An anchoring sleeve for anchoring a fastening element in a bore hole of a component by a hardenable compound is disclosed. The anchoring sleeve has a sleeve-like base body with a first end, with a second end, as well as with several axially successive extension sections arranged between the ends which are each configured to be cone-like and their diameter respectively increases in the direction of the first end.

The invention relates to an anchoring sleeve for anchoring a fastening element in a bore hole of a component by means of a hardenable compound. The invention also relates to a fastening device having such an anchoring sleeve that can be anchored by means of a hardenable compound in a bore hole as well as to a fastening arrangement with a fastening device, which has a fastening element and such an anchoring sleeve, wherein the fastening device is anchored in a bore hole of a component by means of a hardenable compound.
In order to fasten attachment parts to a component such as foundations, walls, ceiling or the like, for example made of a mineral material like concrete, masonry or the like, anchoring a fastening element in a previously created bore hole in a component by means of a hardenable compound is known from U.S. Pat. No. 5,628,161.
For a secure anchoring of the fastening element, the bore hole must be cleaned with additional devices in a laborious manner prior to inserting the hardenable compound. Furthermore, these types of fastening devices are not suitable in tension zones of the component, because these zones do not exhibit any subsequent spreading behavior.
In order to overcome the aforementioned disadvantages, an anchor rod is known as a fastening element, for example from European Patent Document No. EP 0 426 951B1, which has a shaft with several successively arranged extensions, wherein the extensions are each configured to be cone-like and their diameter respectively increases towards the forward end of the anchor rod in the placement direction. Because of the conical surfaces on the anchor rod and the counter conical surfaces, which the hardened compound forms, when the anchor rod is under load, the normal forces acting on the anchor rod are converted into radially acting spreading forces so that this fastening arrangement may subsequently spread and thus can also be arranged in the tension zone of a component.
A disadvantage of the known attainment is that as a special element, this anchor rod is complicated and expensive to manufacture and, on the other hand, may only be used under defined limiting conditions, e.g., relating to the anchoring depth or thickness of the attachment part.
A sieve-like anchoring sleeve is known from European Patent Document No. EP 0 738 835B1 for an improved anchoring of a fastening element, which is available, for example, as a ready-made part, such as, for example, a threaded rod or a reinforcing rod, in a bore hole of a component by means of a hardenable compound. This anchoring sleeve has a sleeve-like base body with a first end, with a second end opposite from the first end as well as with several axially successive extension sections arranged between the ends.
The disadvantage of this known attainment is that a fastening arrangement produced like this does not exhibit any subsequent spreading behavior and therefore may not be arranged in a tension zone of a component.
The object of the invention is, on the one hand, to create an anchoring sleeve that is simple to manufacture that does not have the aforementioned disadvantages. Furthermore, a chemically anchorable fastening device with a fastening element and with an anchoring sleeve as well as a fastening arrangement with this type of fastening device is created which can be arranged in a tension zone of a component.
According to the invention, the extension sections of the anchoring sleeve are each configured to be cone-like and their diameter respectively increases in the direction of the first end.
The advantageously dimensionally stable anchoring sleeve, on the one hand, makes sure that conical surfaces are formed in the hardened compound and, on the other hand, simultaneously forms a separating plane or glide plane between the inner cones formed within the anchoring sleeve by the hardenable compound and the outer cones formed outside the anchoring sleeve. The hardened compound inside the anchoring sleeve is connected to the outside of the fastening element. No special requirements are placed on the fastening element, whereby, for example, a threaded rod as a ready-made part may also be used as a fastening element. The fastening element as well as the anchoring sleeve may be appropriately cut to length as desired or on the basis of the local conditions. A normal force acting on a positioned fastening element is redirected by the cone design that is created essentially into radially acting spreading forces.
Such an anchoring sleeve makes it possible to cost-effectively produce fastening devices as well as fastening arrangements that are flexible in application and also suitable for tension zones. In addition, this type of anchoring sleeve eliminates a laborious cleaning of the previously created bore hole, because the force deflection under load produces spreading forces in the substrate, and therefore adhesion of the hardenable compound on the bore hole wall is no longer imperative for a secure anchoring of the fastening device in the bore hole.
The anchoring sleeve made of a plastic is advantageously fabricated, for example, in an injection molding/casting process, in a blow-molding process or a deep-drawing process from foils, whereby the anchoring sleeve is simple to manufacture. Alternatively, the anchoring sleeve is fabricated of a metallic material, for example, in a stamping/bending method or excess pressure method. The anchoring sleeve is advantageously made available to the user as a one-piece element, wherein the anchoring sleeve may be configured to be one-piece or several pieces. In the case of an anchoring sleeve made of several parts, these parts may be connected advantageously to one another via connecting elements, e.g., snap-fit elements, to form the anchoring sleeve.
In addition to a design of the anchoring sleeve that is circular in cross-section, it may also have an oval or polygonal design, whereby free spaces or channels may be created for an advantageous flow of the hardenable compound between the wall of the bore hole and the anchoring sleeve (outer mass flow) as well as between the fastening element and the anchoring sleeve (inner mass flow). In the case of a design of the cross-section of the anchoring sleeve that starts with a circular cross-section, the free spaces or the channels for the mass flow or the mortar flow are arranged advantageously radially offset from one another from extension section to extension section.
The extension sections preferably run helically along the sleeve-like base body of the anchoring sleeve, whereby an advantageous flow of the hardenable compound is guaranteed in the space between the anchoring sleeve and the wall of the bore hole in the direction of the mouth of the bore hole. The slope of the helically running extension sections advantageously corresponds to 0.2 times to 1.0 times, in particular advantageously 0.4 times to 0.6 times, the outside diameter of the base body of the anchoring sleeve.
The extension sections also advantageously run helically on the inside of the anchoring sleeve, whereby an advantageous flow of the hardenable compound within the anchoring sleeve is guaranteed in the space between the anchoring sleeve and the fastening element in the direction of the mouth of the bore hole.
The conical angle of at least one extension section is preferably at least 10° with respect to a longitudinal axis of the anchoring sleeve. This conical angle is preferably configured to be no greater than 40°. In particular, this conical angle is advantageously between 20° and 30°, thereby guaranteeing an advantageous subsequent spreading behavior of a fastening arrangement with such an anchoring sleeve. A greater conical angle produces low radially acting spreading forces, which advantageously has a positive effect particularly on the edge of a component and in the case of components that have a low component thickness.
At least one passage opening for the hardenable compound is advantageously provided on the sleeve-like base body, through which the hardenable compound may flow out during the placement process or into the anchoring sleeve. Inclusions of air are avoided during placement of the anchoring sleeve with the at least one passage opening. The at least one passage opening is advantageously provided in the region of the first end of the sleeve-like base body so that, when the anchoring sleeve is in a positioned state, it comes to lie in the region of the bore hole base. Several smaller openings are also advantageously provided on the base body of the anchoring sleeve, which make it possible for the hardenable compound to flow within the anchoring sleeve into the space outside the anchoring sleeve or vice versa, but, in doing so, do not hinder the gliding of the inner and outer cones for an advantageous subsequent spreading behavior of the fastening arrangement with such an anchoring sleeve. In addition to at least one passage opening that is aligned essentially radially, the passage opening may also be provided to be open in an axial direction and between two extension sections. If several passage openings are provided on a sleeve-like base body, the passage openings are advantageously arranged spaced apart from one another radially.
The sleeve-like base body is preferably at least partially sealed at the first end so that this end forms a limit stop or a carrying section for a fastening element inserted into the anchoring sleeve. This design of the anchoring sleeve is then especially advantageous, if, for example, after filling the created bore hole with the hardenable compound, the anchoring sleeve with the fastening element is simultaneously inserted or inserted by the fastening element into the bore hole.
The sleeve-like base body is preferably filled with a defined quantity of the hardenable compound, whereby the user only has to handle one unit at the building site.
The fastening device according to the invention that can be anchored in a bore hole by means of a hardenable compound has a fastening element and an anchoring sleeve, which has a sleeve-like base body with a first end, with a second end opposite from the first end as well as with several axially successive extension sections arranged between the ends, wherein the extension sections are each configured to be cone-like and their diameter respectively increases in the direction of the first end.
This fastening device is easy to manufacture and makes a simple assembly possible in a bore hole of a component, such as, for example, in a wall or a ceiling.
The anchoring sleeve of the fastening device may have individual as well as also all features of the previously described anchoring sleeve.
The anchoring sleeve is preferably arranged on the fastening element, whereby it is held captively on the fastening element at least until the fastening device is positioned. The minimum inside diameter of the anchoring sleeve is advantageously smaller than the outside diameter of the fastening element, whereby the anchoring sleeve is simple to arrange on the fastening element. Furthermore, the fastening element is advantageously provided with a profiling on its exterior, e.g., with an outside thread, which, on the one hand, ensures an advantageous bond with the hardened compound and, on the other hand, in the case of at least partial contact on the interior of the anchoring sleeve, makes a simple arrangement of same possible on the fastening element.
The fastening arrangement according to the invention includes a fastening device with a fastening element and with an anchoring sleeve, wherein the fastening device is anchored in a bore hole of a component by means of a hardenable compound. The anchoring sleeve has a sleeve-like base body with a first end, with a second end opposite from the first end as well as with several axially successive extension sections arranged between the ends, wherein the extension sections are each configured to be cone-like and their diameter respectively increases in the direction of the first end.
This fastening arrangement is simple to manufacture and may also be arranged in a tension zone of a component. Because of the advantageous subsequent spreading behavior of the fastening arrangement when the fastening element is under load, a laborious separate cleaning of the bore hole prior to placement of the fastening device or prior to placement of the anchoring sleeve is no longer required. Despite this, high final loads of the anchored fastening device are achieved.
Because the currently required cleaning steps are eliminated (e.g., blowing out, brushing and repeated blowing out of the bore hole), application security is increased and placement of the fastening device is clearly accelerated. No additional cleaning devices are required for placing the fastening device and the ambient air, and thus, the user is no longer additionally burdened by blown-out drill dust or cleaning dust.
The anchoring sleeve or the fastening device may have individual as well as also all features of the previously described anchoring sleeve or the previously described fastening device.
The invention is explained in greater detail in the following on the basis of exemplary embodiments.


