Embodiments of hyperspectral scene projection/generation systems and methods are disclosed. One method embodiment, among others, comprises dispersing a beam of light at one of a plurality of selectable wavelengths, the beam of light corresponding to a scene, and displaying a spectral image of the scene corresponding to the dispersed beam of light at one of the plurality of selectable wavelengths.

1. Technical Field
The present disclosure is generally related to scene projection/generation systems and methods and, more particularly, is related to hyperspectral scene projection/generation systems and methods.
2. Description of the Related Art
Hyperspectral scene projection/generation systems can be used for projection and generation of hyperspectral scenes, which provide, among other benefits, insight into the ability to detect and identify minerals, terrestrial vegetation, and man-made materials and backgrounds at various wavelengths. Actual detection of materials may be dependent on the spectral coverage, spectral resolution, and signal-to-noise ratio of the system, in addition to the abundance of the material and the strength of absorption features for that material in the wavelength region of interest.
Current hyperspectral scene projection/generation systems typically comprise traditional dispersive elements, such as gratings and prisms, that are rotated and/or moved over a defined period of time in order to generate a hyperspectral scene. FIGS. 1A-1B illustrate an exemplary hyperspectral scene projection/generation system 10 that comprises imaging elements or imager configured such that there is relative motion between a scene and the imager elements. The hyperspectral scene projection/generation system 10 comprises a light source 12 that generates a scene (e.g., a pixellated, 2-spatial dimensional (2D) triangle as shown) comprising white light that includes a mixture of wavelengths through the use of well-known systems and methods. The scene may comprise any two (or more) spatial dimensional collection of objects that is to be imaged. Such a light source 12 may comprise a pixellated light source, such as an exemplary light source described further in U.S. Pat. No. 6,485,150, herein incorporated by reference. The hyperspectral scene projection/generation system 10 further comprises a slit or thin aperture 14, a grating 16 (or prism), an imaging lens 18, and a display system 20. The display system 20 may be configured as a screen on which an imaged scene may be projected, a camera, and/or a video monitor, among other devices or systems on which an imaged scene may be captured and/or displayed.
The light source 12 provides beams of light corresponding to the generated scene that passes through the slit 14 to the grating 16. All of the colors of the imaged scene, as seen through the slit 14, are diffracted from the grating 16 as it is moved, resulting in the formation of the image of the slit 14 on the display system 20. The display system 20, for example, may comprise a camera or detector array coupled to a digital computer to digitize the image and store it and display it on a video monitor. Since there is relative motion between the scene and the imaging system (e.g., the slit 14, the grating 16, the lens 18 and the display system 20) as a function of time, for example t1-t6 (this relative movement, for example, represented symbolically by the two headed arrow under the scene), a progressively more complete image of the scene (which includes all of the colors of the imaged scene) is displayed on the display system 20 as time progresses. Scene images 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, and 32 are generated at respective times t1, t2, t3, t4, t5, and t6. Each scene image comprises columns, each proportioned to the dimension of the slit 14, of each respective color of the incident white length (e.g., scene). For example, in scene image 22 at time t1, "r" represents the color red at a wavelength (λ1), "o" represents the color orange at wavelength (λ2), and so on until the color violet ("v") at wavelength (λn). In other words, using a 2-D detector array for the display system 20, one dimension recorded is the spatial dimension of the slit and the other dimension recorded is the wavelength or color due to dispersion. In recording these partial scene images at each time (t1-t6), the position of pixels corresponding to the different colors can be recorded. That is, as shown, different colors are incident on different columns of pixels, so the color information of the scene image has a column association.
Thus, in one exemplary operation, at time t1, a first partial image 22 of the scene is formed on the camera, stored on the computer, the extent of the first partial image generated in proportion to the dimensions of the slit 14 (i.e., a one spatial dimension (herein, 1-D) image). At time t2, a second partial image of the scene is generated, corresponding to another slit dimension to the first image but covering a different portion of the scene due to the movement of the imager. Assuming the display system 20 comprises a camera connected to a digital computer, at a time corresponding to t2, the first partial scene 22 stored in memory of the computer may be combined with the second partial scene 24 during the image cube formation stage, as explained below. This process of relative movement and partial scene image recording continues in ordered sequence from t3, t4, t5, and t6 corresponding to image scenes 26, 28, 30, and 32 (i.e., the wavelengths are in sequential order as a consequence of the diffraction from the grating 16) until the complete scene image covering the entire spectrum is covered.
The left hand side of FIG. 1B shows the series of partial scene images 22-32 generated through the above-described operation shown in FIG. 1A. The right hand side of FIG. 1B illustrates an exemplary process for generating a full image cube 50 of 2-D scene images 52, 54, 56, 58, 60, and 62, each scene image at a respective color of the white light spectrum (versus the partial scene images 22-32, each spanning every color of the white light spectrum). The display system 20 (e.g., computer portion) adds the pixel column values from each partial scene image to generate a full 2-D scene image at the respective color or wavelength. Thus, the result of the computations within the display system 20 is the generation and display of individual, 2-D (-x or -t, and -y), spectral scene images generated at each wavelength (λ1, λ2, λn), as illustrated by the dimension axis 70. Desired wavelengths of the full-color scene image are then selected to provide the hyperspectral scene projection/generation functionality for individual wavelengths. However, such conventional systems typically require moving parts, large and time-consuming computing requirements (e.g., storing, processing, sorting, etc.) to retrieve a desired spectral scene image, and/or local control. Such systems are also inflexible due at least in part to requiring the collection of each scene image at each wavelength to generate a desired spectral scene image.

Hyperspectral scene projection/generation systems and methods

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


The method for bonding graphite to metal, includes the steps of forming a metal carbide layer on a surface of the graphite, the metal being to be bonded to said graphite, and brazing the graphite to the metal with an active alloy brazing material. The present invention is based on the fact discovered by the inventor that if a metal carbide layer is in advance formed on a surface of a graphite, an active metal such as Ti could more easily react on the metal carbide layer to thereby bond the metal to the graphite, rather than the case in which a graphite member is made to directly react on an active metal to thereby bond the graphite member to the metal.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a method for bonding graphite to metal, and more particularly to such a method using an active alloy brazing process.
2. Description of the Related Art
Graphite has various superior properties, for instance, high thermal conductivity, low thermal expansion coefficient, low secondary electron emission coefficient and high emissivity. Thus, it has been researched so far to apply the graphite, for instance, to walls of a plasma container for a nuclear fusion reactor, a collector electrode of an electron tube, and capillaries of an ion laser tube. In these applications, a member made of graphite is supported by or secured to other members made of material other than graphite, in almost all cases, metal, by any means. When high mechanical strength and high thermal conductivity are required for such support and securing, a brazing process is usually chosen.
As is understood from the fact that the graphite is suitable for walls of a metal fusion furnace and a crucible, the graphite has an inherent property of not reacting with molten metal. However, the graphite reacts on an active metal such as Ti, Zr, Ta and Mo at a temperature over 1,000 degrees centigrade, and thus forms a layer composed of a carbide of these metals at an interface thereof, to thereby firmly bond with the metal.
For instance, Japanese Unexamined Patent Public Disclosure No. 62-21768 published on Jan. 30, 1987 teaches that graphite can be bonded to Mo or Ni--Cr--Fe alloy, including Mo by more than 8%, in an inert gas atmosphere, for instance, under heat treatment at a temperature of 1,400 degrees centigrade for 90 hours.
Japanese Unexamined Patent Public Disclosure No. 63-310778 published on Dec. 19, 1988 discloses a process in which a surface of a member composed of graphite is first metalized with an active brazing alloy having Ti--Cu--Ag structure, and then brazed with a brazing alloy such as Ag, Au and Ni, to thereby form a stress relaxation layer for bonding the graphite to metal.
In the aforementioned brazing processes in which an active alloy brazing material is to be used, since the active alloy reacts on and thereby bonds to the graphite only within the area of contact between the active alloy and the graphite surface sufficient pressure, for instance, in the range of 200 grams per square centimeter or more and also a temperature of approximately 1,000 degrees centigrade it is necessary for bonding to apply to the contact area. In addition, since the reaction develops at relatively slow speed under the high temperature, it takes a relatively long time for brazing. This increases probability of coarsening of crystal grains and/or deformation due to creep in metal parts or jigs. Accordingly, it was required to fabricate the metal parts or jigs tougher for preventing such crystal grain coarsening and deformation.
As above mentioned, in a process utilizing solid phase reaction by active metal, the reaction develops first at a contact surface of the graphite and the active metal, and then the bonding area enlarges due to thermal deformation and diffusion. Accordingly, it is necessary to apply a pressure over approximately 100 grams per square centimeter and also high temperature to the area along which the graphite is to be bonded to the metal, and further it is necessary to continue such brazing operation for a long time. For instance, the aforementioned Japanese Unexamined Patent Public Disclosure No. 62-21768 teaches that it needs a high temperature and a long time are required, specifically the temperature of 1,400 degrees centigrade for 90 hours, for bonding the graphite with the metal.
Such temperature is equal to or higher than a melting point, or higher than two thirds of the melting point of an ordinary industrial metalic material such as oxygen free copper, copper-nickel alloy, stainless steel and iron-nickel alloys. In addition, since the metalic materials are heated for long hours, melting of the metal, recrystallization of metal crystals and coarsening of crystal grains are remarkable, thereby remarkably decreasing the mechanical strength of the resultants.
In the case that the above mentioned process is to be applied to parts for use of an electron tube, there arise problems that metal parts are deformed due to high temperature creep; and that brazing materials in particular silver and gold develop into an alloy to thereby cause erosion of the brazing materials. This results in inaccurate dimensions and higher probability of occurrence of inferior sealing.
In the process disclosed in the above mentioned Japanese Unexamined Patent Public Disclosure No. 63-310778, in which a surface of a graphite member is in advance metalized with Ti--Cu--Ag brazing material, it takes relatively short time for brazing since the surface is metalized. However, in the case where brazing materials are to be used for areas to be exposed to electron beams or high temperature gas plasma, such as a collector of an electron tube and a gas laser tube, the metalized surface deteriorates inversely to the amount of the secondary electron emission and plasma-resisting property to a degree worse than the graphite.


