An apparatus configured to perform or control obtaining or causing obtaining an image of at least a part of a surface of a document. The apparatus deriving or causing the derivation of a representation of the at least a part of the surface from the image. The representation comprising a set of values respectively representing a corresponding set of height levels. The apparatus generates or causes the generating of a string of characters based on the representation of the part of the surface. The string of characters comprising a first portion representative of the set of height levels of the corresponding sections of the part of the surface and a second portion generated based on a function of the representation and/or of the first portion of the string of characters. The apparatus associates or causes the associating of information representing the string of characters with identification information of the document.

Illegal manufacture of counterfeit official documents may impose a considerable security risk in particular in case of counterfeit identification documents. For example, use of a counterfeit passport may enable a criminal to cross national borders without being recognized by border police. Further, problems may also arise when relevant certificates such as certificates of schools or universities are counterfeited and used in criminal intend.

Validation method and apparatus for identification documents


A caller ID device includes a switch and a control circuit in communication with the switch, wherein the control circuit includes a memory, the memory having a table of blocked calls, and wherein each of the blocked calls is identified as a blocked call in response to a user activating the switch.

Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to telephones and more particularly to call blocking using, e.g., a caller ID device.
Caller Identification (hereinafter "caller ID") is a feature provided by local phone companies that sends information from the telephone network to a telephone device between the first and second rings. The information that is sent varies and generally includes the calling telephone number and the name of the caller. This information is sent via the telephone line in a digital data packet that is usually Frequency Shift Keyed (hereinafter "FSK") modulated. At the receiving telephone device the subscriber must be signed up for the caller ID service and must have a caller ID data receiver, i.e., a caller ID unit, connected to the telephone line in order to receive the digital data packet containing the caller ID information for the calling telephone device. The data receiver receives the FSK modulated digital data packet and provides a visual display of the information. In operation, the caller ID unit receives the FSK modulated digital data packet, demodulates it and converts the information into a stream of text characters that is then displayed, for example, on a liquid crystal display (LCD) provided either on the caller ID unit or which is integral to the telephone device itself. As discussed before, for an incoming call, the caller ID information that is displayed at the receiving side can include the name and number of the calling party among other types of information. The central office must have "caller ID capability" and the service must be enabled within the central office of the local telephone exchange. If, however, the central office does not have caller ID capability, the called party will receive a variety of messages including, for example, "out of area."
Among the information that is displayed on the caller ID unit is the originating telephone number and the name listed in the directory under that number. In other words, the name that is displayed is the name that the telephone company has entered into a database and believes to be that of its customer. The number in the local central office database also aids another database lookup and thus associates the name in the directory with the number from where the call originates. The calling party's name and number information is transmitted through the central office and the telecommunication network and ultimately is displayed at the caller ID unit or on the telephone device itself. As discussed hereinbefore, such caller ID information is generally transmitted and displayed between the first and second rings. For caller ID to work properly in a telecommunication environment, the telecommunication network switches must be supported by Common Channel Signaling (CCS) and the party initiating the call must originate it from a single-channel line, a multi-channel trunk line with ANI/Calling Party ID. Further, if the originating line or caller blocks the transmission of the caller ID information, the receiving party will not be able to view the information or the receiving device will display, for example, "ANONYMOUS," "NOT AVAILABLE" or "PRIVATE CALLER."


A modular bridge section including one or more box girders, wherein at least one box girder 1, 1' is equipped with at least one lower chord structure 5, 5', which is mounted floatingly at or in the box girder 1, 1' in the loaded state only between the end stops 6, 6', 6", 6'", which are arranged in the vicinity of the coupling elements 7, 7, 7", 7'".

A bridge section with one detachable lower chord structure each in the area of a side wall of a box girder has been known from WO 93/21390. The arrangement is designed in this way in order for the lower chord structure to be able to be detached in a simple manner from the box girder by pulling out laterally the short horizontal connecting pin.
It is disadvantageous that the lower chord structure is subject not only to tension, but also to bending. In addition, the connecting pins of the lower chord structure are subject to both horizontal and vertical forces. The horizontal forces are generated from the tensile forces, which are introduced into the coupling elements. The vertical forces are generated from the difference in height between the connections at the box girder and the positions of the coupling holes. These vertical forces are superimposed by transverse forces arising from the load on the bridge.
In addition, it must be pointed out that this bridge section has a detachable lower chord structure for a bridge on two supports and also an integrated lower chord structure. When this bridge section is used for a floating bridges, the first-named lower chord structure shall be removed in order to reduce the redundant weight.


A decorated tab for a beverage container has a lift end, a nose end, and central webbing. An enclosed portion of the central webbing has a coating. A symbol is located on the enclosed region which is created by selective removal of the coating by a laser ablation. The symbol has a boundary profile defining a perimeter of the symbol generated by a continuous, uninterrupted vectorized laser dot pattern defining regions of ablated coating. The symbol has an interior portion generated by a plurality of pulsed rasterized laser dots defining further regions of ablated coating.

Typical end closures for beer and beverage containers have an opening panel and an attached leverage tab for pushing the opening panel into the container to open the end. The container is typically a drawn and ironed metal can, usually constructed from a thin plate of aluminum or steel. End closures for such containers are also typically constructed from a cutedge of thin plate of aluminum, formed into a blank end, and manufactured into a finished end by a process often referred to as end conversion. These ends are formed in the process of first forming a cutedge of thin metal, forming a blank end from the cutedge, and converting the blank into an end closure which may be seamed onto a container.
These types of container ends have been used for many years, with almost all such ends in use today being the "ecology" or "stay-on-tab" ("SOT") ends in which the tab remains attached to the end after a tear panel, including large-opening ends ("LOE"), is opened. The tear panel being a portion of the can end defined by a score length. The tear panel may be opened, that is the score may be severed, and the tear panel displaced at an angular orientation relative to the remaining portion of the can end. The tear panel remains hingeably connected to the remaining portion of the can end by a hinge segment, leaving an opening through which the user draws the contents of the container. In an LOE, the opening is at least 0.5 square inches in area.
Opening of the tear panel is operated by the tab which is attached to the can end by a rivet. The tab is attached to the can end such that a nose of the tab extends over a proximal portion of the tear panel. A lift end of the tab is located opposite the tab nose and provides access for a user to lift the lift end, such as with the user's finger, to force the nose against the proximal portion of the tear panel.
When the tab nose is forced against the tear panel, the score initially ruptures at a vent region of the score. This initial rupture of the score is primarily caused by the lifting force on the tab resulting in lifting of a central region of the can end, immediately adjacent the rivet. As the tab is lifted further, the score rupture propagates along the length of the score, eventually stopping at the hinge segment.
Tabs are often also used to convey information to users. This information may be in the form of promotional materials, logos, or the like. Methods such as printing, incising, laser ablation, stamping, etc. have been employed to provide information on the tabs. To date, none of these methods has been widely accepted.
However, laser marking to selectively remove coatings on the tab is becoming increasingly popular. This type of laser marking is particularly popular in branding or creating brand awareness. Here, a beverage company's trademark is laser marked on an enclosed portion of a central webbing of the tab, typically by selectively removing an epoxy coating on the tab.
One problem to overcome in successfully implementing a laser marking system of this type is the very small amount of time, called a dwell time, allowed for the marking. Dwell times are generally less than 100 milliseconds, typically less than 50 milliseconds, and more specifically about 40 milliseconds. The logo, trademark, or symbol must be marked by the laser on the tab during the dwell time and not exceed the dwell time. To produce the symbol within the dwell time, manufacturers use a raster technique with their laser equipment. This presents a second problem, namely resolution or quality of the resulting image.
It is important to any trademark owner that its mark be used properly and reproduced faithfully. Companies expend vast resources on branding and proper trademark usage. Quality variables such as location, resolution, contrast, etc. are closely monitored and adherence to the trademark owners' quality standards is of the utmost importance.
Often times, the trademark usage standards conflict with the necessity to reproduce the trademark during the dwell time.
Many publications are devoted to reproducing symbols and the like on beverage containers. These include: U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2011/0084051, U.S. Pat. No. 6,080,958, U.S. Pat. No. 6,706,995, U.S. Pat. No. 6,433,302, U.S. Pat. No. 6,498,318, U.S. Pat. No. 6,501,046, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2005/0045637, U.S. Pat. No. 6,808,351, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2003/0178397, U.S. Pat. No. 6,476,349, U.S. Pat. No. 6,479,787, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2006/0151501, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2010/0193519, U.S. Pat. No. 6,926,487, U.S. Pat. No. 5,855,969, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2011/0226636, U.S. Pat. No. 6,872,913, International Publication No. WO 98/10945, International Publication No. WO 01/51295, International Publication No. WO 2007/007102, and European Patent Publication No. EP 1218248. Co-pending and commonly assigned U.S. application Ser. Nos. 12/363,696 and 12/727,873 and International Patent Application No. PCT/US2011/027942 describe methods of decorating and/or strengthening can end tabs. None of these references adequately addresses the problems set forth above.
Accordingly, the present invention is provided to solve the problems discussed above and other problems, and to provide advantages and aspects not provided by prior laser etched tabs of this type. A full discussion of the features and advantages of the present invention is deferred to the following detailed description, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings.


