A polymer coated porous product includes a first porous substrate and a polymer coating penetrating the porous substrate. The polymer coated porous product may optionally include a second porous substrate, and the polymer coating penetrates both the first and second porous substrate. A process and an apparatus for producing polymer coated porous substrate. The process includes overlaying a film of polymer material onto a porous substrate, heating the film of polymer material, and vacuum drawing the heated film of polymer material into the porous substrate. The apparatus includes an extruder, means for producing a film of polymer material over a porous substrate, means for heating the film of polymer material and at least one vacuum unit. The vacuum unit draws the film of polymer material into a porous substrate.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention generally relates to thermoplastic processing and, more particularly, to a process for producing a polymer coating on fabric materials and other porous substrates.
2. Description of the Related Art
Thermoplastic coatings have long been applied to fabrics. These thermoplastic coatings are often used to produce waterproof, but breathable, fabrics. Waterproof/breathable fabrics are then used in the design and manufacture of waterproof rain gear and other waterproof outerwear.
One method of producing thermoplastic coatings on fabrics is called film or sheet-lamination. This method bonds a thin film or sheet of thermoplastic material to a fabric. The sheet-extrusion process uses a conventional extruder to produce the hot thin sheet of thermoplastic material. The fabric material is then overlaid onto the hot thin sheet of thermoplastic material. Because the thin sheet of thermoplastic material is still hot from the extruder, the thin sheet of thermoplastic material should ideally bond and stick to the fabric material. This process does not provide the best adhesion between the two layers, and only gives surface tac-weld. Thus, it can be delaminated with little effort.
Another commonly-used method to produce thermoplastic coatings on fabrics is called xe2x80x9cknife-over-roll.xe2x80x9d This method is also used to apply a thin sheet of elastomeric polymer onto a fabric. The knife-over-roll method melts the elastomeric polymer material. A special tool, or xe2x80x9cknife,xe2x80x9d applies a thin layer of the melted elastomeric polymer material onto the roll and is then transferred onto the fabric. The elastomeric polymer material cools and produces a thin sheet of polymer on the fabric material.
A third commonly-used method is a xe2x80x9cdropxe2x80x9d method. The elastomeric polymer material is melted and then simply xe2x80x9cdroppedxe2x80x9d onto the fabric material. A roller or scraper tool is then used to smooth the melted elastomeric polymer material into a thin sheet.
A fourth method applies solvent based adhesive on the fabric. A layer of film is then laminated on it through the application of heat and pressure. The adhesive serves to increase bonding and peel strength between fabric and film.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,496,508 to Hartmann et al. is an example of fabrics with bonded polymer coatings. Hartmann et al. describes extruded polypropylene filaments that are bonded to a porous fabric. The bonded polypropylene filaments thus provide a spun-bonded fabric. Again, however, the polypropylene filaments are bonded and, thus, easily peeled away from the underlying porous fabric. Hartmann et al. also utilizes polymer filaments, and these filaments are costly to place and to bond to the porous fabric.
There is, accordingly, a need in the art for a process which does not require an adhesive layer between fabric and polymeric film, a process which can utilize a variety of thermoplastic/polymer materials, and a process which is always cost effective to implement.
The aforementioned problems are resolved by a process for producing a polymer coating penetrating a porous substrate. The process of the present invention allows the polymer coating to penetrate the porous substrate and produce a composite polymer-penetrated porous substrate. The process includes the steps of continually extruding material onto a roll of two to three roll stack, and on that film, overlaying fabric or porous substrate. As the film is tac-welded to the porous substrate, enough heat is maintained and vacuum is applied to draw the heated film of polymer material onto the porous substrate. The process produces a polymer coating that penetrates and adheres to the porous substrate.
The process of the present invention is applicable to all porous substrates. The porous substrate, for example, may utilize cotton fabrics, silks, wools, and even polymer blends such as polyesters, rayons, etc. The process of the present invention may utilize other porous substrates, such as metal wire materials, carbon filament materials, and glass filament materials. The process is also applicable to perforated substrates, such as perforated vinyl, perforated leather, and perforated suede. The present invention is applicable to clothing fabrics, carpets, rugs, outdoor floor coverings and awnings, and other fabric products where waterproofing is desirable.
An alternative process for producing a polymer coating on a porous substrates is also disclosed. The process includes the steps of interposing a film of polymer material between a first porous substrate and a second porous substrate. The film of polymer material is heated and vacuum drawn into the first porous substrate and into the second porous substrate.
A product made according to a process is also disclosed. The product includes a porous substrate and a polymer coating penetrating and adhering to the porous substrate. The polymer coating is formed by continually extruding a film of polymer material onto the porous substrate. The film of polymer material is heated and vacuum drawn into the porous substrate.
A product is also disclosed. The product includes a first porous substrate and a polymer coating penetrating and adhering to the first porous substrate. The product may also include a second porous substrate, and the polymer coating penetrates and adheres to both the first porous substrate and the second porous substrate.
An apparatus for producing polymer coatings on a porous substrate is disclosed. The apparatus includes an extruder, die, means for overlaying film on top or bottom of the porous substrate, means for heating a film of polymer material and at least one vacuum unit. The one vacuum unit draws the heated film of polymer material into the porous substrate. The apparatus may further include means for overlaying the porous substrate and the film of polymer material.


An optical wavelength multiplexer/demultiplexer has an input channel waveguide, an input slab waveguide, an arrayed-waveguide grating having N channel waveguides, an output slab waveguide, and N output channel waveguides. Each output channel waveguide is provided with an outwardly tapered end. Each tapered end has a width at its end surface which becomes larger as the output channel waveguide becomes distant from the symmetrical axis of the output slab waveguide. The loss differences suffered by each separated signal may be substantially reduced.

In an optical communications field, wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM) transmission systems have been studied for enhancing information capacity. In these systems, a plurality of optical signals at different wavelengths which are spaced by about 1 nm are transmitted over a single optical fiber. For this purpose, an optical wavelength multiplexer/demultiplexer is an important component which plays a significant roll to combine or separate the optical signals at different wavelengths. Particularly, one of the most promising optical wavelength multiplexer/demultiplexers for such use is one which utilizes an arrayed-waveguide grating, which may increase the number of multiplexed signals with relatively narrow wavelength spacings.
One of conventional optical wavelength multiplexer/demultiplexers is disclosed in Japanese Published Patent Application No. 4-163406.
The conventional optical wavelength multiplexer/demultiplexer comprises at least one input channel waveguide for receiving wavelength division multiplexed signals, the wavelength division multiplexed signal comprising a plurality of signals having a predetermined wavelength difference from each other, an input slab waveguide for expanding the wavelength division multiplexed signals coupled from the input channel waveguide into the input slab waveguide, an arrayed-waveguide grating comprising a plurality of channel waveguides, each channel waveguide having a predetermined length difference in accordance with the predetermined wavelength difference, so that each signal at different wavelength coupled to and traveling over each channel waveguide is provided with a phase difference from each other in accordance with the predetermined length difference, an output slab waveguide for focusing the signals at different wavelength coupled from the channel waveguides into a plurality of predetermined positions in accordance with the predetermined wavelength difference, respectively, and a plurality of output channel waveguides, an input end of each output channel waveguide being arranged at each predetermined position, so that each separated signal at each wavelength is coupled to each output channel waveguide and emerges from an output end thereof.
In operation, the wavelength division multiplexed signals coupled into the input channel waveguide, expand into the input slab waveguide by diffraction. Then, the expanded signals are distributed to the channel waveguides of the arrayed-waveguide grating, which are arranged radially along an arc boundary of the input slab waveguide. On the other hand, as each channel waveguide of the arrayed-waveguide grating has a predetermined waveguide length difference, each signal, after traveling over each channel waveguide to the output slab waveguide, has a predetermined phase difference according to its waveguide length difference. Since the phase difference depends on the wavelength of the signal, each signal at different wavelength is focused on a different position along the arc boundary of the output slab waveguide due to a lens effect. As a result, separated signals each having a different wavelength are received by the plurality of output channel waveguides and emerge therefrom, respectively.
In the conventional optical wavelength multiplexer/demultiplexer, however, there is a disadvantage in that each separated signal emerging from each output channel waveguide suffers a different loss from others in a relatively large amount when they are separated. That is to say, as the output channel waveguide is arranged at a position which is more distant from a symmetrical axis of the output slab waveguide, the loss for the signal emerging therefrom becomes higher. It is important for an optical wavelength multiplexer/demultiplexer to attain an uniform overall transmission loss for each separated signal at different wavelength.


A case for a mobile electronic device is configured such that it is not necessary to fully separate parts of the case in order to install, remove or replace a graphic insert. The user is only required to access an interior bay to a degree sufficient to introduce or extract a graphic insert. This access is accomplished by the limited relative displacement of two distinct structural components.

