A safety device for closure elements (1) on pressure-medium-containing tanks, in particular on hydropneumatic devices such as hydraulic accumulators, has a screw connection provided as a closure device on a filling or checking port. The screw connection has a closure screw (1) threadedly engaged on the port (3) and blocking the port (3) when the screw connection is tightened and opens the port (3) when a flow path is released. A device (25) limits the free movement path of the closure element (1) when moved out of a closed position as a result of occurring overpressure.

In hydropneumatic devices such as diaphragm accumulators or piston accumulators, the prior art involves filling processes or checking processes in which the gas filling pressure is monitored. On the filling or checking port, a closure screw is tightened to block the port gastight and is loosened forming a flow path with a passage size sufficient for the filling or checking process. The execution of these processes is relatively simple if, before loosening the closure screw, a filling and checking device is attached to the port of the tank. In the event that such device attached tightly to the port is not used, a not inconsiderable hazard potential exists if it is improperly operated, i.e., not according to specifications. According to specifications, the procedure should include loosening the closure screw, for example, by a manually activated hexagon socket wrench, simply by a small amount, for example, on the order of one half turn. If this specification is not met, and the screw is not only loosened, but turned too far, the danger exists that the closure screw will be ejected by force by the gas pressure which has not yet decreased. If a filling and checking device is not attached to the port, the device will also be ejected from the tank by force. These ejections endanger the vicinity and constitute a corresponding accident hazard for personnel. This danger prevails mainly when, instead of a manual turning tool, a power tool is used, such as, for example, a power drill.

Safety device for pressure-medium-containing tanks


A magnetic powder composed primarily of Fe that has been surface-treated with a silane coupling agent, which magnetic powder is characterized in that it contains Co such that Co/Fe expressed in atomic percent is 20-50 at. %, Al such that Al/Fe expressed in atomic percent is 5-30 at. %, and one or more rare earth elements R (including Y) such that R/Fe expressed in atomic percent is 4-20 at. %, and has average particle diameter of smaller than 80 nm, TAP density of 0.7 g/cm3 or greater, ignition point of 165° C. or higher, and oxygen content of 26 wt % or less.

Magnetic recording media are today desired to have not only enhanced recording capacity but also improved reliability and durability. An intense effort is therefore underway to boost the recording capacity of next-generation magnetic recording media by using short wavelength signals to realize high recording density. The achievement of this goal will require a magnetic powder consisting of fine particles and exhibiting excellent properties. Unless the particle size is much smaller than the length of the region for recording the short-wavelength side signal, a distinct magnetic transition state cannot be produced, making practical recording impossible. The particle size of the magnetic powder is therefore required to be sufficiently small.
To realize higher density, the resolution of the recording signal must be increased. Reduction of magnetic recording medium noise is therefore important. Noise is usually attributable to particle size. The finer the particles are, the lower the noise becomes. This also makes it necessary for a magnetic powder used for high density recording to have sufficiently small particle size.
Moreover, a magnetic powder used in a magnetic recording medium enabling high density recording requires high coercive force (Hc) in order to maintain magnetism in the high-density medium and ensure the output. In addition, switching field distribution (SFD) must be made as narrow as possible because low SFD is essential for realizing high-density recording.
As the particle size of a magnetic powder becomes finer, dispersion during coating material preparation at the time of tape making becomes more difficult for a number of reasons, including that the specific surface area increases, interparticle sintering occurs and interparticle aggregation arises. Good dispersion is therefore required even when the particles are fine. In light of these circumstances, a magnetic powder for a magnetic recording medium is required from the functional aspect to simultaneously exhibit ultra-fine particle size, high coercive force, low SFD and excellent dispersibility.
On the other hand, the importance of avoiding damage to stored data increases with increasing storage capacity of the magnetic recording medium. A tape or the like for data storage is therefore required to have enhanced reliability. A tape with improved storage stability is therefore desired. In other words, it is important for the particulate magnetic powder itself to have excellent weatherability and oxidation resistance enabling it to be stored stably unaffected by the ambient environment.
A magnetic powder suitable for a high-density magnetic recording medium is therefore required to simultaneously meet the requirements not only of ultra-fine particle size, high Hc, low SFD and excellent dispersibility but also of good weatherability and oxidation resistance. However, no magnetic powder simultaneously and fully meeting these requirements has yet emerged.
Progress in the particle refinement of a magnetic powder is accompanied by the problem of a very large rise in particle surface activity. In the case of a metallic magnetic powder, the practice is to oxidize the surface of a magnetic powder obtained by reduction by some method so as to impart oxide stabilization by putting it in a condition formed with an oxide coating. Various surface oxidizing methods are available, including the method of gradual oxidation of the surface under an appropriate temperature in the presence of an oxygen-containing gas and the method of emersion in toluene or the like followed by dry-oxidation in air, but in all such methods, surface oxidation with respect to ultra-fine particles degrades the acicularity of internal metallic portions, markedly lowers Hc and causes SFD deterioration.
With such a technique that performs surface oxidation, the oxidation resistance of the obtained magnetic powder improves with increasing oxidation, i.e., with increasing thickness of the surface oxide film, but on the other hand, the acicularity of the internal metallic core portion markedly deteriorates, so that the coercive force (Hc) of the magnetic powder, which depends on the magnetic shape anisotropy, markedly decreases and the SFD exhibits degradation. In addition, the volume of the metallic portion inside the particles declines in proportion as the surface oxidation of fine-particle metallic magnetic powder advances. With fine particles, a certain degree of decrease in volume causes a marked decline in magnetic properties owing to thermal fluctuation, and a further degrease causes lack of magnetism owing to superparamagnetism.
Also owing to these circumstances, an attempt to enhance oxidation resistance by means of strengthening the surface oxidation lowers Hc, degrades SFD and promotes superparamagnetism, so that the magnetic properties become unsuitable as those of metallic magnetic particles used in a high recording density magnetic recording medium. Further, this problem exists not only in metallic magnetic powders but also in iron carbide, iron nitride and the like in which a metastable phase is present, so that it is difficult solely by forming a surface oxide coating to provide sufficient weatherability and oxidation resistance while simultaneously realizing the needed magnetic properties.
Patent References 1 and 2 teach technologies for using a silane coupling agent to improve the weatherability of a metallic magnetic powder and improve the dispersibility of a metallic magnetic powder in resin.
Patent Reference 1JP-Hei-7-272254 APatent Reference 2JP-Hei-7-94310 A

Magnetic powder, a magnetic recording medium using the magnetic powder, and a method of surface treating a magnetic powder


The present disclosure provides a method and system for synchronous audio playback of TWS earphones, The TWS earphones include a master earphone and a slave earphone; both the master earphone and the slave earphone include a first timer, a second timer, an audio DAC, and an audio playback phase-locked loop; the first timer and the second timer of the master earphone are respectively used to collect a real-time audio playback position of the master earphone and a public Bluetooth clock; the first timer and the second timer of the slave earphone are respectively used to collect a real-time audio playback position of the slave earphone and a local Bluetooth clock; the slave earphone calibrates audio data in the audio DAC, and the first timer and the audio playback phase-locked loop of the slave earphone, to achieve synchronization between the master earphone and the slave earphone.

With the development of Bluetooth technology and the widespread use of Bluetooth products, Bluetooth wireless earphones are becoming a necessity for everyday life. TWS earphones not only get rid of the physical wire between traditional earphones and audio source, but also get rid of the physical connection between the two earpieces of the traditional Bluetooth earphones. Therefore, TWS earphones are favored by consumers and their market is growing rapidly.
Like traditional Bluetooth earphones, TWS earphones use wireless Bluetooth communication technology to send audio data from the audio source to the two earpieces. The difference is that the two earpieces of TWS earphones receive audio data separately. Due to the varying degrees of the delay in the wireless transmission of audio data to the left and right earphones, there is a synchronization problem between the left and right earpieces of the TWS earphones. Therefore, how to achieve precise synchronization of the left and right earphones during music playback has become an urgent problem to be solved.

Method and system for synchronous audio playback of TWS earphones

VeriSilicon Microelectronics (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.