A denture temporary relining material composition is disclosed, including (A) 100 parts by weight of an organopolysiloxane containing at least two alkenyl groups in one molecule and having a viscosity of from 0.5 to 20 Pa.s at 25xc2x0 C.; (B) from 0.1 to 40 parts by weight of an organohydrogen polysiloxane containing at least three hydrogen atoms directly bonded to a silicon atom in one molecule; (C) from 10 to 500 ppm, based on the total amount of the components (A) and (B), of a silicone-soluble platinum compound; (D) from 10 to 200 parts by weight of an inorganic filler; (E) from 0.5 to 100 parts by weight of an organopolysiloxane raw rubber containing at least two alkenyl groups in one molecule and having a viscosity of from 1,000 to 20,000 Pa.s at 25xc2x0 C.; and (F) from 1 to 200 parts by weight of a methylphenyl polysiloxane which is very low in terms of the hardness of a set product, keeps a softness in the oral cavity for a long period of time, does not generate changes in the surface properties, and is not deteriorated even upon immersing in a denture cleanser solution.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a denture temporary relining material composition that, when, upon setting a denture over a long period of time, a deformation or a strain is generated on an oral mucosa, or a deformation is generated on an alveolar ridge, whereby an adhesion of the denture becomes insufficient, is used for relining of a mucosa face of the denture during a time when such symptoms are improved.
2. Description of the Related Art
When a patient sets a denture over a long period of time, a deformation or a strain is generated on an oral mucosa, or a deformation is generated in the state of an alveolar ridge, whereby the fitting state becomes worse, leading to an insufficient adhesion of the denture. Thus, the denture is liable to come off at the time of opening a mouth or mastication. Usually, in such case, there is taken a treatment such that a relining material with a soft quality is temporarily aligned on a mucosa face of the denture, thereby laboring for recovery from the symptom. The material to be used for this treatment is a denture temporary relining material and is required to have such properties that it is low in hardness and that it is soft. In other words, with its softness, it is intended to not only recover a local deformation or a local strain of the mucosa to an original normal state but also make the adhesion of the denture stable and improve the state of the alveolar ridge. And, after the symptoms have been improved, a new denture is prepared, or a treatment with a relining material is taken such that the denture that has been used so far can be used over a long period of time.
As such temporary relining material is generally used one comprising an acrylic resin as a base material and containing an ethanol and a phthalic acid ester-based plasticizer. In this temporary relining material, the acrylic resin powder is dissolved in ethanol and the phthalic acid ester-based plasticizer to be contained, to form a rubbery material, whereby softness is imparted. However, due to the alcohol and the plasticizer contained in this material being liable to elute out, the material has such properties that it is converted into a very brittle material about one week later. For this reason, a dentist is required to repeat the temporary relining until the symptom of a patient as described above has been improved. Further, the surface of the above-described temporary relining material becomes rough due to the elution of the alcohol and the plasticizer, to thereby likely cause generation of stains, attachment of dental plaques, candida, etc., or the like. Accordingly, not only such is of a problem from the standpoint of oral hygiene, but also there is fear that a new oral disease is induced. In addition, even in case of immersing this temporary relining material in a denture cleanser for the purpose of cleaning off dental plaques, candida, etc., it has such properties that its quality is deteriorated due to an influence of active oxygen in the denture cleanser, and the relining material becomes brittle, whereby its softness is impaired.
In part, a soft lining material is used as a temporary relining material. The soft lining material is a material that has been developed for the purpose of mitigating pain of a patient who is set with a denture or of improving the adhesively of the denture over a long period of time. Its examples include polyolefin-based soft lining materials and acrylic resin-based soft lining materials in addition to silicone-based soft lining materials as disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 291017/1996. Although these soft lining materials are relatively soft and less in degradation in an oral cavity, they are high in hardness as from 30 to 60 as measured in a JIS-A model spring type hardness tester and insufficient in softness as a temporary relining material. Accordingly, it cannot be said that these relining materials have a sufficient effect for recovery of a local deformation or a local strain on an oral mucosa. Further, they involve a defect such that a pain of the mucosa at the time of mastication is not sufficiently mitigated.
The present invention is aimed to provide a denture temporary relining material composition that is soft so as to have a hardness, as measured in a JIS-A model spring type hardness tester, of from 10 to 20, keeps this softness in an oral cavity over a longer period of time (about several months) as compared with current temporary relining materials, is free from elution of the contents in the oral cavity and change in the surface properties, and that is not deteriorated even after immersion in a denture cleanser.
The inventors of the present invention, took note of a silicone-based soft lining material that is relatively stable in the oral cavity and whose set product has a relatively low hardness. And, they made extensive and intensive investigations for the purpose of developing a material that makes the hardness low (from 10 to 20 as measured in a JIS-A model spring type hardness tester) and does not cause a change in hardness even upon being used in the oral cavity over a long period of time, while keeping the stability of an addition type silicone material to be used for this soft lining material in the oral cavity. As a result, they have successfully developed a denture temporary relining material composition according to the present invention, which is capable of solving the above-described problems accompanied by the current denture temporary relining material compositions, through a combination of a current addition setting silicone material as a basic composition with an organopolysiloxane raw rubber containing at least two alkenyl groups in one molecule and having a viscosity of from 1,000 to 20,000 Pa.s at 25xc2x0 C., as a component having a function to lowering the hardness, and a methylphenyl polysiloxane.
Specifically, the denture temporary relining material composition according to the present invention comprises (A) 100 parts by weight of an organopolysiloxane containing at least two alkenyl groups in one molecule and having a viscosity of from 0.5 to 20 Pa.s at 25xc2x0 C.; (B) from 0.1 to 40 parts by weight of an organohydrogen polysiloxane containing at least three hydrogen atoms directly bonded to a silicon atom in one molecule; (C) from 10 to 500 ppm, based on the total amount of the components (A) and (B), of a silicone-soluble platinum compound; (D) from 10 to 200 parts by weight of an inorganic filler; (E) from 0.5 to 100 parts by weight of an organopolysiloxane raw rubber containing at least two alkenyl groups in one molecule and having a viscosity of from 1,000 to 20,000 Pa.s at 25xc2x0 C.; and (F) from 1 to 200 parts by weight of a methylphenyl polysiloxane.
In the denture temporary relining material composition according to the present invention, the components (A) to (D) are similar to the basic components of a current addition setting silicone materials to be used as the soft lining material. The component (A) is an organopolysiloxane containing at least two alkenyl groups in one molecule and having a viscosity of from 0.5 to 20 Pa.s at 25xc2x0 C., and preferably one that is linear and in which the both end terminals of the molecular chain are hindered with a vinylsilyl group. In this case, the terminal vinyl group may be in plural, or the vinyl group may be contained in the chain.
The organohydrogen polysiloxane as the component (B) is required to contain at least three hydrogen atoms directly bonded to a silicon atom in the molecule thereof and functions as a crosslinking agent. When the amount of the organohydrogen polysiloxane is less than 0.1 part by weight based on 100 parts by weight of the component (A), the setting rate in the oral cavity becomes slow, and the hardness of a set product is lowered. On the other hand, when the amount of the organohydrogen polysiloxane exceeds 40 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of the component (A), not only the hardness increases, but also there is generated an inconvenience that bubbles by a hydrogen gas generated during the reaction are formed in a set product.
The silicone-soluble platinum compound as the component (C) is a conventional addition reaction catalyst, and examples thereof include chloroplatinic acid, alcohol-modified chloroplatinic acid, and a complex of chloroplatinic acid with an olefin. Of these is particularly preferred a chloroplatinic acid-vinylsiloxane complex. A suitable amount of the silicone-soluble platinum compound to be added is in the range of from 10 to 500 ppm based on the total amount of the components (A) and (B). When the addition amount of the component (C) is less than 10 ppm based on the total amount of the components (A) and (B), there are disadvantages that not only the setting rate is slow, but also in case where a trace amount of a substance for hindering the catalytic capability of the platinum compound, the setting rate becomes further slow. When the addition amount of the component (C) exceeds 500 ppm, not only the setting rate is too fast, and but also a set product becomes discolored into yellow. It is preferred to use the silicone-soluble platinum compound such as chloroplatinic acid after dissolving in various solvents such as alcoholic solvents, ketone-based solvents, ether-based solvents, and hydrocarbon-based solvents, or a polysiloxane oil, etc.
Examples of the inorganic filler to be used as the component (D) include quartz, cristobalite, diatomaceous earth, fused quartz, glass fibers, titanium dioxide, and fumed silica. The inorganic filler may be made hydrophobic with a surface processing agent. A suitable amount of the inorganic filler is from 10 to 200 parts by weight based on the 100parts by weight of the component (A). When the amount of the inorganic filler is less than 10 parts by weight based on the 100 parts by weight of the component (A), a set product becomes brittle. On the other hand, when the amount of the inorganic filler exceeds 200 parts by weight, the viscosity is too high so that the resistance at the time of kneading is excessively high. Also, the operability for building up on a denture is lowered. Preferably, the amount of the inorganic filler is from 20 to 150 parts by weight based on the 100 parts by weight of the component (A).
The components (E) and (F) are characteristics of the denture temporary relining material composition according to the present invention. The component (E) is an organopolysiloxane raw rubber containing at least two alkenyl groups in one molecule and having a viscosity of from 1,000 to 20,000 Pa.s at 25xc2x0 C. The alkenyl group in the organopolysiloxane raw rubber is preferably a vinyl group. In addition to the alkenyl group, a methyl group, an ethyl group, a propyl group, a phenyl group, etc. may be contained as an organic group in the organopolysiloxane raw rubber. Of these is preferred a methyl group. Though the organopolysiloxane raw rubber has a structure basically equal to that of the component (A), its viscosity is remarkably high as from 1,000 to 20,000 Pa.s at 25xc2x0 C. When the organopolysiloxane raw rubber is used together with the component (F) as described later, it brings about effects that not only the hardness of a set product is lowered to a desired hardness, but also a suitable viscosity is given to a paste, thereby making the fluidity in the oral cavity proper. In addition, there is given an effect that a lowering in the strength to be generated due to the lowering in hardness of a set product is inhibited. The viscosity of the organopolysiloxane raw rubber containing at least two alkenyl groups in one molecule is from 1,000 to 20,000 Pa.s at 25xc2x0 C. However, when the viscosity of the organopolysiloxane raw rubber containing at least two alkenyl groups in one molecule is less 1,000 Pa.s at 25xc2x0 C., the hardness at the time of combining with the component (F) is not sufficiently lowered. On the other hand, when it exceeds 20,000 Pa.s at 25xc2x0 C., the paste viscosity is too high so that it is difficult to make a paste. A suitable amount of the component (E) to be compounded is from 0.5 to 100 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of the component (A). When the amount of the component (E) is less than 0.5 parts by weight based on the 100 parts by weight of the component (A), the effects of the component (E) are not sufficiently exhibited. On the other hand, when the amount of the component (E) exceeds 100 parts by weight, the kneading properties are lowered. The amount of the component (E) to be compounded is preferably from 5 to 50 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of the component (A).
As the methylphenyl polysiloxane to be used as the component (F) is used one represented by the following general formula:
wherein R is a methyl group or a phenyl group; and m and n are each an integer, m greater than 0, n greater than 0, and m+n=1xcx9c2000.
The methylphenyl polysiloxane is a non-reactive oil, and when it is used together with the above-described component (E), not only the hardness of a set product can be more effectively lowered, but also the strength is not lowered. An amount of the methylphenyl polysiloxane to be used is in the range of from 1 to 200 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of the component (A). When the amount of the methylphenyl polysiloxane is less than 1 part by weight based on 100 parts by weight of the component (A), the effects are not sufficient. On the other hand, when the amount of the methylphenyl polysiloxane exceeds 200 part by weight, a set product is liable to be deformed and the hardness is also lowered due to the bite pressure. The amount of the component (F) to be used is preferably from 10 to 150 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of the component (A).
In the denture temporary relining material composition according to the present invention, so far as its characteristics are not lost, various additives such as inorganic or organic colorants and bacterides can be used.