The invention relates to a vertical unload system for an unit load device, comprising a framework, the framework delimiting a cargo space arranged on a ground load deck and the framework comprising an unload deck for unloading shipments out of the unit load device and comprising an elevator, whereby the unload deck is arranged distant above the ground load deck and extends in an offset plane adjacent to the cargo space, the cargo space and/or the elevator comprises rollers for loading and unloading the unit load device into and out of the elevator, and the elevator is adapted for vertically elevating the unit load device between the ground load deck and the unload deck such that the unit load device is stoppable at any intermediate stop locations.

The invention relates to a vertical unload system for an unit load device, comprising a framework, the framework delimiting a cargo space arranged on the ground load deck and the framework comprising an unload deck for unloading shipments out of the unit load device and comprising an elevator. The invention further relates to a method for unloading a unit load device, with said unload system.
A unit load device, often abbreviated as ULD, is a container or pallet used to load luggage, freight, shipments and/or mail on aircrafts. ULDs are preferably used for express shipments to be delivered by said aircrafts, as the ULD allows a larger quantity of cargo, and respectively, shipments to be bundled into a single unit i.e. into the unit load device. The ULD can then be loaded into an aircraft, and respectively, out of an aircraft by specialized motorized means, as known from prior art. Since the shipments are bundled into a single unit this leads to few pieces to load, and respectively, unload to the aircraft and thus saves time and effort.
ULD containers, also referred to as cans or pods, are most often closed containers made of aluminum having at least one door and sometimes built-in refrigeration units.
ULD pallets are often provided with rubbed sheets of aluminum with rims to lock onto so-called cargo net lugs.
The different types of ULDs are standardized, whereby the most common container type is called LD3 having a volume of 4.5 m3. For example, a Boeing 777 can load up to 44 LD3s.
While the loading and unloading of ULDs into and out of aircrafts can be done by various types of motorized means and other sorts of transportation means, making the loading and unloading of the aircraft very economic, the unloading of shipments out of the ULD still has to be done manually, which requires significant time and efforts, and drives the associated costs up. This is especially true if the ULD contains so-called "mixed" shipments, both conveyable shipments as well as forkable shipments, that can only be moved with a lift truck, the unloading of the ULD is a real challenge and even more time consuming and expensive.


Embodiments of isolators including magnetically-assisted thermal compensation devices are provided, as are embodiments of magnetically-assisted thermal compensation devices. In one embodiment, the isolator includes a damper assembly and a magnetically-assisted thermal compensator (“TC”). The magnetically-assisted TC includes, in turn, a TC chamber fluidly coupled to the damper assembly and configured to exchange damping fluid therewith. A TC piston is slidably disposed within the TC chamber and exposed to damping fluid when the TC chamber is filled therewith. A TC bellows is sealingly coupled to the TC piston and exerts a resilient bias force thereon. A magnetic preload system is further coupled to the TC piston and exerts a magnetic bias force thereon, which combines with the resilient bias force provided by the TC bellows to impart the magnetically-assisted TC with a predetermined pressure profile over the operative temperature range of the isolator.

Multi-parameter isolators are often equipped with damper assemblies, which include opposing hydraulic chambers containing a damping fluid. As the operative temperature of the multi-parameter isolator changes, so too does the volume of the damping fluid contained within the damper assembly; the term "operative temperature," as appearing herein, denoting the temperature of the damping fluid or, more generally, the isolator when deployed in field and not necessarily when the isolator is active. In instances wherein the multi-parameter isolator is exposed to significant temperature changes, as may occur when the isolator is included within a spacecraft isolation system or deployed onboard a high altitude airborne platform, relatively pronounced fluctuations in damping fluid volume may occur. Under high temperature operating conditions, the pressure within the hydraulic chambers of the damper assembly may become undesirably high if accommodations are not provided for damping fluid expansion. Such undesirably high pressures may result in buckling of any internally-pressurized bellows included within the damper assembly, undesirably high mechanical stress applied to the bellows and other damper assembly components, and potential leakage of the damping fluid. Conversely, under low temperature operating conditions, the pressure within the damper assembly may become undesirably depressed and cavitation may occur if means are not provided to compensate for the decrease in damping fluid volume.
To help regulate the fluid pressure within a damper assembly and thereby mitigate the above-described issues, multi-parameter isolators subject to broad operative temperature ranges are often further equipped with a thermal compensation device or, more simply, a Thermal Compensator ("TC"). By common design, a TC includes a variable-volume chamber, which is fluidly coupled to the hydraulic chambers of the damper assembly. The variable-volume chamber may be defined, in part, by a TC piston and a TC bellows, which is sealingly joined to the TC piston. The bellows is inherently resilient and urges the TC piston toward an extended position corresponding to the free length position of the bellows. In some implementations, a coil spring may also be provided to exert an additional preload force urging the TC piston toward the extended position. As the pressure of the damping fluid within the damper assembly increases, the force exerted on the face of the TC piston by the damping fluid eventually exceeds the bias force of the bellows and the TC preload spring (if provided). In response, the TC piston moves toward a retracted position, and the bellows compresses. This results in an increase in the volume of the TC chamber to help offset the damping fluid expansion and maintain the damping fluid pressure below a maximum threshold value. Conversely, when the pressure within the damper assembly decreases, the force exerted on the TC piston by the damping fluid is eventually surpassed by the bias force exerted on the piston by the TC bellows and the TC preload spring. The TC piston thus moves toward its extended position, and the bellows expands. This reduces the volume of the TC chamber to partially compensate for the decrease in damping fluid volume and preventing the damping fluid pressure from falling below above below a minimum threshold value.

Isolators including magnetically-assisted thermal compensation devices


Backlight module and display device are provided. The backlight module includes: a first substrate, a drive circuit on a side of the first substrate, a plurality of light-emitting elements and a plurality of fingerprint recognition elements, where the drive circuit includes a first drive circuit and a second drive circuit; the plurality of the light-emitting elements is on a side of the drive circuit away from the first substrate; the light-emitting element is electrically connected to the first drive circuit; the plurality of the light-emitting elements is arranged in an array structure; the plurality of the fingerprint recognition elements and the plurality of the light-emitting elements are on a same side of the first substrate; and the fingerprint recognition element is electrically connected to the second drive circuit.

With development of multimedia technology, more intelligent and portable electronic devices, such as mobile phones, personal laptops and tablets, have become essential tools in people's lives. The portable electronic devices include large amount of user's personal information, such as phone books, photos, etc. In order to ensure the security of user's personal information, it is necessary to verify user's identity or authorization. Nowadays, the methods of authenticating of user identity or authorization includes face recognition, fingerprint recognition, password input, etc. Since the fingerprint identification is simple and fast, most of current electronic devices use fingerprint recognition for identity or authorization verification.
In a conventional display device, an edge-lit mode is applied for the backlight source, which causes large loss of light during the transmission process. In this case, when an optical method is used for performing fingerprint recognition and when the display device directly uses its own backlight as the reflected light of the optical fingerprint recognition, the fingerprint recognition with low precision will be provided.

XIAMEN TIANMA MICRO-ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.


A torque sensor assembly comprises a shaft configured to receive an applied torque. The shaft comprises at least one region, which is magneto-elastic and configured to generate a magnetic field in response to the applied torque. A pair of sensing coils disposed adjacent to the region is configured to sense the magnetic field. One or more sensors sense a temperature of each of the sensing coils. A controller is coupled to the pair of sensing coils and the sensor(s). The controller is configured to receive the sensed temperature of each of the sensing coils, determine a temperature difference between the sensing coils and generate an output signal based on the sensed magnetic field. The output signal accounts for the temperature difference between the sensing coils.

Torque sensors are typically used in vehicular sub-systems, such as electronic power-assisted steering systems. Torque sensors used in electronic power-assisted steering systems may be influenced by thermal errors, for example, due to heat radiating from the engine compartment. To account for thermal error, torque sensors may employ a switch to change modes between torque and temperature measurement. These solutions, however increase cost of the sensor, and do not continuously measure torque. In addition, a magnetic field arising from the temperature measurement has a negative effect on an accuracy of torque detection. These additional thermistors and switch limit a possibility of a low cost torque sensor. As such, there is a need in the art for systems and methods for addressing at least the aforementioned problems.