An electric apparatus with safety connector for preventing electric shock, having an electric circuit comprising at least a pair of terminals electrically separated from each other, and a cover which covers the electric circuit so as to prevent access to it when it is disposed in the assembly configuration to cover the electric circuit. The cover is mechanically fixed in position by a plurality of attachment mechanisms. A safety connector associated with the cover and provided with an electric conductor element, wherein the security connector passes through the cover so as to short-circuit the terminals and a projection supports the electric conductor element and is movable from a closed configuration in which it short-circuits the terminals to an open position in which it does not short circuit the terminals. A cover element which, in closed configuration, at least partially overlaps at least one of attachment mechanisms.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to an electric apparatus with safety connector for preventing electric shock, in particular in the automotive sector.
2. Description of the Related Art
As is known, the automotive sector, especially (but not exclusively) in the case of using hybrid propulsion, makes wide use of electric machines provided with associated circuits and power supply base plates.
Current regulations in many countries require the preparation of measures to avoid the risk of electric shock, in particular in case of maintenance, during which the operator may accidentally come into contact with live parts of the electric circuit.
For example, in the US there are regulations that require the use of devices or procedures that prevent the operator from coming into contact with live parts for a certain time interval, for example 5 seconds, after power is disconnected from the electric circuit to be maintained.
In practice, it is necessary to make live parts of the circuit inaccessible by the operator for a certain time interval after the electric circuit itself is opened: this time interval must be sufficient to allow the capacitors of the electric circuit to discharge so as to prevent any risk of electric shock to the maintainer.
For this purpose, solutions are known of covers that perform the function of both mechanical coverage of live parts and that of opening the electric circuit. For example, a first outer cover, when removed, opens the electric circuit and allows access to a second cover, which can have the mere function of mechanical protection. The time required to remove the second cover ensures the aforementioned discharge of the capacitors.
From a technical point of view, these known solutions are able to provide the operator the necessary electrical protection.
Nevertheless, such solutions are not without drawbacks.
In fact, the solutions known to date are relatively expensive because they require the production of multiple covers that have the function of actual mechanical protection and the function of integrating portions of the power supply circuit, to short-circuit it following assembly and open it following disassembly.
These are, therefore, ad hoc solutions that increase the costs of components that, in the automotive sector, must remain extremely low.
Therefore, there is a need to solve the drawbacks and limitations mentioned in reference to the prior art.
Therefore the need is felt to make available a safety connector for electric circuits that is not only efficient from a safety point of view but also economical from the point of view of production and assembly costs.

Electric apparatus with safety connector for preventing electric shock


A dispensing system has a gas-powered pump 5 supplied with gas through an inlet 16 from a supply 7 when an actuation valve 11 is operated, the actuation valve also causing the opening of a dispense valve 9 in the outlet 18 of the pump. Gas supplied to the inlet 16 displaces a drive piston 35 against the action of a return spring 41. A rod 31 movable by the drive piston 35 extends into a pumping cylinder 13 where it drives a two-part pumping piston 33 over a substance dispensing stroke. As the substance is being dispensed by the piston 33 a fresh charge of the substance is drawn into the cylinder through a substance inlet 27 connected to a supply 3, which may be a bag-in-box. During the return stroke, lost motion between an inner piston part 43 fixed to the rod 31 and an outer collar-shaped piston part 51 is adjustable by limit switches (109, FIG. 5B) or locking pins (99, FIG. 5A). The actuation valve may be push-button operated (FIGS. 4A and 4B).

Dispensing systems are commonly employed in a variety of different locations for dispensing a variety of different substances. For example, dispensing systems may be used in restaurants and kitchens for dispensing condiments of various kinds.
In prior systems, substances are often dispensed from "bag-in-box" containers by a diaphragm pump. In these systems, the substance to be dispensed is sealed within a deformable bag and drawn therefrom by a pump that is capable of generating a negative pressure to draw the substance from the container and a positive pressure to dispense the substance from the pump.
Whilst these diaphragm pumps are adequate for the task of dispensing substances, they suffer from a number of problems. The most notable of which is that the diaphragm pump is prone to damage caused by excessive negative or positive pressure. This excessive pressure can cause sudden movement of the diaphragm in the diaphragm pump which may cause the diaphragm to be damaged. Accordingly, the pressure employed in such a system must be carefully controlled.
These diaphragm pumps also suffer from problems with high viscosity substances and substances having particulates suspended therein. High viscosity substances can cause the diaphragm to be subjected to excessive pressure as described above. Substances with suspended particulates often cause the pump to become clogged.
In an effort to alleviate these problems, peristaltic pumps have been recently employed for dispensing systems. These peristaltic pumps, however, suffer from the problem that acidic or alkaline substances can cause a rapid degradation of flexible pipes and membranes in the pump. Furthermore, peristaltic pumps commonly generate insufficient pressure for dispensing of highly viscous substances. Peristaltic pumps are also difficult to clean and suffer from the above mentioned problem of clogging by particulates.
In addition to the above, any pump employed for the dispensation of condiments, for example, must also be hygienic and remain free from bacterial contamination.


A sheet cassette is provided with an adjustable paper storage area capable of accommodating multiple paper sizes, through the adjustment of a guide plate. The adjustment of one set of guide plates automatically adjusts the other guide plate pair, which moves in a perpendicular direction.

The present invention relates to a sheet cassette provided for accommodating cut sheets therein.
It is known that an imaging apparatus such as a copying machine, printer, facsimile or the like, forms images on respective cut sheets of various sizes, e.g., A4 size, letter size and legal size etc. Usually in such an imaging apparatus, in order to facilitate forming images on cut sheets of various sizes, a removable sheet cassette is used. One sheet cassette accommodates cut sheets of a predetermined size and is inserted into the apparatus. Accordingly, images can be formed on cut sheets of the desired size by inserting the sheet cassette that has the required cut sheet.
Since one sheet cassette accommodates only one size of cut sheets, however, the number of sheet cassettes required is equal to the number of sizes of different cut sheets being used.


After the start of an image formation operation, feeding of a sheet on which an image is to be formed is started, and an image formed on an image carrier is transferred onto the fed sheet. On the other hand, after the start of the image formation operation, in a case that the sheet has not been detected within a predetermined time period in a predetermined position on the upstream side of a transfer position, transfer is stopped, and after the stoppage of the transfer, re-feeding of the sheet is performed. By the re-feeding, in a case that the sheet has been detected in the predetermined position, formation of an image to be transferred onto the sheet is started, then the timing of start of the feeding of the sheet is delayed from the timing of start of the feeding in normal times.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a technique of starting an image forming operation and then starting feeding of a sheet and forming an image on the sheet.
2. Description of the Related Art
In a conventional image forming apparatus using an electrophotographic method, when it is checked that a sheet has been fed to a predetermined position, image formation on a photosensitive drum is started (sheet first method). Then, the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum is developed, and the developed image is transferred onto the sheet (direct transfer method). On the other hand, in a color image forming apparatus using the electrophotographic method, images corresponding to respective colors formed on plural photosensitive drums are temporarily transferred onto an intermediate transfer member such that they are superimposed on each other. Then, a full color image where the plural color images are superimposed is transferred onto a sheet (intermediate transfer method). The intermediate transfer method, proposed in view of occurrence of color shift due to variations of materials of sheets, has become popular.
However, in the above intermediate transfer method, when sheet feeding is started and then image formation processing on the respective photosensitive drums is started, the time period from the start of image formation operation to the transfer is long, therefore the printing efficiency is not improved. Accordingly, in the intermediate transfer method, the printing efficiency is improved by adopting a first image formation method of starting image formation processing on the photosensitive drums before start of sheet feeding.
In the former first sheet method, as the image formation processing is started on the presumption that the sheet has been fed to the predetermined position, variations in feeding time in accordance with type of the sheet or the like can be easily handled. On the other hand, in the latter first image formation method, as the image formation processing is started before it is checked whether or not the sheet feeding has been normally performed, there is a probability that the sheet feeding cannot follow the image formation processing.
As a technique for detecting such inconvenience upon sheet feeding, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 03-279142 proposes execution of sheet feeding retry upon occurrence of paper separation failure. Further, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10-123908 discloses, in reading and duplication of an original, stopping an original reading operation when sheet feeding is delayed. Further, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 05-221561 discloses, in continuous sheet feeding, suspending an image formation operation in a current image formation cycle upon occurrence of delay of sheet feeding, instead of performing processing in the case of paper jam, and then when the sheet arrives at an image forming position in the next image formation cycle, continuing the image formation operation.
However, in these conventional techniques, as image formation by the sheet first method is presumed, the techniques are not appropriate for image formation by the first image formation method. That is, in the above-described first image formation method, it is presumed that a sheet follows a formed image on a photosensitive drum or an intermediate transfer member. However, a trouble occurs when a sheet cannot follow a formed image due to variations of sheets, which gets recognized as paper jam.

Image forming apparatus with sheet feeding retry function


Provided are abrasive articles having a plurality of elongated channels extending across its working surface and intersecting with each other. These channels provide hinge points that enhance flexibility of the article along two or more directions. Optionally, the abrasive article includes a flexible attachment layer, along with apertures that penetrate through the attachment layer located at the intersection points of the channels. The enhanced flexibility allows the abrasive article to easily access recessed areas of the workpiece and facilitates applying even pressure across convex and concave surfaces. The channels assist in segregating dust particles from the abrading operation, and the optional apertures can be advantageously connected to a vacuum source for evacuation of the dust particles from the channels.

