A fastening assembly for a pickup truck bed liner including a foldable tie-down ring and a supporting plate. A pickup truck bed includes an inwardly extending bed rail. The bed liner includes circular open holes in its side walls. When the liner is placed on the truck bed, the perimeter of the holes cross the lower edge of the bed rail. The fastening assembly includes a foldable tie-down ring assembly, screw and supporting plate. The foldable tie-down ring assembly includes a base member, an elastic pad, a foldable tie-down ring, a clamp member, a rubber pad and an anti-loosening ring or plastic. The principle for fastening is to fasten the screw so that the clamp member exerts clamp force on the base member with the bed liner and bed rail therebetween. The installed fastening assembly and bed liner results in the bed liner being fastened to the truck bed.

This invention relates to bed liner and, more particularly to a fastening assembly for fastening a bed liner to a pickup truck bed without drilling holes in the truck bed. The bed liner includes foldable tie-down rings attached thereto.
There are several patents directed to bed liners, such as U.S. Pat. No. 5,267,820 issued to Thomas Sturtevant on Dec. 7, 1993, which discloses a fastening assembly with a support member, face plate and trough-shaped wall for supporting a clamp member that can move linearly. The clamp member can twirl within the trough-shaped wall structure in order to turn the clamp arm upward to the position required for clamping on the downward lip of the bed rail. When a screw is fastened into the trough-shaped wall in a threaded hole of the clamp member, the screw twirls and causes the clamp arm to twirl. This causes the clamp member to move linearly within the trough to the position required for clamping on the downward lip of the bed rail. The fastening assembly is a completely assembled apparatus which can be installed into a circular open hole on the side walls of a pickup truck bed liner after placing the liner on the truck bed.
A disadvantage of the fastener assembly of U.S. Pat. No. 5,267,820 when compared to the present invention is that the fastening assembly of U.S. Pat. No. 5,267,820 has been designed only to hold bed liner to the truck bed without a tie-down ring attached. After installing the bed liner with the fastener assembly pursuant to U.S. Pat. No. 5,267,820, the bed liner shall cover the truck bed including the original tie-down rings since pickup trucks normally have tie-down rings attached to the truck beds. If tie-down rings are required, it is necessary to drill holes in the liner of the device described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,267,820. These holes must be big enough to reach the original tie-down rings by hand. Such big holes have the disadvantage of allowing water, rock and/or sand to enter.
Another retainer apparatus pursuant to U.S. Pat. No. 6,203,090 B1 and Thai Patent No. 10615 discloses a bed liner for a pickup truck bed with an inwardly or outwardly extended bed rail. U.S. Pat. No. 6,203,090 B1 and Thai Patent No. 10615 are incorporated herein by reference. The pickup truck bed of these patents has a plurality of bed holes and the bed liner has a plurality of liner holes. The retainer apparatus includes a front tie-down ring retaining plate for positioning between the pickup truck bed and the bed liner. The front tie-down ring retaining plate has a first end and an opposing second end. The first end has at least one hole therethrough for alignment with one of the bed holes. The first end is secured to one of the bed holes. The second end has at least one hole therethrough for alignment with one of the liner holes. The second end is secured to one of the liner holes. The apparatus also includes a rear tie-down ring retaining plate for positioning between the pickup truck bed and the bed liner. The rear tie-down ring retaining plate has a first end and an opposing second end. The first end has at least one hole therethrough for alignment with one of the bed holes. The first end is secured to one of the bed holes. The second end has at least one hole therethrough for alignment with one of the liner holes. The second end is secured to one of the liner holes. The tie-down rings are attached to the bed liner in an alignment with the front and rear tie-down ring retaining plates. The tie-down ring is an accessory with a base member which has a plurality of holes for alignment with at least one of the bed liner holes and consists of a fold down ring with a fulcrum at the base member and the fold down ring has a through hole.
A disadvantage of the retainer apparatus of U.S. Pat. No. 6,203,090 B1 and Thai Patent No. 10615 is that in case there are no holes in the truck bed, this apparatus can not be secured to the bed liner.
Further, the fastening assembly pursuant to the present invention has duly cross-licensed for the claim under the U.S. Pat. No. 6,203,090 B1 and Thai Patent No. 10615 with respect to the foldable tie-down ring.
The present invention relates to the fastening assembly for securing a plastic bed liner to a pickup truck bed without drilling. This invention has been designed to solve problems regarding a mechanism for securing a bed liner to a pickup truck bed as aforesaid and to add convenience or utility from the foldable tie-down rings.

Fastening assembly for securing a bed liner to a truck bed


This technology relates to rasterizing and compositing vector graphics in parallel on a data-parallel computing device. For example, vector data of the vector graphics, may be loaded into local memory accessible by the one or more parallel processors. The vector data may include one or more paths comprised of one or more path segments of the vector graphics. The one or more parallel processors may rasterize the one or more path segments into respective rasters and assign each of the rasters into groups based on pixel coordinates of the respective rasters. Each group may have an associated key and the rasters within each group represent a portion of the same vector graphic. The rasters may be placed onto subpixels according to their respective pixel coordinates and rendered onto a display by the one or more parallel processors.

Processing and displaying vector graphics, such as a web page's type on a laptop's display or a map on a smartphone's touch screen, requires significant processing resources. As the number and size of displays continue to grow, faster, more efficient processing of vector graphics becomes necessary. However, declining advances in processing performance using current vector graphics processing techniques threatens to reduce the use of vector graphics.
Many methods of processing vector graphics data rely on a computing device's central processing unit (CPU), with or without assistance from a graphical processing unit (GPU). For decades, vector graphics processing has been seen as being incompatible with data-parallel computing devices like GPUs. As such, most vector graphics processing techniques fail to take advantage of the GPU's ability to process data in parallel.
Current vector graphics processing techniques tend to focus on accelerating only a fraction of a complete vector graphics processing pipeline using parallel processing, with the remainder continuing to be processed with scalar CPU algorithms. While modest speedups relative to the available computing power of the GPU have been realized by performing a portion of the vector graphics processing pipeline in parallel, the bulk of the GPU's computing power is not utilized. Additionally, energy inefficiencies are prevalent in in current vector graphics techniques due to the continual utilization of both the scalar CPU and the GPU. Moreover, most of these vector graphics techniques sacrifice visual quality with imprecise antialiasing.

Parallelized pipeline for vector graphics and image processing


A battery tester that is capable of calculating its own reference values is provided. The battery tester includes test circuitry that is configured to obtain dynamic parameter values for batteries, and to compute at least one reference value based on the dynamic parameter values.

