somewhat bulky design due to the need to pressurize the ionographic gas. The embedded electrode strips may not provide the resolution needed for x-ray mammography.
In U.S. Pat. No. 4,085,327 to Swank et al., a charge readout device utilizing a receptor of transparent layers of strips in such a manner as to minimize the series capacitance in parallel with the output signal. Little is said about the photoconductive x-ray sensitive material or about how such a device would be manufactured. Again, resolution may be limited by the strip spacing.
In U.S. Pat. No. 4,126,457 to Ciuffini, a method for producing a flexible photoreceptor is disclosed wherein the photoreceptor comprises a selenium alloy layer containing a concentration gradient of arsenic. The thickness of the alloy layer deposited in the working examples was about 60 microns, a typical thickness for line copier receptors and is below the 100 to 400 micron thickness needed for x-ray imaging. The photoreceptor of Ciuffini can contain high levels of arsenic which can cause reticulation, a chronic failure mode of thermally relaxed selenium x-ray photoreceptors not having correctly configured arsenic profiles.
In U.S. Pat. No. 4,298,671 to Kassel et al., an electrophotographic recording material is disclosed comprising a layer of amorphous selenium and a layer of crystalline selenium. The device consists of an opaque electrically conductive substrate upon which is vapor deposited a thin layer of tellurium. A layer of crystalline selenium is deposited on the tellurium followed by a layer of amorphous selenium on the crystalline selenium layer. The photoreceptor of Kassel et al., is designed for monopolar transport on an opaque substrate and is not configured for image scanning from the back surface.
In U.S. Pat. No. 4,521,808 to Ong et al., an image scanning apparatus is disclosed for obtaining a radiographic image. The photoreceptor is a standard Xerox 125 selenium plate with a Mylar top surface transparent electrode added. The device x-ray images through the 0.080 inch aluminum substrate which significantly increases the radiographic patient dose and renders the unit impractical for mammography. Laser scanning is performed from the top side through the added Mylar electrode which is used for image readout.
In U.S. Pat. No. 4,770,965 to Fender et al., a state-of-the-art one hundred and fifty micron thick photoreceptor is described in Example I, while an improved thick, high-sensitivity 320 micron photoreceptor is described in Example II. The examples and claims do not, however, include a transparent substrate for digital scanning nor is a multilayered configuration having a fractionated arsenic profile disclosed, other than requiring the top surface arsenic level not exceed 2% to prevent the reticulation artifact, a catastrophic wrinkling of the top surface.
In U.S. Pat. No. 4,961,209 to Rowlands et al., an x-ray image-scanning system is disclosed which utilizes a standard flat selenium photoreceptor having a movable transparent slit sensor electrode through which a traversing light beam discharges the photoreceptor in a raster pattern after x-ray exposure. One function of the moving slit electrode is to minimize the coupling capacitance in parallel with the sensed signal charge. The disclosure does not teach a transparent substrate nor does it specify arsenic profiling at either of the interfaces to minimize artifacts, increase life, charging potential or image contrast.
In U.S. Pat. No. 5,023,661 to Fender et al., a precharging process step is described for the x-ray selenium photoreceptor used in Xeromammography which removes a critical artifact called x-ray fatigue. The interface crystalline origin of the fatigue artifact and its role in injecting spurious charge into the photoreceptor is also shown in detail. The disclosure does not teach an arsenic profile at the interface which would eliminate the microcrystallites and the fatigue artifact they produce.

Selenium alloy x-ray imaging member on transparent substrate


According to the present invention there is provided a heat mode imaging element comprising in the order given:. i) a lithographic base having a hydrophilic surface, PA1 ii) a layer comprising a metal and/or a metallic derivative capable of being ablated by actinic radiation and PA1 iii) a hydrophobic layer. characterized in that the hydrophobic layer is a cross-linked layer.