Denture temporary relining material composition


A computer-implemented method for analyzing zero-day attacks may include 1) identifying, within a database of known security vulnerabilities, disclosure timing information that indicates when a security vulnerability was publicly disclosed, 2) correlating a file with the security vulnerability by searching a database of file activity for at least one file that is associated with an attack that exploits the security vulnerability, 3) identifying, within the database of file activity, activity timing information indicating timing of one or more activities that involve the file and that occurred on endpoint computing devices before the security vulnerability was publicly disclosed, and 4) comparing the disclosure timing information with the activity timing information to investigate a potential zero-day attack that exploits the security vulnerability. Various other methods, systems, and computer-readable media are also disclosed.

A zero-day attack may refer to a security or malware attack that occurs before public disclosure of a vulnerability that the attack exploits. An attacker may discover the vulnerability inadvertently or by studying the software system that contains the vulnerability. By studying the software system, or by learning about the vulnerability from others, the attacker may develop a method or program for exploiting the vulnerability.
Notably, the attacker may keep the vulnerability and the exploit secret. The secrecy of the vulnerability and the exploit may make it far more difficult to detect or prevent the attack. Accordingly, the attacker may desire to maintain and take steps to ensure the secrecy. For the same reason, the attacker may only launch the attack on a small number of targets. The attacker may specify high value targets or may specify targets requiring a long time to compromise. Because the zero-day attack may be more difficult to detect, the attack can be better suited for targeting a smaller number of high value targets, especially over a long period of time.
Because of the secretive nature of zero-day attacks, not much is currently known about them. For example, relatively little is known about the prevalence, successfulness, or dangerousness of zero-day attacks. When attacks are finally discovered, the discovery is typically fortuitous and not representative of zero-day attacks in general. The lack of representative samples or more comprehensive data about zero-day attacks may make it more difficult to study the attacks and guard against them (e.g. by resolving vulnerabilities, developing patches, immunizing systems, and/or taking counter-measures against zero-day attackers).
Because zero-day attacks may exploit vulnerabilities that are not yet disclosed to the public, traditional security systems that rely on antivirus or intrusion-detection signatures may fail to detect these attacks. The failure of security systems to detect attacks may provide attackers with a long window to exploit their targets. For this reason, zero-day exploits are often used in targeted attacks. Moreover, security attacks often target non-executable files, which traditional security systems may have particular difficulty analyzing. Accordingly, the instant disclosure identifies and addresses a need for additional and improved systems and methods for analyzing zero-day attacks.

Systems and methods for analyzing zero-day attacks


A miniature two-pin, tungsten-halogen lamp in the shape of a cylindrical envelope formed of high temperature glass having a sealed chamber capable of withstanding internal pressures of between 5 and 20 atmospheres. The diameter of the cylindrical envelope is in the range of 0.250 to 0.313 inches and contains at least one refractory metal filament mounted within the sealed chamber. The metal filament is electrically connected to a pair of leads passing out of the envelope. A fill gas is contained within the sealed chamber and contains an inert gas major constituent and a halide gas minor constituent. The lamp produces an efficacy of up to 26 lumens per watt when operating within a range of from 1.25 to 18 watts.

This invention relates to a low wattage, tungsten-halogen lamp and, in particular, to a low wattage aluminosilicate glass lamp having improved performance, high efficacy, and long life.
As taught in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,163,171 and 4,451,760, many incandescent lamps employ the well known tungsten-halogen regenerative cycle. At relatively high operating temperatures, tungsten atoms are evaporated from the filament. These atoms are captured by the halogen gas and return to the filament to replace lost material. A reduction in size of these lamps produces a dramatic increase in thermal loading and a reduction in lamp life and maintenance. Maintenance, as herein used, is defined as the percent of initial lamp light output that is maintained over the life of the lamp. Output, as herein used, is defined as the visible light, 400 to 700 nanometer wavelength, emanating from the lamp. Typically, high lumen per watt lamps in the T-2 to T-21/2 range exhibit a marked drop off in maintenance after 15 to 20 hours of operation and generally fail rapidly thereafter.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,598,342 discloses a low wattage, tungsten-halogen lamp that employs a double filament arrangement. The filaments are aligned end to end along the axis of the lamp envelope and each is arranged to operate independently of the other. The coils in each filament are spaced further apart at the center of the filament than at each end to provide for a more uniform temperature distribution along the length of each filament. The double filament arrangement increases the thermal loading on the lamp when both filaments are operating. To compensate for the higher than normal loading, the fill gas pressure in the lamp is increased from about 2 to 20 atmospheres. The fill gas contains Xenon which is said to maintain the inactive filament at a cooler temperature (i.e. the one filament is turned off). This prevents halogen in the fill gas from attacking the filament components. The patent does not disclose the fractional percentage of halogen gas contained in the Xenon gas.
The U.S. Pat. No. 5,359,262 discloses sub-miniature tungsten halogen lamps in T-1 to T-1 1/4 range which contain major inert and minor halide gas constituents.


An X-ray reflectometry apparatus comprises an X-ray source (1) configured to emit an incident X-ray beam directed onto a sample measuring position and an X-ray detector (2) configured to detect an X-ray beam (3) reflected from a surface of a selected sample (4) located in said sample measuring position and with a multiple sample holder (5) comprising an essentially horizontal one- or two-dimensional array of sample resting positions into which solid samples can be placed from above. A drive mechanism (6) moves the sample holder in one or two directions within a horizontal plane underneath the sample measuring position in order to place a selected sample (4) directly beneath the measuring position and a sample lift mechanism (7) has a vertically movable piston (8) located below the multiple sample holder (5) beneath the sample measuring position. When the sample lift mechanism (7) is activated, the piston (8) moves upwards against a bottom surface of the selected sample (4) or sample container (9) containing said selected sample (4), lifts the selected sample (4) or sample container (9) until it touches a stop (10) that keeps the sample (4) in the sample measuring position. When the sample lift mechanism (7) is deactivated, the piston (8) moves downwards and the sample (4) rests in its resting position. The device prevents signal cross talk to neighboring samples or to the sample holder, while also assuring an alignment which can be parallel to the incident beam.