The present invention relates to testing of storage batteries. More specifically, the present invention relates to a battery tester that calculates its own reference values.
Storage batteries, such as lead acid storage batteries of the type used in the automotive industry, have existed for many years. However, understanding the nature of such storage batteries, how such storage batteries operate and how to accurately test such batteries has been an ongoing endeavor and has proved quite difficult. Storage batteries consist of a plurality of individual storage cells electrically connected in series. Typically each cell has a voltage potential of about 2.1 volts. By connecting the cells in series, the voltages of the individual cells are added in a cumulative manner. For example, in a typical automotive storage battery, six storage cells are used to provide a total voltage when the battery is fully charged of 12.6 volts.
There has been a long history of attempts to accurately test the condition of storage batteries. A simple test is to measure the voltage of the battery. If the voltage is below a certain threshold, the battery is determined to be bad. However, this test is inconvenient because it requires the battery to be charged prior to performing the test. If the battery is discharged, the voltage will be low and a good battery may be incorrectly tested as bad. Furthermore, such a test does not give any indication of how much energy is stored in the battery. Another technique for testing a battery is referred as a load test. In a load test, the battery is discharged using a known load. As the battery is discharged, the voltage across the battery is monitored and used to determine the condition of the battery. This technique requires that the battery be sufficiently charged in order that it can supply current to the load.
More recently, a technique has been pioneered by Dr. Keith S. Champlin and Midtronics, Inc. for testing storage batteries by measuring the conductance of the batteries. This technique is described in a number of United States patents, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,873,911, issued Mar. 25, 1975, to Champlin, entitled ELECTRONIC BATTERY TESTING DEVICE; U.S. Pat. No. 3,909,708, issued Sep. 30, 1975, to Champlin, entitled ELECTRONIC BATTERY TESTING DEVICE; U.S. Pat. No. 4,816,768, issued Mar. 28, 1989, to Champlin, entitled ELECTRONIC BATTERY TESTING DEVICE; U.S. Pat. No. 4,825,170, issued Apr. 25, 1989, to Champlin, entitled ELECTRONIC BATTERY TESTING DEVICE WITH AUTOMATIC VOLTAGE SCALING; U.S. Pat. No. 4,881,038, issued Nov. 14, 1989, to Champlin, entitled ELECTRONIC BATTERY TESTING DEVICE WITH AUTOMATIC VOLTAGE SCALING TO DETERMINE DYNAMIC CONDUCTANCE; U.S. Pat. No. 4,912,416, issued Mar. 27, 1990, to Champlin, entitled ELECTRONIC BATTERY TESTING DEVICE WITH STATE-OF-CHARGE COMPENSATION; U.S. Pat. No. 5,140,269, issued Aug. 18, 1992, to Champlin, entitled ELECTRONIC TESTER FOR ASSESSING BATTERY/CELL CAPACITY; U.S. Pat. No. 5,343,380, issued Aug. 30, 1994, entitled METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SUPPRESSING TIME-VARYING SIGNALS IN BATTERIES UNDERGOING CHARGING OR DISCHARGING; U.S. Pat. No. 5,572,136, issued Nov. 5, 1996, entitled ELECTRONIC BATTERY TESTER DEVICE; U.S. Pat. No. 5,574,355, issued Nov. 12, 1996, entitled METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DETECTION AND CONTROL OF THERMAL RUNAWAY IN A BATTERY UNDER CHARGE; U.S. Pat. No. 5,585,416, issued Dec. 10, 1996, entitled APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR STEP-CHARGING BATTERIES TO OPTIMIZE CHARGE ACCEPTANCE; U.S. Pat. No. 5,585,728, issued Dec. 17, 1996, entitled ELECTRONIC BATTERY TESTER WITH AUTOMATIC COMPENSATION FOR LOW STATE-OF-CHARGE; U.S. Pat. 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No. 10/112,998, filed Mar. 29, 2002, entitled BATTERY TESTER WITH BATTERY REPLACEMENT OUTPUT; U.S. Ser. No. 10/200,041, filed Jul. 19, 2002, entitled AUTOMOTIVE VEHICLE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM DIAGNOSTIC DEVICE; U.S. Ser. No. 10/217,913, filed Aug. 13, 2002, entitled, BATTERY TEST MODULE; U.S. Ser. No. 10/246,439, filed Sep. 18, 2002, entitled BATTERY TESTER UPGRADE USING SOFTWARE KEY; U.S. Ser. No. 10/263,473, filed Oct. 2, 2002, entitled ELECTRONIC BATTERY TESTER WITH RELATIVE TEST OUTPUT; U.S. Ser. No. 10/310,385, filed Dec. 5, 2002, entitled BATTERY TEST MODULE; U.S. Ser. No. 10/460,749, filed Jun. 12, 2003, entitled MODULAR BATTERY TESTER FOR SCAN TOOL; U.S. Ser. No. 10/462,323, filed Jun. 16, 2003, entitled ELECTRONIC BATTERY TESTER HAVING A USER INTERFACE TO CONFIGURE A PRINTER; U.S. Ser. No. 10/653,342, filed Sep. 2, 2003, entitled ELECTRONIC BATTERY TESTER CONFIGURED TO PREDICT A LOAD TEST RESULT; U.S. Ser. No. 10/654,098, filed Sep. 3, 2003, entitled BATTERY TEST OUTPUTS ADJUSTED BASED UPON BATTERY TEMPERATURE AND THE STATE OF DISCHARGE OF THE BATTERY; U.S. Ser. No. 10/656,526, filed Sep. 5, 2003, entitled METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MEASURING A PARAMETER OF A VEHICLE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; U.S. Ser. No. 10/441,271, filed May 19, 2003, entitled ELECTRONIC BATTERY TESTER; U.S. Ser. No. 09/653,963, filed Sep. 1, 2000, entitled SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING POWER GENERATION AND STORAGE; U.S. Ser. No. 10/174,110, filed Jun. 18, 2002, entitled DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHT CONTROL USING AN INTELLIGENT POWER MANAGEMENT SYSTEM; U.S. Ser. No. 10/258,441, filed Apr. 9, 2003, entitled CURRENT MEASURING CIRCUIT SUITED FOR BATTERIES; U.S. Ser. No. 10/705,020, filed Nov. 11, 2003, entitled APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR SIMULATING A BATTERY TESTER WITH A FIXED RESISTANCE LOAD; U.S. Ser. No. 10/681,666, filed Oct. 8, 2003, entitled ELECTRONIC BATTERY TESTER WITH PROBE LIGHT; U.S. Ser. No. 10/748,792, filed Dec. 30, 2003, entitled APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PREDICTING THE REMAINING DISCHARGE TIME OF A BATTERY; U.S. Ser. No. 10/783,682, filed Feb. 20, 2004, entitled REPLACEABLE CLAMP FOR ELECTRONIC BATTERY TESTER; U.S. Ser. No. 10/791,141, filed Mar. 2, 2004, entitled METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR AUDITING A BATTERY TEST; U.S. Ser. No. 10/823,140, filed Apr. 13, 2004, entitled THEFT PREVENTION DEVICE FOR AUTOMOTIVE VEHICLE SERVICE CENTERS; U.S. Ser. No. 10/864,904, filed Jun. 9, 2004, entitled ALTERNATOR TESTER; U.S. Ser. No. 10/867,385, filed Jun. 14, 2004, entitled ENERGY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FOR AUTOMOTIVE VEHICLE; U.S. Ser. No. 10/870,680, filed Jun. 17, 2004, entitled ELECTRONIC BATTERY TESTER WITH RELATIVE TEST OUTPUT; U.S. Ser. No. 10/883,019, filed Jul. 1, 2004, entitled MODULAR ELECTRONIC BATTERY TESTER; U.S. Ser. No. 10/896,835, filed Jul. 22, 2004, entitled BROAD-BAND LOW-INDUCTANCE CABLES FOR MAKING KELVIN CONNECTIONS TO ELECTROCHEMICAL CELLS AND BATTERIES; U.S. Ser. No. 10/896,834, filed Jul. 22, 2004, entitled ELECTRONIC BATTERY TESTER; U.S. Ser. No. 10/897,801, filed Jul. 23, 2004, entitled SHUNT CONNECTION TO A PCB FOR AN ENERGY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM EMPLOYED IN AN AUTOMOTIVE VEHICLE; U.S. Ser. No. 10/914,304, filed Aug. 9, 2004, entitled ELECTRONIC BATTERY TESTER WITH NETWORK COMMUNICATION; U.S. Ser. No. 10/958,821, filed Oct. 5, 2004, entitled IN-VEHICLE BATTERY MONITOR; U.S. Ser. No. 10/958,812, filed Oct. 5, 2004, entitled SCAN TOOL FOR ELECTRONIC BATTERY TESTER; U.S. Ser. No. 11/008,456, filed Dec. 9, 2004, entitled APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PREDICTING BATTERY CAPACITY AND FITNESS FOR SERVICE FROM A BATTERY DYNAMIC PARAMETER AND A RECOVERY VOLTAGE DIFFERENTIAL, U.S. Ser. No. 60/587,232, filed Dec. 14, 2004, entitled CELLTRON ULTRA, U.S. Ser. No. 11/018,785, filed Dec. 21, 2004, entitled WIRELESS BATTERY MONITOR; U.S. Ser. No. 60/653,537, filed Feb. 16, 2005, entitled CUSTOMER MANAGED WARRANTY CODE; U.S. Ser. No. 11/063,247, filed Feb. 22, 2005, entitled ELECTRONIC BATTERY TESTER OR CHARGER WITH DATABUS CONNECTION; U.S. Ser. No. 60/665,070, filed Mar. 24, 2005, entitled OHMMETER PROTECTION CIRCUIT; U.S. Ser. No. 11/130,600, filed May 17, 2005, entitled QUERY BASED ELECTRONIC BATTERY TESTER; U.S. Ser. No. 11/141,234, filed May 31, 2005, entitled BATTERY TESTER CAPABLE OF IDENTIFYING FAULTY BATTERY POST ADAPTERS; U.S. Ser. No. 11/143,828, filed Jun. 2, 2005, entitled BATTERY TEST MODULE; U.S. Ser. No. 11/146,608, filed Jun. 7, 2005, entitled SCAN TOOL FOR ELECTRONIC BATTERY TESTER; U.S. Ser. No. 60,694,199, filed Jun. 27, 2005, entitled GEL BATTERY CONDUCTANCE COMPENSATION; U.S. Ser. No. 11/178,550, filed Jul. 11, 2005, entitled WIRELESS BATTERY TESTER/CHARGER; U.S. Ser. No. 60/705,389, filed Aug. 4, 2005, entitled PORTABLE TOOL THEFT PREVENTION SYSTEM, U.S. Ser. No. 11/207,419, filed Aug. 19, 2005, entitled SYSTEM FOR AUTOMATICALLY GATHERING BATTERY INFORMATION FOR USE DURING BATTERY TESTER/CHARGING, U.S. Ser. No. 60/712,322, filed Aug. 29, 2005, entitled AUTOMOTIVE VEHICLE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM DIAGNOSTIC DEVICE, U.S. Ser. No. 60/713,169, filed Aug. 31, 2005, entitled LOAD TESTER SIMULATION WITH DISCHARGE COMPENSATION, which are incorporated herein in their entirety.
In general, the above testers determine a condition of the battery by measuring at least one battery parameter (such as battery conductance) and comparing the measured value (for example, measured battery conductance) with a reference value (for example, rated battery conductance) for the battery parameter. The rated value(s) are typically manually entered into the battery by a tester user, for example. Relying on the tester user to determine and enter rated values can introduce errors into test results.