The present invention relates to an automatic fodder supplying apparatus for supplying fodder and water to various animals at home, a cage, and a laboratory, in particular to an automatic fodder supplying apparatus which is capable of supplying consecutively and smoothly a certain amount of fodder according to the kind or condition of the animal in accordance with an interval set with a timer in everyday or long time absence or trip, manufacturing easily, and using conveniently and stably for a long time. The automatic fodder supplying apparatus in accordance with the present invention comprises a fodder supply box including a supply unit containing the fodder, a rotary barrel installed inside of the fodder supply box so as to be rotational and including a receiving groove inside, a shaft combined to the rotary barrel to the axial direction, a decelaration motor combined to the shaft, and a rotation detector including a micro switch fixedly combined to the side walls of the fodder supply box and an operator fixedly combined to the shaft.

The present invention relates to an automatic fodder supplying apparatus, in particular to an automatic fodder supplying apparatus which is capable of supplying a certain amount of fodder periodically in accordance with a preset interval.
Generally, in breeding various animals including pets such as a dog, fodder is manually provided to the pets as occasion demands, however it is troublesome for a breeder to supply manually the fodder to the pet, especially when the breeder goes out for a long time, it is impossible to supply the fodder to the pet. Accordingly, in order to solve the inefficiency, an automatic fodder supplying apparatus for supplying automatically the fodder and water has been developed and used.
In the conventional automatic fodder supplying apparatus, a feed screw is installed on the lower portion of a fodder supply box, and the fodder is automatically discharged into the fodder supply box under the influence of gravity by rotating and reverse-rotating periodically the feed screw by using rotating force of a deceleration motor in accordance with the control of a control unit.
However, in supply of the fodder having various shapes, sizes, mass per element such as a powder shape, a granule shape, a cookie shape, a bone shape separately or so as to be mixed, the fodder can be crushed and its shape might have been damaged due to the rotation of the feed screw, when the bone shape fodder is caught between the outer circumference and inner circumference of the screw, it interrupts the rotation of the screw, even more the apparatus might be broken.
Accordingly, in order to solve the above- mentioned problems the object of the present invention is to provide an automatic fodder supplying apparatus for supplying fodder and water to various animals at home, a cage, and a laboratory which is capable of supplying consecutively and smoothly a certain amount of fodder according to the kind or condition of the animal in accordance with an interval set with a timer in everyday or long time absence or trip, manufacturing easily, and using conveniently and stably for a long time.
In order to achieve the above-mentioned objects, the automatic fodder supplying apparatus in accordance with the present invention comprises a fodder supply box including a supply unit containing the fodder, a rotary barrel installed inside of the fodder supply box so as to be rotational and including a receiving groove inside, a shaft combined to the rotary barrel to the axial direction, a deceleration motor combined to the shaft, and a rotation detection means including a micro switch fixedly combined to the side wall of the fodder supply box and an operator fixedly combined to the shaft.

Sindonga Apt. 2-501, 1333, Seocho-Dong, Seocho-ku


A method and device for determining a flow situation in a vessel are disclosed. According to an embodiment of the method, a first image data set containing image information relating to the vessel is used and a vascular tree of the vessel is segmented based upon the first image data set. An organ is also segmented based upon the first image data set or of a second image data set and the organ is assigned at least one area of a parenchyma of the organ. Via texture analysis, a texture of the area of the organ is determined and, depending on the texture, the area of the organ is assigned a flow characteristic. Depending on the vascular tree and the flow characteristic assigned to the area of the organ, a value of a measured variable characteristic of the flow situation within the vessel is then determined via a numerical method.

A flow situation is usually described by different characteristic quantities (parameters) which can be determined for the fluid that is flowing. These characteristic quantities describe in particular the flow resistance within a vessel, the pressure of the fluid (in particular at a specific location in the vessel), a flow rate (also termed volume flow) and/or a flow velocity. In the medical field, determining the flow situation in a blood vessel is often extremely important.
High intravascular pressure, in particular high blood pressure (also known as hypertension), may also be caused by temporary states (e.g. an illness or overexertion) and only be present for a comparatively short time. However, if the high intravascular pressure persists (e.g. in the case of chronic illnesses and/or tissue changes), this can result in damage to the vascular system and/or the heart itself.
To determine in particular a patient's overall blood pressure—more specifically the actual value of the intravascular pressure—the Riva-Rocci method of blood pressure measurement is available as a standard, in particular non-invasive procedure. Here the systolic and diastolic blood pressure value is normally determined on a brachial artery by use of a cuff and stethoscope. The blood pressure determined in this way is usually also termed arterial blood pressure.
However, for many diseases an increased intravascular pressure may only be present locally in regions of the body that are not accessible to the above described blood pressure measurement. Examples of this are so-called pulmonary hypertension (i.e. high blood pressure in the pulmonary circulation) and so-called portal hypertension (i.e. high blood pressure in the portal vein, in particular the portal vein of the liver). Both of these states can be life-threatening for the patient.
In the case of pulmonary hypertension, the flow resistance of the blood vessels of the lung is regularly high e.g. because of changes in the lung tissue, in particular the alveoli. This can result in overloading of the right ventricle of the heart which in the long term may also lead to death. Where applicable, blood clots or the like which increase the flow resistance, for example, can be surgically removed for treatment. Portal hypertension is mainly caused by a change in liver tissue, e.g. cirrhosis. As the body's natural "reaction" to this, blood is partially "diverted" via other vessels (e.g. via the venous system of the esophagus), but this can cause varicose veins to form there which increase the risk of life-threatening (internal) bleeding. Treatment typically involves inserting a so-called portosystemic shunt (a kind of "short circuit") by which blood can be made to bypass the liver and flow into the vena cava.
However, in addition to the above described causes of hypertension, or more specifically for an increased flow resistance within the vessel (e.g. because of liver cirrhosis, pulmonary emphysema, fibrosis of the lung, etc.), that are to be found in the region of the capillaries of the associated vessel (i.e. in particular within the tissue region of the respective organ), in both of the cases described above the increased flow resistance may also be caused by factors within the comparatively larger vessels (e.g. portal vein thrombosis, chronic thromboembolic hypertension, a Budd-Chiari syndrome or similar).
In order to determine the pressure in such regions of the body, specifically vessels, that are inaccessible from outside the body, it is currently generally necessary to employ invasive methods. For example, a catheter is inserted into the vessel in which the intravascular pressure is to be determined. Such a catheter carries a pressure sensor and can therefore in particular directly measure the intravascular pressure locally.
Alternatively, pressure can also be applied to the relevant vessel from outside the vessel via a probe introduce sufficiently close to the vessel—e.g. using a gastroscope-thus enabling the intravascular pressure to be determined locally. However, it is generally recognized that this invariably requires a surgical procedure, which may be undesirable in many cases.

Method and device for determining a flow situation in a vessel


A circuit is provided to convert an analog signal into a pulse signal, and simultaneously compress the analog signal. The input analog signal buffered by a sample-and-hold circuit is supplied to a chain of amplifier stages having equal gains greater than 1. A set of comparators compares the output signal of each amplifier stage with a reference value. As soon as the output of any amplifier stage exceeds the reference value, a logical summing device coupled to the comparators causes a pulse signal produced by the conversion circuit to become active. A clock signal controls the sample-and-hold circuit to produce a zero level sample-and-hold signal that causes the pulse signal to become inactive. As the amplifier chain is arranged so as to increase its total gain for a lower level of the input analog signal with respect to its total gain for a higher level of the input analog signal, the conversion circuit compresses the input analog signal simultaneously with its conversion into the pulse signal.

For such applications as communication equipment, and electronic instruments, input signals are usually presented as analog waveforms. However, in systems based on pulse circuits, such as pulse analyzers, pulse communication systems or pulse-code modulation TV systems, input analog signals must be converted into pulse signals to allow complex signal analysis and processing to be carried out. To prevent weak signal components from being lost in background, and strong signal components from overloading the signal processing system, an analog signal may be compressed before its conversion into a pulse signal.
Various compression schemes have been developed to compress an analog signal before its conversion. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,023,490 to Gittinger of Jun. 11, 1991 discloses a circuit for performing a monotonic compression function over an AC signal before supplying the AC signal to a high-frequency analog-to-digital converter. The compression circuit comprises multiple limiter stages, each of which contains a wide-band cascode amplifier and current-mirror devices. Thus, the prior art arrangement requires separate circuits for carrying out analog signal compression and conversion procedures.
To reduce the number of components required to perform analog signal compression and conversion, it would be desirable to provide a single circuit that combines the conversion of an analog signal into a pulse signal with the compression of the analog signal.
Also, to increase the operating speed of a signal processing system, it would be desirable to provide a circuit that carries out the conversion of an analog signal into a pulse signal and the compression of the analog signal in a single step.

Method and apparatus for converting analog signals into pulse signals with simultaneous analog signal compression


Examples described herein include electronic devices which may serve as hemochromatic analyzers, leveraging sensors and computation available on the electronic devices themselves, such as smartphones and smartwatches. In this manner, minor to no hardware modification may be required to a mobile phone or other electronic device to allow the device to predict hemoglobin levels.