The design of household and mobile electronic devices has often reflected a desire to accommodate a user's desire for visual variation. This may be to distinguish the device from others of similar design, to make its appearance conform to a particular social environment, or simply to make the item more attractive or more clearly individualized.
Preprinted and customized decals are widely available for many makes of phones, as are auxiliary cases that include panels and shells that have been printed with graphics provided by the user. However, changing decals requires some skill and precision, while changing the graphics in custom-printed cases usually requires that the entire shell be repurchased with new graphics.
Accordingly, there is a desire on the part of consumers to more easily and frequently modify the appearance of their mobile devices. One traditional response to this demand has been to provide an overlay or insert which is designed be mechanically released from the device or its ancillary enclosure.
For example U.S. Pat. No. 3,838,229 describes a cover which may be wrapped over a housing to change its color. U.S. Pat. No. 4,292,481 describes an interchangeable faceplate for a telephone of plastic, natural or synthetic leather, paper, metal or fabric. The faceplate is placed under a transparent cover to allow a telephone's appearance to be altered. U.S. Pat. No. 5,745,566 describes a mobile telephone with interchangeable escutcheons so that a user may electively vary a phone's visual aspect.
The personalization of an electrical communication device with a printed image may be taken as a specific subcategory of this wider class of graphic personalization. French patent FR 836,773, published in 1939, discloses a telephone design having a dial with a locket-like picture enclosure at its center. U.S. Pat. No. 5,113,435 details a phone design in which a printed image may be inserted between a numbered transparent sheet and a soft-touch keypad. U.S. Pat. No. 6,374,088 describes a flip-type mobile phone with a transparent cover that encloses a photograph or other artwork. U.S. Pat. No. 6,980,825 describes a handset-style phone that has a removable back cover part with means for holding a picture, the picture then being visible through the installed cover. U.S. Patent Application 2009/0163255 also describes a transparent housing part for a handset that can hold a photographic image.
In general practice, it has also become widely understood that a transparent protective phone sleeve or case, or one with a suitable transparent panel, may be made to entrap and exhibit any thin printed image. It should be generally appreciated that there are many further practices associated with the personalization of mobile devices with user-provided graphics that are not enumerated here, and that such diversity described a widespread interest in customization and visual appeal in the surface design of portable electronics.
Beyond the category of surface design, personal electronic devices or their supplementary cases have also been provided with secondary pockets, compartments, covers and enclosures. In addition to battery and memory storage bays, these ancillary features may includes accommodation for mirrors, cosmetics, credit cards, business cards, coins, currency, receipts, tools, or keys.
By reference to the preceding prior art, it may be observed that these approaches generally involve the removal of a part, or partial disassembly of a device, in order to install an individuating graphic insert. In the case of unpracticed users, the separation of the parts and their necessary reassembly during installation of the graphic insert will inevitably include instances of improper or imperfect use. Particularly, the removal and refitting of relevant parts may distort or break structural connectors. An inexperienced or distracted user may drop, lose or damage loose parts. A mislocated insert may itself cause damage or be damaged owing to improper entrapment between the relevant parts.

Mobile terminal case with displaceable bezel


Protected anode architectures have ionically conductive protective membrane architectures that, in conjunction with compliant seal structures and anode backplanes, effectively enclose an active metal anode inside the interior of an anode compartment. This enclosure prevents the active metal from deleterious reaction with the environment external to the anode compartment, which may include aqueous, ambient moisture, and/or other materials corrosive to the active metal. The compliant seal structures are substantially impervious to anolytes, catholytes, dissolved species in electrolytes, and moisture and compliant to changes in anode volume such that physical continuity between the anode protective architecture and backplane are maintained. The protected anode architectures can be used in arrays of protected anode architectures and battery cells of various configurations incorporating the protected anode architectures or arrays.

The present invention relates generally to active metal electrochemical devices. More particularly, this invention relates to protected anodes architectures incorporating compliant seal structures, including single and double sided protected anodes and arrays of protected anodes, and their associated electrochemical cell structures and devices such as batteries, particularly, active metal/air batteries and active metal/seawater batteries, and methods for their fabrication.
The low equivalent weight of alkali metals, such as lithium, make them particularly attractive as a battery electrode component. Lithium provides greater energy per volume than the traditional battery standards, nickel and cadmium. Unfortunately, no rechargeable lithium metal batteries have made significant penetration in the market place.
The failure of rechargeable lithium metal batteries is largely due to cell cycling problems. On repeated charge and discharge cycles, lithium "dendrites" gradually grow out from the lithium metal electrode, through the electrolyte, and ultimately contact the positive electrode. This causes an internal short circuit in the battery, rendering the battery unusable after a relatively few cycles. While cycling, lithium electrodes may also grow "mossy" deposits that can dislodge from the negative electrode and thereby reduce the battery's capacity.
To address lithium's poor cycling behavior in liquid electrolyte systems, some researchers have proposed coating the electrolyte facing side of the lithium negative electrode with a "protective layer." Such protective layer must conduct lithium ions, but at the same time prevent contact between the lithium electrode surface and the bulk electrolyte. Many techniques for applying protective layers have not succeeded.
Some contemplated lithium metal protective layers are formed in situ by reaction between lithium metal and compounds in the cell's electrolyte that contact the lithium. Most of these in situ films are grown by a controlled chemical reaction after the battery is assembled. Generally, such films have a porous morphology allowing some electrolyte to penetrate to the bare lithium metal surface. Thus, they fail to adequately protect the lithium electrode.
Prior work in the present applicants' laboratories has developed technology for protecting active metal anodes with highly ionically conductive protective membrane architectures. These protected active metal anodes structures and associated electrochemical cells, described in applicants' co-pending published US applications US 2004/0197641 and US 2005/0175894, and their corresponding International Patent Applications WO 2005/038953 and WO 2005/083829, respectively, represent major advances in active metal battery technology, for instance rendering possible functional Li/air and Li/water batteries. This technology would be further advanced by the development of appropriate seal structures techniques that would facilitate and/or optimize the incorporation of these protected active metal anodes in a variety of cell structures.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Compliant seal structures for protected active metal anodes


In a communication system (100) for decoding a quick paging channel (QPCH), a receiver (200) determines a channel condition of a pilot channel received at a mobile station (102-104). A control system (210, 401) determines receive diversity at the receiver (200) by determining a number of a plurality of receiver chains (290) in the receiver (200) for receive diversity based on the determined channel condition. The receiver (200) determines a first data bit of the QPCH in accordance with processing of one or more signals produced based on the determined receive diversity. The control system (210, 401) is configured for reducing the number of selected receiver chains (290) when the determined channel condition is above a first channel condition threshold (601) and increasing the number of selected receiver chains (290) when the determined channel condition is below a second channel condition threshold (602).

The communication channel between a transmitter and a receiver may be time varying and dispersive. The dispersion of the channel may result in multipath propagation of transmitted signal; thus, at a receiving destination, more than one receiver chain may be needed to process the multipath received signals. A receiver chain for signals received at each antenna may be necessary. Therefore, multiple receiver chains may be necessary to exploit the multipath signals received at multiple receive antennas. Use of multiple receiver chains increases the power consumption. A mobile station in a communication system may greatly benefit from receive diversity; however, mobile stations generally have limited battery power supply.
Performance of mobile stations, in at least one aspect, is measured with respect to the length of time operating without recharging the battery power supply. Various schemes have been used and deployed in various communication systems to improve the battery life of a mobile station without limiting its operational functionalities. For example, in a communication system, a mobile station may periodically shut off and wake up in predefined assigned time periods to monitor a quick paging channel (QPCH). If the QPCH indicates possibility of a message for the mobile station, the mobile station directs its resources to monitor an assigned paging channel, a broadcast common channel or a common control channel. The directed channel may carry a detailed message directing the mobile station to process other channels. The QPCH carries indications of a page directed to the mobile station. The transmission of QPCH may be at a predefined power level to reach as many mobile stations in the coverage area of the transmitter. The QPCH, and other similar channels, therefore, may be transmitted without exploiting a power control scheme. The data in the QPCH may be hashed for two groups of mobile stations for receiving paging indications at different times. The mobile stations in the first group wake up during one time period to receive a QPCH and the second group at another time period. As a result, the mobile stations may conserve battery power while maintaining full functionalities.
The QPCH contains a single bit message to direct the mobile stations. If a mobile station detects a "zero", for example, indicating no message during its assigned time period, the mobile station may go back to sleep until the next assigned time period. If the mobile station detects a "one", for example, indicating a page, the mobile station assigns its resources to monitor other related channels. Receive diversity is beneficial for decoding the paging indication bit in the QPCH.
To benefit from the receive diversity, the receiver may have to turn on multiple receiver chains to process multiple received signals. As a result, the receiver may consume a substantial amount of battery power with respect to the amount of data that it is attempting to decode in the QPCH. Therefore, use of receive diversity for decoding QPCH may adversely effect the battery life of the mobile station. Without use of the receive diversity, the mobile station may erroneously decode the QPCH data resulting in inefficient use of the battery power resources.
To this end as well as others, there is a need for an effective use of receiver diversity for decoding various channels in a communication system.

Method and apparatus for receive diversity in a communication system


To obtain truly flexible electro-optic films for image display or other related applications and to obtain a low cost solution for making electro-optic films, a new concept for manufacturing such films is disclosed. The method disclosed in this invention include mixing liquid crystal with “sponge particles” having fibril or porous surface morphology, coating such mixture directly on substrates with conductive electrodes and laminating with release liner or another substrate having conductive electrodes. The electro-optic films manufactured by using traditional R2R coating techniques. The electro-optic film manufactured by the method disclosed in the invention can be used for segment type, passive matrix type or active matrix type display applications or other related applications.