Battery tester that calculates its own reference values


Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, for matching software requirements against target system landscape descriptions and for applying rating metrics to intermediate results during the matchmaking process. Data are received as inputs describing the requirements and dependencies of a particular software application and the resources available in the target system that may be able to meet these requirements. These data are searched for combinations of system resources that will satisfy the requirements of the application as well as optimization metrics and other requirements supplied by the user. Once a match is found, it is given a rating and ranked against any other matches.

This invention relates to data processing by digital computer, and more particularly to determining software deployment parameters.
An interconnected collection of computing resources may be referred to as a system landscape. Such a system landscape includes the computers, networks, and other connected devices available within a given scope. The system landscapes of large enterprises are generally complex and heterogeneous. They include various types of computers (such as mainframes, servers or workstations), different storage systems, and multiple network topologies, with various levels of interconnection. Further, the operators of such a system may have a variety of policies and rules governing the use of these resources, designed to optimize such factors as availability, quality of service, and cost.
Modern software applications exhibit a similar degree of complexity, i.e., they have complex interdependencies, different sizing variations, and specific system requirements. This complexity is compounded, generating significant challenges, when such software is to be installed into a target system landscape. Since many dependencies have to be taken into account, and multiple combinations of resources may satisfy the software's requirements to varying degrees of efficiency, it is difficult to manually find an appropriate assembly of all the required resources needed to run the software in a target landscape that ensures optimal operation while complying with the policies of the operators of the system.

Determining software deployment parameters


Diagnosis of an electronically fuel-injected engine equipped with sensors connected to an on-board microcomputer. Use of a standard personal or portable computer and a connector for electrical connection to the sensors and the on-board computer. An interface device is connected between the connector and the computer to enable the computer to read the values of the operational parameters of the engine as detected by the sensors, and to perform a diagnostic software comparison of the measured values with predetermined values or ranges. The interface device is switchable to a selected sensor or the on-board computer under software control from the computer, and includes a multiple mode measurement device which is also selectively switched to a desired measurement mode by the computer. The computer is then able to selectively measure the operational parameters of the engine, test for correct operation, and display the appropriate diagnostic or tutorial instructions for fault location and rectification. The computer is also able to feed data to the on-board computer for testing same.

EFI engines in automobiles are commonly controlled by an on-board computer, typically a microprocessor-based device, which controls the timing and duration of the fuel injection in response to operational parameters sensed by a number of sensors on the engine, e.g. temperature, engine speed, throttle position, air flow, etc. These operational parameters can be measured many times per second so that the engine is continually operated at optimum efficiency.
Many microprocessor or micro-computer based control circuits for EFI engines are programmed to accept measured values of sensed operational parameters only when such values fall within a predetermined range e.g. to avoid responding to spurious signals or to avoid acting on faulty measurements. If the value of an operational parameter as measured by a particular sensor is outside the predetermined range, the sensor may be judged by the computer control system to have failed (whether this is, in fact, correct or not), and the actual output signal of the sensor may be replaced by a standard value (as described, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,780,826) . The use of a default value enables the engine to keep operating despite the failure of a sensor. However, although the engine will still operate, it will not perform as efficiently as it should. Since the fault in the engine may be masked by the default value inserted by the computerised electronic control system, it IS difficult, if not impossible, for mechanics to locate and correct the fault using conventional tools.
Complex and expensive diagnostic equipment is PG,3 normally required to locate the fault. Such equipment is often computer-based, requiring a computer device manufactured specifically for that particular application. The use of such complex and specialized diagnostic equipment and the need for trained technicians result in increased costs for motor vehicle repair.
It is the object of the present invention to provide apparatus for computer-aided diagnosis of EFI engines which is within the economic and technical reach of most motor mechanics.
It is a further object of the invention to provide a method of computer-aided diagnosis of EFI engines wherein a diagnostic computer program includes tutorial information to enable such diagnosis to be performed by most motor mechanics.

Method and apparatus for computer-aided diagnosis of engines


A system and a method to prevent the use of pirate products in an elevator control are provided. The system includes at least one elevator control, an updating mechanism and a connection between the elevator control and said updating mechanism. The elevator control includes essential electronic components provided with their own ID. An authorization section, which is configured to read the IDs of the essential electronic components, includes a reference list with allowed IDs, a comparator and a switching logic configured to issue an authorization signal for the elevator control to start or prevent operation of the elevator control depending on the comparison result of the comparator. The connection between the elevator control and the updating mechanism is configured to initiate the elevator control to update the IDs of the essential electronic components in the elevator control.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention refers to a system and method to prevent the use of pirate products in an elevator control.
2. Description of Background Art
Particularly, globally working elevator manufacturers face the problem that essential parts of an elevator control are replaced by pirate products which do not only affect the business turnover of the elevator company but the more involve the risk that components are introduced in the elevator control which are of only minor quality. Accordingly, by the use of pirate products, the reliability of the elevator control in total and accordingly safety of the elevator and the image of the elevator manufacturer could be essentially affected.

Prevention of pirate products in an elevator control using ID


A laparoscopic instrument for manipulating an internal organ during surgery comprising an elongated cannula and a plurality of elongated, individually movable finger prongs operatively associated with the cannula, for engaging and manipulating an internal organ. The finger prong elements are incrementally movable from an open configuration wherein the finger prong elements are substantially spaced, to a closed configuration wherein the finger prong elements are substantially adjacent. A handle is connected to the proximal end of the cannula and includes a finger prong actuating lever for allowing the user to open and close the finger prong elements.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to surgical instruments for internal surgical use during laparoscopic surgery, and specifically to a laparoscopic surgical instrument that allows the surgeon to accurately provide manipulative movement of an internal organ, such as the uterus, while performing laparoscopic surgery or treatment on a patient.
2. Description of the Background Art
In recent years, laparoscopic examination and surgery has become one of the foremost procedures for improving internal organ surgery, resulting in improved, minimally invasive, techniques, less trauma to the patient during surgery, and much quicker recovery times after surgery.
Laparoscopic examination and surgery involves the insertion of a rigid tube in a small incision in the patient, the tube being called a trocar, which itself becomes the passageway for insertion of a cannula which includes one or more specialized instruments and/or visual examining devices. Thus, the introduction of various devices into the patient's body is facilitated by inserting an instrument containing cannula into a tubular trocar conduit that has been inserted into the patient's body. A number of instruments are known in the field of laparoscopic surgery; for example, visual examining devices, such as a TV camera, and also specific surgical tools, such as scissors and cauterizing devices, may be inserted into the patient for performing specific surgical procedures on various internal organs.
In certain laparoscopic procedures three cannulas are introduced into the patient through trocar conduits. A first cannula is typically used for visual examination, and allows the surgeon to view the inside organs of the patient, typically on a TV monitor. A second cannula would be used to introduce the actual surgical device, such as scissors or cauterizing device, as required. A third cannula may be utilized for additional surgical instruments necessary in performing the specific operation, or for introducing or draining fluid.
With respect to treatment of the uterus in surgical operations, it is often necessary or desirable for the surgeon to be able to move or manipulate portions of the uterus during the operation. Present day techniques involve the use of inserting instruments through the vagina and cervix into the uterus, such that the uterus is moved from within. This may require an extra person on the surgical team.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,430,076, issued Feb. 7, 1984 to Harris, shows a combined uterine injector and manipulative device, which includes an inflatable member at the insertable end that is inserted into the uterus. The device is secured in the uterus and enables the surgeon to manually position the uterus for examination purposes.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,362,294, issued Nov. 8, 1994 to Seitzinger, shows the use of a sling for positioning an internal organ during laparoscopic surgery. This is an elongated web having sutures on each end that actually allows the surgeon to manipulate an organ, such as the uterus, inside the patient, from outside the patient by pulling on the sutures. The apparatus disclosed by Seitzinger requires at least an additional person in the operating room to manipulate the sutures while the surgeon operates on the patient.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,217,466, issued Jun. 8, 1993 to Hasson, discloses a guide for facilitating the performance of internal surgery, such as laparoscopic surgery, which has a rotatable guide member that can be positioned within specific directions within an organ, such as the uterus. Hasson discloses an end tip which is curvable through manipulating manual devices, and the device provides for access through the uterine cavity to the fallopian tubes for purposes of intratubal insemination.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,431,662, issued Jul. 11, 1995 to Nicholas, shows a manually activated manipulator apparatus for manipulating a uterus for examination of the uterine cavity during a surgical procedure. While the manipulator apparatus shown is useful for laparoscopic surgery in procedures involving the uterus, the device is still introduced through the vagina and requires manipulation from within the uterus, through the use of the apparatus.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,464,409, issued Nov. 7, 1995 to Mohajer, shows a uterine manipulator and protector that again provides for manipulation of the uterus from within.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,237,985, issued Aug. 24, 1993 to Hodgson et al., shows a uterine retractor that accesses the uterus through the vaginal tract.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,571,115, issued Nov. 5, 1996 to Nicholas, provides for a manipulator apparatus that again is used to access the uterus through the vaginal tract from within.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,417,684, issued May 23, 1995 to Jackson et al., shows a laparoscopic surgical grasper with a loop with gripping formations. The loop is useful for holding and manipulating body organs and body tissue.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,490,819, issued Feb. 13, 1996 to Nicholas et al., shows an articulating endoscopic surgical apparatus. This device shows an endoscopic tool that includes a cooperating jaw.
None of the devices in the prior art show an effective laparoscopic tool that would allow the surgeon to manipulate the uterus by engagement of the exterior uterine wall during laparoscopic surgery. The invention may also be constructed in different sizes to be used on other organs such as an ovary, gall bladder or the like.