Consumers have come to expect a glossy, aesthetic exterior finish on new vehicles, such as automobiles and boats. Similar expectations also exist in the aftermarket industry, where vehicles undergo repairs after the exterior of the vehicle has been damaged. Yet achieving a truly aesthetic finish can be daunting. The eye is extremely keen in its ability to spot even the slightest surface defects, which in turn degrade the finish. Manufacturers and repair shops thus demand rigorous systems and methods capable of removing substantially all surface defects to gain customer acceptance. These systems and methods generally use a wide array of specialized abrasive applications.
For example, a typical automotive exterior repair job is a multi-step process involving a series of abrasives having progressively smaller and smaller grain sizes. In a typical procedure, a portion of the panel of an automobile to be repaired is first sanded using a coarse abrasive layer that fully removes any pre-existing paint from the metal surface. The surface is then cleaned and then coated with a suitable body repair material, such a body filler, putty, epoxy resin, or urethane resin. Examples of these body repair materials are described in PCT Application Nos. WO2008115648 (Janssen et al.) and WO2008076941 (Janssen et al.).
Once hardened, the repair material is sanded so that it is flush with the surrounding surface using a progression of abrasives. The sanded area is then coated with a primer layer, typically using a spray gun. After the primer layer is dry, a suitable abrasive is then used to sand the primed surface. The primed surface is then cleaned, and, optionally, surrounding panels are scuffed and a base coat applied with a color that generally matches the rest of the vehicle. A transparent clear coat is then applied over the entire surface of any panels to which base coat was applied. An appropriate abrasive is then used to remove defects such as dirt nibs, dust particles, or excessive orange peel texture. A set of abrasives and/or polishing compounds are then used to remove any sand scratches from the clear coat, and to restore a glossy finish.
There is substantial value to the practitioner in conducting the repair or finishing process as efficiently and as economically as possible. It is further desirable to avoid introducing defects to the workpiece in any of the operations described above. Removal of defects inadvertently introduced by the practitioner can add considerable time to the finishing process.

Flexible abrasive article and methods of making


The present invention relates to methods for the preparation of compositions comprising adipose tissue-derived secretions, for example those derived from bovine adipose tissue, and the use of such compositions in the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition for topical use. The invention also relates to the use of adipose tissue-derived secretions and pharmaceutical compositions thereof for the topical treatment of a non-inflammatory condition, for example the treatment of a skin condition, and for the stimulation of hair growth in a subject by topical application. The invention also relates to the use of adipose tissue-derived secretions and pharmaceutical compositions thereof for the topical treatment of acne.

Adipose tissue contains a cell population of large, lipid-filled adipocytes and a population of non-adipocyte cells, which comprises cells associated with various connective fibres and cells associated with capillaries and larger blood vessels. The non-adipocyte cell population also comprises a variety of infiltrating immune cells and cells and cell processes associated with the nervous system. The non-adipocyte cell population is also thought to comprise a population of adipose-derived adult stem cells and consequently there has been interest in using adipose tissue as a source of isolated adult stem cells for various therapeutic applications.
In general, methods for obtaining adipose tissue-derived presumptive adult stem cells involves depleting adipocytes from adipose-derived non-adipocyte cells, which requires digesting adipose tissue with enzymes such as collagenase, and then separating the liberated cells by centrifuging the digested sample. During centrifugation, the adipose-derived non-adipocyte cells separate from the adipocytes to form a pellet, whereas the lipid containing adipocytes float. The fraction containing the non-adipocyte cells is then used as a source of tissue stem cells.
The present inventors have earlier described the use of an adipose tissue-derived cell suspension which comprises adipocytes for the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition for use in the treatment of an inflammatory disorder or the alleviation of pain associated with an inflammatory disorder in a subject, and for the treatment and alleviation of pain of conditions such as a cartilage or bone disorders. This is described in Australian Patent Application No. 2009201915 and in International Publication No. WO2010/020005, the contents of which are incorporated herein by cross-reference. There remains a need for improved methods for the treatment of non-inflammatory conditions and compositions for use therein.
Acne, including acne vulgaris and cystic acne, is a common skin disease. The areas of the skin commonly affected by acne include the face, the upper part of the chest, and the back. Acne most commonly occurs during adolescence, often continuing into adulthood. Various treatments are available for acne but, given the potential for acne scarring and for psychological effects on sufferers, who are often adolescents, alternative or improved treatments are desirable.

Pharmaceutical compositions and topical use thereof


Peptides which exhibit high selectivity for the kappa opioid receptor (KOR) and long duration of peripheral action without significant entry into the brain are created which are sequences of four D-isomer amino acid residues having a C-terminus which is a mono or di-substituted amide. Representative compounds, which have an affinity for the KOR at least 1,000 times their affinity for the mu opioid receptor and an ED.sub.50 of not greater than about 0.5 mg/kg, include EQU H-D-Phe-D-Phe-D-Nle-D-Arg-NHEt, EQU H-D-Phe-D-Phe-D-Nle-D-Arg-morpholinyl, EQU H-D-Phe-D-Phe-D-Nle-D-Arg-NH-4-picolyl, EQU H-D-Phe-D-Phe-D-Nle-D-Arg-NHPr, EQU H-D-Phe-D-Phe-D-Nle-D-Arg-thiomorpholinyl, EQU H-D-Phe-D-Phe-D-Nle-D-Arg-NEt.sub.2, EQU H-D-Phe-D-Phe-D-Nle-D-Arg-NHMe, EQU H-D-Phe-D-Phe-D-Leu-D-Orn-morpholinyl, EQU H-D-Phe-D-Phe-D-Nle-D-Arg-NHhEt, EQU H-D-Phe-D-Phe-D-Nle-D-Arg-NH-cyclopropyl, EQU H-D-Ala(2Thi)-D-4Cpa-D-Leu-D-Arg-morpholinyl, EQU H-D-Phe-D-Phe-D-Nle-D-Arg-piperidinyl, EQU H-D-Phe-D-Phe-D-Leu-D-Orn-NHEt, EQU H-D-Phe-D-Phe-D-Leu-D-Lys-morpholinyl,. and EQU H-D-Phe-D-Phe-D-Nle-D-Arg-piperazinyl.

Kappa opioid receptors (KORs) are present in the brain, spinal cord, and on the central and peripheral terminals and cell bodies of the primary sensory afferents (somatic and visceral), as well as on immune cells.
KORs which are located in the brain have been shown to mediate the central analgesic effects of molecules, commonly referred to as kappa agonists, which activate such KORs. This finding led to numerous attempts (i.e. Spiradoline from Upjohn and Enadoline from Parke-Davis) to develop brain-penetrating, non-peptidic kappa agonists for use as original analgesics which would be devoid of the unwanted side effects (constipation, respiratory depression, dependence and addiction) of morphinic analogs that act on mu opioid receptors (MORs). The analgesic activity, as well as the lack of mu-opioid side effects, of this class of compounds has been established both in animals and humans. However, some systemic kappa agonists were also shown to induce specific side effects such as diuresis, sedation and dysphoria, mediated through kappa receptors located in the brain, which resulted in the discontinuation of their development.
In addition to such centrally mediated analgesia, stimulation of KORs located either in the periphery or in the spinal cord may also produce analgesia. However, neither peripheral nor spinal KORs were associated with any of the side effects of systemic kappa agonists. Therefore, as long as it is possible to create kappa receptor opioid agonists that do not enter the brain (following either peripheral or spinal administration), it should be possible to obtain safe and original analgesics.
It is now considered that peptidic opioid agonists that are selective for the KOR should be ideal for this purpose because they are likely, at the most, to only poorly enter the brain after either peripheral or spinal administration; therefore, they are expected to be devoid of central side effects. Parenteral (i.v., i.m., s.c. epidural, topical or local) routes of administration may thus be suitable for this class of compounds to treat pain in conditions associated with inflammation, such as rheumatoid arthritis, or post-operative pain, such as that resulting from eye surgery, dental surgery, articulation surgery, abdominal surgery, childbirth and cesarian section. Furthermore, alleviation of abdominal postsurgery symptoms (digestive ileus) is presently considered to be a major therapeutic target of peptidic kappa agonists. These symptoms include motility disorders such as bloating, nausea, and intestinal transit inhibitions associated with sensitivity disorders, such as pain possibly induced by distension. Such motor disturbances are considered to be the consequence of a prior alteration of visceral sensitivity resulting from nerve sensitization by local inflammatory process, and it has been shown in animal models that compounds which block pain may also reverse motor impairments (Riviere et al., Gastroenterology, 104:724-731, 1993). Indeed, non-peptidic kappa agonists were shown to produce antinociception in experimental ileus that was associated with a restoration of normal motor functions. Such provides a rationale for developing nonbrain-penetrating kappa agonists for treatment of post-operative pain and digestive ileus (Friese et al., Life Sciences, 60(9):625-634, 1997). Because such kappa agonists generally do not exhibit a constipating or antitransit side effect, they have a major advantage for this indication compared to morphine-like compounds.
It has also been shown that kappa agonists produce peripheral antinociception in models of intestinal as well as colonic hyperalgesia induced by mild and local inflammation (Diop et al., Eur. J. Pharm., 271:65-71, 1994). As a result, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), which includes exaggerated visceral pain due to a visceral hypersensitivity possibly linked to a local inflammation, is also a target for a peripheral kappa agonist (Junien and Riviere, Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics, 9:117-126, 1995).
In addition to the gastrointestinal tract, other viscera showing a pathological condition that involves activation and/or sensitization (i.e. local inflammation) of primary sensory afferents are also considered to represent appropriate targets for such a kappa receptor opioid. Examples of these conditions where kappa receptor opioids can be used include urinary incontinence due to bladder inflammation (cystitis), dysmennorhea, vasomotor rhinitis, ocular inflammation, and kidney or bladder stone-induced pain.
It was established in somatic tissues that kappa agonists also block neurogenic inflammation by inhibiting the release of substance P from primary sensory afferents. Assuming such activity is also present in GI and visceral tissues, peripheral kappa agonists would be expected to have an ameliorating effect in conditions where pain or visceral hypersensitivity is associated with neurogenic inflammation (e.g. bladder cystitis).
Kappa opioid agonists are also known to act on the immune system and have primarily an inhibitory role on immune cells. Their effects include (i) suppression of T cell-dependent antibody production, (ii) alteration of mitogen- and antigen-induced lymphocyte proliferation, (iii) modulation of natural killer (NK) cell- and T cell-mediated cytotoxicity; (iv) chemotaxis of peripheral blood derived mononuclear cells (PBMC), and (v) alteration of PMBC function. These effects might be of interest in some specific indications, where it is important to lower the immune response.
Peptides which will not enter the brain, which exhibit high affinity for the KOR versus the MOR, which have high potency and efficacy, and which exhibit long duration of action in vivo are particularly desired. U.S. Pat. No. 5,610,271 discloses tetrapeptides containing four D-isomer amino acid residues that bind to KORs but do not exhibit all of these desirable characteristics.