1. Field of Invention
The present invention relates to an electro-optic device, a manufacture thereof and an article for the electro-optic device. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method for manufacturing an electro-optic device with a laminated structure, an electro-optic device, and an article for the electro-optic device.
2. Description of Related Art
The demands for flexible displays in commercial product applications such as e-signage, e-tag, e-book, smart cards, e-POP, . . . , etc. are increasing in recent years, especially when wireless infrastructure and digital technology have become more matured. Therefore, having a method which can be used to produce a low cost and good quality display with a flexible format will have a significant value to actual product applications.
There are several prior arts that have been proposed for manufacturing flexible display using roll-to-roll processes. However, each of them at least has some drawbacks as described below.
In a Polymer dispersed liquid crystal display (PDLC) or a polymer stabilized liquid crystal display (PSLC), these applications can not efficiently control the cell gap without proper spacers and can not efficiently control the uniformity of polymer phase and LC phase, which end up with a poor image quality.
In a Microcapsule approach application, this method can not provide uniform capsule spheres, so when the electro-optic media is coated on substrates, there are always a certain dielectric layer across the electro-optic media which resulted in high driving voltage. It is also difficult to produce black and white image display without properly mixing RGB microcapsules.
In a Microcup approach application, the display made by this method will always have a dielectric layer on the bottom of each cell which causes an additional potential drop and resulted in a higher driving voltage. It is also require a sealing layer in order to close the cell, which are difficult to implement and also create another potential drop during operation.
All of the prior arts including PDLC, PSLC, microcapsule and microcup approaches above can not add the alignment layer to the system, therefore, only a limited type of liquid crystal can be used. In addition, all of the prior arts approaches can not create a direct contact of electro-optic media with conductive electrode, therefore, it can only be used for potential driven (not current driven) devices. It is therefore desirable to provide a roll-to-roll process for fabricating flexible display to mitigate and/or obviate the aforementioned problems.

Method for manufacturing an electro-optic device and electro-optic device, and article therefor

Industrial Technology Research Institute


The present invention relates to a sample arraying/assembling device, its method, and an apparatus using a sample assembly, and has an object of providing a sample arraying/assembling device which is adapted to various microplates of International Standards, and is capable of efficiently and quickly arraying and assembling various samples; its method; and an apparatus using a sample assembly.

Conventionally, a planar array where biological materials such as thousands of various different gene specimens or various oligonucleotides are arrayed on a plane, has come to be often used in examination and testing (Published Japanese Translation No. 10-503341 of PCT International Publication, U.S. Pat. No. 5,807,522, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. Hei 11-187900, U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,221,653, 5,744,305). For example, in order to determine the unknown base sequence of a target biological material: a planar array having various oligonucleotides arrayed is prepared; DNA segments of the target biological material are labeled with a fluorescent substance or the like; the position of the detected fluorescent luminescence on the planar array bonded with the DNA segment is determined; and the structure of the base sequence of the target biological material is determined by the detection position. Arraying the samples such as oligonucleotides and the like on this planar array, is performed for example by drawing a small amount of the solution from a container storing a solution suspended with the samples such as the specimen, and transferring to corresponding spotting positions on a plane, and contacting the liquid onto the surface one by one (U.S. Pat. No. 6,040,193).
On the other hand, as a substitute for the planar array, the present inventor has developed a sample assembly having a foundation member formed into a slender shape such as thread-like or string-like shape, and with samples containing various biological materials immobilized along the longitudinal direction of the foundation member, wherein the foundation member is wound, and the various biological materials and their immobilized positions are associated (WO01/61361 A1, WO01/53831 A1, WO01/69249 A1, WO02/63300 A1). In order to arrange the biological materials onto the thread-like or string-like foundation member, for example, the string-like foundation member is arranged or made travel along a predetermined route, while from the container storing the solution suspended with the samples such as a specimen, a small amount of solution is arranged in the corresponding positions (International Application No. PCT/JP03/06618).
Incidentally, the solution containing the various samples for spotting is normally stored in an International Standard 96-well microplate (9 mm pitch), 384-well microplate (4.5 mm pitch), or 1536-well microplate (2.25 mm pitch). The various samples are arrayed and assembled by sequentially repeating an operation of inserting pins into these respective wells to adhere the stored solution, and transferring the samples onto a glass plate to be arrayed, so that the tips of pin-like application sections are in contact with predetermined positions having a smaller pitch than the pitch between the respective wells.
In order to array the samples for this purpose, it is necessary to repeat the transfer with respect to the pins and the glass plate, so that there is a problem of taking time and labor especially if the operation is manually performed.
Moreover, in order to array the samples in the assembled condition, it is necessary to reduce the distribution amount of the samples in the respective positions, and a sufficient amount of the samples can not be arrayed, so that there a problem of a likelihood of worsening the reaction efficiency.
Furthermore, to perform the processing in the respective spotting positions in the assembled condition, there is a problem of difficulty in handling, and the likelihood of not being able to obtain sufficient accuracy.
On the other hand, in order to manufacture the sample assembly, distribution of the samples onto the string-like foundation member constituting the sample assembly by means of the pin-like application sections, requires fixing the arranged string-like foundation member and moving the application sections, or fixing the application sections and making the string-like foundation member travel, thus requiring a complicated mechanism. Moreover, in order to make the string-like member distributed with the samples travel, it is necessary to bridge the string-like member over a mechanism such as a roller. Therefore there is a problem of the likelihood of requiring a complicated mechanism in order to avoid cross contamination of the samples distributed on the respective spotting points.
To array the samples only on one flat face of a glass plate and the like, there is a problem of low usage efficiency due to the existence of the reverse face that is not used.
Furthermore, to use a complicated and large-scale apparatus, there is a problem of the likelihood of high manufacturing cost and operating cost.
Therefore, the present invention is made to solve the above problems, with a first object of providing: a sample arraying/assembling device which is adapted for various microplates of the International Standard, and is capable of arraying a large number of samples onto a string-like or thread-like foundation member or the like, at once or intermittently quickly, thereby enabling efficient and quick processing; its method; and an apparatus using a sample assembly.
A second object is to provide a sample arraying/assembling device which arrays and assembles the samples in a three-dimensional shape, thus enabling an increase in usage efficiency; its method; and an apparatus using a sample assembly.
A third object is to provide a reliable sample arraying/assembling device which can reliably prevent cross contamination between respective arrayed samples; its method; and an apparatus using a sample assembly.
A fourth object is to provide a sample arraying/assembling device which can array various samples in various three-dimensional shapes, with variety and generality; its method; and an apparatus using a sample assembly.
A fifth object is to provide a sample arraying/assembling device which is easy to use and low in cost, that can be readily used in a laboratory and the like, having a simple structure capable of arraying and assembling samples by simple handwork at low cost; its method; and an apparatus using a sample assembly.
A sixth object is to provide a sample arraying/assembling device which is capable of reliably associating the respective samples and the positions thereof, by arraying the samples one-dimensionally so that the samples can be reliably arrayed and assembled; its method; and an apparatus using a sample assembly.
A seventh object is to provide a sample arraying/assembling device which can distribute a sufficient amount of liquid into respective sample distribution positions, and can array and assemble the samples so as to increase the reaction efficiency; its method; and an apparatus using a sample assembly.
An eighth object is to provide a sample arraying/assembling device which uses a sample assembly having various samples assembled and arrayed so that optical information can be obtained readily at low cost; its method; and an apparatus using a sample assembly.

Sample arraying/assembling device, its method, and apparatus using sample assembly

Abstract: The present invention is constituted to comprise: a distributing section which is capable of holding respective solutions containing samples to be distributed, and which has a plurality of holding ends arranged in a predetermined matrix; and a wound body which has a plane surface wound with a string-like or thread-like slender foundation member on which samples are to be distributed at distribution intervals of column or line of the matrix, which is arranged in parallel at the winding intervals of the line or column on the plane surface, so that the respective holding ends can come into contact therewith.


This invention is in the area of regulatory DNA sequences and their methods of use. Specifically, DNA sequences found in the regulatory region of cytoprotective genes are described that are termed cytoprotective response elements. DNA constructs also are provided that include cytoprotective response elements operably linked to heterologous protein coding sequence, as well as cells and non-human organisms that include the cytoprotective response elements optionally operably linked to a heterologous protein coding sequence, and a method for screening for a compound that increases mRNA or protein regulated by a cytoprotective response element. It has been discovered that the cytoprotective response elements mediate the coordinate activation of certain genes that protect cells from damaging effects of oxidative stress, and that they do so, for example during conditions of hemodynamic shear stress.