Hemoglobin generally refers to the protein molecule in the blood that carries oxygen throughout the body. A measure of hemoglobin may be considered a representation of the oxygen carrying capacity of a patient's blood. This may be distinct from oxygen saturation, which generally measures the oxygen carrying efficiency of the blood. A total hemoglobin (tHb) level refers to the concentration of hemoglobin g/dL in the blood. Low levels of hemoglobin are indicative of various health aspects such as low blood production, excessive bleeding, and/or malnutrition. Currently, the accepted clinical standard for measuring hemoglobin level is to perform laboratory tests requiring a blood draw. Point of care systems provide an option for performing the tests without a laboratory, one such being the Quest HemoCue. These tests however still require a prick of the finger to provide the blood needed for a chemical analysis.
Optical solutions using wavelengths of Red and IR light can be used to detect total hemoglobin levels. Existing optical solutions rely on a method called hemochromatic analysis, which is an analysis of the coloration of the blood.

Devices and methods for predicting hemoglobin levels using electronic devices such as mobile phones


A mounting system for an electronic device provides wireless power and wireless communications to the electronic device. The mounting system includes a transmitter coil arranged on a vehicle component, and an adaptor that selectively attaches to the vehicle component and includes a receiver coil. The coils are inductively coupled when they are within a predetermined distance from each other, whereby the receiver coil wireless receives communication signals and electrical power transmitted from the transmitter coil. The electronic device is mounted on the adaptor, and thus mounted on the vehicle component. The electronic device is electrically connected to the receiver coil, and thus receives the electrical power and communication signals from the receiver coil.

For personal electronic devices, vehicles include various mechanisms for mounting the devices inside the vehicle, powering the devices while they are inside the vehicle, and providing a communication channel between a vehicle system and the devices while they are inside the vehicle.
These various mounting structures include a stationary connector that allows the electronic device to be mounted at a designated location in the vehicle. A separate power outlet is provided, sometimes near the stationary connector, to which the device is connected so that it receives power from the vehicle. Communication between a vehicle communication system and the device may be established through the power outlet, which may include an integral communication line, or wirelessly through a separate and distinct wireless communication means, such as Bluetooth®.
Autonomous vehicles, including ride sharing vehicles, can allow for passengers to sit anywhere within the vehicle, instead of in designated spots such as in a driver's seat or passenger's seat. Such autonomous vehicles may have non-conventional seating arrangements, and thus may not have customary structures ordinarily dedicated for mounting and powering personal electronic devices. Furthermore, communication between a vehicle system and multiple such devices may not be practical because multiple devices cannot at the same time be paired to, recognized by, or distinguished by the communication system of the vehicle. As such, there is a need for improvements in the mounting of, powering of, and communication with such devices.

Sealed device mounting structure with power and communication


An ink jet recording paper having a support provided on at least one surface with a pigment-containing coating in accordance with a cast coating method, with said pigment comprising at least 50 weight percent of a calcium carbonate-compounded silica, whereby achieving excellent ink absorption, smoothness, gloss and water resistance together with an excellent dot density, sharpness and roundness to ensure recording of high quality, high contrast full color images.

Ink jet recording is an image recording technique wherein small ink droplets are expelled and made to adhere to a recording paper so as to form dots. In ink jet recording there is little noise, full color images are easily obtained, and as no developing or fixing is required, recordings can be made at high speed. In recent years, the technique has been attracting considerable attention due to its ability to make perfect copies of color images displayed on a cathode ray tube or other device, or of diagrams and color originals (i.e. its ability to produce hard copies), and it is therefore rapidly coming into general use. In line with the diversification of needs, however, there has been a notable increase in the demand for larger image sizes, higher speeds and higher definition of the recorded image.
From the viewpoint of the aforesaid needs, an ink jet recording paper (referred to hereafter simply as recording paper) is required to have the following properties.
(1) Ink adhering to the recording paper is absorbed without running, and absorbed ink does not smudge.
(2) Ink dots formed on the paper have high contrast, and a bright color tone.
(3) Ink dots are suitably distributed in the direction of the paper surface, the dots being almost round with sharp edges.
(4) The paper has excellent smoothness and gloss so that clear, bright recorded images are obtained.
(5) Recorded images are water-resistant (i.e. if the recorded image on the paper surface gets wet, the ink dots forming the image do not smudge and their color does not run).
To resolve the aforesaid problem (1), non-colloidal silica powders having high ink absorption were incorporated in the coating on the paper (e.g. Japanese Tokkai Sho 55-51583). In this case however, although the ink absorption of the recording paper was improved, its smoothness, gloss and water resistance were inadequate.
To improve the smoothness and gloss of the recording paper, a super calender or gloss calender was applied to the paper surface (e.g. Tokkai Sho 57-167879); alternatively, a thermoplastic resin or particles of same were incorporated in the paper, heat and pressure being applied to the paper after printing so as to dissolve the resin; or again, the paper surface was treated with a plasticizer capable of swelling and/or an organic solvent (e.g. Tokkai Sho 53-50744, Tokkai Sho 59-196285, Tokkai Sho 59-201891, Tokkai Sho 59-204591, Tokkai Sho 59-204592 and Tokkai Sho 59-222381).
These methods succeeded in improving the smoothness and gloss of the recording paper, but its ink absorption properties deteriorated. In particular, in the aforesaid method of incorporating a thermoplastic resin in the recording paper, the treatment of the paper after recording was tedious so that high speed was difficult to achieve, and in addition the manufacturing cost of recording equipment was increased.
To increase the water resistance of recorded images, some proposals mention the incorporation of a basic oligomer in the paper (e.g. Tokkai Sho 60-11389).
This technique does improve water resistance, but a considerable amount of water adheres to the paper when the basic oligomer is coated. The paper therefore becomes creased and wrinkled, and the appearance of the recorded image deteriorates.
To improve ink absorption, smoothness, gloss and water resistance properties of the recording paper, methods of manufacturing ink jet recording paper involving preparation of a cast coated paper have been proposed (e.g. Tokkai Sho 61-209189, Tokkai Sho 62-95285, Tokkai Sho 63-211394, Tokkai Sho 63-264391, Tokkai Sho 63-265680 and Tokkai Hei 1-95214), and good results have been obtained. However, even in those cases, the density, sharpness and roundness of each dot were still not good enough to obtain high quality, high contrast, full color recorded images.


A method for optically connecting an optical element, including glass, for example an end portion of an optical fibre having a core consisting of glass, to a lens consisting of glass. The optical element and the lens are fixed in a connector element in a pre-determined position in relation to each other and the surface of the lens facing the optical element is treated with an anti-reflection agent, for example magnesium fluoride. The thickness of the layer of the anti-reflection agent is adapted with regard to the refractive index of the glass of the optical element, the refractive index of the glass of the lens and the wave length of the light which is transmitted through the system so that the light transmission of the optical connection will be as high as possible and so that the reflections in the connection are thereby as low as possible.

In optical fibre systems there are at different points required optical connections between the optical elements included in the system. Thus, there is required connections between different lengths of optical fibres, between an optical fibre and a light source, for example a diode, between an optical fibre and a light detector and so on. Each connection must be established while using very great accuracy if it shall be possible to keep the losses at a minimum. Of course, the problem of providing a correct connection is increased by the fact that optical fibres have a very small cross sectional area. Thus, the small cross sectional area provides that substantial losses appear also at small deviations from a correct relative position between the two fibre end portions, i.e. at deviations from the position in which the fibre end portions are positioned on a common optical axis. Also dirt represents a substantial risk as the dirt can easily reduce the already small transmission area.
Different methods for providing a correct connection of optical fibres with each other and with other optical elements have been suggested. In such previously known methods there are used lenses in which the light beam is magnified so that the light transmission in the connection takes place at a sectional area which is magnified several times providing for a corresponding reduction of the sensitivity to deviations from a correct position, dirt and so on. Thereby, it is a drawback that the connection of for example two fibre end portions to each other requires instead of one single connection, i.e. the connection between the fibre end portions, an optical connection of the fibre end portions to one lens each and an optical connection of the lenses to each other, i.e. three connections. Thereby, it is important that the optical fibres and the lens are positioned on the same optical axis as well as that the end surfaces of the fibres are positioned in the focus of the lens in question. Thus, the connection between the optical fibres and the lenses constitutes the most sensitive part of the connection system while the optical connection of the lenses to each other can easily be provided without errors.
Especially in such connections in which there is spaces between fibre/fibre, fibre/lens and lens/lens a fraction of the light is reflected back through the optical elements towards the light source. In some cases this results only in a loss in the direction of transmission of the light corresponding to the light which is reflected backwardly. In other cases in which for example a laser diode is used as a light source the light reflected back towards the laser diode is fatal to the transmission. The reflection disturbs the laser so that this is prevented from sending digital impulse sequences in a way free from interferences.
In 1-fibre systems in which also a fibre from a photo diode is connected with the transmission fibre reflections can disturb a receiving function which is intended for receiving external signals.
There are different previously known methods for reducing the reflections, i.e. for increasing the return damping to a value of about 30 dB or more, and if the effect of the reflections is decreased to such low values they are too week to be able to disturb the transmission of light impulses from the laser diode.
Low reflection levels can be obtained by providing an optimum value of the light transmission in the transmission direction of the light source. Such an optimum value can be provided by anti-reflection treatment of all surfaces extending transversely of the optical axis including such surfaces of the fibres which extend transversely. The anti-reflection treatment can for example be provided by coating the surfaces with magnesium fluoride. However, the anti-reflection treatment of the fibre end surfaces is a very impractical method with regard to the fact that the user of an easily applicable fibre connector device is forced to complicated operations before the fibre can be mounted in the connector device.
It is also possible to provide index matching means, such as gel, transparent silicon rubber pads and the like between the optical elements with the object of eliminating the air space between the elements and thereby reducing the reflections. However, it is a drawback that these agents at the same time reduce the transmission level in the direction of transmission as these agents per se constitute new optical elements having worse light transmission performances than optical glass, fibre materials and the like. In impure condition they can also cause a heavily decreased transmission by introducing dirt particles into the optical axis. Also aging of such index matching agents can provide the agent with bad optical properties.
It is possible also to reduce reflections in connectors between lens and fibre by positioning the elements in engagement with each other and thereby eliminating the air space. In this method there is used such a glass in the lens that the focus will be positioned in the surface of the lens. However, this provides only for a partial reduction of the reflections and not a reduction to the low levels as required.