Laparoscopic instrument for manipulating the uterus during laparoscopic surgery


The present invention provides a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device, comprising the steps of selectively diffusing an impurity of a first conductivity type and another impurity of a second conductivity type into a main surface region of a semiconductor substrate so as to form first semiconductor regions of the first conductivity type and second semiconductor regions of the second conductivity type, forming a first semiconductor layer of the second conductivity type on the semiconductor substrate, said first semiconductor layer being of at least a single layer structure, forming element regions of the first and second conductivity types by thermal diffusion of impurities into the first semiconductor layer, and polishing the opposite main surface of the semiconductor substrate to expose the first semiconductor regions of the first conductivity type and the second semiconductor regions of the second conductivity type. The first semiconductor layer may be of a laminate structure consisting of a plurality of semiconductor layers differing from each other in the impurity concentration.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device such as an IGBT or a thyristor.
2. Description of the Related Art
In general, a semiconductor device such as an IGBT or a thyristor is widely used as a switching element such as an inverter for controlling, for example, a motor. In order to diminish the power conversion loss, the switching element of this type is required to be operated at a high speed and to be turned on at a low forward voltage.
FIG. 1 shows an n.sup.- -channel type IGBT widely known to the art. As shown in the drawing, the conventional n.sup.- -channel type IGBT comprises a gate electrode 1, emitter electrodes 2, 3, a gate oxide film 4, emitter regions 5, 6, p-type base regions 7, 8, an n.sup.- -type layer 9, an n.sup.+ -type buffer layer 10, and a collector electrode 12. In manufacturing the IGBT shown in FIG. 1, used is a wafer comprising a p-type semiconductor layer of a high impurity concentration, an n-type semiconductor layer of a high impurity concentration formed on the p-type semiconductor layer, and an n-type semiconductor layer of a low impurity concentration formed on the n-type layer of the high impurity concentration. The IGBT is obtained by forming element regions in the surface region of the wafer by means of thermal diffusion of impurities.
FIG. 2 shows a conventional anode short-circuit type IGBT. The anode short-circuit type IGBT shown in FIG. 2 is substantially equal to the IGBT shown in FIG. 1, except that, in the IGBT shown in FIG. 2, the p.sup.+ -type layer 11 in FIG. 1 is replaced by a layer 13 consisting of p-type regions and n-type regions which are formed alternately. Incidentally, the reference numerals common with FIGS. 1 and 2 denote the same members of the IGBT. The anode short-circuit type IGBT of this type is superior to the ordinary IGBT in the relationship between the switching characteristics and the on-voltage, particularly, in the relationship on the side of a low current.
In the manufacture of an ordinary semiconductor element, it is necessary for the semiconductor wafer used to have a thickness of at least about 250 .mu.m where the wafer has a diameter of 5 inches. It should be noted that various steps such as a diffusion step, an etching step and a patterning step are involved in the manufacture of the semiconductor element. Naturally, the semiconductor wafer is transferred several times in the manufacturing process of the semiconductor element, with the result that, the wafer, if unduly thin, is likely to be cracked in the transfer step.
When it comes to the IGBT, the optimum thickness of the n.sup.+ -type buffer layer 10 shown in FIG. 2 is about 15 .mu.m. On the other hand, the optimum thickness of the n.sup.- -type layer 9 depends on the grade of the withstand voltage. In the case of an IGBT having a withstand voltage of 1200 V, which has a large demand, the optimum thickness of the n.sup.- -type layer 9 is about 100 .mu.m. In this case, the total thickness of the n.sup.- -type layer 9 and the n.sup.+ -type buffer layer 10 is only about 115 .mu.m. It follows that, in the case of manufacturing an IGBT element by using a wafer having a diameter of 5 inches, it is necessary for the layer 13 to have a thickness of at least about 140 .mu.m. What should be noted is that, if the layer 13 has such a large thickness, it is practically impossible to diffuse an n-type impurity through the back surface of the wafer to form an anode short-circuit structure as shown in FIG. 2. To be more specific, a very long diffusion time is required for the n-type impurity diffused through the back surface of the wafer to reach the n.sup.+ -type buffer layer 10. In addition, the impurity in the n.sup.+ -type buffer layer 10 is also diffused during the diffusion step, resulting in failure to obtain an ideal concentration profile of the impurity in the n.sup.+ -type buffer layer 10. Such being the situation, it was substantially impossible to obtain an anode short-circuit structure exhibiting satisfactory characteristics.

Method of manufacturing a semiconductor device of an anode short circuit structure


The present invention discloses certain novel prodrugs of chloramphenicol or thiamphenicol, or of an analog of either, including prodrugs of pharmaceutically acceptable salts of chloramphenicol or thiamphenicol or of their analogs, including nitrogen-containing esters of both alcohol groups of such compounds. In certain embodiments these novel prodrugs are sufficiently water-soluble to serve the functions needed of a prodrug of chloramphenicol or thiamphenicol or of an analog of either. In one embodiment, a certain subclass of the compounds also possesses the hydrolytic stability needed to maintain the prodrug in solution in the subject's system until appropriate conditions exist when the prodrug can hydrolyze, releasing the active compound in question.

Chloramphenicol, 2.2-dichloro-N [2-hydroxy-1-(hydroxymethyl)-2-(4-nitrophenyl)ethyl]acetamide is a broad based antibiotic that has long been known to inhibit protein synthesis in both gram positive and gram negative bacteria. Presently in disfavor in a number of developed countries for use in humans and food animals, due to its association in with aplastic anemia in humans, chloramphenicol continues to be employed, for treating companion animals worldwide, and livestock in developing countries. A close structural analogue, thiamphenicol, D-threo-2,2-dichloro-N-[β-hydroxy-α-(hydroxymethyl)-p-methylsulfonyl)phenethyl]acetamide, see structures below, has a similar broad spectrum of activity, but has never been associated with aplastic anemia. Chloramphenicol and thiamphenicol have the chemical formulas

Thiamphenicol is currently used worldwide to treat animals with bacterial infections, and is currently used in the treatment of humans in China. Also known in the art are analogs of these compounds having substituents other than nitro and methylsulfonyl, for example compounds in which the 4-substituent on the phenyl ring is selected from

As stated above, chloramphenicol and thiamphenicol have broad spectrum antibiotic activity against many gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria, including utility in the prevention and treatment of bacterial infections due to susceptible pathogens in birds, reptiles, fish, shellfish and mammals. Examples of susceptible organisms include: Mannheimia haemolytica, Pasteurella multocida, Haemophilus somnus, also known as Histophilus somni, Fusobacterium necrophorum, Bacterioides melaninogenicus, Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae, Streptococcus suis, Salmonella cholerasuis, Mycoplasma spp., Escherichia coli; Edwardsiella ictaluri, Aeromonas salmonicida, Enterobacter, Klebsiella, Staphylococcus, Enterococcus, Bordetella, Proteus, Shigella, K. pneumoniae, E. cloacae, and S. typhus.
Given the need for economical, single-dose treatment in the veterinary setting, there remains a need for new formulations of chloramphenicol and/or thiamphenicol at high concentrations. In addition, there is also a need for forms of chloramphenicol and thiamphenicol that are capable of maintaining effective plasma antibiotic levels for prolonged periods of time, in order to achieve improved economies in administration, e.g., to more readily provide single dose treatment, particularly in a veterinary setting. In addition there is a need for similar forms of chloramphenicol and thiamphenicol analogs.
One of the important applications is a treatment of bacterial infections by dosing the drug in drinking water given to animals. Such means of administration provides effective treatment of bacterial infection since chloramphenicol and thiamphenicol are reasonably well absorbed from the intestine ad achieves necessary antibacterial systemic levels. However, as mentioned above, the aqueous solubility of these compounds is quite limited; consequently their solubilization in water is slow. Achieving the desired concentrations in drinking water requires preparation of pre-dissolved chloramphenicol or thiamphenicol in the form of a concentrate in a water-miscible organic solvent. Additionally, a water-soluble prodrug of either compound or of an analog of either that was easily dissolved directly in the drinking water for animals would be quite desirable.
Known in the prior art are water-soluble prodrugs of these two antibiotics produced by esterification of the relatively easily accessible primary alcohol group. Glycinates of these compounds have been extensively investigated, for example. Some examples of such esters are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,740,411 and 3,770,889 (both of Akiyama et al.). British patent 1,263,116 of Sumitomo Chemical Co., and 3,405,165 and 3,475,470 (both of Rebstock et al.). However, there still remains a need for alternative forms of chloramphenicol or thiamphenicol that have additional beneficial features.
A provisional patent application, U.S. Ser. No. 60/874,864 filed Dec. 13, 2006, drawn to analogous florfenicol prodrugs was filed with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on the same day as the provisional application from which the present application claims priority. It also should be noted that the citation of any reference herein should not be construed that such reference is available as "prior art" to the instant Application.