Inflammation is a normal response of the body to protect tissues from infection, injury or disease. The inflammatory response begins with the production and release of chemical agents by cells in the infected, injured or diseased tissue. These agents cause inflammation of the tissue, which generate additional signals that recruit leukocytes. Leukocytes destroy infective or injurious agents, and remove cellular debris from damaged tissue. Although inflammation is a normal response of the body to heal itself, if not controlled, it can result in undesirable chronic inflammation.
The vasculature regulates processes that control inflammation. At sites of injury or infection, cells of the vasculature (including smooth muscle cells and endothelial cells (ECs)) release chemical and protein mediators that attract leukocytes to the injured or damaged area. The leukocytes play a key role by migrating from the circulatory system into the infected area to help resolve the acute inflammation. Cell adhesion molecules expressed on the surface of endothelial cells are one of the primary regulators of this process and assist in recruiting the leukocytes to the affected area. Damaged or injured endothelium stimulates the expression of adhesion molecules, which are responsible for the interaction of leukocytes with the endothelial cell.
Hemodynamics and Vascular Inflammation
Originally viewed simply as a passive barrier or insulation, the endothelial lining is now considered to be a multi-functional organ whose health is essential to normal vascular physiology, and whose dysfunction can be a critical factor in the pathogenesis of vascular disease including inflammatory diseases. It serves as both an endocrine and paracrine organ with numerous regulatory functions. Because endothelial cells lie at the interface between the circulating blood and the vessel wall, they reside in a dynamic physical force environment, experiencing both a normal pressure force and a tangential shearing (frictional) force resulting from the flow of blood over the luminal surface. In recent years there has been considerable focus on the influence of this fluid shear stress on vascular endothelial cell biology (Nerem & Girard (1990) Toxicologic Pathology, 18(4)572-582). One of the first demonstrations that the endothelial cell responds to its hemodynamic environment was the observed alignment of endothelial cells in vivo with the direction of blood flow. (Flaherty, et al. (1972) Circ. Res. 30:23). The dramatic impact of shear stress on vascular inflammation is exemplified in the early events in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. The nonrandom distribution of early atherosclerotic lesions observed both in the natural disease process in humans and in experimental animal models suggests that hemodynamic influences can contribute to the early pathogenesis (Asakura & Karino (1990) Circ Res, 66:1045-1066; and Ku, et al. (1985) Arteriosclerosis, 5: 293-302). These early lesions are localized to branched and curved segments of large arteries that are characterized by non-directional and relatively low fluid shear stress. (Montenegro & Eggen (1968) Lab Invest. 18(5):586-593). Conversely, the lesion-protected areas of the vasculature are characterized by unidirectional and relatively high fluid shear stress. These observations led to the development of in vitro model systems that mimic the hemodynamic forces experienced by the endothelium in vivo, so that the effects of this important physical force can be studied in depth.
Substantial evidence now exists to support the role of endothelial cells as powerful transducers of its hemodynamic environment, and that such mechanical forces can directly affect endothelial cell biology (Nerem & Girard (1990) Toxicologic Pathology 18(4):572-582; and Nitzan & Gimrone (1995) FASEB J. 9:874-882). One of the most well-studied effects of fluid shear stress on endothelial cell biology is alteration of EC/leukocyte interactions. The altered adhesivity of leukocytes for the EC is due, at least in part, to the regulation of the adhesion proteins intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1). The expression of both ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 are regulated by shear stress (Tsuboi, et al., (1995) Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 206(3):988-996; and Medford, et al., (1994) Circulation. 909(suppl I):I-83. Abstract). In addition, other genes (that function in maintaining vasoactivity, redox state, hemostasis, and growth control) whose expression is regulated by shear stress have been described (Chien, et al. ((1998) Hypertension 31:162-169)).
Oxidative Stress and Hemodynamics
It is now well accepted that oxidative stress and oxidant signaling pathways play important roles in vascular dysfunction associated with atherosclerosis and other inflammatory diseases. Indeed, oxidant stress causes changes in inflammatory gene expression (Kunsch & Medford (1999) Circ. Res. 85:753-766). For example, pro-oxidants stimulate the expression of VCAM-1 and MCP-1 on endothelial cells, whereas, antioxidants inhibit oxidant-stress induced expression of these genes. Cells normally contain endogenous proteins that help to reduce the levels of reactive oxygen species and prevent the damaging effects oxidative stress, thus protecting the cell.
It has been suggested that steady, laminar shear stress induces this protective phenotype of the cell, in part, by activating the expression of genes that function to protect the cell from oxidative stress. Several reports have demonstrated that exposure of endothelial cells to shear stress induces the expression of genes that regulate endothelial cell redox homeostasis including Manganese Superoxide Dismutase (MnSOD), catalase, nitric oxide synthase, Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) (Topper, et al., (1996) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci USA. 93:10417-10422; and Inoue N, Ramasam, et al., (1996) Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 79:32-37). One recent study demonstrated that cells exposed to laminar shear stress (LSS) have lower levels of the free radical, superoxide, than cells exposed to oscillatory shear stress (OSS) (De Keulenaer, et al. (1998) Circ Res. 82:1094). DeKeulenaer et al. suggest that steady LSS can induce compensatory antioxidant defense mechanisms by the observed increased expression of SOD and antioxidant defense enzymes whose level of expression adapts to changes in oxidative stress. Therefore, the local hemodynamic environment of the vasculature can help to regulate intracellular oxidant stress by modulating the expression of genes that function in redox homeostasis. In addition, using a shear stress paradigm to identify genes related to cardiovascular disease, six genes were found to be upregulated (U.S. Pat. No. 6,018,025 to Falb). Although these initial studies have identified a few genes regulated by fluid shear stress, the mechanisms that allow endothelial cells to discriminate between the various types of fluid shear stress and thereby express an anti-inflammatory, antioxidative phenotype remains to be elucidated.
The specific nucleotide sequences that comprise the regulatory regions of genes that respond to hemodynamic influences of the cell, and therefore can mediate antioxidant and anti-inflammatory pathways, provide novel targets for modulating their expression. Particularly, PCT Publication No. WO 00/39275 filed by Florence Medical Ltd., et al., discloses a set of vectors comprising multiple shear stress response elements (SSRE) that include HO-1. The SSRE is defined generally as nucleic acids from the regulatory elements of genes that are regulated in endothelial cells through shear stress forces. The SSRE is further defined as an element necessary and/or sufficient to induce (or suppress) gene expression in endothelial cells exposed to shear stress. The invention provides a method for testing compounds for the ability to regulate endothelial cell gene expression, angiogenesis and/or vasculogenesis to treat disorders related to angiogenesis and or vasculogenesis. However, the specific nucleotide sequences that comprise the regulatory elements of genes that respond to shear stress stimuli have not yet been identified.
The Antioxidant Response Element (ARE)
The antioxidant response element (ARE) with underlined consensus sequence TGACNNNGC (SEQ ID NO 23) is now known to be a transcriptional regulatory element. It is found in the 5′ flanking regions of several genes encoding enzymes involved in the phase II metabolism of xenobiotics, including GST, NQO1, and glucuronosyltransferase. (Rushmore, et al., (1991) J. Biol. Chem. 266:11632; and Jaiswal AK (1994) Biochem. Pharmacol. 48:439). The induction of these enzymes by transcriptional activation through the ARE results from cellular exposure to a variety of chemical entities including electrophilic compounds, antioxidants, Michael reaction acceptors, redox-cycling polyaromatic hydrocarbons, quinones and other agents capable of generating free radical species that alter the cellular redox state. The ability of these enzymes to conjugate redox-cycling chemicals is an important protective mechanism against electrophile and oxidative toxicity. Thus, oxidative stress appears to be the principle signal that acts, either directly or indirectly, through a signaling pathway leading to the transcriptional activation of genes encoding these enzymes. Although this antioxidant defense mechanism has been studied extensively as a hepatic detoxification mechanism, it has also been suggested that the ARE pathway can contribute to antioxidant defenses in the lung via activation of heme oxygenase. (Camhi., et al., (1995) Am. J. Respir. Cell Mol. Biol. 13:387).
U.S. Pat. No. 6,120,994 to Tam discloses an ARE, which constitutes the DNA consensus sequence: 5′-RGR AC NNN GCT-3′ (SEQ ID NO 24) (wherein R is A or G). This patent discloses a method of screening for a compound that increases transcription of a mRNA regulated by the ARE. The ARE is present in a DNA construct containing the ARE operably linked to a protein coding sequence. This construct is used in an assay for cellular extracts of transcription products (either mRNA or protein) in the presence and absence of the compound.
The ARE disclosed in the '994 patent is identified as part of the proapoAI gene. This gene encodes apolipoprotein AI, the major protein component of high-density lipoprotein, which is believed to reduce atherosclerotic risk. Thus, increasing the levels of apolipoprotein via induction of ARE-mediated transcription is reported to have beneficial effects in preventing or treating animal or human atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. The '994 patent also teaches a system for screening and identifying compounds that increase transcription of an MRNA regulated by an ARE, for example apolipoprotein AI. In addition, the '994 patent provides a method of treating a human being or an animal with such a compound.
The Maf-recognition Element (MARE)
Recently, Kataoka et al. ((2001), J. Biol. Chem. 276 (36):34074) identified a maf recognition element, referred to as "MARE" having the DNA consensus sequence 5′-TGCTGACTCAGCA-3′ (SEQ ID NO 25). Specifically, Kataoka et al. describes the coordinate induction of the genes for gamma glutamyl cysteine synthase (γ-GCS), NQO1 and HO-1 via the activation of MARE by gold(I) compounds (gold(I) drugs). They also identify that the MARE transcription factors, Nrf-2/Small Maf, are activated by Gold(I) drugs.
Gold(I) drugs are in clinical use for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Kataoka et al. describes for the first time the molecular mechanism of action of these drugs. The gene products, γ-GCS, NQO1 and HO-1, which were found to be upregulated by gold(I) drugs are known to be involved in the anti-oxidative stress response as well as anti-inflammatory pathways. Thus, they speculate that the gold(I) drugs can protect against inflammation.
Heme Oxygenase (HO-1)
Heme oxygenase is the enzyme that oxidatively degrades protoheme IX to biliverdin and carbon monoxide. In mammals, biliverdin is further converted to bilirubin, an endogenous radical scavenger, through action of biliverdin reductase. (Stocker, et al., (1987) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 84:5918-5922). Three isoforms of heme oxygenase have been identified; however, only HO-1 is inducible. Initial interest in HO-1 focused on its role in heme catabolism, however, recent studies show that HO-1 is highly responsive to oxidative stress and has potent antioxidant properties (Choi & Alam (1996) Am J. Respir. Cell Mol Biol. 15:9-19). When tissues are pre-exposed to HO-1 inducers their damage and/or acute inflammatory responses are markedly attenuated in a variety of models such as carrageenan-induced pleuritits. (Willis, et al. (1996) Nat Med. 2:87-89), oxidant-induced lung injury (Choi & Alam (1996) Am J. Respir. Cell Mol Biol. 15:9-19; and Lee, et al. (1996) Am. J. Respir. Cell Mol. Biol. 4:556), and endotoxin shock (Yet, et al. (1997) J Biol Chem. 272:4296-4301). In addition, HO-1-deficient humans' exhibit enhanced endothelial cell injury in the presence of oxidative stress (Poss & Tonegawa (1997) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA. 94:10925; and (Yachie, et al. (1999) J. Clin. Invest. 103:129). Recently, Hayashi and colleagues demonstrated that HO-1 attenuates leukocyte-endothelial cell adhesion in vivo through the action of bilirubin (Hayashi, et al. (1999) Circ Res 85:663-671). This can be one mechanism by which HO-1 is protective in inflammation. HO-1 is upregulated through its ARE site by acute complement-dependant inflammatory responses (Willis et al. (1996) Nature Medicine 2:87-90), as well as electrophilic compounds such as phorbol esters and heavy metals (Prestera et al. (1995) Molecular Medicine 1: 827-837).
NAD(P)H:Quinone Oxidoreductase (NQO1& NQO2)
NQO1 is a cytosolic flavoprotein found ubiquitously in eukaryotes. In addition to NQO1, at least one other homolog (NQO2) has been cloned from humans (˜50% identity at the amino acid level). The expression of NQO1 is induced by exposure to many substances including: aromatic compounds, phenolic antioxidants, peroxides, mercaptans, phorbol esters, ionizing radiation, UV light, and hypoxia. The expression of NQO1 is high in liver and also many extrahepatic tissues including kidney, skeletal muscle, lung, heart, and placenta. NQO1 is upregulated through its MARE/ARE site by rheumatic gold compounds Kataoka et al. ((2001), J. Biol. Chem. 276 (36):34074), as well as xenobiotics and antioxidants (Jaiswal (2000) Free Radical Biology and Medicine 29: 254-262).
It is believed that the primary function of NQO1 is to catalyze the obligatory two electron reductive metabolism and detoxification of quinones and their derivatives. Quinones are highly abundant in nature and human exposure to them is extensive. Quinones are found in all burnt organic materials, including automobile exhaust, cigarette smoke, and urban air pollutants. The obligatory two-electron reduction of quinones catalyzed by NQO1 competes with the one-electron reduction of quinones by other enzymes. These single electron reductions of quinones generate unstable semiquinones that undergo redox cycling in the presence of molecular oxygen leading to the formation of reactive oxygen species causing lipid peroxidation, membrane and DNA damage, oxidative stress, cytotoxicity and mutagenicity. NQO1 must compete with the single-electron reducing enzymes and allow for detoxification. NQO1 generally serves to protect the cell from the redox damaging effects of potentially toxic quinones and semiquinones.
Another major function of NQO1 is to maintain coenzyme Q (Ubiquinone) in the reduced form (Ubiquinol) in membranes. Coenzyme Q10 is a lipid-soluble constituent of (cardiac) mitochondrial membranes. CoQ10 functions as an electron carrier in the respiratory chain through its redox-active quinoid moiety. Other properties of Coenzyme Q10 include "membrane-stabilizing" activity and inhibition of membrane lipid peroxidation. Ubiquinols can react with oxygen radicals and thus prevent direct damage to biomolecules and initiation of lipid peroxidation. CoQ10 protects cardiac mitochondria against oxidative stress and reduces the damaging effects of an oxidative insult in isolated hearts. Several lab studies have reproducibly shown that CoQ10 administration facilitates post-ischemic functional recovery and improves myocardial integrity and metabolic status.
Glutathione S-Transferase (GST) and Gamma Glutamyl Cysteine Synthetase (γ-GCS)
Glutathiones play critical roles in intra- and extra-cellular defenses against oxidative damage, electrophiles and inflammatory responses. Glutathione S-transferase, GST, is a Phase II enzyme that catalyzes the S-conjugation of glutathione with reactive species such as electrophilic compounds. γ-GCSs are also involved in glutathione reactions in that γ-GCS is the rate limiting enzyme for glutathione synthesis. Therefore, regulation of γ-GCS is critical to maintain optimal cellular levels of glutathione.
GSTs are upregulated through an ARE site by chemoprotective compounds (Wasserman & Fahl (1997) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 94:5361-5366) as well as antioxidants (Rushmore & Pickett (1990) 265: 14648-53).
Ferritin (Light and Heavy Chain)
The Ferritins are a distinct class of proteins that generally serve to protect the cell against reactive oxidative species. While iron (Fe) is vital to normal cellular function and survival, it must be well contained because it is able participate in the formation of potentially cytotoxic oxidative reactions. Ferritins are Fe chelators thereby providing a safe form of storage for the Fe in the cell.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a composition and method to protect cells from the potentially damaging effects of oxidative stress.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a composition and method to treat acute and/or chronic inflammation.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a method to identify compounds and biologic materials that can induce the expression of cytoprotective enzymes and other protective cell products.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method to identify compounds that inhibit VCAM-1 expression.