Method for optically connecting an optical element, for example an end portion of an optical fibre, with a lens


Insert 16 has four radial slots 26 through shoulder 22 and wall 28. It is press fit within smooth hole 32 in case 10. Internal threads 24 are strained in the locking range 36 where bolt 18 is locked.

In gas turbine engines a diffuser case for the combustor is normally made of a high nickel super alloy. The fuel injector must be bolted to this diffuser. The diffuser material however, is very hard and difficult to machine. Tapping of holes therein will frequently lead to breakage of the tap and the requirement to electro-discharge machine the tap out of the case or otherwise introduce difficult and expensive repairs.
It is accordingly known to use inserts located in drilled holes through the case. This not only avoids the necessity of tapping these holes, but also avoid the stress concentrations caused by such threading.
The possibility of bolts becoming loose and thereafter ingested into the turbine must be avoided. With non-locking inserts it is required that the bolts be safety wired into place. The nature of this wiring is critical and very time consuming. Furthermore a supply of wire must be maintained at each supply depot.
Various other self locking arrangements have been found to be difficult to install and or remove when required.
A self locking insert arrangement is required which is inexpensive, reliable and easily replaceable.

Self-locking pressed in insert arrangement


Positioning apparatuses mountable to a wheelchair or other such device are disclosed. An illustrative positioning apparatus can include a base unit, a number of armatures each defining an extension of the apparatus, a number of rotatable joints adapted to permit movement of the armatures, and a platform adapted to support one or more objects. A number of actuation levers connected to the rotatable joints can be used to simultaneously unlock each of the joints in a single step, allowing the apparatus to be easily repositioned. A locking mechanism within each joint may permit one or more user-defined locking positions to be set on the joint. A temporary lock-out mechanism within each joint results in the unlocking of each joint until the armatures are rotated away from the locked position, allowing operation of the device with one hand.

The number of individuals using mobility devices such as wheelchairs and walkers is growing at a steady rate as a result of changing age demographics in the population. According to a recent U.S. Census estimate, approximately 2.2 million individuals are currently using wheelchairs for mobility purposes, many of whom have diseases or conditions that require constant assistance from a caregiver. In addition, many elderly and individuals recovering from surgery or injuries have temporary or permanent mobility impairments that require them to spend a considerable amount of time in a recliner, bed, or wheelchair, resulting in a loss of independence. With the increasing incidence of disability as a person ages, and the general trend towards an increase in the average age of the population, the number of individuals requiring mobility devices is expected to rise. In addition, there is a trend towards increased participation in community, school, and work activities by people with mobility impairments.
As a result of the rising demand for mobility devices, there is an increased need for versatile mounting and positioning technology that permits individuals, even those with minimal strength and dexterity, to easily access and transport personal belongings. For individuals confined to a wheelchair, for example, there is often the need for mounting a tray or other flat surface or receiver to the wheelchair for holding cell phones, emergency call devices, computers, communication devices, remote controls, food, beverages, or other such items. The ease in access to these items often reduces the individual's reliance on their caregiver, providing them with greater independence.
Many existing positioning apparatuses lack the flexibility to be independently positioned or repositioned, and are typically designed for use with only a specific device. Some positioning apparatuses, for example, are designed to function in only a single or a few set positions, which may limit the use of the apparatus to only certain activities. For example, in many hospital and nursing home facilities where living space is often limited, the inability of the positioning apparatus to be set at different positions may prevent the unimpeded movement of a wheelchair through the living space, or may prevent a person from independently exiting a wheelchair or recliner with ease.
The strength, dexterity, and range of motion requirements required to move or adjust many positioning apparatuses often limits their use to particular individuals. For individuals suffering from certain musculoskeletal disorders, for example, the strength required to adjust the device may be greater than the individuals' strength, preventing the adjustment of the device without the aid of a caregiver. In some designs, the mounting device may not be ergonomically suited for the individual. For those individuals requiring a wheelchair who rely upon an electronic speech generating device to communicate, for example, the inability to easily adjust or position the speech generating device may limit their ability to perform other essential functions, such as access food or drink, or suboptimal device placement may cause the user fatigue over time, in some cases exacerbating the individual's condition. As such, there is an ongoing need for versatile positioning apparatuses to permit individuals to transport and reposition objects with minimal strength and dexterity.

Mounting and positioning apparatus for increased user independence


Values of a real part n and an imaginary part k of the relation indicating a complex refractive index as an optical characteristic of an anti-reflection film are selected to be in the ranges of 1.0<n<3.0 and 0.4<k<1.3, respectively. The values of the real part and n and the imaginary part k of the complex refractive index are set in the above-described range by changing parameters of composition of a material of a plasma nitride film formed by a plasma CVD method. By this method, it is possible to easily select the anti-reflection film having an optimum optical characteristic without depending on experiments.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an anti-reflection film used in photolithography during the steps of manufacturing a semiconductor device and a method of manufacturing the same.
2. Description of the Background Art
In every step of manufacturing a semiconductor device, photolithography is used in which a resist film is formed in a predetermined pattern by using a photomask. Then, the pattern of the resist film is transferred to a silicon wafer.
Description will be given to the step of forming a word line as a step of manufacturing a conventional DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) hereinafter.
Referring to FIG. 13, an insulating film 51 is formed on a semiconductor substrate 50. A polysilicon film 52a is formed on insulating film 51. An insulating film 52b is formed on polysilicon film 52a. On insulating film 52b formed is a resist film 53. A photomask 54 having a predetermined pattern formed thereon is disposed above resist film 53. An exposure light 55 such as an i-line (.lambda.=365 nm) or krF light (.lambda.=248 nm) is directed to resist film 53 from above photomask 54 therebetween.
Referring to FIG. 14, the resist film 53 is exposed by exposure light 55 along the pattern of the photomask. Thereafter, prescribed portions of the resist film 53 are removed by development.
Referring to FIG. 15, etching of insulating film 52b and polysilicon film 52a is carried out by dry etching 57 with resist film 53 used as a mask. Referring to FIG. 16, by removing resist film 53, a word line 52 is completed.
When there is a stepped portion in an underlying film such as a word line, however, exposure light is reflected by the stepped portion, causing a problem that a resist film of a desired shape cannot be formed. Description will be given to the problem hereinafter with reference to FIG. 17. FIG. 17 is a cross section in which an element isolation region 56 is formed on semiconductor substrate 50.
Element isolation region 56 and insulating film 51 are formed on semiconductor substrate 50. There is a stepped portion 56a at a joint of element isolation region 56 and insulating film 51.
Polysilicon film 52a and insulating film 52b are formed along the surface of element isolation region 56 and insulating film 51. Insulating film 52b has a stepped, portion 52c along stepped portion 56. Resist film 53 is formed on the upper surface of insulating film 52b. Resist film 53 has a flat surface. Photomask 54 having a predetermined pattern is disposed above resist film 53.
Exposure light 55 such as the i-line (.lambda.=365 nm) or krF light (.lambda.=248 nm) is directed to resist film 53 from above, with photomask 54 therebetween. Referring to FIG. 18, exposure light 55 reaching insulating film 52b is reflected by the surface of insulating film 52b. An exposure light 55a directed to a flat portion of the surface of insulating film 52b is reflected in the incident direction. Exposure lights 55b, 55c, 55d and 55e directed to stepped portion 52c of insulating film 52b, however, are reflected in accordance with a tilt angle of stepped portion 52c as shown in the figure. Reflected lights 55b, 55c, 55d and 55e of exposure light 55 expose a region of a resist film 53c which is not to be exposed originally.
Referring to FIG. 19, resist film 53 formed as described above has a chipped portion as shown in the figure. If polysilicon film 52a and insulating film 52b are etched by dry etching 57 using resist film 53, portions of polysilicon film 52a and insulating film 52b not to be etched are etched as shown in FIGS. 20 and 21. As a result, a word line 52 having a predetermined shape is not formed.
Referring to FIG. 22, provision of an anti-reflection film 58 on insulating film 52b for preventing reflection of exposure light is a known technology in order to eliminate the above-described problem. Reflectance required in the step of general photolithography is 10% or less, and anti-reflection film 58 primary of TiN has conventionally been used.
Description will now be given to a method of forming word line 52 when anti-reflection film 58 of TiN is used.
Referring to FIG. 22, anti-reflection film 58 of TiN is formed on the upper surface of insulating film 52a by using a sputtering method or the like. Resist film 53 is formed on anti-reflection film 58. Photomask 54 having a predetermined pattern is disposed above resist film 53.
Referring to FIG. 23, exposure light 55 such as the i-line (.lambda.=365 nm) or the krF light (.lambda.=248 nm) is directed to resist film 53 from above, with photomask 54 therebetween. At this time, exposure light 55 reaching insulating film 52b is scarcely reflected by stepped portion 52a because of anti-reflection film 58. This enables exposure in accordance with a pattern of resist film 53 and resist film 53 of a desired shape can be obtained.
Referring to FIG. 24, with resist film 53 used as a mask, anti-reflection film 58, insulating film 52b and polysilicon film 52a are etched by etching 57 to form word line 52. Then, referring to FIG. 25, by removing resist film 53 and anti-reflection film 58 remaining on word line 52, word line 52 shown in FIG. 26 is completed.
However, a TiN film used as the anti-reflection film has a problem as in the following.
(1) It is difficult to dry-etch the TiN film since a titanium atom has a low vapor pressure to any compound.
(2) Taking the above problem (1) in consideration, a TiN film is formed on a Si material. When the TiN film is etched to a prescribed shape by wet etching using H.sub.2 SO.sub.4 /H.sub.2 O.sub.2, the Si material is not etched at all. However, since side etches are caused in the TiN film by wet etching, it is difficult to etch the TiN film to a prescribed shape.
(3) Since titanium has a level in a band gap in silicon, leak current and the like are increased, resulting in degraded characteristics of Si as a semiconductor.