Magnetoelastic type torque sensor with temperature dependent error compensation


Disclosed is a method for each party of a group of m parties to be able to learn an Nth smallest value in a combined list. The method includes providing a value Ri to a group of members; computing how many numbers are smaller than Ri in a respective list of values for each respective member of the group of members; computing, a total number of smaller values (Pi); identifying a position of Ri in a combined list of values comprising each respective list of values; when N=Pi+1, returning Ri; when N is greater than Pi+1, removing all values smaller than Ri in their respective list of values and setting N=N−(Pi+1); when N is less than Pi+1, removing all numbers bigger than Ri in their respective list of value; and setting i=i+1.

In some scenarios, individuals with private data sets might want to combine or share their data for various purposes such as to have an artificial intelligence analysis performed or to help in a survey. When all the various private data is combined, there may be circumstances where sharing a particular value in the combined list of values might be valuable or useful. However, there is no mechanism of enabling the sharing of a particular nth value of a combined list without sharing other private data with the other members who have contributed data to the combined list.
In one example, countries might gather medical data and the various countries might want to find the median of the various values of the medical data but without revealing the specific medical data from the different countries. The data due to legal issues might not be able to be combined and analyzed to find the median.

Systems and methods for finding a value in a combined list of private values


A silicone-modified fluoropolymer is formed by first dissolving a fluoropolymer in an organic solvent, the fluoropolymer having at least one monomer of vinylidene fluoride coupled to a hexafluoropropylene monomer unit, and subsequently reacting the mixture with an amino silane coupling agent to form an aminosilane-modified fluoropolymer. The aminosilane fluoropolymer is subsequently heated and partially condensed with an oligomer of a silane compound including alkoxy silane. The resultant composition is suitable for use as a low refractive index layer in an antireflection coating on an optical substrate.

Antireflective polymer films ("AR films"), or AR coatings, are becoming increasingly important in the display industry. New applications are being developed for low reflective films and other AR coatings applied to articles used in the computer, television, appliance, mobile phone, aerospace and automotive industries.
AR films are typically constructed by alternating high and low refractive index polymer layers in order to minimize the amount of light that is reflected. Desirable features in AR films for use on the substrate of the articles are the combination of a low percentage of reflected light (e.g. 1.5% or lower) and durability to scratches and abrasions. These features are obtained in AR constructions by maximizing the delta RI between the polymer layers while maintaining strong adhesion between the polymer layers.
It is well known that the low refractive index polymer layers used in AR films are usually derived from fluorine containing polymers ("fluoropolymers" or "fluorinated polymers"), which have refractive indices that range from about 1.3 to 1.4. Fluoropolymers provide unique advantages over conventional hydrocarbon based materials in terms of high chemical inertness (in terms of acid and base resistance), dirt and stain resistance (due to low surface energy), low moisture absorption, and resistance to weather and solar conditions.
The refractive index of fluorinated polymer coating layers is dependent upon the volume percentage of fluorine contained within the layers. Increased fluorine content decreases the refractive index of the coating layers.
However, increasing the fluorine content also decreases the surface energy of the coating layers, which in turn reduces the interfacial adhesion of the fluoropolymer layer to the other polymer or substrate layers to which the layer is coupled.
Other materials investigated for use in low refractive index layers are silicone-containing polymeric materials. Silicone-containing polymeric materials have generally low refractive indices. Further, silicone-containing polymeric coating layers generally have higher surface energies than fluoropolymer-base layers, thus allowing the silicone-containing polymeric layer to more easily adhere to other layers, such as high refractive index layers, or substrates. This added adhesion improves scratch resistance in multilayer antireflection coatings. However, silicone-containing polymeric materials have a higher refractive index as compared with fluorine containing materials. Further, silicone-containing polymeric materials have a lower viscosity that leads to defects in ultra-thin coatings (less than about 100 nanometers).
Thus, it is highly desirable to form a low refractive index layer for an antireflection film having increased fluorine content, and hence lower refractive index, while improving interfacial adhesion to accompanying layers or substrates.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Low refractive index coating composition for use in antireflection polymer film coatings and manufacturing method


An electron gun for a color cathode ray tube includes a triode having a cathode, a control electrode, and a screen electrode for producing electron beams; first, second, and third focus electrodes; and a final accelerating electrode sequentially disposed from the screen electrode. A first constant voltage is applied to the screen electrode and the second focus electrode, a second constant voltage higher than the first constant voltage is applied to the first focus electrode and the third focus electrode, and an anode voltage higher than the second constant voltage is applied to the final accelerating electrode, so that electron beams cross from the triode cross between a main lens formed by the third focus electrode and the final accelerating electrode, and an auxiliary lens formed by the first, second, and third focus electrodes. The electron gun produces uniform size electron beam spots over a fluorescent film of a cathode ray tube with reduced spherical aberration.

The present invention relates to an electron gun for a color cathode ray tube (CRT) and, more particularly, to an electron gun for a color CRT producing reduced spherical aberration of electron beams illuminating a screen of the CRT.
Conventionally, an electron gun for a color CRT includes a triode, a plurality of focus electrodes sequentially disposed adjacent to the triode, having electron beam passing holes, and forming an auxiliary lens, and a final accelerating electrode disposed adjacent to the focus electrodes and forming a main lens. Voltages are applied to the triode and the respective electrodes of the conventional color CRT to form a unipotential electron lens and a bipotential electron lens. In order to reduce the spherical aberration of the electron lenses formed between the respective electrodes, reduction of the diameter of the electron beams has been conventionally used.
In order to reduce the diameter of electron beams, as shown in FIG. 1, it has been proposed to enlarge the electron lenses by forming large electron beam passing holes within the neck section of the color CRT, or to enlarge effective electron beam passing holes in each electrode into a single, large electron beam passing hole through which all of three electron beams pass.
The former method requires increased deflection power for a deflection yoke, increasing the power consumption of the CRT. If the diameter of the neck section is reduced to reduce the deflection power needed, the diameters of the electron beam passing holes of the electrodes become smaller. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 2, the electron lens L formed by the electrodes with the reduced area electron beam passing holes has increased spherical aberration. The difference between the focal lengths of an electron beam 1 passing through the center of the electron lens L and an electron beam 2 passing through the periphery of the lens becomes large, thereby enlarging the area of an electron beam spot 3 landing on a fluorescent film of a screen.
The latter method is limited in enlarging the electron beam passing hole because of structural considerations.


A device for rotating flat products, in particular sheets or stacks of sheets, moved in a first direction from a first orientation into a second orientation, by a predetermined total rotation angle, by means of a first rotating device, in which the product is rotated first by a first rotation angle, and by means of at least one second rotating device, in which the product is later rotated by a second rotation angle. The first and second rotating devices are arranged one after the other in transport direction, and each rotating device includes rotating elements, which engage with the product for the rotating process. In order to be able to process products having different formats at the highest possible throughput and as failure-free as possible, and in order to ensure as mild a treatment of the products as possible, at least the first rotating device includes switchable engagement elements by means of which the rotating elements can be engaged with or disengaged from the product at selected times.