A method of fabricating a compound semiconductor layer has steps of forming a first layer made of an oxidizable material on a substrate, forming a second layer made of a compound semiconductor on the first layer, oxidizing the first layer made of the oxidizable material to an oxide layer and forming a third layer made of compound semiconductor that constitutes a semiconductor element on the second layer.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a method of fabricating a compound semiconductor layer on a substrate by forming a thin layer of a compound semiconductor which material is different from that of the substrate.
2. Description of the Related Art
Compound semiconductors are extensively used in a variety of semiconductor elements and optical devices represented by semiconductor lasers, solar cells and high speed transistors such as HEMT. However, because these devices use a substrate made of a compound semiconductor, they are very expensive. Thus, trials are being made to use, as the substrate, Si, Ge, sapphire and the like which can be economically fabricated in the form of a large diameter crystal, and to make a compound semiconductor layer grow epitaxially on such a substrate.
However, formation of a compound semiconductor layer excelling in crystalline nature is difficult since distortions are likely to develop therein due to the difference in crystal structure, particularly in lattice constant, between the substrate and the compound semiconductor. To cope with such lattice unconformity, various countermeasures have been adopted including distortion relaxation via an annealing treatment after the formation of the compound semiconductor layer (See, for example, Japanese Patent Unexamined Publication JP-A-5-32486 claim 1, p. 3 to 4), and interposition of an intermediate (buffer) layer between the substrate and the compound semiconductor layer whereby the intermediate layer has a lattice constant close to those of the two materials (See, for example, Japanese Patent Examined Publication JP-B-7-60791 claim 1, p. 3 to 4).
The foregoing method such as annealing treatment or buffer layer interposition is effective in the case where the difference in lattice constant between the substrate and the compound semiconductor is relatively small. Specifically, when the difference in lattice constant does not exceed roughly 3%, a compound semiconductor layer having a thickness of about several μm and with substantially a satisfactory crystal quality can be obtained. However, when the difference in lattice constant exceeds 3%, the numbers of dislocation and defect in the compound semiconductor layer become so noticeable that the layer cannot be used as an electronic device. Hence, the actual situation of electronic device manufacture is to select the combination of a substrate with a compound semiconductor wherein the difference in lattice constant does not exceed 3%.

Method of fabricating a compound semiconductor layer


The invention relates to 2 closure kit comprising two extra elements (200, 250) which can successively engaged and separated, and a cursor (100) comprising a base (110), two lateral side plates (120, 130), a central wall (140) and a sole (142) linked to the central wall (140), characterized in that at least one of the two elements (200, 250) comprises a structure (210, 260) forming a stop for the sole (242) in order to prevent doe cursor (100) from retreating as a result of the effect of a stair tending towards tearing.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to the field of bags comprising closure devices actuated by a cursor.
2. Description of Related Art
Many devices of this type have already been proposed.
Bag closure devices usually comprise two complementary male/female type shaped elements or complementary hook type elements designed to allow multiple successive openings/closures.
The purpose of the cursor is to make the respective engagement and separation of the profiled elements easier.
The appended FIGS. 1 to 5 show a closure device with a cursor according to the prior art.
As can be seen in these figures, the cursor 100 usually comprises a base 110 which supports two side plates 120, 130 and a central wall 140. The plates 120, 130 and the wall 140 together define two channels 150, 160 at least partly nonparallel. These channels receive respective elements connected to the two profiled elements 200, 250.
The known cursors have already done great service. They make it easier to open and close bags since it is sufficient to move the cursor, according to the direction of movement thereof, in order to separate or engage the profiled elements due to the fact that the channels 150, 160 are not parallel.
However, the bags thus fitted have a serious disadvantage: it is noted that the cursors are sometimes torn off and particularly there is a risk of swallowing by children.
To try to reduce this risk, it has already been proposed, as shown in the appended figures, to place on the free edges of the plates 120, 130, longitudinal ribs 122, 132 intended to position themselves beneath the profiled elements. However, this measure is insufficient. In the event of a powerful force being applied to the cursor, the plates 120, 130 are separated and the cursor torn off.

Closure kit for a bag comprising means preventing a cursor from being torn off and fitted bag


A method for synchronizing a first device with a second device may include receiving an alarm activation time from the first device. An alarm may be set on the second device to be the same as the alarm activation time. An indication that the alarm is set on the second device may be sent to the first device. Immediately prior to the alarm activation time, it may be determined that the first device is proximate to the second device, and upon determining that the first device is proximate to the second device, the alarm may be activated on the second device at the alarm activation time. The devices may be considered proximate based on a connection protocol, such as when the first device is able to communicate with the second device over a wired or wireless communication protocol.

Synchronization of clocks and alarms can be difficult. Specifically, when the time displayed on two clocks is different, it can be difficult to synchronize the time, especially down to the second. Additionally, setting and managing alarms can be tedious and redundant when using multiple clocks. For example, a user may set an alarm on her mobile device but may want the alarm to ring on her tabletop clock. In this case, the user would have to also set the alarm on her clock to match the alarm on her mobile device. Additionally, if the user did not wish to have both alarms active, the alarm on the mobile device would have to be deactivated. Furthermore, it can be difficult to synchronize notifications when using multiple devices. For example, a user may wish to receive a calendar notification only on one device, but when using multiple devices, the user may receive redundant and repetitive calendar notifications on her mobile device, personal laptop, and work computer.

Synchronization of alarms between devices


A mobile supercloud system and method are provided that can improve upon the complexity regarding synchronization and sharing of data with others over the cloud. Embodiments can provide systems that can be quickly responsive to changes made to data on the client device, and which can automatically propagate those changes wherever needed. The system can combine the resources of multiple cloud services together with the computational and storage resources resident on the mobile device, and a system whereby the user's device can participate in completing the restoration of state on the server after catastrophic failure on the server-side.

Today's cloud-based web applications tend to share a common architecture. That architecture is driven by the desire, on the part of the application developer, to allow the user of the web browser to interact with data objects within web pages, by tapping into the resources of powerful networks of remote computational services coupled to large data storage facilities.
Typically, a browser with an AJAX engine talks to an API interface that passes commands and data through to remote server-based code modules. Such modules routinely then access server-side databases and perform queries and computations on the database before sending computation results back for display to the user in the web page.
In these situations, the user's device acts simply as a client to the application code and centralized databases on the server side. Some systems use individual databases for each user. Such systems, however, simply provide each user access to a small individualized database, stored on the remote server as with other larger database systems.
This existing approach has been especially useful in the mobile device arena, where small handheld devices are often computationally- and resource-constrained. Existing systems provide users of such mobile devices with access to powerful remote computational and data storage resources.
In some cases, mobile users use these cloud-based applications to share files created on the local device with other users, by manipulating the files on the local device, and then uploading the files to various online sharing systems. To do this, the user typically employs an upload feature in a mobile app, to explicitly direct the app to upload the desired files, which then become available for others to access. If updates would be needed to be made to the shared files, the user would again edit the file on the local device, and then direct the app to upload a new copy of each changed file, thereby replacing the previously-uploaded files.
The current architecture of these prior cloud systems imposes a number of limitations on what can be accomplished using these services, some of these limitations include: 1) the labor-intensive manual-upload approach utilized results in limiting the currency of data that has been shared online, due to eventual resistance by the user to provide frequent updates; 2) the cumbersome data interchange mechanisms result in inefficient synchronization between client-side and server-side of cloud-based applications; 3) current systems limit each mobile app to being able to take advantage of only one cloud service at a time; 4) even though many existing cloud-based storage resources are quite large, they are inherently limited in that they make little use of the enormous collective storage capacity resident on billions of end users' mobile devices; 5) these prior systems follow a predominantly uni-directional data flow model; and, as a result, 6) server crash-and-restore systems use server-side backup files, which don't reflect changes made to client-side data during the crash-induced server downtime period.
In summary, due to their architectural limitations, existing cloud-based web and mobile-app application architectures can deliver a less-than-optimal user experience with respect to ease of use, responsiveness, seamlessness, and reliability.