Anti-reflection film and method of manufacturing


A printer head (100) for a 3D-printing apparatus, comprising a nozzle (110) arranged to extrude a printing material along a principal axis (A) of the nozzle. The nozzle comprises an opening (120) having a first area (130) for allowing a flow of printing material there through, and an element (140) arranged centrally with respect to the opening in a plane perpendicular to the principal axis of the nozzle. The element has a cross-sectional second area (150) parallel to the first area, wherein the second area, in a projection on the first area in a direction along the principal axis, is defined by the first area, such that the nozzle, during operation of the printer head, allows a flow of printing material through the opening and around the element.

Additive manufacturing, sometimes also referred to as 3D printing, refers to processes used to synthesize a three-dimensional object. 3D printing is rapidly gaining popularity because of its ability to perform rapid prototyping without the need for assembly or molding techniques to form the desired article.
By using a 3D printing apparatus, the article or object may be built in three dimensions in a number of printing steps that are usually controlled by a computer model. For example, a sliced 3D model of the object may be provided in which each slice is recreated by the 3D printing apparatus in a discrete printing step. The 3D printing apparatus may extrude successive layers of an extrudable material from a dispenser, and the layers may be cured or otherwise hardened after extrusion (deposition), e.g. using a laser to induce the curing process. An example of such a 3D printing apparatus is disclosed in US 2010/0327479 A1.
The most widely used additive manufacturing technology is the process known as Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM). It will be appreciated that other terms for FDM are "fused filament fabrication" (FFF) or "filament 3D printing" (FDP), which are considered to be equivalent to FDM. FDM is an additive manufacturing technology commonly used for modeling, prototyping, and production applications. FDM works on an "additive" principle by laying down material in layers: a plastic filament or metal wire may be unwound from a coil and be deposited to produce an object. Possibly, e.g. for thermoplastics, the filament may be melted and extruded before being deposited. In general, FDM printers use a thermoplastic filament, which is heated to its melting point and then extruded, layer by layer (or filament after filament) to create a three-dimensional object.
EP-3168029 discloses an extrusion tool for extruding a material. The extrusion tool comprises an inlet for receiving a flow of a material, and an outlet to allow an output of a stream of the material. The extrusion tool further comprises a hollow tool body with an inlet end to allow the material to enter the hollow tool body, and an outlet end to allow the material to flow out of the hollow tool body. The hollow tool body also has a needle located at least partially within the hollow tool body, and extending to the outlet of the extrusion tool. A plurality of arms mechanically couples the needle to the hollow tool body.
FDM is a rapid prototyping technology, meaning that FDM printers are relatively fast, cost-efficient and can be used for printing relatively complicated objects. The FDM technique is also being further developed in the production of LED luminaires and lighting solutions.
However, printers of this kind may suffer from the drawback of manufacturing objects which often show imperfections as a result of the method of deposition. For example, these imperfections may include ridges and/or stepped structures, also referred to as "ribbed" structures, as a result of successive deposition of individual filaments onto a previously deposited filament layer. In other words, during the extrusion of the material the material may flow sideways, resulting in rounded edges. It will be appreciated that ridges are not only detrimental to the structural integrity (creating many initiators for cracks and delamination) and overall part tolerances of the printed object, they may also be aesthetically unpleasing. To avoid this, methods for smoothing the surfaces have been suggested, e.g. by means of solvent vapors, paintings and/or coatings. However, a significant drawback of these methods is that they require one or more extra processing steps.
Hence, alternative solutions are of interest, which are able to efficiently and conveniently eliminate or reduce the occurrence of ridges and/or staircase structures of 3D-printed objects, such that the objects produced may become more stable, more easily integrated and/or more aesthetically pleasing.


A method, an apparatus and a carrier medium storing instructions to implement the method. The method is in a first wireless station of a wireless network, and includes wirelessly receiving a signal corresponding to a packet wirelessly transmitted by a second wireless station. The packet includes a subpacket and a check sequence. The method further includes verifying the integrity of the subpacket, the verifying at least using the check sequence. The method further includes, in the case that the subpacket fails the verifying, reducing the power consumption of at least one component in the first wireless station for a time interval.

This invention relates to wireless networks, to wireless stations of a wireless network, and in particular to power saving in a wireless station of a wireless network such as a wireless local area network (WLAN). It is for example applicable to a wireless station that conforms to any of the OFDM variants of the IEEE 802.11 standard such as IEEE 802.11a and IEEE 802.11g, and to future derivatives thereof.
Use of wireless networks such as wireless local area networks (WLANs) is becoming widespread. A WLAN may be ad hoc, in that any wireless station may communicate directly with any other wireless station, or have an infrastructure in which a wireless station can only communicate with another station via a central station called an access point (AP). The access point is typically coupled to other networks that may be wired or wireless, e.g., to the Internet or to an intranet. Wireless stations of a wireless network thus wirelessly transmit and receive signals that include modulated data over one or more transmission channels, to transmit data from one wireless station to another.
Portable wireless stations are a popular class of wireless stations used in wireless networks. Such wireless stations include cellular phones, laptop computers, wireless digital cameras, battery-backed access points, etc. Portable wireless stations are typically battery-powered and the battery life is limited, e.g., they can only function for a limited time until the battery needs to be re-charged.
Such portable wireless stations increasingly use one of the orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) variants of the IEEE 802.11 standard, e.g., IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11g, etc. OFDM modulation breaks up data to be transmitted into several subcarriers, allowing for greater signal reliability and transmission speeds. Unfortunately, multi-carrier frequency approaches can sometimes translate into higher power consumption in a transmitting and/or receiving wireless station. In other words, portable OFDM wireless stations can have a shorter battery-powered lifetime compared to portable non-OFDM wireless stations, e.g., portable wireless stations conforming to the IEEE 802.11b standard.
Therefore there is a need in the art to provide a power saving method and apparatus for a wireless station of a wireless network that uses OFDM.
A common power reduction technique is to simply turn off or put to a lower-power mode-in either case called "put to sleep" herein-those components that are not being used and to then turn on ("wake up") those components only when they are needed. The current IEEE 802.11 standard and its derivatives provide for a power save mode that allows for one or more components of a wireless station to be put to sleep, e.g., the physical (PHY) unit of a wireless station, for some portion of its operating period. A wireless station in power save mode essentially puts one or more components to sleep and then periodically wakes up those components necessary to transmit and/or receive transmissions. A neighboring wireless station, e.g., another wireless station in an ad-hoc network or an access point (AP) or client station in an infrastructure network, buffers, e.g., stores, any packets destined to the wireless station in power save mode until it transmits a request for such buffered packets.
Unfortunately the current IEEE 802.11 power save mode has a significant drawback, namely that it is "coarse-grained:" when a wireless station is in power save mode, it only wirelessly receives packets in periodic intervals as defined by the standard. Such a power saving mode can affect the latency, e.g., the responsiveness, of received transmissions.
Therefore there is a need in the art to provide a more fine-grained power saving method and apparatus for a wireless station of a wireless network.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

System and method for saving power in a wireless network by reducing power to a wireless station for a time interval if a received packet fails an integrity check


A peel ply conformable masking device for protectively overlying a pre-cleaned bonding surface of an adhesive attachment adapted for bonded affixation to a selected substrate, such as an adhesive attachment of the type disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,013,391 and 6,773,780 having a bonding surface circumscribing a temporary attachment member for holding the attachment against the substrate for the duration of a bonding agent cure time. The bonding surface of the adhesive attachment is pre-cleaned as by sand blasting and/or etching, and the masking device comprising a peel-off film carrying a thin layer of a peel-off adhesive is placed thereover to prevent contamination thereof. The masking device includes at least one aperture surrounding the temporary attachment member, and further includes at least one outwardly protruding and easily grasped pull tab for facilitated peel-off separation from bonding surface immediately prior to bonded affixation to the selected substrate.