Water-soluble prodrugs of chloramphenicol, thiamphenicol, and analogs thereof


An X-ray CT apparatus, which is capable of quickly acquiring information for determining whether further CT imaging is required, is provided. The X-ray CT apparatus according to the embodiment comprises a reconstruction processor, a setting unit, and a controller. The reconstruction processor carries out first reconstruction processing to be carried out at a first image thickness based on detection data to be sequentially acquired by X-ray scanning of the desired site of a subject, and second reconstruction processing to be carried out at a second image thickness based on all detection data acquired by the X-ray scanning. The setting unit sets the first image thickness based on the second image thickness set in advance. The controller allows the reconstruction processor to initiate the first reconstruction processing in parallel with the X-ray scanning at the set first image thickness and initiate the second reconstruction processing at the second image thickness once the first reconstruction processing is completed.

An X-ray CT (Computed Tomography) apparatus is an apparatus configured to image the inside of a subject by scanning the subject using X-rays and computer processing the acquired data.
Specifically, an X-ray CT apparatus acquires a plurality of detection data by radiating X-rays onto the subject multiple times from different directions (X-ray scanning) and detecting the X-rays transmitted through the subject using an X-ray detector. The acquired detection data is transmitted to a console device after being A/D-converted by a data acquisition system. The console device creates projection data by applying preprocessing, and the like to the detection data. Subsequently, the console device carries out reconstruction processing based on the projection data, creating volume data based on tomographic image data or a plurality of tomographic image data. The volume data is a data set representing a three-dimensional distribution of a CT value corresponding to a three-dimensional region of the subject.
When a site to be imaged (for example, a site suspected of having a lesion) is not included in the detection data upon carrying out CT imaging using the X-ray CT apparatus, it is necessary to carry out further CT imaging. This makes it necessary to confirm whether the detection data including the site to be imaged has been acquired.
Therefore, the X-ray CT apparatus transmits all of the acquired detection data to the console device once the X-ray scanning is completed, then reconstructs images. Subsequently, a doctor et al. carries out an operation confirming whether the site to be imaged is included in the detection data based on the reconstructed images.


A method of increasing hematopoietic stem cell production is disclosed. The method includes administering a TPO mimetic compound to a subject. Pharmaceutical compositions including a TPO mimetic compound and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier are also disclosed.

Thrombopoietin (TPO), initially cloned as a major regulator of platelet production, plays a pivotal role in hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) biology. Kaushansky et al., Nature, 369:568-571 (1994). Virtually all primitive HSC that display repopulating activity express c-Mpl, the receptor of TPO. Solar et al., Blood, 92:4-10 (1998). TPO alone or in combination with other early acting cytokines, such as stem cell factor (SCF), interleukin 3 (IL-3), or Flt-3 ligand enhance proliferation of primative HSC in vitro. Ku et al., Blood, 87:4544-4551 (1996); Sitnicka et al., Blood, 87:4998-5005 (1996). In vivo studies have confirmed these conclusions. Kimura et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A., 95:1195-1200 (1998). The importance of TPO in stem cell self renewal and expansion was also supported by the clinical observation that mutations of the c-Mpl gene caused congenital amegakaryocytic thrombocytopenia, a disease in which all hematopoietic lineages fail during childhood. Ballmaier et al., Blood, 97:139-146 (2001). It has been found that expansion of HSCs in adult bone marrow is 10 to 20 times less robust in tpo−/− mice following bone marrow transplantation. Exogenously added TPO rescued this defect. Fox et al., J. Clin. Invest., 110:389-394 (2002). These reports indicate that TPO is a major non redundant contributor to self renewal and expansion of HSCs.
Autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) is increasingly widely used as a means of reconstituting the bone marrow following the administration of potentially curative, myeloablative, high dose chemotherapy. The basis for this technique is to mobilize HSCs from bone marrow to peripheral blood (using G-CSF +/− priming chemotherapy) from which they are harvested by apheresis. These stem cells, which form a minority of the harvested population, are then capable of reconstituting the bone marrow when reinfused following myeloablative therapy. Stem cells obtained from peripheral blood in this technique appear to be similar to cord blood cells and superior to bone marrow cells in their ability to regenerate bone marrow following myeloablative therapy with time to neutrophil and platelet engraftment of less than 10 days. The most common tumor types in which ASCT is used are myeloma, lymphoma (both Hodgkins Disease and Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma) and Acute Myeloid Leukemia. High dose chemotherapy with ASCT may be increasingly used as first line therapy, particularly in myeloma, but it is also used as salvage therapy following the failure of first line chemotherapy. Such subjects often have been heavily pretreated and thus have bone marrow with impaired hematopoietic potential.
Following the re-infusion of these harvested cells into the subject, there is a period of time during which the subject, e.g., a human patient, is at risk of infection (low neutrophils) and bleeding (low platelets). This period of time varies depending on the number of re-infused stem cells, which in turn depends on the ability to stimulate the expansion of stem cells from bone marrow. Further, some subjects also develop bone marrow failure after an initial period of engraftment.
Stem cell transplantation is also used in an allogeneic setting when peripheral blood stem cells are mobilized and harvested from HLA matched donors. Such allogeneic transplants are less frequently employed than ASCT because of the incidence of graft versus host disease but may be used when it is not possible to obtain sufficient stem cells from the patient. However the use of allogeneic stem cells to obtain partial engraftment in the absence of complete myeloablation (the 'mini transplant') may also offer some therapeutic benefit due to a graft versus tumor effect. Another possible use, currently in an extremely small number of patients is in the field of gene therapy where normal allogeneic bone marrow cells or autologous cells transduced with a normal copy of a defective gene may be curative for some inherited disease caused by single gene defects. Allogeneic transplants are also under investigation as a therapeutic option for autoimmune diseases.
Despite the potential utility and simplicity of ASCT, there are significant limitations to its widespread use beyond the expected period of pancytopenia, for which intensive subject support is required to allow the re-infused cells to resume levels of hematopoiesis sufficient to maintain peripheral blood counts. A significant proportion (up to 40%) of transplanted subjects require prolonged platelet transfusions following transplant (primary failure of engraftment). A smaller group (5-10% in autologous but >20% with allogeneic transplant) develop secondary thrombocytopenia despite initial engraftment, sometimes requiring prolonged transfusions. Failure of engraftment or delayed engraftment is associated with increased mortality, increased healthcare costs and decreased subject quality of life.
There thus exists a need to increase HSC production in such subjects. Studies have demonstrated that administration of TPO to patients results in mobilization of peripheral blood progenitor cells. One study demonstrated the mobilization of colony forming cells from multiple lineages and CD34+ cells into the peripheral blood following multiple dose administration of TPO in combination with G-CSF. Another study identified a 6 fold increase in circulating CD34+ cells 3-7 days after administration of a single dose of TPO in cancer patients with otherwise normal hematopoiesis. In this study, a stem cell enriched subfraction (CD34+ Thy+Lin−) was increased nearly 9 fold and the committed megakaryocytic subfraction (CD34+CD41+CD14−) was increased nearly 15 fold. This study suggests that TPO is capable of mobilizing both self-renewing HSC and committed daughter cells from bone marrow. Although the availability of recombinant TPO (rhTPO) has shown promise in increasing HSC production, a need exists for an improvement in TPO therapy by way of the mode of drug delivery
There thus exists a need for small molecule mimetic compounds of TPO that retain substantially the full agonist activity of TPO, while at the same time permitting various modes of administration.
There also exists a need for small molecule mimetic compounds of TPO having reduced immunogenicity relative to one or more of rhTPO and rhIL-11 as well as improved pharmacokinetic profile relative to one or more of rhTPO and rhIL-11.