The invention concerns an X-ray reflectometry apparatus comprising an X-ray source configured to emit an incident X-ray beam directed onto a sample measuring position and an X-ray detector configured to detect the X-ray beam following reflection from a surface of a selected sample located in that sample measuring position and with a multiple sample holder comprising an essentially horizontal one- or two-dimensional array of sample resting positions into which solid samples can be placed from an upward direction. A drive mechanism moves the sample holder in one or two directions within a horizontal plane beneath the sample measuring position in order to place a selected sample directly below the measuring position.
An X-ray system of prior art comprises an X-ray source and a detector unit. A sample (wafer) is positioned between the detector and the X-ray source and is disposed on an Euler's balance. A knife-edge is positioned above the sample and can be manually lowered towards the surface of the sample using a micrometer screw adjustment mechanism. An indicating caliper is utilized to measure the separation between the knife-edge and the surface of the sample. This apparatus is only suitable for reflectometry measurements in the middle region of the sample, since, in the event that the sample is moved in the x or y directions, the knife edge moves along therewith and causes blockage of the beam emanating from the X-ray source, since that source is stationary (see "D8 Discover" brochure, Bruker AXS GmbH, Karlsruhe, Germany, 2008).
A screening apparatus of prior art utilizes an X-ray source and a detector to examine a selected one of a plurality of samples disposed in a sample holder configured as a plate having 96 receptacles in which 96 samples can be placed. A knife-edge is located above the sample and is intended to prevent other samples from being illuminated, in particular, for small angles of incidence of the X-ray beam. Without the knife-edge, X-rays would be incident on a plurality of samples and the resulting scattering would significantly complicate signal analysis. The knife-edge is fixed in space and is aligned manually. The samples within the sample holder are moved in position in the x and y direction and measured individually. Reflectometry measurements are not possible using this apparatus, since the surface of individual samples may not be aligned with the surface of the surrounding sample holder or cannot be prepared to be flush with the surface of the sample holder. In the event that the surface of the sample is below the level of the sample holder, that surface is inaccessible to reflectometry measurements, since such measurements are typically made at angles within the range of 0 to 5 degrees relative to the horizontal. If the sample is excessively high, the angle of incidence is in error (see the brochure "XRD 2", Bruker AXS GmbH, Karlsruhe, Germany, 2008).
Another device of prior art proposes an X-ray analysis system, which is suitable for large volume, rapid series, automated measurement processes. Wafers can be examined with spatial resolution and each particular measuring point can be adjusted and aligned with respect to the X-ray beam in a highly automated manner. When a plurality of small wafers are to be measured sequentially while disposed within a common support, problems result due to the fact that not all the wavers have the same thickness. Measurements can also be distorted by thin layers which are deposited on the wafer surfaces. An upstream wafer may cast a shadow on a downstream wafer, thereby preventing initial measurements at an angle of approximately zero degrees, cause falsification of the reflectometry measurements, and/or generate unreliable data (see the brochure "FABLINE", Bruker AXS GmbH, Karlsruhe, Germany, 2008).
In view of these problems and difficulties regarding devices of prior art, it is the underlying purpose of the present invention to develop a system for X-ray reflectometry measurements on a plurality of samples which prevents signal cross-talk to neighboring samples or to the sample holder, while assuring an alignment which can be parallel to the incident beam.

X-ray reflectometry system with multiple sample holder and individual sample lifting mechanism


A conventional node 3 divides an IP packet into data fragments and prepares a packet for RAN 9 transmission. There has been a problem that, since a RAN 6 cannot identify an IP packet unit, affinity is low relative to an IP network 1 that serves as a core. A node 3 prepares A10 packets by dividing an IP packet, and adds, to each A10 packet, a concatenation flag that indicates information stored in the A10 packet is the head or the tail of the IP packet. A base station 5 and a packet control device 4 employ the concatenation flag to control transmission for each IP packet unit. For example, a packet control device 4 employs a concatenation flag to discard information for a series of A10 packets received by the node, including information that constitutes the same IP packet.

Recently, applications and traffic related to IP (Internet Protocol) have increased, and a high affinity with IP has been requested for mobile communication networks. The trend to introduce IP techniques into mobile communication networks is called the ALL IP trend, which is a subject discussed by various standardization organizations. For example, 3GPP2 (3rd Generation Partnership Project 2) is discussing phased developments relative to the ALL IP trend for a cdma 2000 network (3GPP2 S.P0038-0 Version 1.1.8 Draft, Sep. 17, 2003 (non-patent document 1)).
As broadband access of the Internet has spread, the use of multimedia communication, such as data communication, VoIP and animation email, has come to be widely employed. The quality of a transfer delay, a transfer delay fluctuation, an information error, etc., that is required for multimedia communication varies, depending on the individual media. And the need that quality of service (QoS) be appropriately controlled for individual media has increased.
As a general QoS control method for the Internet, there is Diffserv, which has been standardized by IETF. According to Diffserv, a TOS (Type of Service) field is re-defined in an IP header, and a packet forwarding operation is performed by using the value of a DSCP (Diffserv Code Point) in the TOS field. A packet forwarding operation designated using a DSCP is called a PHB (Per-Hop Behavior).
There are roughly three Diffserv classes: EF (Expedited Forwarding) is the highest priority class, AF (Assured Forwarding) is the intermediate class, and Default is the best effort class. AF is divided into four other classes, in accordance with priority levels of transmission, and each of these classes is divided into three more levels, in accordance with priority levels for packet abandonment. Using Diffserve, packet transfer control is performed based on a DSCP, which is control information included in a packet. This is a scalable method based on a network scale (a number of relay nodes), and is widespread.
QoS control is also discussed for a mobile communication network.
For example, a study of QoS control for a fourth generation mobile communication system is reported in NTT DoCoMo Technical Journal Vol. 5, No. 2, pp. 41-46, September 2003 (non-patent document 2).
The cited reference discloses an architecture wherein control is performed by mapping, to a QoS class at an IP lower rank, an IP packet that belongs, for example, to the EF or AF class, or a characteristic use where QoS for the IP layer is linked to QoS for wireless. However, for a radio transfer, commonly, an IP packet is divided or a radio transfer packet is formed on a RAN (Radio Access Network) or at a radio base station, and generally, a one-to-one correspondence is not established between an IP packet and a packet at a lower IP layer. In the cited reference, QoS control performed when an information unit differs for each layer, because of the division of a packet, is not specifically disclosed.
Further, for 3GPP2, for example, performance of QoS control between end points, an MS (Mobile station) and a CN (Correspondent Node), has been discussed (3GPP2 S.P0079-0 Version 0.0 5.5, Jun. 11, 2003 (non-patent document 3)). A typical system configuration for 3GPP2 is shown in FIG. 1. Reference numeral 8 or 340 denotes an MS (Mobile station), and 7 denotes a CN (Correspondent Node). Further, reference numeral 1 denotes an IP network; 2 and 6, border routers; 3, a node device PDSN (Packet Data Service Node); 4, a packet control device BSC/PCF (Base Station Controller/Packet Control Function); 5, an AP (Access Point); and 9, a RAN (Radio Access Network). When QoS control for an IP layer is to be performed between end points, it is requested by the PDSN and the MS that a service provided by a layer lower than the IP should have high affinity relative to a service provided by an IP layer.
An explanation will be given for example conventional IP packet transfer control performed on a 3GPP2 mobile communication network. Assume that, for a network shown in FIG. 1, an IP packet is transmitted from BR 2 to PDSN 3. An example for the transmission of information from PDSN 3 to MS 8 is shown in FIG. 2. An IP packet 10 received by PDSN 3 is mapped into different connections 11 and 12, in accordance, for example, with a QoS class indicated in control information for a header, and is transmitted to PCF 4. The connections 11 and 12 from PDSN 3 to PCF 4 are connections for an A10 interface, and the PDSN prepares an A10 packet based on the IP packet and transmits the A10 packet to the PCF. Connections 13 and 14 from the PCF 4 to an AP 5 are connections for an A8 interface, and the PCF 4 prepares an A8 packet based on the A10 packet, and transmits the A8 packet to the AP 5. A scheduler 115 for the AP 5 controls the transmission of the received A8 packet to a wireless medium, in accordance with a priority level consonant with the connection 13 or 14.
For example, suppose that the connection 14 is the Best effort class and the connection 13 is the high priority class. The scheduler 115 provides transmission control for the A8 packet to the connection 13 prior to the A8 packet to the connection 14. When RLP (radio Link Protocol) is employed, the AP 5 generates RLP packets 15 and 16 from the A8 packet, in accordance with the RLP, and transmits to a wireless medium a signal generated at an RLP lower layer. The MS 8 includes: an AT (Access Terminal) 18, which has a radio transmission/reception function; and a TE (Terminal) 19, which executes an application. The AT 18 demodulates information based on received signals 15 and 16, reconfigures an IP packet 17 and transmits it to the TE 19. The network configuration in FIG. 1 is merely an example, and PDSN 3 and PCF 4, for example, may be mounted in a single case. Further, BSC and PCF, for example, may be mounted in different cases. A10 and A8 are protocols employed for communication between the PDSN and the PCF and between the PCF and the AP.
An example format for the A10 packet prepared by the PDSN 3 is shown in FIG. 3. Assume that the PDSN 3 receives an IP packet 20. When PPP (Point to Point Protocol) is employed by the PDSN 3 and the MS 8, the PDSN 3 configures a PPP packet 21 by adding PPP control information to the packet 20. Further, the PDSN 3 forms a frame 22 by adding control information 7E to the PPP packet in accordance with a framing protocol that is employed based on the PPP. The PDSN 3 divides the frame 22 into maximum transfer units (MTUs) 26 and 30. As control information, IP headers 24 and 28 and GRE (Generic Routing Encapsulation) headers 25 and 29 are respectively added to the obtained data 26 and 30 to form A10 packets 23 and 27. The PDSN 3 transmits the A10 packets 23 and 27 to the PCF 4.
An example format for the A8 packet prepared by the PCF 4 is shown in FIG. 4. Assume that the PCF 4 receives the A10 packet 23. The PCF 4 divides data 26 into data 35 and data 36, in accordance with an information transfer unit such as ECB, created by the AP 5. In this case, the ECB (Error Control Block) is an RS (Reed Solomon) coding unit for error control. As control information, the PCF 4 adds IP headers 38 and 42 and GRE headers 39 and 43, respectively, to the obtained data 35 and 36, and forms A8 packets 37 and 41. The PCF 4 transmits the A8 packets 37 and 41 to the AP 5.
An example format for an ECB that is prepared as a radio transmission unit by the AP 5 is shown in FIG. 5. Assume that the AP 5 receives the A8 packet 37. In accordance with control information included in the GRE header 37, the AP 5 stores the data 35 in an ECB 55. The scheduler 115 of the AP 5 employs a priority level consonant with the A8 packet 37 for storage of the data 35 in the ECB 55. The priority level is determined by employing a DSCP included in an IP header. The AP 5 calculates an error correction parity 57, by employing the stored information, and stores it in the ECB 55.
Another example format for a radio transmission unit prepared by the AP 5 is shown in FIG. 6. Assume that the AP 5 receives the A8 packet 37. The scheduler 115 of the AP 5 employs a priority level consonant with the A8 packet 37 for the formation of an RLP packet from the A8 packet 37. The AP 5 prepares an RLP packet 120 by adding an RLP header to the data 35 of the A8 packet 37. The AP 5 adds control information (Stream Layer Header) to the RLP packet 120, and creates a stream layer packet 121. The AP 5 adds control information (Session Layer Header) to the stream layer packet 121, and prepares a session layer packet 122. The AP 5 adds control information (Connection Layer Header) to the session layer packet 122, and creates a connection layer packet 123. The AP 5 adds, to the connection layer packet 123, control information (Encryption Protocol Header/Trailer, Authentication Protocol Header/Trailer and Security Protocol Header/Trailer), and prepares a security layer packet 125. The AP 5 adds control information (MAC layer Trailer) to the security layer packet 125, creates a MAC layer packet 126, and transmits it.
In "Transport QoS in the Radio Access Network (RAN)", A20-20020107-016, (January, 2002), a written contribution by 3GPP2 (non-patent document 4), performance of the QoS control for the RAN using Diffserv is disclosed. According to the disclosure of the cited reference, for IP capsulation, the PDSN maps the DSCP of an IP header to be capsulated into the DSCP of an IP header (outer IP header) to be obtained by capsulation. For example, while referring to FIG. 3, the PDSN 3 copies the DSCP of the IP header 50 for the IP packet 20 to the IP headers 24 and 28 of the A10 packet. Further, in FIG. 3, for example, the PDSN 3 adds, to the IP headers 28 and 28 of the A10 packet, the DSCP that is consonant with the DSCP of the IP header 50 of the IP packet 20. And the PCF 4 prepares the A8 packet based on the received A10 packet. At this time, the PCF 4 copies, unchanged, the DSCP of the outer IP header of the A10 packet to the DSCP of the outer IP header of the A8 packet.
In "A PROPORTIONALLY FAIR SCHEDULING ALGORITHM WITH QOS AND PRIORITY IN 1XEV-DO", Kuenyoung Kim, Hoon Kim and Youngnam Han, Proceedings PIMRC2002, Lisbon, September, 2002, p. 2239 (non-patent document 5), a scheduling algorithm for an AP in conventional 1xEvDO is disclosed. According to this reference, the AP performs scheduling by using an algorithm called proportional fairness. Proportional fairness is an algorithm by which the throughput of a system is increased to the maximum and transmission periods are fairly allocated to mobile stations. An overview will now be explained. Mobile stations measure C/Is, and request from an AP the highest transmission rates that can be determined to be attained. At this time, the C/I is a ratio of signal power to interference power. The mobile stations request from the AP transmission rates for each period of time, called a slot. Assume that the transmission rate requested by the mobile station is a DRC. The AP calculates an average value R for the transmission rates actually allocated to the mobile stations, and further, calculates DRC/R. The AP allocates a transmission period to the mobile station for which the DRC/R is the maximum.
Example scheduling performed by the system in FIG. 1 is shown in FIG. 28. In FIG. 28, the horizontal axis represents time, and the vertical axis represents a DRC/R value. The DCR/R values for the MS 8 and the MS 340 fluctuate, depending on changes in the transmission environment. During a period 601, the DRC/R of the MS 8 is greater than the DRC/R of the MS 340. The AP 5 allocates the period 601 as a period for a transmission to the MS 8. During a period 602, the DRC/R of the MS 340 is greater than the DRC/R of the MS 8. The AP 5 allocates the period 602 as a period for a transmission to the MS 340. During a period 603, the DRC/R of the MS 8 is greater than the DRC/R of the MS 340. The AP 5 allocates the period 603 as a period for a transmission to the MS 8. During a period 604, the DRC/R of the MS 340 is greater than the DRC/R of the MS 8. The AP 5 allocates the period 604 as a period for a transmission to the MS 340. In non-patent document 5, an example wherein weighting is performed using k and scheduling is performed using a value of k*(DRC/R) is disclosed. It is mentioned that k is obtained as a result of a delay or a data rate; however, a specific method is not disclosed.