This invention relates generally to improvements in and to adhesive attachments of the type designed for bonded affixation to a selected substrate, such as an adhesive attachment of the type disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,013,391 and 6,773,780 having a bonding surface circumscribing a temporary attachment member which holds the attachment bonding surface against the substrate for the duration of a bonding agent cure time. More specifically, this invention relates to a protective peel-off masking device for overlying a pre-cleaned attachment bonding surface to safeguard the bonding surface against undesired contamination prior to installation onto the selected substrate.
Adhesive bonded attachments are generally known in the art for connecting a selected component such as a threaded nutplate or a threaded bolt onto a selected substrate such as a panel or other frame component in an aerospace or automotive application or the like. Such adhesive attachments typically define a bonding surface adapted to receive a selected curable bonding agent, whereupon the bonding surface is pressed against the selected substrate for the duration of bonding agent cure time. In preferred attachment designs, a temporary attachment member is provided for temporary connection to or engagement with the substrate in a manner functioning to urge or draw the bonding surface firmly against the substrate until the bonding agent is substantially completely cured. As a result, the adhesive bonded attachment is affixed to the substrate with a substantially optimized adhesive attachment force. In one such adhesive attachment design, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,013,391 which is incorporated by reference herein, a nutplate assembly includes a threaded nut carried by a nutplate base which defines the bonding surface for adhesive bonded attachment to the substrate. The threaded nut additionally carries a resilient fixture pin having a size and shape to be pulled into and bindingly engage an opening formed in the substrate. This fixture pin thus comprises the temporary attachment member circumscribed by the bonding surface on the nutplate base. The fixture pin functions to draw the bonding surface of the nutplate base firmly against the substrate for the duration of a bonding agent cure time, resulting in strong adhesive attachment of the nutplate base to the substrate. After the bonding agent cures, the resilient fixture pin can be pulled through the substrate opening and separated from the threaded nut. Subsequently, the threaded nut is exposed through the substrate opening for appropriate assembly with a suitable threaded fastener or the like.
In another adhesive attachment design, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,773,780 which is also incorporated by reference herein, a threaded fastener such as a headed bolt or screw is carried by a generally annular mounting base defining the bonding surface for adhesive affixation to a selected substrate. In this design, the fastener head comprises the temporary attachment member circumscribed by the bonding surface on the mounting base. The fastener head carries a pressure sensitive adhesive or the like suitable for temporary or impermanent connection to the substrate. The thus-adhered fastener head cooperates with one or more resilient spring-like structures to apply a positive force to the mounting base in a direction pressing the bonding surface thereon against the substrate for the duration of a bonding agent cure time. Once again, this produces a strong adhesive bonded attachment of the mounting base to the substrate, which in turn supports and retains the fastener relative to the substrate.
While such adhesive bonded attachments of the above-described types beneficially secure the nutplate or fastener or other attachment component to the substrate with a strong adhesive bonding force, the actual or empirical bonding force can be adversely impacted by the condition and/or cleanliness of the bonding surface at the time of installation onto the substrate. In this regard, the bonding surface is normally pre-cleaned during product manufacture as by sand blasting and/or surface etching, to remove any particulate debris and further to passivate the bonding surface for optimum subsequent bond strength attachment with the selected bonding agent. However, despite such surface pre-cleaning, some bonding surface materials such as certain metals may exhibit varying degrees of oxidation contamination depending upon the time delay between product manufacture and subsequent installation of the adhesive attachment onto a substrate. Alternately, or in addition, post-production contamination of the bonding surface can be attributable to other factors, such as exposure of the bonding surface to dirt and dust, and/or the course of human handling prior to installation. Any or all of these factors can contribute to a reduced bond strength attachment force between the adhesive attachment and the substrate. To avoid this problem, it has sometimes been necessary to re-clean the bonding surface immediately prior to installation of the adhesive attachment onto the substrate.
There exists, therefore, a need for improvements in and to adhesive bonded attachments particularly with respect to an improved device or method for safeguarding a pre-cleaned attachment bonding surface against undesired post-production contamination in the course of pre-installation shipment, handling and/or storage. The present invention fulfills these needs and provides further related advantages.

Peel ply masking device for an adhesive bonded attachment


An antenna comprises a ground pattern, and a planar element that is fed and equipped with a cut-out portion provided from the farthest edge portion formed from the feed position toward the ground pattern side, and the ground pattern and the planar element are juxtaposed with each other. The cut-out portion enables to further miniaturize the antenna and secure current paths to obtain radiation in a low-frequency range. Since the ground pattern and the planar element are juxtaposed with each other, the mount volume of the antenna can be reduced, and the antenna characteristic, particularly the impedance characteristic, can be easily controlled, and the bandwidth can be widened.

For example, JP-A-57-142003 discloses the following antennas. That is, it discloses a monopole antenna in which a flat-plate type radiation element 1001 having a disc shape is erected vertically to an earth plate or the ground 1002 as shown in FIGS. 22A-1 and 22A-2. This monopole antenna is designed so that a high-frequency power source 1004 and the radiation element 1001 are connected to each other through a power feeder 1003 and the height of the top portion of the radiation element 1001 is set to a quarter wavelength. Furthermore, it also discloses a monopole antenna in which a flat-plate type radiation element 1005 whose upper peripheral edge portion has a shape extending along a predetermined parabola is erected vertically to an earth plate or the ground 1002. Still furthermore, it discloses a dipole antenna in which two radiation elements 1001 of the monopole antenna shown in FIGS. 22A-1 and 22A-2 are symmetrically arranged as shown in FIG. 22C. Still furthermore, it discloses a dipole antenna in which two radiation elements 1005 of the monopole antenna shown in FIGS. 22B-1 and 22B-2 are symmetrically arranged as shown in FIG. 22D.
In addition, JP-A-55-4109 discloses the following antennas, for example. That is, a sheet-type elliptical antenna 1006 is erected vertically to a refection surface 1007 so that the major axis thereof is parallel to the reflection surface 1007, and power supply is carried out through a coaxial power feeder 1008, as shown in FIG. 22E. FIG. 22F shows an example where the antenna is configured as a dipole. In the case of the dipole type, the sheet-type elliptical antennas 1006a are arranged on the same plane so that the minor axes thereof are located on the same line, and a slight gap is disposed so that a balanced feeder 1009 is connected to both the antennas.
Besides, a monopole antenna as shown in FIG. 22G is disclosed in "B-77: BROADBAND CHARACTERISTICS OF SEMI-CIRCULAR ANTENNA COMBINED WITH LINEAR ELEMENT", Taisuke Ihara, Makoto Kijima and Koichi Tsunekawa, pp77 General Convention of The Institute of Electronics, Information and Communication Engineers, 1996 (hereinafter referred to as "non-patent document 1"). As shown in FIG. 22G, a semicircular element 1010 is erected vertically to an earth plate 1011, and the nearest point of the arc of the element 1010 to the earth plate 1011 serves as a feed portion 1012. The non-patent document 1 shows that the frequency fL at which the radius of the circle almost corresponds to a quarter wavelength is the lower limit. Furthermore, it also describes an example where an element 1013 achieved by forming a cut-out portion in the element 1010 shown in FIG. 22G is erected vertically to the earth plate 1011 as shown in FIG. 22H, and that little difference exists in VSWR (Voltage Standing Wave Ratio) characteristic between the monopole antenna shown in FIG. 22G and the monopole antenna shown in FIG. 22H. Furthermore, it also discloses an example where an element 1014, which is formed by connecting an element 1014a, which resonates at fL or less and has a meander monopole structure, to an element with the cut-out portion as shown in FIG. 22H, is erected vertically to the earth plate 1011 as shown in FIG. 22I. Incidentally, the element 1014a is disposed to be accommodated in the cut-out portion. The antenna resonates at a frequency lower than fL because of the element 1014a, however, the VSWR characteristic is bad. In connection with the non-patent document 1, disc type monopole antennas are described in "B-131 IMPROVED INPUT IMPEDANCE OF CIRCULAR DISC MONOPOLE ANTENNA", Satoshi Honda, Yuken Ito, Hajime Seki and Yoshio Jinbo, 2-131, SPRING NATIONAL CONVENTION of The Institute of Electronics, Information and Communication Engineers, 1992, and "WIDEBAND MONOPOLE ANTENNA OF CIRCULAR DISC", Satoshi Honda, Yuken Ito, Yoshio Jinbo and Hajime Seiki, Vol. 15, No. 59, pp.25–30, 1991.10.24 in "TECHNICAL REPORTS OF THE INSTITUTE OF TELEVISION".
The antennas described above pertain to a monopole antenna in which a flat-plate conductor having various shapes is erected vertically to the ground surface, and a symmetric dipole antenna using two flat-plate conductors having the same shape.
In addition, FIG. 23 shows a glass antenna device for an automobile telephone disclosed in JP-A-8-213820. In FIG. 23, a fan-shaped radiation pattern 1033 and a rectangular ground pattern 1034 are formed on a window glass 2, a feed point A is connected to the core wire 1035a of a coaxial cable 1035, and a ground point B is connected to the outer conductor 1035b of the coaxial cable 1035. In this publication, the shape of the radiation pattern 1033 may be an isosceles triangular shape or a polygonal shape.
Furthermore, U.S. Pat. No. 2002-122010A1 discloses an antenna 1020 in which a tapered clearance area 1023 and a driven element 1022 whose feed point 1025 is connected to a transmission line 1024 are provided within a ground element 1021 as shown in FIG. 24. Incidentally, the gap between the ground element 1021 and the driven element 1022 is maximum at the opposite side to the feed point 1025 on the driven element 1022, and the gap therebetween is minimum in the neighborhood of the feed point 1025. The driven element 1022 is equipped with a concavity at the opposite side to the feed point 1025 of the driven element 1022. The concavity itself is opposite to the ground element 1021, and it serves as means for adjusting the gap between the driven element 1022 and the ground element 1021.
As described above, though various antennas have been hitherto known, the conventional vertical mount type monopole antennas have problems that their sizes are large, and it is difficult to control the antenna characteristic since it is difficult to control the distance between the radiation conductor and the ground surface. Furthermore, the conventional symmetrical type dipole antennas also have a problem that it is difficult to control the antenna characteristic since the radiation conductors have the same shape, thereby it is difficult to control the distance between the radiation conductors.
In addition, though it is described that the glass antenna device for the automobile telephone disclosed in JP-A-8-213820 has an excellent sensitivity and directional characteristic at 800 MHz and 1.5 GHz, the bandwidth is not sufficiently broad. Furthermore, this publication never discloses provision of any cut-out portion.
In addition, though the antenna of U.S. Pat. No. 2002-122010A1 aims at miniaturization, the structure that the driven element is provided within the ground element cannot achieve the sufficient miniaturization because the ground element fully surrounds the driven element.