Devices of this type are used, for example, in paper-processing machines, such as enveloping machines, printers or copiers, for example. The products to be rotated can be, for example, individual sheets or sheets of paper, or a stack of sheets consisting of at least two sheets. However, devices of this type can also be used for rotating other flat products, such as, for example, for rotating plastic films, cardboard sheets or the like, or also for rotating bound or stapled sheets in the form of catalogs, brochures, notebooks or similar products.
From U.S. Pat. No. 3,758,104, a device for rotating rectangular cardboard sheets by 90° is known, wherein the sheets are deposited in a predetermined orientation for further processing in a container. This known device comprises a conveyor belt that is moved at a first speed in a transport direction, in order to move the cardboard sheets to be rotated by an angle of 90° in a first orientation toward a rotating device. The rotating device has a first slit and a second slit, wherein a first section of the cardboard sheet to be rotated is engaged in the first slit, and a second section of the cardboard sheet is engaged in the second slit. The first slit here comprises a first pressure roller, which defines a slit between its outer periphery and the conveyor belt, in which the first section of the cardboard sheet is engaged. The second slit is defined by a rotating roller pair with a driven rotating roller and a pressure roller, between the outer periphery of which the second section of the cardboard sheet to be rotated engages. The driven roller of the rotating roller pair is driven in order to rotate the cardboard sheet at a speed that is different from the transport speed of the transport track.
EP 0 814 041 B1 discloses a method for rotating sheets from a first orientation into an orientation that is perpendicular to the former orientation as well as a sheet stacking device, in which sheets to be stacked according to the method are rotated from a first orientation into an orientation that is perpendicular to the former orientation. The sheets to be rotated are moved evenly during the rotating between a position located upstream and a position located downstream, and are moved differentially in an intermediate movement phase without any change in the speed component in the advance direction of the sheet. In the intermediate movement phase (rotating phase), the sheet is moved with a speed-time profile that includes a first speed function at which the movement speed is increased temporarily by a certain amount, and a second speed function at which the movement speed is decreased temporarily by the same predetermined amount, and at the same time, in order to rotate the sheet by an angle of rotation, wherein the amount of the rotation angle is determined by the duration of the increased or reduced movement speed. Simultaneously with the rotation of the sheet, a lateral shift occurs, which is determined by the fact that the time at which the rotation of the sheet is started is selected appropriately, with regard to the arrival of the sheet at a fixed reference point. The rotation of the sheet here occurs by means of a rotating device, which comprises, transversely to the advance direction of the sheet, mutually spaced roller pairs, which are driven by a step motor, in order to produce the predetermined speed-time profiles of the roller pairs.
These devices and methods known from the prior art for rotating flat products, such as, sheets, stacks of sheets, or paper sheets, can be used only at relatively low transport speeds of the product to be rotated owing to the accelerations and decelerations that occur during the rotating process. In modern paper-processing machines with high throughput numbers on the order of 100,000 products per hour, the products to be rotated have to be strongly decelerated and accelerated again during the rotating process if the rotating process by a certain rotation angle, 90°, for example, is carried out in a single rotating step. To prevent strong decelerations and accelerations of the product, it is already known in the prior art to divide the entire rotating process into two or more partial steps.
Dividing the entire rotating process into two or more partial steps makes it possible, at a very high cycle output or decreasing cycle time, for more time and more space to be available for the individual rotating processes. The cycle output can be increased in the case of a division of the entire rotating process into two or more partial steps, because the subsequent product can already be introduced into the first rotation device while the preceding product is still in the rotating process in a downstream rotating device.
Thus, for example, DE 3718206 A1 discloses a transport device for rotating stacks of sheets moved along a turning section, which comprises a turning conveyor consisting of conveyor belts that extend next to one another in two tracks and are driven at different speeds, wherein a first track comprises a circulating conveyor belt that can be driven at a first speed, and the second track comprises at least two circulating conveyors one after the other in the transport direction, which are driven at a speed different from the first speed. Due to the different speeds of the first track and the several conveyors of the second track, a rotation by a certain predetermined rotation angle occurs of the stack of sheets resting on the two tracks, which angle depends on the difference in the speeds of the first track and of the second track. Here the conveyor belts of the first track and of the second track are provided in each case with bristles on their upper side that supports the stack of sheets, in order to ensure a satisfactory adhesion between the upper side of the conveyor belts and the bottom side of the stack of sheets. The adhesion of the stack of sheets to the conveyor belt is here permanent. This can lead to problems during the transfer of a stack of sheets from a conveyor of the second track to a subsequent conveyor of the second track, since the stack of sheets, at least for a short time, is engaged simultaneously in two conveyors, which each exert a possibly different torque on the stack of sheets. This can lead to buckling or stretching of the sheet or to a slipping of the stack of sheets.
US2009/0107892A1 discloses a device for rotating mail items, which are moved along a transport track, from a first orientation into a second orientation. The device comprises several roller pairs arranged one after the other in the transport direction, which are arranged with a mutual spacing in the transverse direction relative to the transport direction. The roller pairs, which are arranged at a transverse separation from one another, are driven, for the purpose of rotating the mail items, at different speeds, wherein a rotation by a predetermined rotation angle, which depends on the speed difference of the roller pairs that can be different for each roller pair, is imparted to the mail item in each of the roller pairs. The arrangement of the roller pairs comprises, at the beginning and the end, in each case one roller pair by means of which the mail item is not rotated but is continued to be moved linearly in the transport direction. During the rotating of a mail item by the roller pairs arranged at a mutual transverse separation from one another, the mail item is moved on in the transport direction. The lateral separation of corresponding rollers of a roller pair can here be set so as to produce a defined rotation of the mail item in the roller pair in question, and to set a displacement of the mail item.
The known rotating devices and methods, in which the entire rotating process is carried out in at least two partial steps, are, however, found to be disadvantageous, since the separation of the pivot points in the lateral direction (transport direction) is fixed and cannot be adapted. This is particularly disadvantageous if the same rotating device is to be used to process products, for example, sheets, having different formats. Moreover, in the case of the known rotating devices and methods, in which the entire rotating process is carried out in partial steps in several rotating devices arranged one after the other, there is a risk that, at the time of the transfer of the product from one rotating direction into the subsequent rotating direction, buckling or stretching of the product occurs, which can damage the product or lead to failures of the rotating devices. In the known rotating devices, the rotating devices located one after the other in the transport direction are arranged at a fixed and short mutual separation. When processing products with larger dimensions, in particular, this leads to the possibility that a product can be engaged simultaneously in two adjacent rotating devices, which can lead to the product being stretched, buckled or bent, and damaged as a result.

Device and method for rotating flat products


The blowing opening portions 20, 21, 22 and the communicating passage opening portion 27 are opened and closed by the first 25 and the second rotary door 26, the fork-shaped spring 41 is arranged close to an intermediate position between the door rotary shafts 25b, 26b, a spring force of one arm portion 41b of the fork-shaped spring 41 acts on the first rotary door 25 so that a load caused by the door self-weight can be canceled, and a spring force of the other arm portion 41c of the fork-shaped spring 41 acts on the second rotary door 26 so that a load caused by the door self-weight can be canceled. Due to the above structure, an increase in the door operating force caused by an influence of the door self-weight can be suppressed by a very simple structure.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an air passage opening and closing device for opening and closing an air passage by a rotatable door. The present invention also relates to an air conditioner for vehicle use into which the air passage opening and closing device is incorporated. More particularly, the present invention relates to a device preferably used for a blowing mode switching mechanism in an air conditioner for vehicle use.
2. Description of the Related Art
The present inventors have already proposed an air conditioner for vehicle use, having a blowing mode switching mechanism, shown in FIG. 13 of Japanese Patent Application No. 2003-122281. According to this prior art, there is provided a blowing mode switching mechanism for opening and closing a defroster opening portion 20, a face opening portion 21 and a foot opening portion 22, and two rotary doors 25, 26 are arranged in this blowing mode switching mechanism.
These two rotary doors 25, 26 are respectively rotated round the rotary shafts 25b, 26b. The outer circumferential door faces 25e, 26e are arranged in portions distant from the centers of these rotary shafts 25b, 26b in the radial direction. Both end portions of these outer circumferential door faces 25e, 26e in the axial direction are connected to the rotary shafts 25b, 26b.
Due to the above structure, the outer circumferential door faces 25e, 26e are rotated integrally with the rotary shafts 25b, 26b. The first rotary door 25, which is one of the two rotary doors 25, 26, is located on the upstream side of the air current and opens and closes an inlet passage of the front foot opening portion 22 and the rear foot opening portion not shown.
The second rotary door 26 located on the downstream side of the air current opens and closes the defroster opening portion 20 and the face opening portion 21. Further, by being linked with the foot opening portion 22, the first rotary door 25 opens and closes the communication passage opening portion 27 in the upstream portion of the second rotary door 26.
FIG. 13 is a view showing a state at the time of the face mode operation. The first rotary door 25 completely closes an inlet passage of the foot opening portion 22 and at the same time completely opens the communication passage opening portion 27. The second rotary door 26 completely closes the defroster opening portion 20 and at the same time completely opens the face opening portion 21. Due to the foregoing, a current of air flowing in the case 11 passes through the communication passage opening portion 27 and the face opening portion 21 as shown by arrow Y and blows out to the upper half of the passenger in the vehicle compartment.
In this connection, positions of the centers of gravity of the first 25 and the second rotary door 26 shown in FIG. 13 at the rotary positions are respectively G1 and G2. The door weights W1 and W2 act downward at these positions of the centers of gravity G1 and G2. As a result, the axial moments M1 and M2 act on the first 25 and the second rotary door 26 round the rotary shafts 25b, 26b.
Therefore, the following problems may be encountered. In the case where the first rotary door 25 and the second rotary door 26 are rotated in the directions D and E, which are reverse to the directions of the axial moments M1 and M2, an intensity of the force to operate the door is increased due to by the axial moments M1 and M2.
In order to solve the above problems, the present inventors made investigations as follows. As shown in FIG. 13, the coil-shaped tension springs 51, 52, which give the spring loads P1 and P2 in the directions reverse to the axial moments M1 and M2, are set at the driving levers 38, 39 connected to the rotary shafts 25b, 26b of the doors 25, 26.
The present inventors also made investigations as follows. As shown in FIG. 14, when the fork-shaped coil springs 53, 54 are respectively set corresponding to the levers 38, 39, the spring loads P1 and P2 in the direction reverse to the axial moments M1 and M2 are given to the levers 38, 39 of the doors 25, 26.
However, in the examples of the above investigations, the exclusively used springs are added corresponding to the doors 25, 26. Therefore, the number of parts is increased. Accordingly, the assembling property is deteriorated.
In this connection, in FIGS. 13 and 14, the door means for opening and closing the air passage is composed of the rotary doors 25, 26, the outer circumferential door faces 25e, 26e of which rotate in the direction perpendicular to the air flow, and these outer circumferential door faces 25e, 26e are distant from the centers of the rotary shafts 25b, 26b by a predetermined distance. However, in the case where the door means for opening and closing the air passage is composed of a cantilever plate door, the rotary shaft of which is arranged at the end portion of the plate door body, the following problem may be encountered. As the plate door body is rotated while resisting the wind pressure generated by the air flow, the intensity of the door operating force is increased by the wind pressure.