Node device, packet control device, radio communication device, and transmission control method


The present invention relates to a method of treating diseases with shock air, including treating hypertension, cholecystitis, and other diseases by directing shock air to specific positions of human body at a frequency of up to and beyond about 3,000 times per minute.

In Chinese traditional medicine, massage is a common method of treating diseases, e.g. single thumb massage. Because massage is a non-medicinal therapy, it is harmless and painless to the human body, and therefore it has no side effect. The single thumb massage with the end of the thumb working on certain positions with the frequency of 120-160 times per minute can improve the blood circulation of the human body for curing or treating diseases. According to the methods of the invention, the thumb used in single thumb massage is replaced by shock air. Not only is the human resource saved, but the treating effect is improved greatly because of the high frequency of over 160 times per minute of the shock air (even as high as 3000 times per minute). Therefore it is a great breakthrough over the prior art.

Method of treating disease with shock air


An upper die 1 of a movable die corresponding with a lower die 2 of a stationary die is composed of a die body 3 and a die fitting member 4, in which a back insert 29, a hydraulic cylinder 23 and a pressure receiving portion 30 as a holding member of an insert 20 forming a cavity 22 is abutted to the die fitting member 4 by being urged upward by a spring 32. After resin, fed into the cavity 22, is compressed with the insert 20 by lifting the die fitting member 4 down, when the die fitting member 4 is lifted up at the degree of slightly opening S, by lifting the insert 20 down to be relatively to the die fitting member 4 with an eject pin 34, a space A between a molding 44 and the insert 20 is to be smaller, and the molding 44 is pushed out by causing the eject pin 34 to lift the insert 20 down when the upper die 1 and the lower die 2 are separated.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to an ejecting method for ejecting a molding in an injection molding apparatus and a molding produced by using the ejecting method, which is suitable for a precision molding, for example, a spectacle lens.
2. Description of the Related Art
An injection molding apparatus for molding a spectacle lens is mentioned in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. Hei 5-30608.
A molding die used in the apparatus is composed of, as shown in FIG. 7, a stationary die 102 as a lower die and a movable die 101 as a upper die which are separated into lower and upper dies at a parting line PL. The movable die 101, moving to open from and close to the stationary die 102, includes, in turn, a die fitting member 104 and a die body 103 attached to the die fitting member 104 to move toward the stationary die 102. Further, in the die body 103, an insert 120 forming a cavity 122 by being movably put into an insert guide 105 is provided, in which a holding member 129, composed of a back insert holding the insert 120 and the like, is constantly supplied with elastic urging force of an elastic member (not shown) in an opposite direction to the stationary die 102, so that the holding member 129 is abutted to the die fitting member 104 of the movable die 101.
After molten resin is fed into the cavity 122 while the die body 103 of the movable die 101 closes to the stationary die 102, the die fitting member 104, locating a distance from the die body 103 (locating to make an opening from the die body 103 at the degree of slightly opening S), proceeds toward the stationary die 102 with a clamping cylinder (not shown), thereby the molten resin going to be cooling and caking in the cavity 122 is formed to be a specified configuration while being compressed by the insert 120. And further, the die fitting member 104 recedes from the stationary die 102 with the clamping cylinder (to make an opening at the degree of slightly opening S), and at the same time, the movable die 101 is opened from the stationary die 102. The holding member 129 is moved to be pushed toward the stationary die 102 when shifting an eject-pin 120 toward the die fitting member 104, so as to move the insert 120, thereby the molding in the cavity 122 of the movable die 101 is pushed out with the insert 120.
In the conventional art as described thus far, when the die fitting member 104 recedes with the clamping cylinder, the holding member 129 holding the insert 120 is constantly abutted in the opposite direction to the stationary die 102 to be in contact with the die fitting member 104 by being supplied with elastic urging force of the elastic member, so that the insert 120 recedes from the die body 103 together with the die fitting member 104. Resulting from the retreat, a space equal to the degree of the retreat (the degree of slightly opening S) is formed between the molding in the cavity 122 and the insert 120. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 8, when the molding is pushed out from the cavity 122 with the insert 120 by moving the holding 129 to push toward the stationary die 102 by the eject-pin 134, air between the molding and the insert 120 is, firstly, compressed, and then by the compressed air, the molding is pushed out from the cavity 122.
That is to say, the molding is not directly pushed out with the insert 120, and is pushed out by the compressed air like an air gun. Regarding this point, the compressed air damages the molding, resulting in possibility that a molding precision of the molding is reduced.
Especially, in the case the above molding is a spectacle lens, the surface of the lens is harmfully influenced by compressed force caused by the compressed air, resulting in possibility that the high-precise lens cannot be ensured.
It is an object of the present invention to provide the ejecting method of the molding in the injection molding apparatus and the molding produced by using the ejecting method, in which the molding can be pushed out with control of producing the compressed air and the high-precise lens can be ensured.

Ejecting method of a molding in an injection molding apparatus


A system and method for cutting windows for lateral wellbore drilling. A method of cutting a window through a sidewall structure for drilling a lateral wellbore through the window includes the steps of: providing an internal profile in the sidewall structure; then installing the sidewall structure in a parent wellbore; and then cutting the window through the sidewall structure, the cutting step including engaging a cutting tool with the internal profile. The cutting step may include resisting lateral displacement of the cutting tool due to engagement between the cutting tool and the internal profile.