Protection against oxidative stress and inflammation by a cytoprotective response element


An X-ray imaging apparatus having an improved structure to reduce noise generated when a position of an X-ray generator is fixed in position includes an X-ray generator, an X-ray detector, a moving carriage coupled with one end of the X-ray generator, a guide rail, and a holding unit disposed at an inner side of the moving carriage to hold the position of the X-ray generator, wherein the holding unit includes a contact pad to contact the guide rail to hold the moving carriage, a magnetic body to move the contact pad using magnetic force, and a holding plate coupled to the contact pad to move according to operation of the magnetic body and including a buffer material capable of absorbing noise or vibration.

1. Field
The following description relates to an X-ray imaging apparatus having an improved structure to reduce noise generated when a position of an X-ray generator is fixed, or held, such that a movement of the X-ray generator is restricted.
2. Description of the Related Art
In general, medical X-ray imaging apparatuses are imaging systems to acquire an image of the inside of the human body using X-rays. An X-ray imaging apparatus irradiates an imaging site, such as head parts, chest parts, or the like of the human body, with X-rays and detects X-rays having passed through the imaging site, thereby acquiring an image of the inside of the human body.
The X-ray imaging apparatus includes an X-ray tube to irradiate an imaging site with X-rays, a high voltage generator to generate a high voltage needed for generation of X-rays, a moving device to change emission position and direction of X-rays, and the like. In addition, the X-ray imaging apparatus includes an operating device to enable an inspector to control these devices.
The X-ray imaging apparatus includes an X-ray detector to receive the emitted X-rays, convert the received X-rays into digital signals, and transmit the digital data to a PC. The X-ray detector may be installed at a stand for performing X-ray imaging at which a patient stands or on a patient table for performing X-ray imaging on which a patient lays. The X-ray detector may be used in a held state. Recently, however, a detachable X-ray detector may be manufactured and thus the detachable X-ray detector may be used in both the stand and the patient table.
In a conventional X-ray imaging apparatus, however, noise is generated due to contact between a guide rail and magnetic bodies when the X-ray generator or the X-ray detector performs a holding operation.


An analog-to-digital converter (ADC) circuit that converts an analog input signal into a digital output circuit includes a noise shaping first stage cascaded with a pipelined second stage. The first stage includes a sample-and-hold circuit and a first order modulator, where the first order modulator includes a noise shaping filter, a FLASH ADC and a feedback DAC. A digital dither generator is used to provide a dither signal to the ADC circuit. The second stage includes a switching circuit and an ADC. A calibration filter connected to the second stage calibrates the ADC circuit. A first reconstruction filter and a second reconstruction filter are used to recombine outputs of the first stage and the second stage of the ADC circuit. The ADC circuit allows high resolution analog-to-digital conversion at a low over-sampling rate and low power dissipation levels.

Analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) are employed in a variety of electronic systems including computer modems, wireless telephones, satellite receivers, process control systems, etc. Such systems demand cost-effective ADCs that can efficiently convert an analog input signal to a digital output signal over a wide range of frequencies and signal magnitudes with minimal noise and distortion.
An ADC typically converts an analog signal to a digital signal by sampling the analog signal at pre-determined sampling intervals and generating a sequence of binary numbers via a quantizer, wherein the sequence of binary numbers is a digital representation of the sampled analog signal. Some of the commonly used types of ADCs include integrating ADCs, Flash ADCs, pipelined ADCs, successive approximation register ADCs, Delta-Sigma (ΔΣ) ADCs, two-step ADCs, etc. Of these various types, the pipelined ADCs and the ΔΣ ADCs are particularly popular in applications requiring higher resolutions.
A pipelined ADC circuit samples an analog input signal using a sample-and-hold circuit to hold the input signal steady and a first stage flash ADC to quantize the input signal. The first stage flash ADC then feeds the quantized signal to a digital-to-analog converter (DAC). The pipelined ADC circuit subtracts the output of the DAC from the analog input signal to get a residue signal of the first stage. The first stage of the pipelined ADC circuit generates the most significant bit (MSB) of the digital output signal. The residue signal of the first stage is gained up by a factor and fed to the next stage. Subsequently, the next stage of the pipelined ADC circuit further quantizes the residue signal to generate further bits of the digital output signal.
On the other hand, a ΔΣ ADC employs over-sampling, noise-shaping, digital filtering and digital decimation techniques to provide high resolution analog-to-digital conversion. One popular design of a ΔΣ ADC is multi-stage noise shaping (MASH) ΔΣ ADC. A MASH ΔΣ ADC is based on cascading multiple first-order or second-order ΔΣ ADCs to realize high-order noise shaping. An implementation of a MASH ΔΣ ADC is well known to those of ordinary skill in the art. While both pipelined ADCs and ΔΣ ADCs provide improved signal-to-noise ratio, improved stability, etc., ΔΣ ADCs generally provide higher levels of resolution and therefore are preferred in applications involving asynchronous digital subscriber lines (ADSL), very high speed digital subscriber lines (VDSL), etc. Highly-linear, high-resolution and wide-bandwidth ADCs are required for VDSL systems.
However, ΔΣ ADCs typically employ higher over-sampling ratios (OSRs) to achieve such higher resolutions, normally of the range of OSRs over 50. Such high OSR results in higher level of power dissipation. Moreover, ΔΣ ADCs also require anti-alias filters for inputting analog signals into a first stage of the ΔΣ ADC. Such anti-aliasing filters also result in higher power dissipation. Therefore there is a need for an ADC circuit that can provide high resolution digital output at a lower OSRs and/or lower levels of power dissipation.

Method and apparatus for operating a pipelined ADC circuit


Apparatus for detecting relative displacement includes a first magnet for producing a first magnetic field along an axis; a second magnet for producing a second magnetic field along the axis; the first and second magnetic fields interacting to produce a position-dependent magnetic field along the axis; a sensor disposed for detecting the position-dependent magnetic field; and a movable element for causing relative displacement between the position-dependent magnetic field and the sensor. In a preferred embodiment, the sensor is a magneto-optic sensor.

The invention relates generally to position and displacement sensors, and more specifically to such sensors using magnetically responsive sensors.
Position and/or displacement sensors are generally known and are commonly used in applications where there is a need to monitor or detect the absolute and/or relative position or movement of an element. A typical example would be for detecting the extension of a push rod in a cylinder or other type of linear or rotary actuator.
A conventional position or displacement sensor detects movement of a ferrous rod within a set of matched coils, such as the well known arrangement of a linear variable differential transducer or LVDT. Unfortunately, such devices are susceptible to noise and particularly electromagnetic interference (EMI).
The objectives exist, therefore, to provide an accurate and reliable position/displacement sensor that exhibits good noise immunity without excessive production cost.

Displacement apparatus using a magnetic optic sensor and position dependent magnetic field


There is provided a chip electronic component including: a magnetic body containing magnetic metal powder particles and a thermosetting resin; an internal coil part embedded in the magnetic body; and a surface protection layer with which a surface of the magnetic body is coated. The surface protection layer may prevent a plating spreading phenomenon occurring on a surface of the chip electronic component at the time of forming external electrodes.

The present disclosure relates to a chip electronic component and a board having the same.
An inductor, one of chip electronic components, is a representative passive element configuring an electronic circuit together with a resistor and a capacitor to remove noise.
A thin film type inductor is manufactured by forming internal coil parts by plating and then hardening a magnetic powder-resin composite in which magnetic powder particles and a resin are mixed with each other to form a magnetic body and forming external electrodes on outer surfaces of the magnetic body.

Chip electronic component and board having the same


Angularly spaced sector portions of a bushing element attached by its annr flange to a housing, adjustably positions angularly spaced bearing elements and wedge-shaped spacers for bearing support of a shaft with desired radial and axial clearances maintained by fasteners extending into the housing parallel to the shaft axis from the flanges of the bushing and the bearing elements to accommodate radial adjustment, while fastener studs extending perpendicular to the shaft axis through enlarged holes in all of the elements of the bearing assembly accommodate axial adjustment before attachment of the bearing elements in their adjusted positions to the housing is finalized.

Cylindrical/spherical bearing systems of conventional types are limited to an extremely small range of clearances within which to accommodate various operational conditions. Thus, a very tight clearance is extremely difficult to achieve for certain installations or conditions such as quiet submarine control surface operation and hydrodynamic film support/operating environments. Also, in view of the foregoing referred to clearance requirements associated with conventional bearing systems, removal and reinstallation of worn bearings, replacement of parts thereof and centering of a bearing shaft within misaligned housing openings presents problems that are very difficult and/or costly to solve.
It is therefore an important object of the present invention to provide a bearing support system for rotational shafts through which clearances between shaft and bearing surfaces may be more readily or realistically optimized for desired operational conditions.

Adjustable bearing system with selectively optimized installational clearances

The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy


A dangerous drive predicting apparatus is provided which is capable of rapidly recognizing a future situation of the own vehicle by other vehicles. The dangerous drive predicting apparatus is equipped with: drive information detecting section 110 for detecting drive information containing at least one of a drive action and vehicle information; traffic environment detecting section 120 for detecting a traffic environment around a first vehicle; driving characteristic producing/storing section 130 for producing and storing a driving characteristic every traffic environment based upon the drive information and the traffic environment; and a driving characteristic transmitting section for transmitting the driving characteristic to a second vehicle.

Conventionally, vehicle driver's future situation predicting apparatuses are known in technical fields. That is, in such a case that a vehicle (own vehicle) driven by a driver thereof, and other vehicles (other vehicles) which are driven at peripheral areas of the own vehicle are present, the vehicle driver's future situation predicting apparatuses evaluate driving characteristics based upon not only drive conditions of the own vehicle, but also drive conditions of other vehicles, and thus, accurately predict the degree of accuracy at which vehicle drivers will encounter with unexpected events in a future.    Patent Publication 1: JP-A-2003-058994


An automatic transmission ratio shift control system and method for a powertrain having an engine and multiple-ratio gearing controlled by friction elements actuated by hydraulic pressure, an electronic controller for establishing torque transitions among the friction elements as the gear ratio changes, the engine speed being controlled by an electronic throttle control. The strategy employs an electronic throttle and closed loop engine speed control and uses fuel and air as an energy source to increase engine speed during a power-off downshift. The engine speed is boosted to a level close to the synchronous speed in conjunction with release of the off-going friction element. The on-coming friction element is then applied as the engine speed approaches a desired speed. The engine speed increase is timed to lead an increase in torque converter speed.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a system and method for controlling a coasting downshift in a vehicle powertrain having an engine and an automatic transmission capable of producing multiple gear ratios.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Coasting or power-off downshifts are those gear ratio changes produced by the transmission automatically in response to a reduction in vehicle speed due to the need for a higher gear ratio. Power-off manual pull-in downshifts are those gear ratio changes initiated manually by the vehicle operator by moving a gear selector lever from a first position corresponding to the current gear to a second position corresponding to the next gear and by relieving force on the accelerator pedal. These actions allow the accelerator pedal to rise and the engine throttle to close, at least partially, in response to movement of the pedal. Such power-off downshifts, both those produced automatically by the transmission control system or those initiated manually by the operator and completed by the control system, are typically not as smooth as non-synchronous coasting downshifts.
Non-synchronous gearshifts are gear ratio changes resulting when a single friction element, a hydraulically actuated clutch or brake, changes its state from engaged to disengaged. Synchronous gear shifts are gear ratio changes resulting when at least two friction elements change state between engaged and disengaged.
During a synchronous downshift, the transmission gear ratio increases, which causes the speed of a torque converter turbine to rise in proportion to the ratio change. Because the engine is coupled to the transmission through the turbine, a power-off downshift causes the engine speed to increase as the turbine speed increases. The energy required to accelerate the engine inertia and friction torque load is supplied by vehicle inertia. This energy exchange causes the output torque supplied to the driven wheels to drop, resulting in a bumpy undesirable shift feel.
There is a need to improve the response of synchronous power-off downshifts and manual pull-in downshifts by controlling the increase in engine speed primarily through electronic throttle control and spark retardation, rather than by the on-coming friction element. Such a strategy would minimize the decrease in output shaft torque because energy required to raise engine speed and turbine speed would be provided by the engine.
A control strategy is required to improve the quality of coasting downshifts to a level equivalent to non-synchronous gear ratio changes. Such a strategy should be applicable both to synchronous and to non-synchronous downshifts.