Air passage opening and closing device and air conditioner for vehicle use


A computer-implemented solid modeling system that detects incorrect orientations of lofted solids involving non-degenerate, degenerate, closed cases, and then ensures that the face normals of the lofted solids are correctly oriented, so that they are pointing outwards with respect to the material side of each face.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to computer-assisted drafting (CAD) systems, and in particular, to a method, apparatus, and article of manufacture for detecting incorrectly oriented lofted solids in a solid modeling system.
2. Description of the Related Art
Over the last decade, designers have changed their fundamental approach to graphics design, moving from 2D drawing systems to 3D solid modeling systems. New software makes solid modeling technology available and affordable to virtually anyone.
Solid modeling is a technique that allows designers to create dimensionally accurate 3D solid models in 3D space represented within a computer, rather than traditional 2D drawings. 3D solid models include significantly more engineering data than 2D drawings, including the volume, bounding surfaces, and edges of a design.
With the graphics capabilities of today""s computers, these 3D solid models may be viewed and manipulated on a monitor. In addition to providing better visualization, 3D solid models may be used to automatically produce 2D drawing views, and can be shared with manufacturing applications and the like.
Some 3D solid modeling systems generate parametric feature-based models. A parametric feature-based model is comprised of intelligent features, such as holes, fillets, and chamfers. The geometry of the parametric feature-based model is defined by underlying mathematical relationships (i.e., parameters) rather than by simple unrelated dimensions, which makes them easier to modify. These systems preserve design intent and try to maintain it after every change to the model.
Moreover, these features are automatically adjusted as the model is modified. The system computes any related changes to parts of the model that are dependent on a parameter, and automatically updates the entire model when the parameter is changed. For example, a through-hole will always go completely through a specified part, even if the part""s dimensions are changed.
Lofting is a useful technique for generating complex shapes in parametric feature based solid modeling systems. Typically, the user provides the system with input in the form of a number of 2D cross-sections, in a specific order, along with parameters such as tangency conditions, take-off angles, and weight factors. The system then processes this input into a 3D sheet. If needed, this 3D sheet is covered by faces at the ends, in order to convert it into a lofted solid.
However, after the sheet is covered by faces, there is no guarantee that the lofted solid is properly oriented. It is a requirement that the lofted solid be closed, connected, regular, and have a finite positive volume. To satisfy the finite positive volume requirement, it is necessary that the face normals of all the faces covering the 3D sheet are pointing outwards, with respect to the material side of the faces. The convention used by a geometric modeler is that loops are comprised of co-edges, which are oriented so that looking along the co-edge with the face normal pointing upwards, the face is on the left.
Thus, there is a need in the art for a solid modeling system that detects incorrectly oriented loft features. In addition, there is a need in the art for a solid modeling system that corrects the face normals for any incorrect orientation.
To address the requirements described above, the present invention discloses computer-implemented solid modeling system that detects incorrect orientations of lofted solids, and then ensures that the face normals of the lofted solids are correctly oriented, so that they are pointing outwards with respect to the material side of each face.

Method for detecting incorrectly oriented lofted solids in a solid modeling system


Plasma distribution is controlled in a plasma reactor by controlling the phase differences between different RF coil antennas, in accordance with a desired or user-selected phase difference, by a phase-lock feedback control loop.

Plasma processing of a workplace in the fabrication of integrated circuits, plasma displays, solar panels or the like requires uniform treatment of the workpiece across its surface. For example, in plasma processing of semiconductor wafers, feature sizes are on the order of nanometers, and uniformity and control of plasma ion distribution density across the workpiece surface is critical. Uniformity of distribution of etch rate or deposition rate across the surface of workpiece is required, as workpiece size (e.g., semiconductor wafer diameter) is increasing, and feature sizes are decreasing. Non-uniformity in plasma processing can arise from non-uniformities or asymmetries in the reactor chamber electrical characteristics, non-uniformity in the distribution of process gases and flow rates, or non-uniformity in the application of RF power, for example. It is necessary to correct or compensate for such non-uniformities .

Independent control of RF phases of separate coils of an inductively coupled plasma reactor


In accordance with one or more aspects, a variable resolution image is displayed at an initial resolution. The variable resolution image has multiple portions, at least two of which have different resolutions. A request to display one of the multiple portions of the variable resolution image at a higher resolution is received, and a check is made as to whether a higher resolution version of the one portion is available. The higher resolution version of the one portion is displayed if available, otherwise the one portion at the initial resolution is displayed.

As technology has advanced, digital images with increasingly higher resolutions have become increasingly commonplace. While this higher resolution has advantages, it can also lead to various problems. One such problem is that higher resolution images are typically stored in very large image files. Given the size of these files, it can take significant amounts of time to download the files over networks (such as the Internet) as well as to manage and display the files. Such time requirements can lead to problematic and frustrating user experiences.


A method and apparatus are for abnormality detection. The method includes: acquiring an estimated value of a movement parameter of a mobile platform of a parallel robot. The estimated value is calculated based on sensing information about a sensor mounted on the mobile platform. Based on the estimated value and a designated value of the movement parameter, the method includes determining whether an abnormality occurs in the parallel robot. By way of the method and apparatus, abnormality of a parallel robot can be detected reliably.

A parallel robot is a closed-loop mechanism driven in parallel, comprises a mobile platform and a static platform which are connected through at least two independent kinematic chains, and has two or more degrees of freedom. A Delta robot is a typical parallel robot. Delta robots have popular usage in picking and packaging in the manufacturing industry because they are fast and have high dynamic flexibility, structural rigidity, positioning accuracy, and repeatability.
Abnormalities, for example, mechanical failure or loss of accuracy, may occur to parallel robots because of the influence of heat effect and component deformation after they work for a long period of time. Abnormalities of parallel robots will damage the products being picked, shorten the service life of parallel robots, or even put the operators in danger.
The operators usually inspect with naked eyes whether abnormalities occur to parallel robots. However, it is not reliable for the operators to inspect with naked eyes whether abnormalities occur to parallel robots, and especially it is difficult for the operators to observe abnormalities when the loss of the operation accuracy of parallel robots is insignificant.

Method and apparatus for abnormality detection


The present invention relates to a resealable container. The container includes a casing having a flap, which is openable to uncover an opening in the casing, and a covering foil, which covers and is attached to the flap and extends beyond this. The covering foil is resealably attached to the casing by a first adhesive force in a first area outside the flap and is substantially permanently attached to the casing by a second adhesive force greater than the first adhesive force, on the one hand in a basic area of the flap and, on the other hand, in a second area positioned outside the first area. According to the invention, the covering foil has only one perforated line between the first and second areas and is not attached to the casing in a third area within which the entire perforated line is extended.

Many different resealable containers have been described in the literature. An important demand placed on these is that it must be easy to see whether the container has been opened. This is particularly important for resealable foodstuff containers, since an open container always yields reduced tightness and, thus, the risk of foreign microorganisms and the like entering the container.
Also for containers containing wet products, e.g. wipes, there is a need of visible proof that a container has been opened, since the liquid inside an open package evaporates more easily. In these containers, there may also be problems with undesired microorganisms if the container is intended for e.g. sterile compresses or the like.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,679,693 discloses a resealable container comprising a casing and a label having a pulling tab defined by two parallel perforated lines and intended for opening the container, a removed pulling tab indicating that the container has been opened. To secure the container against opening of the label from any other position than the one in which the pulling tab is located, either permanent adhesive or slits are arranged in the periphery of the label, such slits tearing if one tries to open the container. Inside the permanently attached periphery or inside the slits, there is a perforated line which defines an opening tab in the label.
EP-A1-0,249,337 discloses a resealable container having a releasably attached covering foil which has a pulling tab for opening the container. Also in this case, a removed pulling tab indicates that the container has been opened. To protect the container from being opened from a position other than the one in which the pulling tab is located, inclined cuts have been formed in the periphery of the covering foil. This causes the forming of small triangular portions in the periphery of the covering foil if one tries to open the container from these directions, which clearly proves that someone has opened or tampered with the container adjacent these cuts.
In many cases, the surface on which the label or covering foil is to be applied can be limited. Consequently, it can be difficult to accommodate the additional space required for a pulling tab. Moreover, it should be possible to uncover a sufficiently large opening in the container to reach the packed product, which entails that outside the opening of the container there is only a restricted surface on which the label or covering foil can be releasably attached. A drawback of the technique described above is that pulling tabs and cuts require too large a space on the casing.


The present invention provides a system that generates particles of mist, freezes the mist particles, and delivers a mixture of a gas and the solid mist particles to an external application.

Systems are known that produce solid particles by freezing for various applications. U.S. Pat. No. 4,748,817 describes a method and apparatus for producing microfine frozen particles. U.S. Pat. No. 5,445,320 describes a method of and equipment for snow production. U.S. Pat. No. 4,769,054 describes the abatement of vapors from gas streams by solidification. U.S. Pat. No. 5,035,750 describes a processing method for semiconductor wafers including forming frozen particles. U.S. Pat. No. 4,081,257 describes freeze regeneration of glycol solutions loaded with water.