The present disclosure relates generally to equipment utilized and operations performed in conjunction with subterranean wells and, in an embodiment described herein, more particularly provides for cutting windows for lateral wellbore drilling.
In the well-known process of drilling a lateral wellbore, a window is typically milled through the side of a casing string, and then the lateral wellbore is drilled by passing a drill string through the window. When milling through either "pre-milled" aluminum wrapped window joints or casing strings, it is often difficult to get a milling tool to start to cut, due to a tendency of the milling tool to "walk" in a direction of rotation of the milling tool. This situation is worsened by a mis-match between a curvature of the milling tool and a curvature of the material it is attempting to cut.
Lateral displacement of the milling tool during the milling operation causes the window to be malformed, leading to difficulties in passing the drill string through the window, installing completion equipment in the lateral wellbore, etc. Therefore, it may be seen that improvements are needed in the art of cutting windows for lateral wellbore drilling.

Cutting windows for lateral wellbore drilling


Systems and methods for offloading computations of an integrated circuit (IC) to a processor are provided. In particular, a programmable logic designer, compiler, etc. may dictate particular logic to offload to a processor. This offloading may enhance programmable logic area utilization and/or increase throughput.

The present disclosure relates generally to efficient data processing using integrated circuits. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to offloading certain computations of programmable logic on an integrated circuit (e.g., an FPGA) to an offload processor.
This section is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects of art that may be related to various aspects of the present disclosure, which are described and/or claimed below. This discussion is believed to be helpful in providing the reader with background information to facilitate a better understanding of the various aspects of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it should be understood that these statements are to be read in this light, and not as admissions of prior art.
Integrated circuits (ICs) take a variety of forms. For instance, field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) are integrated circuits that may serve as relatively general-purpose devices. FPGAs may include logic that may be programmed (e.g., configured) after manufacturing to provide any desired functionality that the FPGA is designed to support. Thus, FPGAs contain programmable logic, or logic blocks, that may be configured to perform a variety of functions on the FPGAs, according to a designer's design.
In ICs such as FPGAs, the programmable logic is typically configured using low level programming languages such as VHDL or Verilog. Unfortunately, these low level programming languages may provide a low level of abstraction and, thus, may provide a development barrier for programmable logic designers. Higher level programming languages, such as OpenCL have become useful for enabling more ease in programmable logic design. The higher level programs are used to generate code corresponding to the low level programming languages. Kernels may be useful to bridge the low level programming languages into executable instructions that may be performed by the integrated circuits. Accordingly, OpenCL programs typically utilize at least a single hardware implementation for each kernel in the OpenCL program. Unfortunately, as these programs become more complex and/or sophisticated, the performance of the implementation on the integrated circuit may be negatively impacted. For example, logic storage area on the IC (e.g., FPGA) may oftentimes be a limiting factor for design of the programs. Further, complex functions may be slow or expensive to implement in the IC hardware.

Integrated circuit processing via offload processor


A CPU of an IP telephone apparatus transmits, to an ENUM server, a message “Request the NAPTR record” corresponding to the destination terminal. The CPU also receives a message “Respond to the NAPTR information” in response to the message “Respond to the NAPTR record”. Further, the CPU automatically transmits, from a network I/F to the ENUM server, the request for the registration of information regarding the apparatus terminal when the switch is initially turned ON after the IP telephone apparatus is installed and connected to the IP network. The request for the registration is previously stored in a memory. The CPU also receives the message “Respond indicating completion of the registration” in response to the request for the registration.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an IP telephone apparatus, an ENUM server and an IP telephone system. The IP telephone system includes an IP telephone apparatus that stores a NAPTR resource record in the ENUM server.
2. Description of Related Art
Recently the Internet has been rapidly popularized. An IP telephone system has become the center of attention since a long distance communication can be performed at lower cost by using IP telephone apparatuses and since the IP telephone system enables users who have applied for the IP telephone system to communicate with each other through IP telephone apparatuses for free of charge. Additionally, an "ENUM (Telephone Number Mapping)" protocol is acknowledged as a protocol that associates the services using the Internet with the telephone numbers or associates the resources on the Internet with the telephone numbers. This ENUM protocol is specified in RFC2916 (Publication 1), which is being studied at the IETF (Internet Engineering Task Force) and the ITU-T (International Telecommunication Union-Telecommunication Standardization Sector).
The "ENUM" protocol has a function that converts a telephone number into a number corresponding to the E.164 system specified by the ITU-T and searches one of an IP address and a URI (Uniform Resource Identifier) using the mechanism of the DNS (Domain Name System) based on the converted telephone number.
An ENUM system is also being studied so that a service is provided using the "ENUM" protocol. In this ENUM system, an end user of the IP terminal apparatus such as, for example, an IP telephone apparatus which uses the ENUM system can select various functions (URI, the services using the URI {including telephone communication, e-mail and access to the database}). The end user, thus, needs to set the selected function into an "NAPTR (the Naming Authority Pointer)" resource record and to store the set NAPTR resource record in the ENUM system.                [Publication 1] "ENUM Trial Japan First Report" ENUM Trial Japan, May 2004
However, the end user of the conventional IP terminal apparatus such as an IP telephone apparatus using the "ENUM" protocol was required to set the selected function into the "NAPTR" resource record and to store the set NAPTR resource record in the ENUM system. It was problematic in that the storing operation became complex for the end users since the end users themselves had to store the NAPTR resource record.

IP telephone apparatus and system having automatic registration


The present invention relates to compounds of the formula 1 ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 is selected from hydrogen and -R.sub.4 -R.sub.5 where R.sub.4 is selected from nothing C.sub.1 -C.sub.20 linear or branched alkylene C.sub.3 -C.sub.20 cycloalkylene, C.sub.6 -C.sub.20 arylene, C.sub.7 -C.sub.20 alkarylene and C.sub.7 -C.sub.20 arlkylene; and R.sub.5 is one of hydrogen, hydroxy, --CO.sub.2 Z, phenyl hydroxyphenyl pyridyl, nitrophenyl, furyl, and thienyl; R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 are independently selected from a group of the formula --R.sub.4 --R.sub.6 ; where R.sub.4 is as defined above and R.sub.6 is one of hydrogen, hydroxy --CO.sub.2 Z. --CH(CO.sub.2 Z)--CH.sub.2 --CO.sub.2 Z and NR.sub.7 R.sub.8 ; where R.sub.7 and R.sub.8 are independently selected from a group of the formula: --(CH.sub.2)k--R.sub.g : where k.dbd.0-20 and R.sub.g is one of hydrogen, hydroxy, --CO.sub.2 Z. and --CH(CO.sub.2 Z)--CH.sub.2 --CO.sub.2 Z: wherein Y is selected from --CO.sub.2 Z. --SO.sub.3 Z and --C.dbd.N: and wherein each Z is independently selected from hydrogen, alkali metal, ammoniumr and substituted ammonium, to processes for making these compounds, and to the use of these compounds in a variety of applications involving chelating or sequestration.

The present invention relates to (2-carboxy-3-hydroxy-propyl) -iminodiacetic acid and derivatives thereof. The present invention also relates to a process for the preparation of such compounds and their use as sequestering agents.
2--hydroxy--3--aminopropignic--N,N--diacetic acid and its derivatives are known from U.S. Pat. No. 4,827,014. Though these compounds are similar to the compounds of the present invention, they are structurally different and, as a result, the compounds of the present invention exhibit superior properties. This U.S. Patent also discloses a method for making these compounds, which method is significantly different than the method of the present invention. Finally, this patent points out that these compounds are useful as complexing agents, bleaching agent stabilizers and builders for washing and cleaning compositions.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,112,530 also discloses 2--hydroxy--3--aminopropionic acid derivatives and their use as complexing agents, bleach stabilizers and builders in detergent compositions.
U.S. Pat.No. 5,082,599 discloses 2--methyl--and 2--hydroxymethyl-serine --N,N--diacetic acid and derivatives thereof, and their use as complexing agents for heavy metal ions or alkaline earth metal ions and as bleach stabilizers or builders in detergents and cleaning formulations.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,019,296 and 4,973,730 also relate to the serine--N,N--diacetic acid and its derivatives, as well as methods for their preparation. Again, these compounds are used as complexing agents in detergent compositions.
The article, "Herstellung Einiger Neuer Komplexbildender Verbindungen und Bestimmung Ihrer Konstanten,"Erdey, L. et al, Acta Chim. Hung. Tomus, 21, pp. 327-332 (1959) discloses a method for preparing the complexing agents OL--Serine--N--diacetic acid and L--Glutaminic acid--N--diacetic acid and the measurement of the dissociation constants thereof.
Published European patent application 0 516 102 discloses biodegradable chelants comprising sulfonate groups and compositions thereof. Typical compounds include glycine--N--2--hydroxyethyl--N--2--hydroxypropyl sulfonic acid and nitrilo--N,N--bis(carboxymethyl)--N--2--hydroxypropyl sulfonic acid. Also disclosed are numerous uses for biodegradable chelants. The sulfonic acids, salts and complexes, as disclosed, are not subject matter of the current invention.
Finally, 2--((((1,1--dimethylethoxy)carbonyl) (phenylmethyl)amino)methyl) --3--hydroxy butanoic acid is known from Chemical Abstract No. 98768--24--2 , and a-((((1,1--dimethylethoxy)carbonyl)(phenylmethyl)amino) methyl)--.beta.--hydroxy--benzenepentanoic acid is known from Chemical Abstract No. 98768--23--1. These materials are significantly different from the materials of the present invention since they contain a phenylmethyl substituent substituted on the nitrogen atom.
While the foregoing publications disclose several compounds which are useful as sequestering agents, none of these materials combines a high level of activity as a sequestering agent with a good biodegradability. Accordingly, the primary object of the present invention is to provide novel compounds which are biodegradable and which exhibit excellent sequestering capabilities.
The foregoing sequestering agents also suffer from the disadvantage that they require complex synthesis processes which make them impractical for large-scale commercialization. Accordingly, it is a further object of the present invention to provide a method for making biodegradable sequestering agents which is simple and which can be scaled up for large-scale production.
These and other objects of the invention will be apparent to the man of skill in the art from the summary and detailed description which follow.