Mobile supercloud computing system and method


A method of producing an object through solid freeform fabrication preferably includes ejecting drops of different volumes to form a layer of the object. The drops may be binder drops ejected into a build material or may include the build material used to form the object.

Solid freeform fabrication is a process for manufacturing three-dimensional objects including final products, prototype parts and working tools. Solid freeform fabrication is an additive process in which an object, which is described by electronic data, is automatically built layer by layer from base materials. Several principal forms of solid freeform fabrication are performed using inkjet printing techniques.
In one type of solid freeform fabrication system that uses printing techniques, a number of printed planar layers are combined together to form a planar or non-planar, three-dimensional object. Parts are fabricated by "printing" or ejecting a binder onto a flat bed of powder or slurry brick. Where the binder is ejected, the powder is solidified into a cross section of the object being formed. This printing is performed layer-by-layer, with each layer representing another cross section of the final desired product. Adjacent printed layers are adhered to one another in predetermined patterns to build up the desired product.
In addition to selectively forming each layer of the desired object from the powder in the fabrication chamber, the system can also print a color or color pattern on each layer of the object. Often, the binder is colored such that the functions of binding and coloring are integrated.
For example, inkjet printing technology can be employed in which a number of differently colored inks are selectively ejected from the nozzles of a print head and blended on the build material, e.g., the powder layer, to provide a full spectrum of colors. On each individual layer, conventional two-dimensional multi-pass printing techniques and half-toning algorithms can be used to hide printing defects and achieve a broad range of desired color hues.
In previous solid freeform fabrication systems that use printing technology to add binder to powder, generally the drops of binder are relatively large in order to make the binder flux as high as possible. Binder flux is a measure of how much binder is used in a given period of time. A higher binder flux results in a higher fabrication speed for the solid freeform fabrication system.
However, using large drops of binder makes it difficult or impossible to create small features and smooth surfaces. An object being fabricated may be thought of as being made up of voxels, three-dimensional blocks that each correspond to a drop of binder. The smallest voxel possible is limited by either the powder size or the binder drop size. Because current solid freeform fabrication tools use large drops, the limiting factor on voxel size is usually the binder drop volume.
Therefore, to create objects with fine details, previous solid freeform fabrication systems use small binder drops throughout the entire object. While using small drops may facilitate adding detail to the object and providing a smoother surface finish, the reduction in ink/binder flux results in a slower throughput for the machine and longer fabrication times.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Methods for producing an object through solid freeform fabrication

Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.


A matrix data processor is implemented wherein data elements are stored in physical registers and mapped to logical registers. After being stored in the logical registers, the data elements are then treated as matrix elements. By using a series of variable matrix parameters to define the size and location of the various matrix source and destination elements, as well as the operation(s) to be performed on the matrices, the performance of digital signal processing operations can be significantly enhanced.

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates generally to digital signal processing and more particularly to relatively high-speed signal processing for various applications, such as communications.
2. Background Art
Signal processing may be described as the mathematical manipulation of signals in a predetermined manner to enhance, modify or otherwise alter the signal, typically to prepare the signal for additional post-processing applications. The input signals are often "sampled" data elements taken from various forms of analog signals such as voice, video, and various communication sources. After sampling, these analog signals may be processed by a variety of electronic systems to accomplish the desired results. Additionally, input signals may be originally presented as digital signals and many signal-processing environments provide signal processing capabilities for analog as well as digital signals.
Approximately 30 years ago, with certain advances in technology, digital signal processing applications started to proliferate. This momentum was fueled, in part, by the rapid growth of digital electronics, including the emergence of semiconductor-based transistors and microprocessors. Prior to the advent of relatively inexpensive digital signal processing hardware, signal processing was mostly accomplished with analog components, implemented as a series of filters such as high pass filters, low pass filters, band pass filters and the like. Presently, digital signal processing is used extensively in applications such as cellular telephones, video capture and enhancement, high-speed data modems and the like.
While many modem microprocessors used in typical digital signal processing applications today can handle data elements with a relatively large number of representative bits (e.g., 32, 64, and 128 bits), most of the sampled analog signals processed by these microprocessors have a much smaller representative data resolution (e.g., 4, 8 or 16 bits). This disparity in the size of the data representations results in wasted processor bandwidth and other processing inefficiencies. For example, if 8 bit data elements are loaded into 16-bit or 32-bit registers, the remaining register bits may remain unutilized. This inefficient use of available storage results in resource underutilization, which generally leads to increased signal processing times. In general, this inefficient processing can lead to "data-starvation" for the microprocessor, and the microprocessor consumes precious cycle time and energy waiting for data to arrive instead of processing data.
Accordingly, in an attempt to take advantage of the capabilities offered by the processors available in the industry today, various techniques such as "packed data types" have been implemented to improve data utilization in the field of digital signal processing. This involves storing multiple data elements in a single register. For example, a single 32-bit register might be loaded with four 8-bit data elements. This technique, while successfully utilizing the available storage space, requires relatively complex indexing algorithms to effect data retrieval and manipulation. Additionally, the data elements are often still retrieved from the 32-bit register as discrete 8-bit elements, requiring multiple machine cycles to retrieve the data for processing.
Alternatively and/or in addition to more efficient data storage techniques, some digital signal processing systems have increased the speed of the data bus in an attempt to provide the smaller data elements to the microprocessor at higher frequencies, thereby speeding the overall processor operations. However, even after implementing these various techniques, the microprocessors used in many digital signal-processing systems remain "data-starved " and underutilized. This situation is undesirable because the lack of timely data presentation can, in certain circumstances, add additional processing cycles and, correspondingly, slow down the overall operation of the devices utilizing the processed signal.
Additionally, in the case of certain applications such as processing error correction codes and enabling and implementing encryption protocols for on-line data transfer, the manipulation of the data can be based on complex polynomial operations, leading to significant processing overhead. This type of data processing can consume precious processor cycles, thereby slowing down the overall response time of the system and delaying further processing until the data can be processes and formatted for use in the desired application. Since most data processors are not optimized for polynomial operations, the loss of processing power can be significant.
As shown by the discussion presented herein, the current constraints on data utilization in the area of digital signal processing have prevented additional improvements in the rapidly accelerating pace of various signal-processing applications. Accordingly, unless further improvements and enhancements are made in the apparatus and methods used in storing and manipulating data elements, the capabilities of digital signal processing systems will remain sub-optimal.

Apparatus and method for matrix data processing


A tone signal generator utilizing ancillary memories for an electronic musical instrument system has a source memory storing a long and continuous waveform data and two ancillary memories each capacity of which is smaller than that of the source memory. A portion of the continuous waveform data from the source memory is written into one of the ancillary memories. After completion of the writing operation, the written waveform data is read out for tone production, and simultaneously another portion of the continuous waveform data is written into the other of said ancillary memories. The repetition of such operation make it possible to reproduce a long and continuous tone waveform in spite of the small capacity of the ancillary memories.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a tone signal generator utilizing ancillary memories for an electronic musical instrument system reading out waveform data from the ancillary memories to generate a tone signal based on the read out waveform data. More particularly, the present invention relates to a tone signal generator utilizing the ancillary memories as a double buffer memory in order to generate a sound signal recorded in the natural world, a sound signal electronically synthesized, etc. as a continuous tone signal for a long period of time.
2. Description of the Prior Art
In Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Sho51-130211, there is disclosed a tone signal generator for an electronic musical instrument having a source memory for beforehand storing several sets of waveform data which represent a cycle of waveform respectively, first and second read/write memories for storing waveform data which represent a half cycle of waveform and an address counter for designating addresses of both the read/write memories, wherein under address designation of the address counter each waveform data stored in the source memory are written into the read/write memories every predetermined time interval and the written waveform data are repeatedly and alternately read out from the read/write memories in order to generate a tone signal. The tone signal generator further comprises a calculation circuit for modifying the waveform data stored in the read/write memories, the modified waveform data are also written into the read/write memories under address designation of the address counter. In the tone signal generator, however, writing and reading operations are controlled synchronously by the single address counter. This results in the difficulty of designing a writing operation portion and a reading operation portion independently. Additionally, in the tone signal generator, a source memory does not store a continuous waveform data for a long period of time. As a result, a generated tone signal becomes monotonous.