Mist generation, freezing, and delivery system


A method and computer software product for processing outline fonts is described to skeletonize character fonts based on their outline data. The method may comprise: reading font data from an outline font dictionary that stores the outline data of an outline font, preparing element structures and constructing a graphic path; determining whether or not the element structures constitute another graphic path; determining whether or not, within the graphic path, there is another graphic path that is completely contained and has the same cyclic direction as the graphic path, if there is, then, deleting the other graphic path; and moving the element structures that constitute the graphic path by a predetermined distance to the direction of character width based on the character width of the outline font, thereby to output a plurality of line segments which effectively eliminates the character width of the outline font.

The present invention generally relates to a method for transforming outline font data of a character into its framework and decorating the character based on the framework thereof.
Fonts used in word-processors and personal computers roughly comprise bitmap fonts and outline fonts. Of these, outline fonts are plotted by forming an outline and filling the area surrounded by the outline, thus are characterized in that they can display or print high quality characters with few jaggy even when the character size has been changed or the character has been rotated.
The data that expresses outline fonts is stored as an outline font dictionary in a hard disk or a ROM. Then, when a character is plotted, the outline font data that corresponds to the character is read from the outline font dictionary, and after the prescribed processing has been done, the character will be plotted in a display device or by means of a printer.
This outline font expresses a character by enclosing it with an outline. Therefore, it has a problem that it is difficult to decorate a character expressed in an outline font by changing the character width or by making the character three-dimensional, among other ornamental modifications.
In other words, this ornamental modification is usually made to characters that are expressed in skeletal structures. FIG. 1A illustrates the skeletal structure of a Japanese "hiragana" character corresponding to the phonetic symbol, "a." It is easy to apply various ornamental modifications to this skeletal structure.
On the other hand, the outline font of this character is illustrated in FIG. 1B. As illustrated in FIG. 1C, this font, for instance, comprises a plurality of polygonal cyclic graphic paths 1a–1f. Each graphic path comprises a plurality of continuous outlines (line segments).
To decorate this outline font, we could adopt a method to make the lines finer by reducing each polygon toward the center of width. When a line is made finer in this method, however, the result will be as illustrated in FIG. 1D. The character shape may be deformed as can be noticed when we compare it with FIG. 1A.
In another method, the line may be made finer by converting it to bitmap data. However, in this method, the outline of the character may be deformed when it is converted to bitmap, and consequently, it is difficult to obtain a good result when the line is finally made finer.

Method and computer software program product for processing characters based on outline font


A memory with controlled gate current injection during memory cell programming wherein programming circuitry applies a time-varying voltage to a control gate of the memory cell during a programming cycle. The time-varying voltage yields a substantially constant rate of electron flow from the channel region to the floating gate during the programming cycle.

1. Field of Invention
The present invention pertains to the field of programmable memories. More particularly, this invention relates to memory cell programming with controlled current injection.
2. Art Background
One type of programmable memory cell is commonly referred to as a flash memory cell. The structure of a typical flash memory cell includes a source region and a drain region formed in a silicon substrate. Such a flash memory cell usually includes a stacked gate structure formed on the silicon substrate. Typically, the region of the silicon substrate beneath the stacked gate structure provides a channel region of the flash memory cell.
The stacked gate structure of such a flash memory cell typically includes a pair of polysilicon structures separated by oxide layers. Typically, one of the polysilicon structures functions as a floating gate and the other polysilicon structure functions as a control gate for the flash memory cell. The oxide layer that separates the floating gate from the silicon substrate is commonly referred to as a tunnel oxide layer.
Prior programming operations on such a flash memory cell typically involve the application of a relatively large constant voltage to the drain region of the flash memory cell while an even larger constant voltage is applied to the control gate. During such a prior programming operation, the source region of the flash memory cell is typically maintained at a ground level or a zero voltage level in relation to the voltages applied to the control gate and to the drain region.
Such a relatively high voltage potential applied between the drain and source regions usually causes electron flow through the channel region from the source region to the drain region. The electrons flowing between the source and drain regions can attain relatively high kinetic energy levels near the drain region. In addition, the high constant voltage applied to the control gate typically raises the voltage potential of the floating gate to a high level at the start of the programming operation. Such a high voltage potential on the floating gate usually attracts the electrons flowing through the channel region. Under such conditions, electrons in the channel region having sufficiently high kinetic energy can migrate through the tunnel oxide layer and onto the floating gate. Such migration of electrons through the tunnel oxide layer and onto the flowing gate is commonly referred to as hot carrier programming or hot carrier injection.
Typically, such a prior programming operation involves the injection of sufficient numbers of electrons onto the floating gate to achieve a desired threshold voltage for the flash memory cell. Such a threshold voltage usually specifies a voltage that must be applied to the control gate of the flash memory cell to yield conduction through the channel region during a read operation on the flash memory cell. Typically, the time involved in a such a programming operation depends upon the rate at which electrons are injected onto the floating gate. The slower the rate of injection the longer the programming time to reach the desired threshold voltage.
With such prior programming techniques, the relatively high voltage potential of the floating gate at the start of the programming operation is typically reduced as electrons accumulate on the floating gate. Such a reduction in the voltage potential of the floating gate usually causes a corresponding reduction in the rate of electron injection onto the floating gate. Unfortunately, such a reduction in the rate of electron injection usually increases the time required to program a flash memory cell to the desired threshold voltage. Such increased programming time typically slows the overall speed of flash memory devices that employ such prior programming techniques.
In addition, it is well-known that such hot carrier programming techniques commonly result in the formation of electron-hole pairs in the channel region of the flash memory cell near the drain region. Such electron-hole pairs are typically formed as high energy electrons bombard the crystal lattice structure of the silicon substrate and dislodge other electrons from the lattice.
Moreover, the portions of the channel region near the drain region usually have a relatively high voltage potential due to the high voltage applied to the drain region. As a consequence, the voltage potential of the floating gate can fall below the voltage potential of the portion of the channel region located near the drain region as the voltage level on the floating gate decreases during programming. Under such conditions, holes from the electron-hole pairs that are created in the channel region near the drain region can migrate throughout the tunnel oxide layer and onto the floating gate.
Unfortunately, such migration of holes onto the floating gate typically causes surface damage to the tunnel oxide layer. Such surface damage usually causes long-term reliability problems in the flash memory cell by reducing the rate of injection of electrons onto the floating gate during program operations. In addition, such surface damage can interfere with current flow through the channel region of the flash memory cell during read operations which also results in a reduction in long-term reliability.

Memory cell programming with controlled current injection


The inventive plastic card (1) is provided with electric contacts (4) and an electric circuit (3) incorporated therein and is embodied in such a way that it is foldable (6) and insertable from the fold side into the plug socket of an external reading device. The reliable application of the card contacts to the plug socket contacts, in particular of an UBS socket, is secured by the fold flexibility and the selection of a number of parallel folds.

A prior art plastic card described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,715,678 of Apr. 6, 2004, which has electrical contacts and an embedded microcircuit, is designed to be inserted into a port of an external reading device. The prior art card (closest prior art of the first embodiment of this invention) is disadvantageous because it requires an intermediate reading device to be inserted into the USB interface of a computer.
Another prior art plastic (memory) card disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,883,718 of Apr. 26, 2005, which has electrical contacts and an embedded microcircuit, is designed to be inserted into the interface socket of an external reading device, in particular, the USB interface of a computer. The prior art memory card (closest prior art of the first embodiment of this invention) is disadvantageous because its portion intended for insertion into a USB interface has a thickness differing from that of the remaining portion of the card, creating inconveniences when the memory card is used, for example, as a visiting card or as a storage card.
Yet another plastic card described in International Application WO 2005/124932 of Dec. 29, 2005, has electrical contacts and an embedded microcircuit and can be folded and inserted in a folded state into the interface socket of an external reading device. The prior art card (closest prior art of the first embodiment of this invention) is disadvantageous because its electrical contacts are not resilient enough when inserted into the interface socket of the external reading device and cannot ensure a reliable contact fit. Another disadvantage of the prior art card is that its applications are restricted by its lateral dimensions, that is, the card cannot be wider than the socket of the matching interface of the external reading device.
The plastic card described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,715,678 of Apr. 6, 2004, has electrical contacts and an embedded microcircuit on one side of the card made in the form of a strip to be inserted into the interface of an external reading device. The card (which is the closest prior art of the second embodiment of this invention) is disadvantageous because it requires an intermediate reading device to be inserted into the USB interface of a computer.
A still further plastic card described in EP No. 1,429,283 of Apr. 6, 2004, has electrical contacts and an embedded microcircuit on one side of the card that is made in the form of a strip to be inserted into the interface socket of an external reading device. The prior art card (closest prior art of the second embodiment of this invention) is disadvantageous because it has a thickness matching a USB port, requiring extra quantities of material and besides it does not conform to the accepted thickness standards of cards used, for example, as visiting cards.

Plastic card provided with electrical contacts


Methods and systems are disclosed that mitigate stereo noise in FM broadcast receivers by assessing L−R (left-minus-right) and L+R (left-plus-right) levels within tuned FM channels. These assessments are used to facilitate control of a blend from stereo output signals to mono output signals in order to reduce and mitigate stereo noise and distortion in the audio outputs. The side effects of the disclosed systems and methods are unobtrusive as compared to prior blend-to-mono techniques.