(2-carboxy-3-hydroxy-propyl)-iminodiacetic acid and derivatives


Adaptive multi-mode digital control schemes that improve the light-load efficiency (and thus the overall average efficiency) in switch-mode power converters without causing performance issues such as audible noises or excessive voltage ripples. Embodiments include a switch-mode power converter that reduces current in the power converter using a second pulse-width-modulation (PWM) mode before reaching switching frequencies that generate audible noises. As the load across the output of the power converter is reduced, the power converter transitions from a first PWM mode in high load conditions to a first pulse-frequency-modulation (PFM) mode, then to a second PWM mode, and finally to a second PFM mode. During the second PFM mode, the switching frequency is dropped to audible frequency levels. Current in the power converter, however, is reduced in the second PWM mode before transitioning to the second PFM mode. Therefore, the power converter produces less or no audible noise in light load conditions where the switching frequency drops to audible frequency levels, while achieving high efficiency across varying load conditions.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to controlling a switching power converter in more than one operation mode to increase the efficiency of the power converter at light load conditions.
2. Description of the Related Arts
Efficiency of a switching power converter is governed largely by two types of loss: switching loss and conduction loss. In most switching power converters, switching loss plays a greater role as the load across the output of the power converter is decreased. Conversely, conduction loss plays a greater role as the load is increased. In order to reduce loss at both high load conditions and light load conditions, some conventional switching power converters use pulse-width-modulation (PWM) and pulse-frequency-modulation (PFM) at different load conditions. PWM mode is generally more efficient than PFM mode at higher load conditions. PFM mode is generally more efficient than PWM mode at lower load conditions.
In PWM mode, a controller of the power converter turns on the switch of the switching power converter at a constant switching frequency but varies the duty cycle of the switch by adjusting how long the switch remains on during each switching period. Conversely, in PFM mode, the switch is turned on for a set duration, but the switching frequency is varied depending on the load. Specifically, in PFM mode, the switching frequency is increased as the load increases, and switching frequency is decreased as the load decreases.
Some conventional power converters operate in both PFM mode and PWM mode depending on the load conditions to achieve high efficiency at varying load conditions. Figure (FIG.) 1 is a graph illustrating the operation of such conventional power converter in constant voltage (CV) mode represented by line J-K. Line K-L represents operation of the power converter in constant current (CC) mode. In CV mode, the output voltage Vout remains constant. Therefore, the load is proportional to the output current Iout. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the power converter operates in PWM mode during high load conditions between I3 and I4. In light load conditions (output current below a threshold output current I3), the power converter operates in PFM mode. The threshold level I3 is generally set below 10% of the maximum current (or load) that can be handled by the power converter.
Such low setting of threshold level I3, however, does not help improve the efficiency at 25% load. Therefore, conventional PWM/PFM control with low threshold level I3 does not help improve the overall average efficiency, for example, as defined by world wide energy standards such as US-EPA 2.0 and EU-CoC. Such standards specify the average efficiency of the power converter based on averaging of the efficiencies at four loading points: 25% load, 50% load, 75% load, and 100% load. Therefore, it is desirable to transition to PFM mode at a higher loading condition (e.g., 50% of the maximum current) to take advantage of power saving feature of PFM mode.
With conventional control approaches, however, PWM mode to PFM mode transition at higher load conditions suffer from serious performance problems such as excessive voltage ripples caused by unsmooth transition between PWM mode and PFM mode.
Other conventional power converters operate in PFM mode throughout the entire range of load conditions. The power converters operating only in PFM mode suffer from audible noises when the switching frequency drops to around 16 kHz. With the wide dynamic range of possible loads, it is difficult to stay out of the audio band using this technique.
Some conventional power converters operate in PWM mode throughout the entire range of load conditions. Such conventional power converters operate at a switching frequency above the audible range, and therefore, do not generate audible noises. The power converters operating only in PWM mode, however, suffer from low efficiency in light load conditions.
In addition to the active-mode efficiencies where a power converter provides an output power that is a fraction of the maximum output intended for the power converter, power consumption associated with no-load conditions is another regulation target of the world wide energy standards. A no-load condition refers to a power convert operation condition during which the input of the power converter is connected to a power source, but the output is not connected to any load. At the no-load conditions, although its output power and load is zero, the power converter still consumes certain input power mostly due to the switching and conduction losses caused by the switch, the power consumed by the controller itself, and the power consumed by resistors and capacitors inside of the power converter.

Adaptive multi-mode digital control improving light-load efficiency in switching power converters


The present invention relates generally to novel applications in combating infectious disease, cancer, allergy and autoimmune diseases. In one aspect, the invention relates to identifying one or more protein binding moieties of interest. In another aspect, the present invention relates to identifying one or more candidate vaccines.

Various therapeutics have been devised to combat diseases, such as, infectious disease, cancer, allergy and autoimmune diseases. Such therapeutics include antibiotics, vaccines and other biological-based agents, such as protein binding moieties, including antibodies. Antibodies, in particular, have shown great potential in combatting various pathogens, cancer, allergy and autoimmune diseases. Against pathogens, however, pathogen resistance, commonly referred to as antigen escape, currently remains a challenge. Antibodies, by their inherent specificity for a particular epitope of an immunogen, play an effective role in elucidating which epitope(s) are well suited for designing a regimen to attack the disease, whether through an antibody-based prophylactic or therapeutic, or a vaccine-based prophylactic or therapeutic based on such epitope(s). Thus, there remains a need to efficiently identify an ideal protein binding moiety or group of protein binding moieties, such as an antibody, for the treatment of such diseases. Specifically, there remains a need to efficiently identify an ideal protein binding moiety or group of protein binding moieties, such as an antibody, that can withstand pathogen resistance. Further, there remains a need to efficiently identify relevant epitopes for the design of effective vaccines.
Once immunogens believed to have therapeutic relevance are identified, protein binding moieties specific for the immunogen can be selected by screening libraries of protein binding moieties against one or more of the immunogens. A problem arising after the initial selection process, however, is that a large number of binders, often hundreds are identified. Each protein binding moiety typically has some relative specificity for the immunogen, but it is not known which of the plurality of binders has therapeutic utility, such as, efficacy against disease. One option, would be to tediously test each individual protein binding moiety for a desired property, but this would be an expensive and time consuming task. Embodiments of the present invention provide solutions to this problem.
Further, once immunogens are identified, vaccines can be generated. A problem in identifying vaccines, however, is the efficient selection of suitable component epitopes of interest. Embodiments of the present invention provide a solution to this problem.
These and other needs are satisfied by the present invention.


An operation of a non-volatile memory device. A method of operating a non-volatile memory device in accordance with an aspect of the present invention, a first program operation is performed by applying a first program voltage to word lines of memory cells, constituting a memory block. As a result of the first program operation, threshold voltages of the memory cells are firstly measured. A second program operation is performed using a second program voltage, which is increased as much as a difference between a first threshold voltage, that is, a lowest voltage level of the firstly measured threshold voltages and a second threshold voltage, that is, an intermediate voltage level of the firstly measured threshold voltages. The second program operation is repeatedly performed by increasing the second program voltage as much as the difference between the first and second threshold voltages until the lowest threshold voltage becomes higher than a program verify voltage. A pass voltage is then set by reflecting a first voltage level, that is, a difference between a program voltage applied in a last program execution step and the first program voltage.

The present invention relates to programming of non-volatile memory devices and, more particularly, to a method of operating a non-volatile memory device, in which pass voltages can be set according to program speeds.
There is an increasing demand for non-volatile memory devices that can be electrically programmed and erased and retain data even when power is not supplied. Further, high-integrated technologies of memory cells have been developed in order to develop large-capacity memory devices that are able to store large amounts of data. To this end, a NAND type flash memory device in which a plurality of memory cells is connected in series to form one string and a plurality of strings constitutes one memory cell array was proposed.
In general, a flash memory cell includes a gate in which a tunnel insulating layer, a floating gate, a dielectric layer and a control gate are stacked over a semiconductor substrate, and junctions formed in the semiconductor substrate on both sides of the gate. The flash memory cell is programmed as hot electrons are injected into the floating gate and erased as injected electrons are discharged by Fowler-Nordheim (F-N) tunneling.
FIG. 1A is a view showing the unit string of a flash memory device.
Referring to FIG. 1A, the unit string of a NAND flash memory device includes memory cells MC0, . . . , MC31 connected in series between a drain select transistor DST for selecting a unit string and a source select transistor SST for selecting ground. Each memory cell has a gate in which a floating gate and a control gate are stacked.
The string is connected to a bit line BL. A plurality of structures to which the string and the bit line are connected is connected in parallel to thereby form one block. The blocks are symmetrically arranged on the basis of a bit line contact. The select transistors DST, SST and the memory cells MC0, . . . , MC31 are arranged in matrix form of rows and columns. The gates of the drain select transistor DST and the source select transistor SST arranged in the same column are connected to a drain select line DSL and a source select line SSL, respectively. The gates of the memory cells MC0, . . . , MC31 arranged in the same column are also connected to a plurality of corresponding word lines WL0, . . . , WL31. Further, the drain of the drain select transistor DST is connected to the bit line BL and to the source of the source select transistor SST is connected a common source line CSL.
A program operation of the NAND flash memory device as constructed above is described below.
A program operation is performed by applying 0V to a selected bit line and a program voltage Vpgm to a selected word line such that electrons of a channel area are injected into the floating gate by Fowler-Nordheim (F-N) tunneling, which is generated due to a high voltage difference between the channel area and the control gate of a selected memory cell.
However, the program voltage Vpgm is applied to not only a selected memory cell, but also to unselected memory cells arranged along the same word line, so that the unselected memory cells connected to the same word line are also programmed. This phenomenon is called program disturbance. In order to prevent such program disturbance, a channel voltage Vch of memory cells belonging to the same string is boosted to thereby prevent unselected memory cells from being programmed in such a manner that the source of the drain select transistor DST of a string, including unselected memory cells connected to a selected word line and unselected bit lines, is charged to a level (Vcc-Vth) (where Vcc is a power source voltage and Vth is the threshold voltage of the drain select transistor). The program voltage Vpgm is applied to the selected word, and a pass voltage Vpass is applied to the unselected word lines.
In other words, as shown in FIG. 1A, when the thirtieth word line is selected, if the program voltage Vpgm is applied to the thirtieth word line WL29, the pass voltage Vpass is applied to the remaining word lines, and the drain select transistor DST and the source select transistor SST are turned off, channel boosting is generated. Thus, a channel voltage is raised with a channel being formed, as shown in FIG. 1A, so that unselected memory cells can be prevented from being programmed. To this end, it is necessary to effectively perform channel boosting.
Further, when the number of programmed cells among memory cells constituting a string is many, channel boosting is decreased. To prevent this problem, the following word line voltages can be provided.
FIG. 1B is a view illustrating the supply of voltages to word lines according to an erase area self-boosting (EASB) method of the flash memory device.
FIG. 1B illustrates an EASB method for preventing boosting of programmed cells. In order to implement program inhibition, the twenty-ninth word line WL28, that is, a word line on the SSL line side of the thirtieth word line WL29 for program is turned off in order to form a low channel boosting area between the first word line WL0 and the thirtieth word line WL29 and a high channel boosting area between the thirtieth word line WL29 and the thirty-second word line WL31.
FIG. 1C is a partial enlarged view of FIG. 1B.
FIG. 1C shows an enlarged view of an area 110 of FIG. 1B. As shown in FIG. 1C, as a gate induced drain leakage (GIDL) phenomenon is generated when high channel boosting is generated, the number of electrons created can be increased, and disturbance failure due to hot electrons, which are generated by a strong electronic field caused by a high potential difference, may occur.
FIG. 2 is a graph showing the relationship between a channel boosting level and program disturbance.
From FIG. 2, it can be seen that, when a channel boosting level is low, program disturbance due to F-N tunneling can be generated and, when a channel boosting level is high, program disturbance due to hot electron injection can be generated. Accordingly, there is a need for a method of controlling the pass voltage Vpass applied to the word lines for improved channel boosting.