Antenna and dielectric substrate for antenna


An OSFP optical transceiver having split multiple fiber optical port using reduced amount of MPO terminations is provided that includes two adjacent sockets integrated into the optical port of the OSFP optical transceiver. The two adjacent sockets are vertically oriented with respect to the mounting baseplate of the OSFP optical transceiver, and each of the two adjacent sockets is adapted to receive an MPO receptacle that terminates the proximal end of a bundle of fibers. The OSFP optical transceiver also includes an optical connection between each socket and a corresponding lens in the OSFP optical transceiver, for transmitting optical signals received from other transceivers into the OSFP optical transceiver and optical signals generated in the OSFP optical transceiver to other transceivers.

Multi-fiber Push On (MPO) connectors are fiber connectors that consist of multiple optical fibers and are available with 8, 12, 16, or 24 fibers for data center and LAN applications (e.g., large scale optical switches require super high-density multi-fiber arrays with MPOs of 32, 48, 60 or even 72 fibers). MPO Connectors must comply with intermateability standards that specify the physical attributes of the connector, such as pin and guide hole dimensions for male and female interfaces, so as to ensure that any compliant plugs and adapters may be intermated and meet a certain level of performance.
MPO Connectors have been used in duplex 10 Gig fiber applications throughout data centers for several years. As the need for bandwidth speeds pushed beyond 10 Gig, the MPO connector became the interface for higher speed switch-to-switch backbone data center applications using parallel optics. For example, 40 Gig and 100 Gig applications over multimode fiber use 8 fibers with 4 transmitting at either 10 Gbps or 25 Gbps and 4 receiving at either 10 Gbps or 25 Gbps. For fiber links to properly send data, the transmit signal (Tx) at one end of the cable must match the corresponding receiver (Rx) at the other end. The purpose of any polarity scheme is to ensure this continuous connection, and this becomes more complex when dealing with multi-fiber components.
FIG. 1 (prior art) illustrates a perspective view of a standard MPO male connector 10 which receives a group 11 of 12 fibers, arranged in an interfacing row, where each fiber has a corresponding position P1, . . . , P12 in the interfacing row. Two guiding pins 12a and 12b are used to guide the interfacing row to intermate a corresponding group of 12 fibers of a standard MPO female connector. A key 13 is formed in the MPO connector body to determine the polarity of the group (e.g., MPO connectors have a key on one side of the connector body). When the connector key faces up (referred to as "key up"), the positions of the fibers within the connector run in a sequence from left to right from position 1 (P1) to position 12 (P12). The key also ensures that the connector may be inserted only one way into an MPO adapter or transceiver port).
FIG. 2 (prior art) illustrates a perspective view of a standard connection between an MPO male connector 201 and an MPO female connector 202, using an MPO adapter 203. In this example, MPO male connector 201 is with key up and the MPO female connector 202 is with key down, such that the MPO adapter 203 reverses the polarity of connection between them. Of course, other connections with different polarity are available with a corresponding adapter.
Some applications require splitting an optical channel into two channels, such as splitting the output of an OSFP transceiver (which comprises a group of 16 fibers, 8 fibers for Tx and 8 for Rx) into two groups of 8 fibers (4 fibers for Tx and 4 for Rx) each group is compatible with the optical port of a Quad Small Form-factor Pluggable (QSFP) transceiver, or of de-populated QSFP-DD or OSFP transceivers.
FIG. 3 (prior art) illustrates a way to create an optical split by using a single MPO receptacle 30 in the OSFP transceiver 31. A split cable (MPO to 2MPO) 32 is plugged into the MPO receptacle 30a thereby creating a pigtailed transceiver (i.e., the OSFP transceiver is terminated with a single, short, optical fiber called a "pigtail" that has an optical connector pre-installed on one end and a length of exposed fiber at the other end) that feeds two QSFP or of de-populated QSFP Double Density (QSFP-DD) or OSFP transceivers, 33a and 33b. However, this solution is problematic due to several reasons. First, such a solution limits the customer, since a pigtail connection has a fixed length of approximately 1 m and longer fibers require 5 MPO connections (terminations) 30c-30g and two adapters 103a and 103b MPO terminations 30h-30i belong to the optical ports of the QSFP transceivers. Second, it requires a patch panel at the customer side for providing the required connectivity between all fibers. Third, using multiple MPO terminations and adapters creates high optical loss and reflection in the fiber paths.
Conventional solutions also require a patch panel at the client side. Such a patch panel usually consists of adapters, fiber management elements (e.g., bend limiters and the like), and a mechanical chassis to accommodate all elements and mount the chassis to the rack. However, a patch panel is expensive and consumes datacenter rack space.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a method and transceiver design adapted to split an optical channel into two channels, with a reduced amount of necessary MPO terminations.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method and transceiver design adapted to split an optical channel into two channels, without requiring optical adapters.
It is still another object of the present invention to provide a method and transceiver design with reduced optical loss and back reflections.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a method and transceiver design which provide more length flexibility to a customer.
It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a method and transceiver design adapted to split an optical channel into two channels, without requiring a patch panel.
Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent as the description proceeds.