Broadcast channels in the FM band (e.g., about 76 MHz to 108 MHz) are often transmitted with an FM stereo multiplex (MPX) format where the MPX signal includes left (L) channel and right (R) channel information that can then be used by an FM receiver to produce stereo audio outputs. In particular, the FM stereo MPX signal format includes L+R (left-plus-right) information, L−R (left-minus-right) information and a 19 KHz pilot tone. With respect to the center frequency of the broadcast channel, the L+R information lies in a band between 30 Hz and 15 KHz from the center frequency in the broadcast channel. The L−R information lies in two bands on either side of 38 KHz from the center frequency of the broadcast channel, namely a first band between 23 KHz and 38 KHz and a second band between 38 KHz and 53 KHz. And the pilot tone sits at 19 KHz from the center frequency of the broadcast channel. Most FM receivers will produce a full stereo output by generating a left (L) channel audio output by adding the L+R and L−R signals ((L+R)+k*(L−R)=2L when k=1) and a right (R) channel audio output signal by subtracting the L+R and L−R signals ((L+R)−k*(L−R)=2R when k=1). If a mono output is desired or selected, most FM receivers will drive k to 0 in order to pass the full (L+R) signal to both the left (L) channel and the right (R) channel. In addition, varying degrees of a blend from stereo to mono can also be provided by adjusting or varying k from 1 to 0 to provide the desired level of a blend from stereo to mono.
FM broadcast band receivers can suffer from noise due to strong nearby blockers and/or other sources or conditions, and this noise or interference will often show up as static in the stereo audio output for the tuned FM channel. Techniques have been proposed before to mitigate this stereo noise. One prior technique is to use a receive signal strength indicator (RSSI) to blend the audio output from stereo to mono when the RSSI indicates poor signal strength. Another prior technique is to use a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) measurement of the incoming signal to blend from stereo to mono when the SNR is low. The SNR measurement can be made, for example, by analyzing the amplitude modulation in the received FM broadcast signal. In addition, other solutions have proposed blending to mono based upon an analysis of variations in the FM pilot tone and/or an analysis of high frequency components that are above the frequencies for the FM information in the tuned signals. While these techniques provide some success in mitigating stereo noise, improved techniques are needed.

Methods and systems for stereo noise mitigation


A projection display for preventing reflected light beams produced during optical modulation or light compositing from reinjecting into the modulating liquid crystal panel, as well as to convert projected light or light impinged into a light compositing system into a linearly polarized light beam, thereby projecting high-contrast, high-intensity images with minimal reflection errors. This display will preferably include a light source, an optical modulation system for modulating the light beam emitted from the light source according to a video signal using a liquid crystal panel having a polarizing plate or filter on the output surface thereof, a first phase plate provided on the output side of the polarizing plate for converting the linearly polarized light beam that has passed through the optical modulation system into a circularly polarized light beam, a second phase plate provided on the output side of the first phase plate for converting the circularly polarized light beam that has passed through the first phase plate into a linearly polarized light beam, and an optical projector system for projecting on a screen in enlarged fashion the resultant linearly polarized light beam that has passed through the second phase plate. The first and second phase plates are preferably disposed such that reflected light produced at interfaces between air and the first or second phase plates, or a light compositor are polarized at right angles to the light transmission axis of the interposing polarizing plate, thereby blocking their passage back to the liquid crystal panel.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to a projector-type display device comprising a liquid crystal panel as light valve in which the light beam is modulated according to a video signal, and a lens through which the light beam passes and is projected on a screen in enlarged fashion. More specifically, this invention relates to a projector-type display device which prevents the light beam passing through the liquid crystal panel from reflecting off the lens or optical composite prism and back into the liquid crystal panel.
2. Description of the Related Art
Today, research in practical usage of a projector-type display device is underway, wherein a light beam from a light source is modulated according to a video signal as it passes through a translucent LCD panel and projected on a screen in enlarged fashion through a optical projector system. However, significant glare and optical feedback problems remain, as shown in the conventional projection display of FIG. 8. As shown in this figure, the portion of the light beam L which is reflected in the interface between a polarizing plate 6 and air (L.sub.R in FIG. 8) returns back to the liquid crystal panel to cause display and image washout errors. It is necessary to solve this problem as soon as possible, and a projector-type display device which has a .lambda./4 plate between the liquid crystal panel and the optical projector system is described in the Japanese Laid-open Patent Publication Hei 5-210097, as a known technique to reduce transmission of L.sub.R back to the LCD panel.
FIG. 9A shows the optical system of a conventional projector-type display device utilizing the aforementioned .lambda./4 polarizing plate. In FIG. 9A, the light beam emitted L from the light source lamp 10 passes through an optical modulating system 30, comprising an input-side polarizing plate 40, a liquid crystal panel 50, and an output-side polarizing plate 60. In the optical modulating system 30, the light beam impinged according to the video signal is modulated in the liquid crystal panel 50, then modulated again by passing through the output side polarizing plate 60 to form a linearly polarized light beam, and impinged into the .lambda./4 plate 70 which is disposed in the manner that the direction of its slow axis is off-aligned by 45.degree. with that of the light transmission axis of the output-side polarizing plate 60. Then, the light beam which passed the .lambda./4 plate 70 is projected on the screen 90 in enlarged fashion by the optical projector system 20.
On the other hand, the light beam which is reflected by the interface between output side of .lambda./4 plate and air passes through the .lambda./4 plate 70 again from the opposite side to result in a linearly polarized light beam whose polarizing direction is off-aligned by 90.degree. with that of the light transmission axis of the output-side polarizing plate 60. Therefore, the light beam which is reflected by the optical projector system 20 is absorbed by the output-side polarizing plate 60, not returning back to the liquid crystal panel.
FIG. 9B shows a configuration of optical system of a conventional projectortype display device wherein three (3) liquid crystal panels are applied. In FIG. 9B, the light beam emitted from the light source lamp 1 is separated into the light beams of red, green, and blue by means of a color separator system 100 which includes dichroic mirrors 101, 102. Then, the light beams separated by the color separator system 100 are impinged into the optical modulation system 30R, 30G, and 30B, which are respectively equipped with three (3) liquid crystal panels 50R, 50G, and 50B that correspond with the colors red, green, and blue as conducted by mirrors 111, 112, and 113. In each optical modulation system 30R, 30G, and 30B, the light beams of each color which is impinged according to the video signal are modulated by each liquid crystal panels 50R, 50G, and 50B, then modulated again by passing through the output-side polarizing plate 60R, 60G, and 60B to form linearly polarized light beams of the respective wavelengths. These linearly polarized light beams are then impinged into respective .lambda./4 plates 70R, 70G, and 70B, each disposed in the manner such that the direction of its slow axis is off-aligned 45.degree. with that of the light transmission axis of the output-side polarizing plate. Then the light beams which pass through the .lambda./4 plate 70R, 70G, and 70B are compounded by the light composite system 11 and are projected on the screen 90 in enlarged fashion by the optical projector system 20. On the other hand, the light beams which are reflected by the interface between output side of .lambda./4 plates 70R, 70G, 70B and air pass through the .lambda./4 plate 70R, 70G, and 70B again from the opposite side to result in the linearly polarized light beam whose polarizing direction is off-aligned by 90.degree. with that of the light transmission axis of the output-side polarizing plate 60R, 60G, and 60B. Therefore, the light beams which are reflected by the interface between output side of .lambda./4 plate 70R, 70G, and 70B and air are absorbed by the output-side polarizing plate 60R, 60G and 60B and do not return or reflect back to the liquid crystal panel.
With regard to these projector-type display devices, the light beams which pass through the optical modulation system 30R, 30G, and 30B (i.e. the light beams which are projected on the screen 90 in enlarged fashion), are modulated therein to form circularly polarized light beams because they must additionally pass through the .lambda./4 plate 70R, 70G or 70B prior to composition and projection. However, it is preferable that the light beam projected on the screen or the light impinged into the light composite system 11 is linearly polarized, as will be discussed hereinbelow.
Consider the case in which the light beam impinged in the light composite system is circularly polarized, as is described in connection with the conventional projection display devices illustrated in FIGS. 9A and 9B. Generally a dichroic prism having wave length selectivity is used for the light compositor system 11, and usually the dichroic prism specifies a wave length selectivity for exclusively either an S or a P-polarized component as is known in the art. This stems from the fact that while it is theoretically feasible to construct a dual selectivity dichroic prism, it is commercially impractical to produce such a device for the consumer projection market. Therefore, if the light composite system 11 described hereinabove is optimized for S-polarization selectivity, the S-polarized component of a red light beam emitted from the optical modulation system 30R, the light beam is reflected in the appropriate red reflecting film (not shown) of the light compositor 12 and conducted to the optical projector system 20. However, for the P-polarized component of the red light, a part of it passes through the red reflecting film. As a result, the red light beam is impinged into the optical modulation system 30B which opposes the optical modulation system 30R with the light composite system 11 interposing therebetween, resulting in perceptible glare, washout or partial disruption of the blue light beam. Moreover, similar problems exist when considering the P components produced by optical modulation systems 30G and 30R, or when the dichroic prism is optimized for P component selectivity.
Moreover, as ambient lighting normally projects from a ceiling-mounted device, reflected light of P-polarized direction tends to be more noticeable compared with that of the S-polarized direction. Therefore, a polarization screen fitted to the projection device which absorbs the P-polarized light component would normally be employed. However, if the light beam projected on the screen is circularly polarized, this-polarization screen would filter out P-polarized ambient light and the P-polarized component of the projected light beam. Thus, the intensity of the light beam projected on the screen would be cut in half and overall brightness of the projected image be diminished. Therefore, it would preferable that the light beam projected on the screen or the light impinged into the light composite system is linearly polarized so that only the P-polarized ambient light be filtered out by this polarization screen.