Method of operating non-volatile memory device


A port assembly for mounting within an opening of a mounting structure, such as a feed port assembly for mounting within a bird feeder opening. The port assembly includes a feed port having a port plate with a port opening therethrough aligned with the housing opening to enable access to the bird feed within the housing. The port plate includes a flange engageable with the housing wall. Disposed within the interior of the housing is an anchor having a pair of clamping feet in engagement with the inwardly facing housing wall whereby the anchor is movable with respect to the feed port to clamp the wall between the feed port flange and the clamping feet of the anchor.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention generally relates to a port assembly for mounting within an opening of a mounting structure, such as bird feeders. More specifically, the present invention relates to a bird feed port assembly for mounting to a bird feed containment housing through feed openings in the wall of the housing. The feed port assembly has particular utility for bird feed containment housings of multiple chambers wherein each chamber has a separate feed port assembly which can be mounted in the chamber wall at a location independent of the locations of the feed port assemblies of adjacent chambers.
2. Description of the Related Art
Commercially available bird feeders come in a great variety of configurations. These feeders generally include a housing for retaining the bird feed with a plurality of openings within the housing to provide access to the bird feed within the housing interior. One such bird feed assembly includes a cylindrical hopper having spiral or helical walls that extend substantially vertically from the top to the bottom of the hopper to define a plurality of distinct chambers to retain different types of bird feed. Each chamber is isolated from adjacent chambers. Such a bird feeder having a cylindrical hopper or tube is shown in commonly-assigned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/823,766, entitled "Bird Feeder" filed on Apr. 14, 2004 (hereinafter "the '766 application"), based on provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/462,297, filed on Apr. 14, 2003. A spiral or helical bird feed dispenser is also the subject of commonly assigned design patent application Ser. No. 29/181,047 filed May 5, 2003, now U.S. Pat. No. D490,941 issued Jun. 1, 2004. Each of these applications are incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.
The '766 application discloses a cylindrical hopper with spiral or helical partitions to provide a multiplicity of compartments that provide the bird feed at a lower extremity through a coupler element. The patent application also recognizes that multiple vertically-spaced feed openings can be provided intermediate the top and bottom of the hopper shell to communicate with the individual compartments.
Vertically-oriented bird feeders are generally known in the art and include a plurality of holes or openings in the housing wall with a bird feed port assembly, including a combined perch and flap which engages the housing wall. An internally-oriented deflector extends into the housing interior to cover or shield the port opening to prevent gravitational discharge of feed through the opening, yet permit birds to access the seed by reaching into the holes or opening. See, U.S. Pat. No. 6,546,894 issued Apr. 15, 2003. In such patent, the port assembly appears to be affixed to the housing by some sort of snap-in configuration. However, snap-in port attachment systems are not very robust or secure.
Secure systems for attaching bird feed port assemblies to a housing are known. The feed port assemblies are known to be attached in opposing pairs so that the diametrically opposed pairs are fastened together and move in a direction toward each other, during tightening, to retain the port assemblies to an outwardly-directed housing surface. Such assemblies are not satisfactory when multiple chambers within a cylindrical housing are employed because the diametrically-opposed configuration cannot be utilized, at least in any reasonable cost effective manner. Thus, a need has arisen for a robust and secure port attachment system, particularly for a multiple compartment bird feeder or other mounting structure, wherein each port is independently and separately mounted to a mounting surface.

Port attachment system for bird feeders and the like


The disclosed invention relates to a bi-directional optical transceiver module and method of improving the efficiency and reliability of the same, where interference from optical crosstalk and electromagnetic waves are minimized and a wavelength division multiplexing filter can be easily mounted at a predetermined inclination angle, thereby improving the efficiency and reliability of the bi-directional optical transceiver module.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a bi-directional optical transceiver module with double caps. More particularly, the present invention relates to a bi-directional optical transceiver module having double caps in which elements, such as a semiconductor laser and a photodiode, are integrated.
2. Description of the Related Art
Referring to FIG. 1 showing the construction of a conventional bi-directional optical transceiver module, the conventional bi-directional optical transceiver module includes an optical waveguide element 132, a sleeve 131, a lens holder 120 serving as a body tube and having a cylindrical construction, a lens 140 converging each of input and output optical signals, a stem 114 supporting a lower end of the lens holder 120, and a cap 110 disposed on the stem 114.
The optical waveguide element 132 is packaged in the sleeve 131. The optical waveguide element 132 serves as a medium through which an input optical signal 160 or an output optical signal 170 is transmitted when they are inputted into or outputted from the bi-directional optical transceiver module, respectively.
The lens holder 120 has a cylindrical construction, supports the lens 140, and serves as a body tube forming a passage for the input optical signal 160 and the output optical signal 170. The optical waveguide element 132 is inserted and fixed in an upper end of the lens holder 120.
The lens 140 is an element for converging the input optical signal 160 inward of the cap 110 and the output optical signal 170 toward the inserted end of the optical waveguide element 132 and is packaged in an upper portion of the lens holder 120. In general, the input optical signal 160 and the output optical signal 170 have different wavelengths than each other.
Referring to FIG. 2, the cap 110 is assembled with and covered on the upper surface of the stem 114. The cap 110 has a hole formed through a central portion thereof, so that the input and output optical signals can be transmitted and received through the hole. Further, a view window 117 is disposed just under the hole. The view window 117 prevents foreign material from coming into the cap 110 while allowing the input and output optical signals to pass through the view window 117.
The contents of the cap 110 include optical elements such as a photodiode 112, a semiconductor laser 113, and a wavelength division multiplexing filter 115. The photodiode 112 receives the input optical signal 160 and converts it to a corresponding electrical signal. The semiconductor laser 113 modulates the electrical signal into the output optical signal 170. The wavelength division multiplexing filter 115 separates the input optical signal 160 and the output optical signal 170 from each other and transmits them through their own respective paths.
The stem 114 is formed in a plurality of holes (not shown) passing through both faces, and a plurality of the metal lead wires 150 of the hole are arrayed to protrude its portion on the upper face of the stem 114. The holes which the metal lead wires 150 are arrayed are filled with a sealing material (not shown) for fixing the metal lead wires 150. The metal lead wires 150 comprises a direct current (DC bias lead), a high-frequency lead connected to a cathode of the semiconductor laser 113, an anode lead connected to an anode of the photodiode 112 for monitoring an optical element outputted from the semiconductor laser 113, and a common lead connected to a cathode of the semiconductor laser 113 and the photodiode 112.
The photodiode 112 is created for monitoring the optical element outputted from the semiconductor laser 113 on the stem 114, and each of the semiconductor laser 113 and the photodiode 112 is electrically connected to metal lead wires 180 by each of the leads 150 and a wire bonding method.
The stem 114 serves as a substrate for the optical elements housed in the cap 110 and supports the lower end of the lens holder 120.
The advantage of a conventional bi-directional optical transceiver module is that it allows the packaging of a semiconductor laser and a photodiode together in a cap, thereby giving the conventional bi-directional optical transceiver module a relatively small volume where it may be employed in a relatively small optical system.
However, in the conventional bi-directional optical transceiver module, much time is required in assembling the wavelength division multiplexing filter, since the wavelength division multiplexing filter must be mounted at a predetermined angle in the optical path of the input and output optical signals. Further, when a portion of scattered or diffusion-reflected light generated in the wavelength division multiplexing filter, view window, or other elements in the path of the optical signals are introduced into the photodiode, they are superimposed on the normal input optical signal causing optical crosstalk. In addition, the electromagnetic waves generated by the lead wires of the semiconductor laser may also be introduced into the photodiode causing further interference with the electrical signal created in the photodiode.

Bi-directional optical transceiver module with double caps and method of improving the efficiency and the reliability of same