Methods of increasing platelet and hematopoietic stem cell production


A method of playing a card game based upon various options that a player can make to the standard card game of Black Jack. It utilizes a game board having multiple wagering circles each identified by a number that represents the option the player may choose. The ability to exercise the options does not come into play until at two cards have been dealt to each player and also to the dealer in the conventional manner of playing Black Jack.

The invention relates to the field of card games, and more specifically to a game based upon various options that a player can make to the conventional game of Black Jack.
The game of Black Jack or Twenty-one has been played for over 100 years in its standard form. It is one of the mainstays of the casino industry which is always looking for new gambling games that will appeal to their cliental One of the new games recently invented is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,695,192. It combines the play of the Black Jack card game with a pair of dice each having six faces that are numbered one through six.
In the casino industry there is a premium on floor space. Each square foot must generate income, particularly in Colorado where gaming foot space is statutorily limited, and in Louisiana where the river boats are comparatively small. The challenge is to generate the maximum plays per hour in order to achieve the odds advantage built into the game, otherwise one big win would sink the house because the overhead would bury it.
The game of xe2x80x9c21xe2x80x9d of xe2x80x9cBlack Jackxe2x80x9d is the fastest in the casino. The invention allows more plays within the play, thus is optimizing the odds spread.
It is an object of the invention to provide a novel card game that expands the options currently available to persons presently playing the game of Black Jack or Twenty-one.
It is also an object of the invention to provide a novel card game that expands the casino""s potential to generate increased revenue from the standard game of Black Jack or Twenty-One.
It is another object of the invention to provide a novel card game that can be quickly learned by players of the card game Black Jack or Twenty-One.
It is an additional object of the invention to provide a novel card game whose game board would be inexpensive for the casinos to purchase.
It is a further object of the invention to provide a novel card game that would be easy for Black Jack dealers to master quickly.
This novel game is based upon the principal of Black Jack, with several variations. The game presents the player with multiple choices of ways to conceivably make the best hand possible, or at least to have more than one chance at doing so.
The game allows a player to:
1. Replace one of the first two cards dealt.
2. Replace the first double down card dealt.
3. Draw second double down hit card in addition to the first double down card dealt.
4. Draw a replacement card for the hit card that busts the player""s hand.
5. If a player is unhappy with the first two cards dealt, the player may surrender half of his bet and withdraw from the game.
A player may use as many of these options as the player""s hand will allow.
The game is played with a standard four suit 2-10, Jack, Queen, King and Ace deck or multiple such decks. It also has a game board in form of a felt or other type of material cover on which is printed one or more player areas each having multiple symbols and indicia upon which wagers are placed to exercise the various options available to the player.
The players are dealt two cards each and may decide at that time whether to select from those options or play the hand out according to the casino""s rules for Black Jack.
1. Option One: Replace one of the first two cards dealt. Player must place a bet equal to the original bet in the appropriate circle for replacing one of the first two cards dealt. The dealer will then remove the designated card and replace it with a new card from the deck. This process can only be done once.
2. Option Two: Replace the first double down hit card. Player must place a bet equal to the original bet in the appropriate circle for replacing the first double down card. This process can only be done once.
3. Option Three: Receive a second double down card in addition to the first double down card. Player must place a bet equal to the original bet in the appropriate circle for drawing a second double down card. The dealer will then draw a card from the deck and place it below the first double down card, making what has now become a second double down hand when you combine this last card with the original two cards dealt. The drawing of a second double down card can only be done if the dealer has a face card or ace showing, the dealers first double down hand must total 20 or 21.
4. Option Four: Draw a replacement card for a bust card. Player must place a bet equal to the original bet in the appropriate circle for replacing a bust card. The dealer will then remove the bust card and replace it with a new card from the deck. This process can only be done once.
5. Option Five: A player may surrender a hand. To do so a player must forfeit one-half of his original bet and surrender his cards to the dealer immediately. The option to surrender can only be made on the first two cards dealt to the player.
1. Each player must place the required bet in the appropriate spot for his player position in order to be in play and be entitled to use the available options.
2. The dealer will give each player one card face up, dealing from his left to his right, with the dealer receiving the last card face down.
3. The dealer will repeat the process until each player has two cards face up and the dealer turns his second card face up.
4. The player may now make his decision as to how he will play the game by either placing a bet in the option circle of his choice, or, to not do so would indicate to the dealer that he chooses to play without benefit of the options.
5. The dealer must determine if he has a Black Jack before play continues. Black Jack can only be paid one and one-half (1.5) times the bet if received on the first two original cards dealt.
1. Black Jack can only be paid on the first two original cards dealt to a player.
2. Player may double down on ten or eleven only.
3. Player may replace the bust card only once.
4. If the first two cards make a pair and the player wants to split them, he may do so but cannot use the options.
5. Double down bets must equal the original bet.
6. Pushesxe2x80x94all bets forfeited by the player because he chose to use an option will remain forfeited in the event of a push with the dealer.
7. Option 2xe2x80x94Replacing the double down card can only happen once per hand.
8. Optionxe2x80x943 Receiving a second double down card can only happen if the dealer has an ace or face card showing, and only if the player""s first double down hand is 20 or 21.
1. OPTION ONE: Player is dealt 2 cards, a 10 and a 5 for a total of 15. The player decides to use option one and places a bet equal to the original bet in circle #1. The dealer takes down the original bet, which is forfeited, and removes the unwanted card (the 5) and replaces it with another card from the deck. This completes the use of option one.
2. OPTION TWO: Player is dealt cards 2 cards, a 5 and a 6, for a total of 11. The player matches the original bet, and doubles down, receiving an ace from the dealer. The player decides to use option two and places a bet equal to the original bet in circle #2. The dealer removes the original double down bet, which is forfeited, and the first double down card, replacing it with another card from the deck This completes the use of option two.
3. OPTION FOUR: The player is dealt 2 cards, a Jack and a 3 for a total of 13. The player decides to hit and receives a 9, which makes a busted hand of 22. The player decides to use option four. He places a bet equal to the original bet in circle #4. The dealer removes the original bet, which is forfeited, removes the bust card, and replaces it with another card from the deck. Depending on the value of the card, the player may continue to hit or stand. This completes the use of option four.
4. OPTION THREE: The player is dealt 2 cards, a 7 and a 4, for a total of 11the deal has an ace showing. The player matches the original bet and doubles down receiving a 10, making a hand of 21. The player decides to use option three and places a bet equal to the original double down bet in circle #3. The dealer gives the player an additional double down card from the deck. The player now has a second double down hand. This completes the use of option three.
Splitting pairs may be done up to four hands. Once a pair has been split, the player may use any of the options that apply. For example, a player may decide to split a pair of 6""s. The next two cards dealt are also 6""s, and the player decides to split each of them making four hands. The first card dealt to the first 6 is a 10. The player decides to exercise option one and the dealer removes the 6 and replaces it with a 9, making a hand of 19. The player moves on and the first card dealt to the second 6 is a 4, making a hand of 10. The player doubles down receiving a 5, and decides to exercise option two. The dealer replaces the first double down card with a 9, making a hand of 19. The player moves on and the first card dealt to the third 6 hand is a 5, making a hand of 11. The player doubles down and receives a King, making a hand of 21. The dealer has an Ace showing, and the player decides to exercise option three. The dealer places an additional card on top and below the original double down card, making what is now two double down hands. The player moves on to the fourth and last 6 hand. The first card dealt to the last 6 is a 7, for a hand of 13. The player hits again and receives a 2, making the hand 15. He hits again and receives a queen, which makes a busted hand of 25. The player decides to use option four. The dealer replaces the queen (bust card) with a 5, making a hand of 20.
Double Down. Players may double down on any two cards.
Bust Card. The bust card may only be replaced once.
This game will be played with a standard four suit 2-10, Jack, Queen, King,
Ace deck or multiple decks in a show.
There are numerous variants comprehended in the invention. This invention has been described by reference to specific examples and embodiments, which will bring alternative embodiments, modifications and variations to the minds of those skilled in the art. The claims filed in the patent application are intended to encompass all such alternatives, modifications, and variations.