Projection display employing circular polarized light for reflection reduction


A highly active and environment-friendly catalyst for use in a living radical polymerization is provided. A catalyst for use in a living radical polymerization method is provided. The catalyst comprises a central element, which is selected from nitrogen and phosphorus, and at least one halogen atom, which is bound to the central element. A monomer having a radical reactive unsaturated bond is subjected to a radical polymerization reaction in the presence of the catalyst, thereby it is possible to obtain a polymer having narrow molecular weight distribution. The present invention has the merits such as low toxicity of the catalyst, a small amount of the catalyst being required, high solubility of the catalyst in the polymerization media, mild reaction conditions, no coloration, no odor (unnecessary post-treatment of molded products). The method of the present invention is more environment-friendly and economical than other living radical polymerization methods.

A radical polymerization method has been a well known method for polymerizing a vinyl monomer to obtain a vinyl polymer. Generally, a radical polymerization method has the disadvantage of the difficulty in controlling the molecular weight of the obtained vinyl polymer. Further, there is the disadvantage that the obtained vinyl polymer is a mixture of compounds having various molecular weights, and thus it is difficult to obtain a vinyl polymer having a narrow molecular weight distribution. Specifically, even if the reaction is controlled, the ratio of weight-average molecular weight (Mw) and number-average molecular weight (Mn), (Mw/Mn), can be reduced to about only 2 to 3.
As a method for eliminating the aforementioned disadvantages, since around 1990, a living radical polymerization method has been developed. Specifically, according to the living radical polymerization method, it is possible to control the molecular weight. It is also possible to obtain a polymer having a narrow molecular weight distribution. Specifically, a polymer having Mw/Mn of 2 or less can easily be obtained. Therefore, this method has come into the limelight as a method for producing a polymer used in a high technology such as nanotechnology.
Catalysts which are currently used in living radical polymerization methods include transition metal complex-type catalysts.
For transition metal complex-type catalysts, complexes in which a ligand is coordinated to a compound having a central metal of Cu, Ni, Re, Rh, Ru, or the like have been used. Such catalysts are described in the following documents for example.
Patent document 1 (Japanese Laid-open Publication No. 2002-249505) discloses that a complex with a central metal which is Cu, Ru, Fe, Ni or the like, and it is used as a catalyst.
It should be noted that Patent Document 1 describes in its claim 1 that an organic halide is used as a polymerization initiator. This description is not intended to mean that a halogenated hydrocarbon acts as a catalyst for living radical polymerization. According to the invention of Patent Document 1, a metal complex having a transition metal as the central metal is used as the catalyst for living radical polymerization. According to the invention of Patent Document 1, an organic halide is used as a dormant species that will be described later in the present specification.
Patent document 2 (Japanese Laid-open Publication No. 11-322822) discloses that hydrido rhenium complex is used as a catalyst.
It should be noted that Patent Document 2 describes a "catalyst for radical living polymerization comprising a combination of a hydrido rhenium complex and a halogenated hydrocarbon" in claim 1. This description is not intended to mean that a halogenated hydrocarbon acts as a catalyst for living radical polymerization. According to the invention of Patent Document 2, the hydrido rhenium complex is used as the catalyst for living radical polymerization. According to the invention of Patent Document 2, the halogenated hydrocarbon is used as a dormant species that will be described later in the present specification. The combination of the catalyst and the dormant species is described as a catalyst in Patent Document 2, and this does not describe that the halogenated hydrocarbon serves as the catalyst for living radical polymerization.
Non-patent document 1 (Journal of The American Chemical Society 119, 674-680 (1997)) discloses that a compound in which 4,4′-di-(5-nonyl)-2,2′-bipyridine is coordinated with copper bromide, is used as a catalyst.
It should be noted that Non-Patent Document 1 describes that 1-phenylethyl bromide was used at the time of polymerization of styrene. That is, according to the invention of Patent Document 2, a copper bromide complex is used as a catalyst for living radical polymerization, and 1-phenylethyl bromide is used as the dormant species that will be described later in the present specification.
However, when such transition metal complex catalysts are used, it is necessary to use a large amount of the catalyst. This is disadvantageous as it is not easy to completely remove the large amount of the catalyst used, from the products after the reaction. Another disadvantage is environmental problems which may occur by the disposal of the catalyst. The transition metal for the living radical polymerization method includes many toxic metals. The disposal of a large amount of such toxic metals causes environmental problems. Furthermore, there are cases where toxicities of catalysts remaining in products cause environmental problems. Due to the toxicity, it is difficult to use the transition metal catalysts for the production of food packages, material for living body, and medical material. Additionally, there is a problem associated with a high conductivity of the transition metal remaining in polymer, rendering the polymer conductive and hence unsuitable for use in electronic material such as resist material. Furthermore, the transition metal-type catalysts do not dissolve in a reaction solution unless they form a complex. Therefore, it is necessary to use a ligand as an additive to form a complex. This causes problems, i.e., an increase of the cost of production and also an increase of the total weight of the catalyst used. Further, a ligand is usually expensive and requires a complicated synthesis method. Furthermore, the polymerization reaction requires a high temperature (for example, 110° C. or higher). (For example, in aforementioned Non-patent document 1, the polymerization reaction is performed at 110° C.).
It is noted that living radical polymerization methods, which do not require a catalyst, have also been known. For example, a nitroxyl-type method and dithioester-type method have been known. However, these methods have the following disadvantages. A special protecting group (i.e., a certain nitroxide or dithioester group) must be introduced to the polymer growing chain. The protecting group is very expensive. Further, the polymerization reaction requires a high temperature (for example, 100° C. or higher). Further, the produced polymer is likely to have undesirable properties. For example, the produced polymer is likely to be colored differently from the natural color of the polymer. Further, the produced polymer is likely to have an odor.
On the other hand, Non-Patent Document 2 (Polymer Preprints 2005, 46 (2), 245-246) and Patent Document 3 (Japanese Laid-open Patent Publication No. 2007-92014) disclose that compounds having Ge, Sn and the like as central metals are used as catalysts.
In regard to the copper complex catalyst described in Non-Patent Document 1, the cost for the catalyst required to polymerize 1 kg of a polymer sums up to approximately several thousand yen. In contrast, in regard to a germanium catalyst, the cost is cut down to about one thousand yen. Thus, the invention of Non-Patent Document 2 markedly decreases the cost for the catalyst. However, in order to apply living radical polymerization to general-purpose resin products and the like, a further less expensive catalyst is demanded.
In general, it is known that transition metals or compounds of transition metal elements are preferable as catalysts for various chemical reactions. For example, the following is described on page 311 of "Inorganic Chemistry" by J. D. LEE (Tokyo Kagaku Dojin, 1st edition published on Apr. 15, 1982): "Many transition metals and the compounds of the transition metals have catalytic action . . . . In some cases, a transition metal may adopt various valences and form unstable intermediate compounds, while in other cases, a transition metal provides good reaction surfaces, and these serve as catalytic actions." That is, it has been widely understood by those skilled in the art that the properties characteristic to transition metals, such as the ability to form various unstable intermediate compounds, are indispensable in connection with the function of a catalyst.
Furthermore, Ge, Sn and Sb described in Non-Patent Document 2 are not transition metals, but are elements that belong to the 4th period and the 5th period of the Periodic Table and have large atomic numbers and have a large number of electrons and a large number of electron orbitals. Therefore, it is surmised in regard to Ge, Sn and Sb that the fact that these atoms have a large number of electrons and a large number of electron orbitals, works advantageously in terms of their action as catalysts.
According to such a common technological knowledge in connection with various catalysts of the prior art, it has been believed that the typical elements which belong to the 2nd period and the 3rd period of the Periodic Table, merely have a small number of electrons and a smaller number of electron orbitals, and thus it is disadvantageous to use them in a catalyst compound, and catalytic action cannot be expected from compounds utilizing these typical elements.    [Patent Document 1] Japanese Laid-open Patent Publication No. 2002-249505    [Patent document 2] Japanese Laid-open Patent Publication No. 11-322822    [Patent document 3] Japanese Laid-open Patent Publication No. 2007-92014    [Non-patent document 1] Journal of the American Chemical Society 119, 674-680 (1997)    [Non-patent document 2] Polymer Preprints 2005, 46(2), 245-246, "Germanium- and Tin-Catalyzed Living Radical Polymerizations of Styrene", American Chemical Society, Division of Polymer Chemistry

Living radical polymerization method using a phosphorus compound or nitrogen compound as a catalyst