OSFP optical transceiver with a dual MPO receptacle


Systems and methods for generating revenue from banking transactions use a kiosk to perform financial services. The kiosk determines a stored-value account related to a stored-value card for a user of the kiosk. The kiosk performs a banking transaction using the stored-value account. The kiosk then determines a service fee for the banking transaction. The kiosk deducts the service fee from the stored-value account or a value of the banking transaction.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to financial services, and more particularly to systems and methods for generating revenue from banking transactions using a stored-value card.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Customers use automatic teller machines (ATMs) to conduct banking transactions such as deposits, withdrawals, balance inquiries, and transfers between traditional bank accounts. ATMs require ATM/debit cards with associated Personal Identification Number (PIN). Some ATMs charge service fees for withdrawals. Some service fees are calculated from increased exchange rates for foreign currency conversions. One problem with ATM/debit cards is that a bank customer must physically go to a branch of a bank to set up a traditional bank account because ATM/debit cards have a traditional bank account, such as a demand deposit account (DDA), associated with it. The bank typically checks the customer's identity based on their driver's license or other documentation and collects personal information such as address, date of birth, and Social Security number. Banks need to verify identification to prevent fraud and/or improve security for the customer's banking transactions. Furthermore, there may be government regulations that require proof of identity before using bank accounts to prevent illegal activities such as money laundering and funding of terrorist activities.
Another problem is that the funds deposited into an ATM machine are not immediately available for withdrawal. For example, if a customer deposits cash or a check in a deposit envelope, the deposited amount is not immediately available until a bank employee services the ATM machine to collect and process the deposits.
Customers have also used credit cards for banking transactions. One problem with credit cards is that a person usually needs to have good credit to have a credit line issued for a credit card. Another problem is that credit cards can take weeks to issue from a bank. After receiving and approving a credit card application, the credit card is then mailed to the person's address.
Another problem relates to a large population of US residents (by some estimates as much as 50 million) that are poorly served by the banking system—the "under-banked" or the "unbanked". This population is generally excluded from traditional banking products (checking accounts, credit cards, debit cards) or moves in and out of eligibility for them—as banks offering them generally require good credit and/or unreasonably large security deposits in order to obtain these services. People may be excluded for any number of reasons such as having unfortunate circumstances like a divorce or serious medical problem adversely impact their credit standing, or such as making mistakes with their credit coming out of college leading to poor credit or a bankruptcy, or such as having no established credit history because they are a recent immigrant or someone who chooses to conduct their financial affairs primarily with cash. The reason banks generally exclude these groups of people from their service offerings is the cost and risk associated with the products, particularly credit cards and checking accounts. Therefore, these people may be excluded from certain financial transactions that require credit cards or debit cards. In one example, a person without a credit card cannot make purchases over the Internet, buy products from a catalogue, reserve a hotel room or rental car, purchase airline tickets, or even rent a movie, which may require a credit card. Thus, there is a need to provide convenient, cost-effective, lower risk financial services to this population.
In one prior art solution provided by 7-Eleven, a VCOM kiosk provides banking transactions such as money transfer, printing checks, and check cashing based on a deposited amount. However, a customer must also interact with a cashier in addition to the VCOM kiosk to perform the banking transactions. Also, the card associated with the VCOM kiosk is only used for identification purposes. Other kiosks manufactured by Blackstone issue cards, but the cards are calling cards.
Stored-value cards typically have been used for providing payment for goods or services after a user has deposited money into the stored-value card. For example, stored-value cards have been used as gift cards and as cards that provide payment for coffee or copies.

Systems and methods for generating revenue from banking transactions using a stored-value card


A vehicle air-conditioning device is a heat pump type vehicle air-conditioning device including an external heat exchanger that performs heat exchange between refrigerant flowing the inside thereof and outside air. With the vehicle air-conditioning device, a controller functions as a temperature-difference calculation unit that calculates the temperature difference ΔT between the refrigerant in a refrigerant flow path on the exit side of the external heat exchanger and the outside air, and in addition, the controller functions as a frost formation determination unit that determines that frost formation is caused on the external heat exchanger on the basis of the elapsed time to of a state in which the temperature difference ΔT is equal to or larger than a frost-formation temperature difference at which the frost formation may be caused on the external heat exchanger.

JP2013-129353A discloses a vehicle air-conditioning device provided with a frost formation determination unit that determines whether or not frost formation is caused on an external evaporator. The vehicle air-conditioning device disclosed in JP2013-129353A performs a frost-formation determination in which the frost formation is determined to be caused when a temperature difference between a detected value from an outside temperature sensor and a detected value from a refrigerant temperature sensor of the external evaporator reaches or exceeds a predetermined value even for an instant of time.


A collapsible remote mechanical grasping apparatus that can be used to grasp explosive devices is provided. The collapsible remote mechanical grasping apparatus comprises a first rod and a second rod which are connected by a joint assembly. The collapsible remote mechanical grasping apparatus further includes a claw assembly pivotably connected to the second rod, a cable assembly mounted to the first rod, and a slidable locking sleeve assembly positioned around the first rod, the joint assembly, and the second rod. The cable assembly comprises a claw control lever and an actuation cable that is mechanically connected to the claw control lever and the claw assembly. Actuation of the claw control lever causes the actuation of the claw assembly. Additionally, the joint assembly allows the second rod to pivot towards the first rod when the slidable locking sleeve is retracted from the second rod and the joint assembly.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to remote mechanical graspers, and more particularly to remote mechanical graspers for handling suspect or explosive devices. The invention provides a portable remote mechanical grasper that permits safe handling of a suspect or explosive device and that is collapsible for easy transport and storage.
2. Description of the Related Art
Bomb disposal is an extremely difficult and dangerous profession. Bomb technicians are constantly exposed to explosive devices of varying power and sophistication. Explosive devices that bomb technicians routinely address include traditional explosives as well as chemical or biological devices. Because of the clear and inherent danger in bomb disposal, various forms of protection and methods of handling explosive devices have been implemented to increase the survival rate of a bomb technician in the event of device detonation. In particular, remotely controlled vehicles have been developed to handle and transport an explosive device to a location where the device may be safely disarmed or detonated. Alternatively, an explosive device can sometimes be transferred to a containment apparatus, where it may be safely detonated or rendered inoperable. In this way, bomb technician safety is maximized by removing the bomb technician from the device blast radius.
Many explosive devices are located where it is difficult or impossible for remotely controlled vehicles to enter or navigate. Sometimes it is necessary to deal with an explosive device when no remotely controlled vehicle is available, or before a vehicle can arrive. In such cases, a bomb technician may be required to personally handle and transport an explosive device. The bomb technician will typically wear a protective bomb disposal suit to protect the bomb technician in the event of device detonation. The suits are often flame and fragmentation resistant, and may include internal communications, sound amplification, or internal cooling. While these suits offer a bomb technician some degree of protection, they tend to be heavy and bulky, and severely limit the mobility of the bomb technician.
Explosive devices may also be located where it is difficult for a bomb technician to reach, or where the bomb technician is required to navigate through a limited space access point. For example, explosive devices may be placed at a height either below or above the ordinary reach of the bomb technician, requiring the technician to either climb down or up to the level of the device. This can drastically increase the risk to the bomb technician in the event of device detonation. In addition, movement may be hampered by the weight and bulk of the protective bomb disposal suit, preventing the bomb technician entry to tight spaces. Often the bomb technician will be required to move through a limited space access point, such as an elevator, stairwell, or ladder, which may prevent the transport of certain protective gear to the explosive device.
Explosive devices can be improvised or constructed out of common materials. These devices are known as improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and are often disguised as some other object. As a result, bomb technicians are routinely required to address suspect devices which may or may not be explosive devices. For instance, IEDs are a common threat to military vehicles and personnel; such devices are easily placed along a roadway and camouflaged to look like refuse or other innocuous item. Sometimes bomb technicians are required to handle suspect devices that turn out to be non-explosive. Similarly, innocuous or non-threatening items may turn out to be explosive devices. Because remotely controlled vehicles may not be available when a bomb technician is required to assess a suspect device, or may only be available after the suspect device is identified as an explosive device, the bomb technician must often personally handle and transport the device. Personnel at the scene of a suspect device may not have access to protective bomb disposal suits, as in the context of a routine military patrol. Police and emergency response personnel who arrive during or after a terrorist attack may not have the capability or time to transport protective gear and equipment to the scene. In such cases, responders may be required to personally handle and transport a terrorist device to quickly secure an area.
Mechanical graspers have been previously used to aid individuals in grasping objects that are otherwise outside their reach. Such graspers have been used, for instance, to aid immobilized individuals or individuals confined to wheel chairs to access counters, cabinets, or objects on the floor. Graspers have also been used to aid individuals in placing and removing decorations without the need for a ladder. U.S. Pat. No. 5,823,590 to Forrest et al. discloses a telescoping grabber pole to hang and retrieve ornamentation or other items; however, the telescoping grabber pole requires the operator to manipulate the grabber by pulling and tying off a cord. This makes use of the telescoping grabber pole cumbersome, as the operator must hold on to the fully extended pole of 24 feet with one hand while the other hand manipulates the cord. The user must then tie off the cord once the grabber has been actuated in order to use both hands again to manipulate the extended pole. Operation of a telescoping grabber pole like the Forrest apparatus would be prohibitively difficult and dangerous for a bomb technician in a protective bomb disposal suit. Explosive devices are often fragile devices which must be handled with the utmost care and precision to prevent premature detonation. Traditional mechanical graspers are unsuitable for bomb disposal for a variety of other reasons. For example, most explosive devices are extremely susceptible to static discharge. Traditional mechanical graspers, such as the Forrest et al. telescoping grabber pole, do not have protection against static charge buildup or static discharge and thus are not suitable for use in handling explosive devices.
Studies have shown that each foot of distance between a bomb technician and a device explosion substantially increases the survival rate of the technician. Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide an apparatus that permits a bomb technician to remotely handle and transport a suspect or explosive device, and that increases the survival rate of the bomb technician in the event of a device detonation by allowing the bomb technician to address the device from a distance. It would be further desirable to provide an apparatus that is easily operated by a bomb technician wearing a protective bomb disposal suit, and which permits the bomb technician to handle and transport a suspect or explosive device that is in a difficult position to access or reach. It would also be desirable to provide an apparatus that is insulated from static charge build-up or static discharge, and which may be precisely manipulated to prevent inadvertent detonation of a fragile explosive device. Additionally, it would be desirable to provide an apparatus that is easy to store and to deploy, and which can be quickly transported to an IED or suspect device for immediate response, or where a remotely controlled vehicle or containment apparatus may not be available.

Collapsible remote mechanical grasper for handling explosive devices