This invention comprises a novel apparatus for recording a holographic groove pattern on a diffraction grating blank. The recording apparatus is configured using newly developed groups of analytical equations. The invention further comprises the novel holographic diffraction grating made with the inventive recording apparatus. The invention additionally comprises monochromators and spectrometers equipped with the inventive holographic diffraction grating. Further, the invention comprises a monochromator configured to reduce aberrations using a newly developed group of analytical equations. Additionally, the invention comprises a method to reduce aberrations in monochromators and spectrometers using newly developed groups of analytical equations.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to high resolution spectrometer optics. More specifically the invention relates to diffraction gratings used in monochromators and spectrometers. Additionally the invention relates to a novel optical system for monochromators and spectrometers.
2. Description of Related Art
Currently monochromators used in the extreme ultraviolet (EUV) region have a resolving power, .lambda./.DELTA..lambda., of between 10.sup.2 and 10.sup.4. However, most synchrotron experiments require a .lambda./.DELTA..lambda. of 10.sup.3 -10.sup.5. However, there have been only a few efforts made to develop a high resolution monochromator that could be used for EUV synchrotron radiation. Such monochromators require improved grating designs and/or improved monochromator design in order to meet the requirements of this use.
Hideyuki Noda and Masato Koike disclosed a holographic diffraction grating made from a fringe pattern produced by the interference of two coherent light beams with at least one of the beams having an off-axis orientation and an astigmatic wavefront (U.S. Pat. No. 5,052,766). Usually holographic gratings are limited to the case of spherical and/or plane wavefront recordings. Noda and Koike's holographic grating had variable line spacings to reduce optical aberrations. The manner in which the relative location of grooves could be determined was left to trial and error.
Koike described a significant and successful method to improve the resolving power of monochromators by introducing a varied spacing diffraction grating having mechanically ruled grooves with varied spacing between them (Ser. No. 08/277,404; notice of allowance received Nov. 29, 1995; issue fee paid Feb. 22, 1996, U.S. Pat. No. 5,528,364). The groove spacing was determined using a hybrid design method. Groove spacing was approximately determined by a formula d.sub.n =d.sub.0 +2an+6bn.sup.2 +4cn.sup.3, where d.sub.n was the approximate spacing between the nth groove and the (n+1) groove and d.sub.0 =d+a-b where d was the effective grating constant; the ruling parameters 2a, 6b, and 4c were determined from the resolving power R for a specific optical configuration. This method eliminated a lot of the trial and error previously used in making varied-line-spacing gratings. The diffraction grating disclosed by Koike had two difficulties associated with it. The mechanical etching left the grooves with imperfect optical edges, which introduce anomalies into the resulting optical signal; and the parameters 2a, 6b, and 4c, must be uniquely determined for each specific optical configuration.
Due to the small source-point size of third-generation synchrotron radiation sources, high throughput can be made compatible with high resolution simply by eliminating the entrance slit. This requires thermal stability for the grating which in turn requires grating material like silicon carbide (SiC) . Currently mechanically ruled SiC gratings require a coating of gold or some other suitable metal on the blanks in order to etch the rulings, and under high heat those metal coatings peel.
It is highly desirable also to suppress overlapping higher orders and scattered light in addition to the aberrations. A laminar grating with a proper land-width to period ratio provides even-order suppression at normal and near-normal incidence. Furthermore, a low stray light level is expected from a holographic grating, both blazed and laminar, because the slow slopes of grooves blazed by preferential etching in Silicon and the lands of square grooves formed in SiC by reactive ion-beam etching are smoother than those produced by mechanical ruling.
These considerations all indicate the need for further studies of holographic gratings for high-resolution and high-flux EUV grazing incidence monochromators.
It would be very useful and desirable to have a diffraction grating that did not contain the imperfections on the groove edges that result from mechanical etching. It would be additionally desirable to be able to use holographic techniques to make diffraction gratings having variable groove spacings without having to resort to a "trial and error" method. It would be yet additionally desirable to be able to determine the groove spacings needed for a high resolution diffraction grating without having to perform a series of laborious numerical determinations, using ray tracing and the resolving power R to obtain ruling parameters 2a, 6b, and 4c for each specific optical configuration. It would be further desirable to be able to adjust a monochromator to optimize performance for a given grating, rather than to design and manufacture gratings that optimize a set optical configuration specific to a particular monochromator.

Holographic optical grating and method for optimizing monochromator configuration

The Regents of the University of California


A revolving door has at least one night closing panel that runs concentric to at least one barrel-type wall. The night closing panel or panels slide or roll on a guide rail which is located on the ceiling structure or on attachments to the ceiling structure. The night closing panels can be moved with respect to the barrel-type wall by at least one flexible, endless tension or motive device. The flexible tension device is located in a runner, whereby the two strands of the flexible tension device are restrictively guided one above the other in the runner.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a revolving door which has at least one night closing panel or security panel, which panel runs concentric to at least one barrel-type wall. The panel slides or rolls on a guide rail which is located on the ceiling structure or on attachments to the ceiling structure, and the night closing panels can be moved with respect to the barrel-type wall by at least one flexible, endless tension means.
2. Background Information
British Patent Application 2 052 612 A describes a motor-driven closing device, by means of which the inner exit from a revolving door can be blocked, to prevent the entry of armed persons into the interior of a building. The closing device is driven by a motor which is located on the frame of the revolving door. The motor drives a circulating chain which, for its part, is coupled to a movable wall segment that runs centrally. Only one wall segment can be coupled to the circulating chain, i.e. the connection of two night closing panels that move in opposite directions is not possible. Moreover, in addition to the chain, a plurality of deflection pulleys are required, which makes the whole system more complex and expensive to construct and reduces its efficiency.
German Patent No. 39 28 911 C2 discloses an additional opening/closing mechanism for curved sliding doors which uses an endless belt with two horizontal strands which lie next to one another. The endless belt is thereby looped around the drive belt pulley and the driven belt pulley, whereby simultaneously the two door panels are firmly connected to the endless belt. When the drive motor is energized, the two door panels are actuated so that they move in opposite directions along left and right guide rails respectively. This type of drive mechanism is complex and expensive, because it requires a plurality of guide rollers and deflector pulleys. When toothed belts are used as the endless belt, it is also necessary to twist the toothed belts by 180.degree. so that they can be guided on the corresponding guide rollers. The efficiency of the drive mechanism is further reduced by the friction resistances of the guide rails and rollers.


A holder-side connecting portion 10c provided on a brush holder 10 and a connector-side connecting portion 16b provided on a connector portion 16 are electrically and mechanically connected with each other. The holder-side connecting portion 10c and the connector-side connecting portion 16b are clamped between a yoke housing 4 and a gear housing 21. For this reason, the connecting portions 10c and 16b for connecting the brush holder 10 and the connector portion 16 are prevented from being externally exposed. As a result, the insulation of the connecting portions 10c and 16b can be secured without complicating the construction of the connecting portions 10c and 16b by applying a special seal or the like to the connecting portions 10c and 16b.

An example of a motor in which a brush holder and a connector portion are integrally provided is disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2001-218420. This motor is formed by integrally assembling the following elements: a motor body formed by housing an armature having a rotatable shaft and a commutator in a yoke housing; and a speed reducing portion formed by housing a speed reducing mechanism for decelerating the rotation of the rotatable shaft in a gear housing. A brush holder, which holds brushes that are brought into slidable contact with the commutator and supply power, is clamped between the housings. The brush holder has a connector portion integrally molded for receiving power supply from an external source. The brush holder is formed by resin molding.
The shape or direction of insertion of the connector portion or the like differs from purchaser to purchaser of motor. To cope with this, conventionally, a plurality of types of brush holders, different only in connector portion, are manufactured. For this reason, forming dies for molding the entire brush holders including the connector portion must be fabricated with respect to each different constitution of connector portion. This is wasteful.
To cope with this, the following constitution is possible: a connector portion and a brush holder are separated from each other, and a plurality of different types of connector portions are manufactured. Then, the connector portion and the brush holder in accordance with specifications from the purchaser of motor are electrically and mechanically connected together. However, this poses a problem. To secure the insulation of the joint between a brush holder and a connector portion, the construction of the joint is complicated.
The present invention has been made with the above problem taken into account. An object of the present invention is to provide a motor and a manufacturing method thereof wherein a connector portion and a brush holder are separated from each other, and the construction of the joint between the connector portion and the brush holder is simplified and the insulation of the joint is secured without fail.

Motor and method for manufacturing motor


Systems and techniques for retrieving electronic data by establishing a connection to the communications system using a first account of the user; initiating a first communication session over the connection associated with the first account of the user; and automatically initiating over the same connection one or more additional communication sessions associated with one or more additional accounts of the user.

Online service providers are constantly offering new services and upgrading existing services to enhance their subscribers' online experience. Subscribers have on-demand access to news, weather, financial, sports, and entertainment services as well as the ability to transmit electronic messages and to participate in online discussion groups. For example, subscribers of online service providers such as America Online or CompuServe may view and retrieve information on a wide variety of topics from repositories located throughout the world. A server may be maintained by the service provider or by a third party provider who makes information and services available through the network of computers that make up the online service.
One important consideration for subscribers is the ease at which the information and services of an online service provider are accessed. Congestion during peak hours may prevent subscribers from accessing the online service and may cause subscriber dissatisfaction.
Another important consideration for subscribers is minimizing time spent performing online activities. For example, some online service providers may charge subscribers for accessing information and services, such that efficient use of time translates into cost savings.
America Online has facilitated access to information and reduced time spent online by allowing subscribers to go online to automatically access and retrieve information that then may be considered offline. After using this feature to quickly and automatically access designated information, subscribers have the ability to read and respond to e-mail offline, read and respond to newsgroup or message board postings offline, and download collected files offline. This automatic access feature reduces the capacity requirements of an online service provider and also may reduce charges to subscribers for time spent online. Furthermore, subscribers can designate the times to go online, such as during off-peak hours, to increase the likelihood of successfully connecting to the online service.