Tone signal generator utilizing ancillary memories for electronic musical instrument


An extendible surveying probe comprises two collinear position detecting units that allow the probe to be used in an inclined position for accessing vertically inaccessible points with a tip thereof. The two position detecting units may consist of two GPS or GLONASS units used in association with another GPS or GLONASS unit installed on a known point or, alternatively, of two corner cubes used in association with a ground total station. The position detecting units provide spatial coordinates of two spaced-apart collinear points which may be used to extrapolate the coordinates of the point in contact with the tip of the probe.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to surveying probes and methods and, more particularly, it pertains to a surveying probe and method which are suitable for computing positions of difficult-to-reach points.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Conventional surveying devices generally include a vertical pole having a prism mounted at a top end thereof and a bottom tip adapted to be placed on a target point whose position is to be determined. A total station including a theodolite and an electronic measuring device targets the prism to determine the spatial coordinates thereof. By holding the pole exactly vertically over the target point and by knowing the distance separating the prism from the tip of the pole, the spatial coordinates of the target point may be readily computed.
Accordingly, to determine the position of a target point which is difficult to reach from above, for instance, a point located at the bottom of a building wall, it is required to first determine the coordinates of at least two surrounding vertically accessible points. Afterwards, direction measurement of the vectors extending between the surrounding points and the target point is used to locate the target point. This method of ascertaining the position of a non-vertically accessible point is time consuming and not very efficient in that the vertical surveying pole and the associated total station must be installed at two different locations to obtain the coordinates of the two surrounding points. Moreover, it has been found that this method does not always provide accurate results.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,512,905 issued Apr. 30, 1996 to Nichols et al. discloses a vertical surveying pole which is adapted to compensate for relatively small out-of-plumb conditions of the pole during measurement taking. The vertical surveying pole is equipped with a GPS unit adapted to determine the position of a GPS antenna disposed at a predetermined distance from a target point, a tilt sensor for providing information about the degree of angular tilt of the pole, and a direction sensor for providing information about the direction of any such tilt. On the basis of the position of the GPS antenna and the information provided by the tilt and direction sensors, the position of the target point may be more accurately computed.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,509,269 issued Apr. 9, 1985 to Leitz discloses a target device for marking points on industrial objects, such as an airplane fuselage, when the sight line and the object surface to be measured form an acute angle. The Leitz's device comprises a rod having a longitudinal axis passing through a target point contained in the object surface. The rod is provided at a lower end thereof with external threads for mounting the rod at a threaded bore whose position is to be determined. Accordingly, in use the rod is normal to the object surface containing the point to be measured. The rod is provided with a pair of spaced-apart mark balls which are disposed on the longitudinal axis of the rod at known spacing from each other and from the target point whose coordinates are to be determined. The coordinates of the mark balls are determined by two spaced angle measuring instruments. Knowing the distance between the mark balls and the distance separating at least one of the mark balls from the target point, the spatial coordinates of the latter may be readily calculated.
Although the devices described in the above-mentioned Patents perform satisfactorily in many applications, it has been found that there is a need for a surveying probe which can be used for computing the position of difficult-to-reach points, especially, in situations where the surveying pole has to be inclined to access the target point with the tip end thereof.

Surveying probe and method for computing the spatial coordinates of a point


Embodiments of the present invention provide methods for forming fin structure with desired materials using a conversion process for three dimensional (3D) stacking of fin field effect transistor (FinFET) for semiconductor chips. In one embodiment, a method of forming a fin structure on a substrate includes performing an directional plasma process on a fin structure formed from a substrate comprising a first type of atoms, the directional plasma process dopes a second type of atoms on sidewalls of the fin structure, performing a surface modification process to form a surface modified layer on the sidewalls of the fin structure reacting with the first type of atoms, replacing the first type of the atoms with the second type of the atoms in the fin structure during the surface modification process, and forming the fin structure including the second type of the atoms on the substrate.

Field
Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to methods for forming fin structures with desired materials on a semiconductor substrate, and more particularly to methods for forming fin structures on a semiconductor substrate utilizing a conversion process to convert the fin structure to have a desired material fin field effect transistor (FinFET) semiconductor manufacturing applications.
Description of the Related Art
Reliably producing sub-half micron and smaller features is one of the key technology challenges for next generation very large scale integration (VLSI) and ultra large-scale integration (ULSI) of semiconductor devices. However, as the limits of circuit technology are pushed, the shrinking dimensions of VLSI and ULSI technology have placed additional demands on processing capabilities. Reliable formation of gate structures on the substrate is important to VLSI and ULSI success and to the continued effort to increase circuit density and quality of individual substrates and die.
As circuit densities increase for next generation devices, the widths of interconnects, such as vias, trenches, contacts, gate structures and other features, as well as the dielectric materials therebetween, decrease to 45 nm and 32 nm dimensions, whereas the thickness of the dielectric layers remain substantially constant, with the result of increasing the aspect ratios of the features. In order to enable fabrication of next generation devices and structures, three dimensional (3D) stacking of semiconductor chips is often utilized to improve performance of the transistors. In particular, fin field effect transistors (FinFET) are often utilized to form three dimensional (3D) stacking of semiconductor chips. By arranging transistors in three dimensions instead of conventional two dimensions, multiple transistors may be placed in the integrated circuits (ICs) very close to each other. Recently, complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) FinFET devices have been widely used in many logic and other applications and are integrated into various different types of semiconductor devices. FinFET devices typically include semiconductor fins with high aspect ratios in which the channel and source/drain regions for the transistor are formed thereover. A gate electrode is then formed over and along side of a portion of the fin devices utilizing the advantage of the increased surface area of the channel and source/drain regions to produce faster, more reliable and better-controlled semiconductor transistor devices. Further advantages of FinFETs include reducing the short channel effect and providing higher current flow.
FIG. 1A depicts an exemplary embodiment of a fin field effect transistor (FinFET) 150 disposed on a substrate 100. The substrate 100 may be a silicon substrate, a germanium substrate, or a substrate formed from other semiconductor materials. In one embodiment, the substrate 100 may include p-type or n-type dopants doped therein. The substrate 100 includes a plurality of semiconductor fins 102 formed thereon isolated by shallow trench isolation (STI) structures 104. The shallow trench isolation (STI) structures 104 may be formed by an insulating material, such as a silicon oxide material, a silicon nitride material or a silicon carbon nitride material.
The substrate 100 may include a portion in NMOS device region 101 and a portion in PMOS device region 103 as needed, and each of the semiconductor fins 102 may be sequentially and alternatively formed in the NMOS device region 101 and the PMOS device region 103 in the substrate 100. The semiconductor fins 102 are formed protruding above the top surfaces of the shallow trench isolation (STI) structures 104. Subsequently, a gate structure 106, typically including a gate electrode layer disposed on a gate dielectric layer, is deposited on both of the NMOS device region 101 and the PMOS device region 103 and over the semiconductor fins 102.
The gate structure 106 may be patterned to expose portions 148, 168 of the semiconductor fins 102, 152 uncovered by the gate structure 106. The exposed portions 148, 168 of the semiconductor fins 102 may then be doped with dopants to form lightly doped source and drain (LDD) regions using an implantation process.
FIG. 1B depicts a cross sectional view of the substrate 100 including the plurality of semiconductor fins 102 formed on the substrate 100 isolated by the shallow trench isolation (STI) structures 104. The plurality semiconductor fins 102 formed on the substrate 100 may be part of the substrate 100 extending upwards from the substrate 100 utilizing the shallow trench isolation (STI) structures 104 to isolate each of the semiconductor fins 102. In another embodiment, the semiconductor fins 102 may be individually formed structures disposed on the substrate 100 that are made from materials different than the substrate 100 using suitable techniques available in the art. In the embodiment wherein different materials of the semiconductor fins 102 are required, additional process steps may be performed to replace or alter the materials of the semiconductor fins 102 formed from the substrate 102.
Germanium containing material, such as SiGe containing material or Ge alloys, group III-V materials or other compound materials are often selected to be doped into the semiconductor fin 102 or to manufacture the structures of the semiconductor fins 102 on the substrate for different device performance requirements. In one example, SiGe or Ge dopants are often used to form the semiconductor fin 102 to improve the device performance.
However, as the designs of the three dimensional (3D) stacking of fin field effect transistor (FinFET) 150 are pushed up against the technology limits for the structure geometry, the need for accurate process control for the manufacture of semiconductor fins 102 on the substrate 100 has become increasingly important. Conventional processes for manufacturing composite materials for the semiconductor fin 102 often suffer from high cost, complicated process steps, poor dopant concentration control, poor profile control and difficult thermal budget control, thereby resulting in resulting in inaccurate semiconductor fin profile control, poor dimension control and undesired defect formation. Furthermore, conventional process for forming the semiconductor fin 102 with Ge compounds, such as Ge-on-insulator (GeOI) process, often requires multiple complicated process sequences and steps to complete the process, which may adversely cause high manufacture cost, cycle time, and high doping dose and extra long doping time.
Thus, there is a need for improved methods for forming semiconductor fin structure with different materials on a substrate with good profile and dimension control for three dimensional (3D) stacking of semiconductor chips or other semiconductor devices.