Lithography is the process of printing from specially prepared surfaces, some areas of which are capable of accepting lithographic ink, whereas other areas, when moistened with water, will not accept the ink. The areas which accept ink form the printing image areas and the ink-rejecting areas form the background areas.
In the art of photolithography, a photographic material is made imagewise receptive to oily or greasy ink in the photo-exposed (negative working) or in the non-exposed areas (positive working) on a hydrophilic background.
In the production of common lithographic plates, also called surface litho plates or planographic printing plates, a support that has affinity to water or obtains such affinity by chemical treatment is coated with a thin layer of a photosensitive composition. Coatings for that purpose include light-sensitive polymer layers containing diazo compounds, dichromate-sensitized hydrophilic colloids and a large variety of synthetic photopolymers. Particularly diazo-sensitized systems are widely used.
Upon imagewise exposure of such light-sensitive layer the exposed image areas become insoluble and the unexposed areas remain soluble. The plate is then developed with a suitable liquid to remove the diazonium salt or diazo resin in the unexposed areas.
Imaging elements which comprise a photosensitive composition are called photo mode imaging elements
On the other hand, heat mode imaging elements, the surface of which can be made image-wise receptive or repellant to ink upon image-wise exposure to heat obtained by conversion of irradiation into heat and in most cases a subsequent development are also known for preparing lithographic printing plates. A particular disadvantage of photo mode imaging elements such as described above for making a printing plate is that they have to be shielded from the light. Furthermore they have a problem of sensitivity in view of the storage stability and they show a lower resolution. The trend towards heat mode printing plate precursors is clearly seen in the market.
Interesting heat mode imaging materials are those that have as heat mode layer a layer capable of being ablated by actinic radiation as described in e.g. U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,379,698, 5,353,705, EP-A-683,728, 678,380, 649,374, 580,393, 580,394 and DE 2,512,038. Particularly interesting heat sensitive imaging elements are those where said layer capable of being ablated by actinic radiation is a layer of a low melting, non-toxic metal with a low thermal conductivity metal such as aluminum, bismuth, tin, indium, tellurium etc.
A problem that arises with the present ablation based printing plate precursors is that said ablation process can cause formation of debris originating from the ablatable layer itself or of other functional layers of said precursor. Said debris can interfere with transmission of the laser beam (e.g. by depositing on a focusing lens or as an aerosol that partially blocks transmission) or with the transport of the imaging element during or after recording when this debris remains loosely adhered to the plate and deposition of said debris occurs on the transport rollers. So, there is a need for heat mode imaging elements based on ablatable layers which upon actinic radiation do not lead to said debris related problems.

Heat sensitive imaging element and a method for producing lithographic plates therewith


Flexible fuel cell sensors and methods of making and using the same are provided. A fuel cell sensor can be used for the detection of, for example, isopropyl alcohol (IPA), and the working mechanism of the fuel cell sensor can rely on redox reactions. The fuel cell sensor can include a proton exchange membrane (PEM), an anode disposed on a first surface of the PEM, a cathode disposed on a second surface of the PEM opposite from the first surface, and a reference electrode disposed on the first surface of the PEM and spaced apart from the anode.

Isopropyl alcohol (IPA) is extensively employed as a chemical raw material in several industrial production areas, including cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, lacquers, dyes, antifreeze, preservatives, and detergents. According to Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), IPA is considered to be a toxic and hazardous volatile compound to humans. More importantly, it can penetrate through the human epidermis, and IPA in a concentration above 400 parts per million (ppm) may injure the optic nerve, retina, and upper respiratory tract. Moreover, exposure to a high concentration of IPA can cause nausea, headache, dizziness, loss of coordination, unconsciousness, shocks, faintness, and/or death. Inhalation of IPA can also irritate the nose and throat, and direct contact with IPA can irritate and burn the eyes and skin. As with other alcohols, IPA is also highly flammable in the presence of sparks, heat, or any open flame. Such a flammable compound can cause explosions during any of these exposures.

Fuel cell sensors and methods of using and fabricating the same

THE FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY BOARD OF TRUSTEES


A lead pin for a package substrate includes: a connection pin being inserted into a hole formed in an external substrate; a head part formed on one end of the connection pin; and a barrier part formed on one surface of the head part in order to block the path of a solder paste so that the solder paste is prevented from flowing so as to cover the upper portion of the head part when the head part is mounted on the package substrate.

1. Field
The present invention relates to a lead pin for a package substrate, and more particularly, to a lead pin for a package substrate that connects a package substrate on which an integrated circuit is mounted to a main board.
2. Description of the Related Art
With the development of electronics industry, semiconductor packages in various types have been manufactured. Recently, as the wiring density of a semiconductor package has been increased, a semiconductor package substrate of a Pin Grid Array (PGA) type in which a plurality of T-type lead pins are mounted has been widely used as a substrate that connects a package substrate on which an integrated circuit (IC) is mounted to a main board.
In a general package substrate, a pin insert type in which a pin is inserted through a hole and a T-type lead pin that is attached to a package substrate by a soldering have been mainly used. The T-type lead pin has gradually become widespread due to a limitation of the available area for the circuit configuration of the package substrate as compared to the pin insert type.
As the use of lead has been recently limited in consideration of environmental effects due to soldering, a solder (Sn—Ag—Cu, and Sn—Sb) not using lead has been used, such that the melting temperature of the solder is increased.
At this time, as the melting temperature of the soldering is high, solder for connecting lead pins that support lead pins is melted by reflow heat during a reflow process for mounting an IC chip on a package substrate, thereby causing an inclination of the lead pins.
In addition, defects frequently occur, such as in the case that solder paste overflows toward the upper portions of the lead pins during the reflow process so as to be spread to connection pins and the like. Therefore, there is a demand for techniques capable of solving these problems.