Coasting downshift control for automatic transmissions


A light intensity distribution measuring method for measuring the light intensity distribution of a laser beam emitted by a semiconductor laser comprises the steps of measuring light intensities at a plurality of locations in a laser beam emitted by a semiconductor laser and applying their measurement results to a t distribution function to calculate the light intensity distribution. A light intensity distribution measuring device is also described.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a light intensity distribution measuring method for measuring the light intensity of a laser beam emitted by a semiconductor and to a light intensity distribution measuring device.
2. Description of the Related Art
To configure laser optical systems such as fiber optical systems and optical head devices which reproduce and record the information with respect to optical recording media such as CDs and DVDs, it is necessary that a light intensity distribution is formed in the 2D directions of a laser beam emitted by a semiconductor laser to calculate the efficiency in usage of the light and to calculate the size of the spot at the vicinity of the focusing point when the beam is focused by the optical system. Note that, to obtain the light intensity distribution of the laser beam flux in the 2D directions, it is necessary that the light intensities are measured at a plurality of locations in the beam and the measurement results are applied to a predetermined probability density function to calculate the light intensity distribution.
Therefore, as illustrated in FIG. 1, in a light intensity distribution measuring device for calculating the light intensity distribution of a laser beam flux in the 2D directions, a light intensity detector 12 which measures the light intensities at a plurality of locations in the laser beam emitted by a semiconductor laser 11, and a data processing device 13 which calculates the light intensity distribution based on the measurement results of the light intensity detector 12 are provided. The light intensity detector 12 has a photo detector 121 that converts the detected light intensities into electrical signals and a light shielding plate 122 having pin holes or slits that enable the photo detector 121 to detect a portion of the laser beam; when the light intensity detector 12 is rotated about the light emitting point of the semiconductor laser 11, the intensity of the laser beam which radiates at any given angle from the light emitting point can be detected.
Assuming that the laser beam obeys Gaussian distribution (normal distribution) shown in Equation (1) below, the data processing device 13 calculates the light intensity distribution by applying the measurement results obtained by the light intensity detector 12 to Gaussian distribution.
                    y        =                              f                                      (                                                χ                  |                  μ                                ,                σ                            )                                =                                    1                              σ                                                                      2                                        π                                                                                ⅇ                                                -                                                            (                                              χ                        -                        μ                                            )                                        2                                                                    2                                                        σ                    2                                                                                Equation                                                            (          1          )
Here, as shown in Equation (2) below, the light intensity distribution is expressed by the maximum intensity in the vicinity of the center of the laser beam flux, its positional coordinates (δx, δy), and the angular position (//θ, ⊥θ) of Full Width Half Maximum (FWHM), which is one half of the maximum intensity when the light beam flux is angled from the position of the maximum intensity in the X and Y directions.
                              f                                (                          x              ,              y                        )                          =                              c                                                            -                  2                                ·                                                      (                                          x                      -                                              δ                        x                                                              )                                    2                                                                              (                                      1.6986                    ·                    0.5                    ·                                          FWHIM                      x                                                        )                                2                                              ·                      c                                                            -                  2                                ·                                                      (                                          y                      -                                              δ                        y                                                              )                                    2                                                                              (                                      1.6986                    ·                    0.5                    ·                                          FWHIM                      y                                                        )                                2                                                                        Equation                                                            (          2          )
However, when the light intensity distribution, obtained under assumption that the intensity distribution of the laser beam obeys Gaussian distribution, is compared with the actual measurement values, errors of several percentage points occur in the skirt of the intensity distribution as shown in FIG. 3. Therefore, the efficiency in usage of the laser beam or the spot size cannot be obtained accurately.

Light intensity distribution measuring method and light intensity distribution measuring device


An image forming apparatus includes a substantially horizontally arranged image bearing member; a developing unit, including a plurality of developing devices and supporting the developing devices rotatably relative to the image bearing member; a movable intermediate transfer belt supported by first and second rotation members and facing the developing unit; a primary transfer member forming, together with the image bearing member, a primary transfer portion located near the first rotation member in a moving direction of the intermediate transfer belt, through the intermediate transfer belt; and a secondary transfer member forming, together with the second rotation member, a secondary transfer portion through the intermediate transfer belt. A toner image formed on the image bearing member by the developing unit is transferred on the intermediate transfer belt at the primary transfer portion, and is transferred on a recording material at the secondary transfer portion.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to image forming apparatuses such as copiers and printers, and more particularly to an image forming apparatus having an intermediate transfer belt.
2. Description of the Related Art
There are various kinds of image forming apparatuses which employ an image forming process of electrophotographic type or electrostatic recording type. Such various kinds of image forming apparatuses have therein photosensitive drums as image bearing members which are widely used in printers and copiers. Process units, such as a charging unit, an exposure unit, a developing unit, a transfer unit, and a cleaning unit are provided in the vicinity of such a photosensitive drum. Also, a recording material conveying unit, a fixing unit, and the like, are provided in the apparatus.
As shown in FIG. 8, there is an example image forming apparatus, in which, when a toner image on an image bearing member 300 is to be transferred on a recording material, an intermediate transfer belt 301 bears a toner image transferred from an image bearing member (which is a device to allow the belt 301 to bear the toner image).
In many cases, the length of the intermediate transfer belt cannot be a certain length or smaller due to the condition of the maximum size of a recording material to be output from an image forming apparatus. If a main body of the apparatus is to be decreased in size, the length of the intermediate transfer belt may affect the overall dimensions of the main body.
In the above apparatus, the intermediate transfer belt is obliquely arranged, a photosensitive member is arranged slightly above the center of the intermediate transfer belt, and a developing unit is arranged above the photosensitive member.
With this configuration, it is difficult to decrease the size of the main body.
Moreover, as shown in FIG. 8, if a waste-toner container 302 is provided only at an upper portion of a primary-transfer nip portion, for example, when a user opens a front cover to replace a developing device, light may enter, and a photosensitive drum may be exposed to the light, thereby generating a defective image.
Accordingly it would be advantageous to provide an image forming apparatus that overcomes the aforementioned disadvantages described above.

Image forming apparatus for realizing downsizing of a main body of the apparatus


A device, method, and system for developing, managing, acquiring and playing electronic board games. Game developers may illustratively access one or more electronic game board, game piece templates and/or other game development application software from a game server to design and develop electronic board games. Such electronic board games may then be acquired by game players in the form of full, limited and/or modifiable versions. A game service module of the game server makes a number of electronic board game related services available to game players for managing, playing and acquiring electronic board game collections and/or for enhancing or facilitating electronic board game playing.

Many different types, styles, and versions of conventional board games are commercially available, and have been played by persons of all ages and backgrounds for several generations. Typically, such board games include a physical game board with a static graphical representation of a game playing surface on one side, and a plurality of physical game pieces such as dice, cards, game currency, and/or other paper, plastic and/or metal pieces.
Personal computing devices are ubiquitous in modern society, with many persons owning and/or operating multiple personal computing devices daily. Many personal computing devices are internet-accessible, and some such personal computing devices have large display screens and/or may be oriented and supported with their display screens facing upwardly. The personal computing devices may be used for any one or more uses including business, personal data management, and entertainment such as electronic games.

System for developing, managing, acquiring and playing electronic board games


A cover body (100), formed of an elastic member for covering a slider body (510) of a caliper, is provided with concavities and convexities (112) on the inner surface thereof and concavities and convexities (103) on the outer surface thereof. The cover body (100) is arranged so that it is easily deformed elastically in the portion of the concavities and convexities. When a shock is given from the outside, the portion of the concavities and convexities is deformed elastically to absorb the shock, hence the shock given to the slider body (510) is reduced. Accordingly, damage or failure hardly occurs on the measuring instrument.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a measuring instrument cover and a measuring instrument.
2. Description of Related Art
Conventionally, a caliper with digital display (Japanese Unexamined Patent Application No. Hei6-307802 (refer to FIG. 1)) is known.
The aforementioned caliper with digital display includes a main beam having one measuring jaw, a slider arranged movably on the main beam, having the other measuring jaw which abuts an object to be measured with the above mentioned the one measuring jaw, an encoder for detecting a moved displacement of the slider with respect to the main beam and a digital display for digitally displaying the moved displacement amount.
While measuring, however, user may accidentally drop the caliper with digital display on the floor or hit the caliper against another object, and the caliper may be damaged, or relevant shock may cause failure on the encoder or the digital display. So, there resides such a problem that the caliper fails in precisely detecting the moved displacement or precisely displaying measured values.