Conversion process utilized for manufacturing advanced 3D features for semiconductor device applications


A sewage by-pass drainage system for sewage pipe works comprises a submerge pump provided in a first manhole, a sewage pipe between a second manhole and a third manhole located at a downstream side of the first manhole being taken as a working zone, an upstream side stop plug being provided at an outflow side of a sewage pipe between the first manhole and the second manhole, and a downstream side stop plug being provided at an inflow side of a sewage pipe opening to the third manhole, a suction pipe of a suction drainage apparatus provided on the ground being projected into an upstream side of the upstream side stop plug, a discharge pipe of the suction drainage apparatus being projected into a downstream side of the downstream side stop plug, and a discharge pipe of the submerge pump being arranged to the downstream side of the downstream side stop plug. By this, a sewage or the like can be drained even from the deeply buried sewage pipe so that an odor may not leak above the ground.

Within a sewage pipe buried under the ground, sediment, sludge and foreign matter may be accumulated by use for a long period. Therefore, it becomes necessary to remove the accumulated sediment, sludge and foreign matter and clean the sewage pipe.
Further, since the sewage pipe buried under the ground may be deteriorated as time goes, clacks and failures of joint portions and so forth can be caused. Particularly, when the sewage pipe is Hume pipe, a hole can be formed by corrosion. Accordingly, it becomes necessary to perform an inspection of the inside of the sewage pipe and to regularly perform a maintenance and an exchange.
As set forth above, upon performing a working of cleaning, inspection, maintenance, exchange and so forth of the sewage pipe, it has to be necessary to interrupt use of the sewage system during a working period since an equipment has to be inserted within the sewage pipe in the working zone or a worker has to enter the sewage pipe for working.
As a solution for the foregoing problem, a sewage by-pass drainage system for sewage pipe works disclosed in Japanese Examined Utility Model Publication (Kokoku) No. Heisei 6-13890, for example, has been known.
As shown in FIG. 5, the foregoing sewage by-pass drainage system for sewage pipe works 1 defines a working zone for a portion 1a between a first manhole 2 and a second manhole 3 of the sewage pipe 1, and provides stop plugs 4 at a portion 1b of upstream side and a portion 1c of downstream side of the sewage pipe 1a as the working zone so that the sewage or so forth may not flow in the sewage pipe 1a of the working zone.
Then, a suction pipe 6 of the pump 5 arranged on the ground is arranged at the portion 1b of the upstream side and a discharge pipe 7 of the pump 5 is arranged at the portion 1c of the downstream side so that the sewage or so forth at the upstream side of the working zone flows to the downstream side by-passing the working zone.
By the sewage by-pass drainage system for sewage pipe works as set forth above, the sewage or so forth may not flow through the sewage pipe of the working zone while the sewage system is used. Therefore, a working of cleaning, inspection, maintenance, exchange or so forth of the sewage pipe of the working zone, can be done with using the sewage system.
However, in the sewage by-pass drainage system for sewage pipe works as set forth above, by means of the pump 5 installed on the ground, the sewage or so forth within the sewage pipe is sucked. Since a pump head H required for the pump 5 is large, the sewage in the sewage pipe cannot be sucked sufficiently.
Particularly, since the burying depth of the main pipe of the sewage pipe is deep, the pump head required for the pump 5 is significantly large to make it impossible to suck the sewage or so forth in the sewage pipe.
Further, a screen 8 is provided on the ground so as to avoid a penetration of foreign matter in the sewage or so forth into the pump. Since such screen 8 tends to be stuffed, it has to be regularly cleaned and exchanged. However, on the ground, upon cleaning and exchanging of the screen 8, the sewage or so forth can flow out to cause a leakage of odor to the environment to be undesirable in view point of the environment protection.
Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a sewage by-pass drainage system for sewage pipe works so that sewage or so forth can be drained even for the deeply buried sewage pipe and an odor may not leak on the ground.

Circulating drainage system for sewage pipe installation work


Laminated stator and rotor components for a magnetic thrust bearing each include a plurality of generally radially directed laminations (10) whose roots lie along the axis of rotation of a shaft located by the bearing and whose distal portions are progressively twisted relative to the axis such that the width of any lamination (t, t') at any given radial distance from the root corresponds to at least the circumferential separation between adjacent laminations at that distance.

It is well-known to support a rotatable shaft by means of a magnetic bearing. It is also known to control the axial displacement of such a shaft by means of a magnetic thrust bearing, as opposed to a conventional thrust race. A magnetic thrust bearing comprises a rotor mounted on the rotable shaft whose axial displacement is to be regulated and at least one fixed stator element mounted to associated hardware. The stator element has associated with it the energising windings whereby the position controlling force is generated, and regulated, typically under the control of electronic sensing/positioning circuitry. It is usual to manufacture the rotor component from solid, iron-based alloys and the same material may be used for the stator element or elements. This is acceptable where the thrust load is fairly static and the rate of change of flux is not a significant factor.
However, where there are dynamic load changes accompanied by a high rate of change of flux, solid magnetic components are undesirable because of the eddy currents developed. These result in high power loss and very significant heating of the bearing components. Accordingly, a laminated construction is preferred for such applications, but if such a construction is to be effective, simple radially-directed laminations are unsatisfactory because of the reduction in magnetic surface area in the progressively radially outward direction. It will be noted that a typical lamination thickness is on the order of 0.1 to 0.25 mm. Wedge shape laminations are not a satisfactory solution, because of this fact. One proposed solution is to increase the diameter of the co-operating components, though this does not really address the further problem which arises when the respective rotor and stator laminations do not actually align with one another at their outer periphery. Where there is no alignment, there will be a high reluctance; where there is alignment, there will be a low reluctance. The overall effect is one of rapid changes leading to higher winding losses and to the generation of high frequency transients in the windings.
It is an object of this invention to minimise these problems.

Magnetic bearings with twisted laminations


Provided is a laser module wherein any defective laser device can be isolated by performing burn-in on laser devices mounted on a mounting substrate. The laser module includes laser devices that emit laser light, a driver IC for driving the laser devices, a mounting substrate on which the laser devices and the driver IC are mounted, a common electrode terminal to which a common electrode of the laser devices is connected, individual electrode terminals to which individual electrodes of the laser devices are respectively connected, driver terminals to which the driver IC is connected, and test terminals which are respectively connected to the common electrode terminal and the individual electrode terminals, and to which an external power supply is to be connected when performing burn-in of the laser devices, wherein the number of the laser devices and the number of the test terminals are each larger than the number of the driver terminals.

Laser modules used as light sources in applications such as projectors that project multicolor images, for example, incorporate laser light sources of three colors, red, green, and blue (RGB). Among others, in volumetric displays or the like that project stereoscopic images, a plurality of LD (Laser Diode) devices of the same wavelength must be provided in order to project (spatially multiplex) images at different depth positions for each color. In such applications, therefore, a laser module having multiple LD arrays, one for each wavelength, is used as the light source device.
Since a batch of LD devices produced as laser light sources generally contains a certain percentage of defectives, a burn-in test for sorting out early defectives by measuring various characteristics while driving the LD devices in a high-temperature environment is conducted at the time the laser module containing the LD devices is fabricated.
Patent document 1 discloses a burn-in apparatus for performing the burn-in of integrated semiconductor laser devices. The burn-in apparatus includes a thermostatic chamber capable of accommodating a plurality of integrated semiconductor laser devices, photodiodes each for receiving light emitted from a corresponding one of semiconductor lasers, laser connecting lines each connected to the p-side electrode of each individual one of the semiconductor lasers, a multichannel selector for selecting lines that supply current from among the laser connecting lines, PD connecting lines each connected to each individual one of the photodiodes, a multichannel power supply for supplying current to the laser connecting lines selected by the multichannel selector, and a temperature controller for controlling the temperature of the thermostatic chamber.
Patent documents 2 and 3 each disclose an array-type laser module for optical communications which is constructed by arranging LD arrays, arrayed optical waveguides, optical fiber arrays, etc., on a substrate. In the case of laser modules for optical communications, LD devices of different wavelengths are configured into arrays in order to perform wavelength multiplexing. In such optical communications laser modules, if even one of the LD devices is rendered defective, the whole module will be rendered defective because the wavelength corresponding to that LD device cannot be obtained. In view of this, in order to increase the percentage of non-defective laser modules, it is known to design the LD array with redundancy by accounting for the production yield, so that non-defective devices are selected from the LD array and only the selected devices are optically coupled to an optical fiber array (for example, refer to patent documents 4 and 5).
Patent document 4 discloses an optical array link module which includes an LD array constructed by arraying a plurality of LDs the number of which is made larger than the required number of channels by accounting for a certain percentage of defectives, an optical fiber arrayed cable constructed by arraying optical fibers one for each LD, and a lens array constructed by arraying lenses one for each LD and interposed between the LD array and the optical fiber arrayed cable so as to optically couple the LD array to the optical fiber arrayed cable in a desired manner. In this module, any optical fiber corresponding to a defective LD in the LD array is cut to isolate the defective, and the optical fibers equal in number to the desired number of channels are used as working fibers.