AOL LLC, a Delaware Limited Liability Company


A method for indicating performance enhancements in a wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) to a user in a wireless communication system begins with operating a radio link to the WTRU with a performance enhancement active. The operating results with the performance enhancement active are measured. The radio link to the WTRU is operated with the performance enhancement inactive and the operating results with the performance enhancement inactive are measured. The measurements with the performance enhancement active and the performance enhancement inactive are compared, and a display indicator on the WTRU is prepared and displayed, showing the performance difference of the WTRU when the performance enhancement is active and inactive.

The wireless communications industry is investigating many means to improve the general areas of coverage and system capacity, as well as other characteristics of the networks and devices associated with it. Currently, service providers can review the benefits of enhancements by way of monitoring points and programs. The users, however, receive no specific indications of the benefits of enhancement technologies. Therefore, one area of development, for example, involves wireless transmit/receive units (WTRUs) which may include, but are not limited to, a user equipment, a mobile station, a fixed or mobile subscriber unit, a pager, or any other type of device capable of operating in a wireless environment.
The addition of some technology to improve the performance of a WTRU needs to be justified in the minds of the users. Otherwise, a user may not be willing to incur the costs associated with a particular enhancement technology. Antenna array technology, for example, comes in a number of forms and provides many enhancements. Dramatic gains in operation may sometimes be obvious to a user, such as a data download time that takes seconds instead of tens of seconds. In general, however, gains are often more subtle, such as coverage in a previously unavailable area or a moderate data rate increase of, for example, twenty percent.
Another important issue is user misconceptions regarding delays that are a result of a data source and not a radio frequency (RF) link. Such misconceptions can be detrimental to both the user and the service provider if WTRUs are maligned or returned for allegedly not living up to expectations.
Accordingly, it is desirable to users that a WTRU having a particular enhancement technology is providing superior performance over WTRUs without such technology.

User perception of wireless improvement technology


An active head restraint system includes a fluid driver assembly coupled to a vehicle seat assembly. The fluid driver assembly is actuatable in response to a predetermined movement of the vehicle seat assembly. A fluid driven assembly is in fluid communication with the fluid driver assembly. The fluid driven assembly is actuated in response to actuation of the fluid driver assembly. A headrest is pivotable about an axis. The headrest is coupled to the fluid driven assembly such that the fluid driven assembly pivots the headrest about the axis during actuation of the fluid driver assembly. A seat assembly incorporating the active head restraint system is also disclosed.

Whiplash injuries are among the most common injuries that occur during automobile rear end collisions and account for a large portion of automobile insurance claims. During such a collision, the occupant's head is first thrown backwards relative to the neck and torso, impacts the headrest, and is subsequently thrown forwards. Such an event may cause soft tissue injury and places excessive strain on the neck due to hyperextension, leading to whiplash injury. To reduce whiplash injury, the most common mechanism involves moving the headrest forward such that the distance between the head and the headrest is minimized. Such a mechanism is known as a head restraint mechanism and may be either static or active. The reduced distance between the head and the headrest implies that the relative accelerations between the head and neck, or T1 and C1 vertebrae are reduced, thereby reducing the possibility of whiplash injury.
A disadvantage of existing mechanisms is that the activation of the head restraint mechanism usually occurs only after the occupant has been thrown rearward against the back seat. There still exists a need for a head restraint system that activates in advance of or concurrently with the rearward movement of the occupant's torso and does not rely on expensive sensors and circuitry to detect and activate the head restraint system.

Anti-whiplash vehicle system with active head restraint


A manufacturing apparatus for a liquid crystal device having a pair of substrates facing each other, an oriented film formed on an facing surface of at least one substrate in the pair of the substrates, and a liquid crystal held between the pair of substrates, includes: a film formation chamber; an evaporating section having an evaporation source, evaporating an inorganic material on the substrate in the film formation chamber by a physical vapor deposition, and forming an oriented film and a base film arranged under the oriented film; a base film formation area forming the base film and located substantially above the evaporation source in the film formation chamber; and an oriented film formation area located obliquely above the evaporation source in the film formation chamber, forming the oriented film and having a shielding plate having an elongated opening for selectively evaporating an inorganic material.

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to a manufacturing apparatus for a liquid crystal device, a manufacturing method for a liquid crystal device, a liquid crystal device and electronic device.
2. Related Art
A liquid crystal device has been used as a photo-modulation section in a projection display device such as a liquid crystal projector, etc.
Such a liquid crystal device includes a sealant arranged at the periphery between a pair of substrates and a liquid crystal layer sealed at its center.
Electrodes for applying a voltage to the liquid crystal layer are formed on the side of an inner surface of the pair of substrates, and an oriented film for controlling the orientation of liquid crystal molecules when applying a non-selective voltage is formed on the side of the inner surface of the electrodes.
By such a constitution, the liquid crystal device modulates the light of a light source based on the orientation change of the liquid crystal molecules when applying a non-selective voltage or selective voltage to form the light of an image.
An oriented film subjected to a rubbing treatment is generally used as the above-mentioned oriented film on the surface of a polymer film made of polyimides to which a side-chain alkyl group, etc, has been added.
The rubbing treatment section of a polymer is oriented in a pre-determined direction by rubbing the surface of a polymer film in a pre-determined direction with a roller having a soft cloth.
Liquid crystal molecules are arranged along an orienting high polymer due to an intermolecular interaction between the orienting high molecules and the liquid crystal molecules.
Therefore, liquid crystal molecules can be oriented in a pre-determined direction when a non-selective voltage is applied.
A pre-tilt can be given to a liquid crystal molecule by a side-chain alkyl group.
However, when a liquid crystal device fitted with such an organic oriented film is adopted as the photo-modulation section of a projector, there is concern that the oriented film will gradually degrade due to strong light radiated from a light source or heat.
There is further concern that the orientation control function of liquid crystal molecules is reduced and the display quality of the liquid crystal projector will deteriorate after extended use, e.g., the liquid crystal molecules cannot be arrayed at a desired pre-tilt angle.
Accordingly, as disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application, First Publication No. 2002-277879, the use of an oriented film made of an inorganic material excellent in light resistance and heat resistance has been proposed.
As a manufacturing method for such an inorganic oriented film, for example, a silicon oxide (SiO2) film formed by an oblique evaporation process is known.
The technique of Japanese Unexamined Patent Application, First Publication No. 2002-277879 overcomes the technical problem in that, if an inorganic material is obliquely deposited as it is, especially when a stepped portion is formed at the under portion of an oriented film due to pixel electrode wiring, etc., poor evaporation areas (evaporation irregularities or no evaporation) of inorganic material form in the vicinity of the stepped portion.
In the technique of Japanese Unexamined Patent Application, First Publication No. 2002-277879, especially a first obliquely inorganic evaporated film and a second obliquely inorganic evaporated film are formed while azimuth directions are differed from each other.
When an inorganic oriented film is formed by the oblique evaporation process, it is necessary to control the incidence angle of an oriented film material to form the oriented film in a desired oriented state.
As a technique for controlling the incidence angle of an orientation material, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application, First Publication No. 2002-365639 is known.
According to this technique, a shielding plate having a slit is arranged between an oriented film material and a substrate, through which a desired oriented film is formed by selective evaporation at a pre-determined incidence angle.
In addition to the technique shown in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application, First Publication No. 2002-277879, for example, it is also considered that a base film that also serves as a flattening layer is formed as an under portion of an oriented film, by which a stepped portion is eliminated to some extent. An inorganic film is then formed thereon in order to solve the technical problem caused by the formation of a stepped portion in the under portion of the oriented film as described above.
However, when the base film that also serves as a flattening layer is formed, it is necessary to separately prepare an apparatus for the forming of the base film and an apparatus for the forming of the oriented film, creating the new problem of increasing apparatus cost.
In the technique described in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application, First Publication No. 2002-365639, the forming of the oriented film includes controlling the incidence angle of the oriented film by passing the material of the oriented film sublimated from an evaporation source through the slit of the shielding plate so as to flow only part of the material at a pre-determined angle.
Therefore, in the forming of the oriented film, other part of sublimated material which does not pass through the slit of the shielding plate is wasted.
There is a problem in that the usage efficiency of material is poor.

Manufacturing apparatus for liquid crystal device, manufacturing method for liquid crystal device, liquid crystal device and electronic device