Measuring instrument cover and measuring instrument


A seamless, shadowless, rear projection full dome imaging system comprising a 360° screen having a plurality of translucent screen sections, a rigid superstructure to which the screen sections are attached; clamping rings to hold the screen sections together; clamp arms to attach the screen sections to the superstructure, a transparent light guide attached to each clamping ring; adjacent screen sections being held between adjacent light guides by clamp arms; a plurality of projectors projecting a light image onto the rear of the screen sections; the light guides having a rear face angled perpendicular to the projected light; and a narrow front edge on the front side of the light guide. All surfaces of the light guides, except the rear face and the narrow front edge, are coated with a black opaque finish.

Domed imaging systems are known and used for both entertainment and training. These systems utilize a plurality of projectors, which can be front projection or rear projection projectors. Large domes that can be used for training, such as military training, are particularly difficult to assemble and create a realistic 360° image, without seams in the screen being visible and without image problems.
Inflated domes (positive pressure) and domes inside of evacuated chambers (negative pressure) have been suggested but there is no physical support structure for the screen. U.S. Pat. No. 5,179,440 describes a "dome" made of trapezoidal-shaped screen panels or facets. Stiffeners are used to hold pieces of the screen material together. The stiffeners are straight pieces of a clear material, such as acrylic, which are attached to a superstructure using springs, providing a less than rigid structure. Light passes through the tips of the stiffeners but they do not guide the light in any manner.


A dynamic electro-mechanical ottoman may include a rail assembly with one or more actuatable tracks coupled to one or more rails. The dynamic electro-mechanical ottoman may include a cushion assembly translatable via the one or more actuatable tracks between a first translation position and a second translation position. The cushion assembly may include one or more cross plates coupled to a pivot shaft and the one or more actuatable tracks, and a cushion sub-assembly. The cushion sub-assembly may include one or more support plates coupled to a cushion and the pivot shaft, and may be rotatable about an axis through the pivot shaft between a first rotation position and a second rotation position. A top surface of the cushion may at least partially face an aircraft seat when the cushion sub-assembly is in the second rotation position.

Select passenger aircraft include main cabin premium areas (e.g., business-class areas or first-class areas), where the main cabin premium areas include partitioned areas and/or premium enclosed compartments. The premium areas may include amenities such as, but not limited to, convertible aircraft seats (e.g., reclining seats, lay-flat seats including a bed mode, or the like), in-flight entertainment (IFE) devices (e.g., displays, or the like), and/or passenger trays that can be used when passengers want to eat, drink, read, write, and/or use portable devices (e.g., laptops, tablets, or the like).
During very long travel (e.g., transoceanic or other long-haul flights), a passenger may wish to recline the convertible aircraft seat and/or utilize the convertible aircraft seat in the bed mode (e.g., in the lay-flat position). The sleeping area of the convertible aircraft seat in bed mode, however, may be limited to the dimensions of the convertible aircraft seat (e.g., the combined length of a seat back cushion and a seat cushion of the convertible aircraft seat), which may not be enough for select passengers.
Airlines may wish to provide passengers occupying the main cabin premium areas with a foot rest proximate to the convertible aircraft seats. The foot rest may be positionable relative to the passenger. The positioning of the foot rest may be dependent on the movement and/or location of the convertible aircraft seat.
Therefore, it would be advantageous to provide a solution that cures the shortcomings described above.


A data reader such as for example an imaging reader with a CCD or CMOS imager or the like, having multiple images of a target item illuminated or acquired from different directions in which the image signals are combined into a complete image of the item or selected portions of the item being read such that specular reflection (over-saturated regions of the sensor array) are minimized or eliminated. In one example data reader configuration, multiple illumination sources such as first and second rows of light emitting diodes (LED's) are aimed at the item being scanned from different directions. The illumination sources are alternately pulsed and return signals are collected at one or more sensor arrays. A selected non-saturated return signal from one of the illumination sources, or selected non-saturated portions of return signal from both of the illumination sources are processed to generate a complete non-saturated image of the target. In one preferred processing scheme, assuming that each of the LED's is capable of illuminating the entire target (e.g. a barcode), a pixel-by-pixel minimum is taken of the two images thereby producing an image with specular reflection minimized or nearly eliminated.

The field of this disclosure relates to imaging and collection devices and in particular to methods and devices for illumination, collection and imaging for optical code reading and other data and image capture devices.
Image capture and other data reading devices are used to read optical codes, acquire data, and capture a variety of images. One common data acquisition device is an optical code reader. Optical codes typically comprise a pattern of dark elements and light spaces. There are various types of optical codes, including 1-D codes (such as UPC and EAN/JAN barcodes) and 2-D codes (such as PDF-417 and Maxicode). For convenience, some embodiments are described herein with reference to capture of 1-D barcodes. However, the embodiments may also be useful for other optical codes and symbols as well as other images such as fingerprint capture, and nothing herein should be construed as limiting this disclosure to optical codes or particular types of codes.
One type of data reader is an imaging reader that employs an imaging device or sensor array, such as a CCD (charge coupled device) or CMOS device. Imaging readers can be configured to read both 1-D and 2-D optical codes, as well as other types of optical codes or symbols and images of other items. When an imaging reader is used to read an optical code, an image of the optical code or portion thereof is focused onto a detector array. Though some imaging readers are capable of using ambient light illumination, an imaging reader typically utilizes a light source to illuminate the item being scanned, to provide the required signal response in the imaging device.
The present inventors have recognized that light from high-intensity illumination can reflect off certain surfaces such as metal cans creating a specular reflection of too high an intensity thereby oversaturating the sensor array resulting in ineffective detection. Thus, the present inventors have identified a need for compensating for this reflection condition to enhance data reader performance.

Data reader and methods for imaging targets subject to specular reflection


Embodiments described herein relate to an apparatus for a feeder system. The apparatus includes a reactant source, a reactant reservoir, a frame, and a valve. The reactant source contains a first reactant. The reactant reservoir receives the first reactant from the reactant source and applies a second reactant to the first reactant to facilitate a chemical reaction. The frame is coupled to the reactant source to maintain the reactant source gravitationally directly above the reactant reservoir. The valve is disposed between the reactant source and the reactant reservoir to control flow of the first reactant into the reactant reservoir.

Chemical compounds may be used in various industrial, agricultural, commercial, and/or recreational settings. A chemical compound may be used as a source for another chemical, as a result of a chemical reaction or the like.
Systems for such reactions may operate at high pressures, posing risks of explosion or other hazards. Further, to keep a chemical reaction going, to continue to provide the resulting chemical product, the reactants may need to be replenished over time, by filling a tank or other container. This process can be time consuming, and the chemical reaction may be halted if no one is available to replenish a reactant.


A latch circuit that latches stored data of a nonvolatile storage device used for setting the function of a semiconductor device and adjusting the characteristics of the semiconductor device required a dedicated input-output circuit for a test of the semiconductor device. By providing a dummy storage device, it becomes possible to perform a test of the semiconductor device without providing a dedicated input-output circuit.

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to nonvolatile storage devices, integrated circuit devices, electronic apparatuses, and the like.
2. Related Art
A nonvolatile storage device can hold memory without being supplied with power and is used in various electronic apparatuses. Here, an electronic apparatus installed in an automobile or the like that requires safety requires high reliability. In such an electronic apparatus, a nonvolatile storage device also requires high data reliability.
For example, the inventions of JP-A-2002-358794 (hereinafter Patent Document 1) and JP-A-2005-92962 (hereinafter Patent Document 2) include a redundant memory cell which is used in place of a memory cell that has developed a defect and thereby increase data reliability. Patent Document 1 proposes a technique of speeding up the read speed by reducing the wiring load when the redundant memory cell is used and Patent Document 2 proposes a technique that makes it possible to perform accurate and stable reading by providing a read path separately when the redundant memory cell is used.
In recent years, a high-capacity (for example, a few gigabit) nonvolatile storage device such as flash memory can be used. At this time, as in the inventions of Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2, providing a redundant memory cell is suitable as a method for increasing reliability.
On the other hand, there is demand for low-capacity and inexpensive OTP (one time programmable) memory for performing, for example, calibration of analog circuits in which variations can occur depending on products. The OTP memory is nonvolatile memory that allows writing only once. For example, FAMOS (floating gate avalanche-injection MOS) is a type of nonvolatile memory and allows written information to be deleted by ultraviolet rays. However, the FAMOS can be used as low-capacity OTP memory after being covered with a commonly-used IC package with no window for ultraviolet irradiation.
In such uses, FAMOS of tens of bits, for example, is sometimes used. At this time, providing a redundant memory cell results in an increase in circuit area at a large ratio thereof to the whole portion and is not practical for a method for increasing reliability.
Therefore, as a method for increasing the reliability of low-capacity and inexpensive OTP memory, to perform satisfactory analysis in the event of a breakdown, it is necessary to reduce the number of places that cannot be tested.

Nonvolatile storage device, integrated circuit device, and electronic apparatus