Laser module, light source device, and method for fabricating laser module


A composition including a purified lipid cell-wall component or analog or derivative thereof and a suitable pharmaceutical carrier, medium, excipient or adjuvant is described. The composition is useful in prophylactic and therapeutic methods of treating a microbial infection in a subject, typically a mycobacterial infection such as tuberculosis, and immune disorders, inflammatory conditions and allergies in a subject, typically autoimmune diseases. It is also useful in diagnostic methods. The purified lipid cell-wall component is typically a purified mycolic acid or a mixture of purified mycolic acids from a bacterium which produces mycolic acids. The bacterium is from Mycobacterium, Corynebacterium, Nicardia or Rhodococcus.

This invention relates to a composition comprising a purified mycobacterial lipid cell-wall component or analog or derivative thereof and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient, medium, carrier or adjuvant and the use of the purified mycobacterial lipid cell-wall component or analog or derivative thereof and the composition containing it in the prevention, treatment and diagnosis of disease.
It has been known for a long time that BCG*) vaccination leads to the induction of a positive tuberculin skin test, resulting in delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH). This delayed hypersensitivity in turn has been considered to be indicative of the successful induction of protective immunity against tuberculosis and has led to the almost world-wide BCG immunization in the 1950s-1970s. This convenient test is in fact the only immunological criterion/parameter on which epidemiological assessments of the effectiveness of the immunization have been based.
*) BCG: (Bacillus of Calmette and Guerin) Calmette and Guerin attentuated a strain of M. bovis by passaging it 231 times over a period of 13 years through a medium containing glycerine and ox-bile.
This view is no longer generally accepted and many immunologists are of the opinion that                i) the induction of DTH is not directly related to the degree of protective immunity;        ii) the protective efficacy obtained in vaccination with BCG varies between 0 to 80% (Snider, 1994)and in addition        iii) BCG vaccination has detrimental side-effects being partially responsible for tissue destruction in patients, without offering sufficient protection (Fine, 1994).
The unsatisfactory results observed and reported in a number of countries with the BCG vaccine currently used for the prevention of the spread of tuberculosis (Dolin, Raviglione and Koch, 1994; Snider, 1994) could be explained by:                i) variations between BCG vaccines, which could be caused by strain variation or by differences between manufacturing processes;        ii) differences in pathogenesis of Mycobacterium tuberculosis;         iii) differences in the exposure to the environmental mycobacteria. The environmental mycobacteria may act antagonistically or synergistically with BCG;        iv) genetic differences between population groups subjected to vaccination with BCG;        v) differences in nutrition and exposure to sunlight between various population groups;        vi) differences between designs of various studies;        vii) inadequacies of the criteria used for the evaluation of protective effects of vaccination with BCG.
Efforts directed at finding an effective vaccine capable of inducing long-lasting immunity have centered over the last decade on three main approaches:                i) identifying "protective" antigens and epitopes of M. tuberculosis presented by macrophages and recognized by human lymphocytes;        ii) developing a DNA-based vaccine with protective antigen and interleukin genes (Lowrie et al., 1994);        iii) identifying which types of cells of the immune system and which types of cytokines are involved in tuberculosis in order to manipulate their activity towards offering a cure or protection against tuberculosis.

Composition comprising a carrier and a purified mycobacterial lipid cell-wall component and its use in the treatment and diagnosis of disease


A method of treating livestock animal feed grains by the addition thereto of a sarsasaponin as a wetting agent in conjunction with the mechanical processing to which feed grains are subjected. A preferred sarasasaponin is that extracted from the Yucca plant. Preferably the sarsasaponin is applied from a liquid medium. The sarsasaponin facilitates moisture uptake by the grain, making it more stable, more palatable and more digestible. When fed to livestock, faster weight gains are obtained with less feed. The wetting agent is desirably added to the grain prior to processing by grinding or rolling and steam flaking.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention is directed to a method for tempering feed grains for livestock animals in association with other processing, or for both tempering and adding digestive benefits to the grain. More specifically, the invention is directed to a method for processing feed grains by the addition as wetting agents of sarsasaponins extracted from Yucca plants.
Animal scientists and cattle feeders have evolved numerous grain processing methods in an attempt to optimize the efficiency of animal growth per unit of grain fed. Some of the methods employed in processing feed grains are grinding, rolling, reconstituting, and steam flaking. Water is often added as a tempering agent before or during the processing by direct liquid application and/or as steam. Processing is disruptive to the grain kernel organization. Grinding and rolling reduce the particle size of the grain kernels. Steam flaking, micronizing (dry heating) and reconstitution disrupt the microscopic integrity of the kernel structure. Animals masticate grain kernels mixing the feed with saliva as they do so. Digestion of the feed takes place at the sub-microscopic level and involves the biochemical breaking of molecular structures. Macroscopic and microscopic disruption of the kernel, along with wetting, are predigestive steps which can be achieved by the mechanical and physical processing techniques already described. By achieving the predigestive disruption prior to feeding the feedstuffs, the amount of feed required to produce a unit of animal body tissue is reduced. Feed efficiency is increased.
Feed processing is an added cost to the feedstuff due to the cost of energy expended, equipment maintenance, person hours, etc. Processing is economically feasible only when the increased cost of the feedstuff is more than offset by the reduced pounds of the feedstuff required to yield a pound of animal weight gain. Energy requirements of processing contributes much of the added cost. Steam flaking represents one of the most costly processing methods employed on a large scale in beef cattle feeding operations. Steam flaking also effects the largest increase in feed efficiency. The quantity of steam injected into the feed is minimized and the through-put (tons per hour) is maximized to hold down the added cost. Wetting agents are used to facilitate the absorption of moisture into the grain. A flaking aid, such as a wetting agent, is employed by a large majority of feedlots.
Saponins in general and sarsasaponins, and their sapogenin and sarsasapogenin derivatives, are well known substances (The Merck Index, Tenth Edition, Monographs Nos. 4509, 8215, 8218, 8228 and 8393). Saponins are known to be wetting agents. They have not been employed as flaking aids or otherwise in the treatment of grain for processing. Sarsasaponins are a special class of saponins. The sarsasaponins contain a steroid whereas other saponins do not. The steroid portion of saponins (sapogenins) are not wetting agents. Steroids are fat soluble, making them ideally suited for promoting moisture penetration of oil containing feed grains, most of which are protected by a wax-like coating. Steroids (sapogenins) are not readily soluble in water. Saponins are polar, readily water soluble, and reduce the surface tension of water and exhibit the classic characteristics of wetting agents.
Sarsasaponins are known to enhance gain and feed efficiency when incorporated into the rations of feedlot cattle. It is one objective of this invention to utilize the wetting properties of the sarsasaponins extracted from the plants of the family: Lillaecae, genus: Yucca to increase the rate of moisture uptake by feed grains prior to and during processing. It is a further objective of this invention to introduce sarsasponins into the ratios without destruction of their chemical characteristics, thus leaving them intact in the diet where they may serve as feed and gain enhancers. The increase in feed efficiency due to the addition of sarsasaponins during processing of the feed grain is at least as great as that which has been demonstrated when they are introduced into the ruminant diet by inclusion in protein supplements.
2. The Prior Art
Hale et al (Proc. Soc. Exp. Biol. Med. 106:486, 1961) have demonstrated that the steroid portions (sapogenins) of some of the sarsasaponins improve gain and feed efficiency when included in the diets of ruminant animals.
McKeen et al (Pfizer U.S. Pat. No. 3,144,337) disclose among others that sarsasapogenin, in the form of its glycoside sarsasaponin, may be admixed with a component (grain) of an animal's feed in amount from 0.1 to 24 grams per ton of feed to promote animal growth. However, use of saponins is discouraged because of possible toxicity of saponins. Use of sapogenins is advised. Sapogenins are not readily soluble in water and are not wetting agents. Accordingly, McKeen et al do not and cannot rely on the non-existent wetting agent property of their sapogenins in achieving their claimed stimulated animal growth. Since they advise against use of saponins, there is no accidental or inherent use of the wetting agent property of sarsasaponin. The biological activity of the sapogenins is not a function of a wetting agent.