The operating speed of an apparatus which operates with a clock is increased by obtaining a clock having a constant duty ratio. The maximum variable delay quantity of a first variable delay circuit 11 is set more than one cycle and less than two cycles of an input clock IN. The delay quantities of the first and second variable delay circuits 11, 12 are decreased with a control signal Vin. In addition, the ratio of the delay quantity of the second variable delay circuit 12 to that of the first variable delay circuit 11 is set to a constant value which is less than 1. A control portion 13 increases and decreases the control signal Vin in such a manner that the phases of an input clock IN and an output clock OUT-A of the first variable delay circuit are coincident with each other. An output clock OUT of the device is set by the output clock OUT-A of the first variable delay circuit, and is reset by an output clock OUT-B of the second variable delay circuit. Consequently, the output clock of the device has the same phase as that of the input clock IN and a constant duty ratio.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a waveform shaping device for converting the duty ratio, the frequency and the like of a clock signal, and to a clock supply apparatus formed by combining a DLL device with the waveform shaping device.
2. Description of the Background Art
A DLL (Delay Locked Loop) device causes a variable delay circuit to delay an external clock by a time which does not quite reach a 1-clock cycle, and offsets delays generated by a clock driver and the like so as to supply an internal clock with substantially same phase as that of the external clock. The DLL device operates by adding a delay which is a little smaller than the 1-clock cycle to the delays generated by the clock driver and the like so as to get the delay of exact 1-clock cycle. For this reason, it seems as if the internal clock is supplied without any delay.
FIG. 47 is a block diagram showing the structure of a clock supply apparatus using the DLL device according to the prior art which is the background of the present invention. In FIG. 47, the reference numeral 1 designates a DLL device, the reference numeral 3 designates a clock driver, the reference numeral 4 designates a clock wiring, the reference numeral 6 designates a clock input terminal, the reference numeral 201 designates a variable delay circuit, the reference numeral 202 designates a phase comparator, the reference numeral 203 designates a charging pump circuit, the reference numeral 204 designates a loop filter, the reference numeral 551 designates a clock supply apparatus, CL designates an input clock (external clock), OUT.sub.-- D designates an output clock, Vc designates a control signal, and FB designates a feedback clock.
A device portion for receiving the supply of a clock through the clock wiring 4 is usually integrated into a single semiconductor chip. Similarly, the DLL device 1 and the clock driver 3 are usually built in the same semiconductor chip.
FIG. 48 is a circuit diagram showing an example of the well-known structure of the phase comparator 202 according to the prior art. In this example, a Motorola type phase frequency comparator is used. In FIG. 48, N1 to N9 designate NAND circuits, Q1 to Q4 designate output signals of an SR flip-flop formed by the NAND circuits N1 to N8, UP* designates an up signal, DWN* designates a down signal, and RESET* designates a reset signal.
FIG. 49 is a timing chart showing the signal waveform of each portion which accompanies the operation of the device shown in FIG. 48. As shown in FIG. 49, if the phase of the feedback clock FB is later than that of the input clock CL, the up signal UP* becomes an active value (In this case, a value is "0") over a period which is equivalent to a phase difference. On the contrary, if the phase of the feedback clock FB is earlier than that of the input clock CL, the down signal DWN* becomes active over a period which is equivalent to a phase difference.
FIG. 50 is a state transition diagram of the device shown in FIG. 48. As shown in FIG. 50, when the input clock CL rises in the idle state in which neither the up signal UP* nor the down signal DWN* is outputted, the up signal UP* becomes active. Then, when the feedback clock FB rises, reset is performed to return to the idle state. When the feedback clock FB rises earlier, the down signal DWN* becomes active.
FIG. 51 is a circuit diagram showing an example of the well-known structures of the charging pump circuit 203 and the loop filter 204 according to the prior art. In FIG. 51, the reference numerals 211 and 212 designate current sources, the reference numeral 213 designates a PMOS transistor, the reference numeral 214 designates an NMOS transistor, the reference numeral 215 designates an inverter, the reference numeral 216 designates a capacity element, the reference numeral 217 designates a resistive element, Icp1 designates a current supplied from the current source 211, and Icp2 designates a current supplied from the current source 212.
FIG. 52 is a circuit diagram showing the structure of the current source 211. In FIG. 52, the reference numeral 221 designates a PMOS transistor, and the reference numeral 222 designates a bias source for supplying a bias voltage to the PMOS transistor 221.
FIG. 53 is a circuit diagram showing the structure of the current source 212. In FIG. 53, the reference numeral 223 designates an NMOS transistor, and the reference numeral 224 designates a bias source for supplying a bias voltage to the NMOS transistor 223. The bias voltages are supplied from the bias sources 222 and 224 in such a manner that the currents Icp1 and Icp2 are equal to each other.
With reference to FIG. 51 again, when the up signal UP* is active, the PMOS transistor 213 is turned on and the current Icp1 supplied from the current source 211 is fed to the loop filter 204 to charge the capacity element 216. On the contrary, when the down signal DWN* is active, the NMOS transistor 214 is turned on and the capacity element 216 is discharged by the current Icp2 supplied from the current source 212.
More specifically, the charging pump circuit 203 supplies the currents Icp1 and Icp2 set by the current sources 211 and 212 to the loop filter 204 in mutually opposite directions over a period where the up signal UP* and the down signal DWN* are active, which is referred to as a current packet. Positive and negative current packets are stored by the capacity element 216 which is provided in the loop filter 204. FIG. 54 is a circuit diagram showing an example of the well-known structure of a variable delay circuit 201 according to the prior art. In FIG. 54, the reference numeral 232 designates a resistive element, the reference numerals 233, 235 and 243 designate NMOS transistors, the reference numerals 234, 236 and 244 designate PMOS transistors, and the reference numeral 245 designates an inverter. The input clock CL is inputted to a first stage of the inverters 245 which are cascade-connected, and the output clock OUT.sub.-- D is outputted from a final stage. Every time the input clock CL is propagated to each stage of the inverter 245, a delay time is accumulated.
A current which flows in the resistive element 232 is regulated by the control signal Vc. The magnitude of the current is reflected in that of a current which flows in the MOS transistors 243 and 244 by current mirror circuits which are formed by the PMOS transistors 234 and 236 and the NMOS transistors 235 and 243 respectively. The MOS transistors 243 and 244 function as the current sources of the inverters 245.
More specifically, the source current of each inverter 245 is regulated by the control signal Vc. As the voltage of the control signal Vc is higher, the source current is increased. As the magnitude of the current supplied to the inverter 245 is increased, the delay time of the clock which passes through the inverter 245 is reduced. In other words, as the voltage of the control signal Vc is higher, the delay quantity of the output clock OUT.sub.-- D for the input clock CL is reduced.
With reference to FIG. 47 again, the input clock CL sent through the clock input terminal 6 is delayed by the DLL device 1 and outputted as the output clock OUT.sub.-- D. The output clock OUT.sub.-- D is amplified by the clock driver 3 and then transferred to the clock wiring 4.
The clock wiring 4 usually has the form of a clock tree. A clock on the intermediate skew point of the clock tree is picked up as the feedback clock FB and fed back to the phase comparator 202 of the DLL device 1.
When the phase of the feedback clock FB is later than that of the input clock CL, the phase comparator 202 outputs the up signal UP* over a period which is equivalent to a phase difference for each cycle of the input clock CL. Accordingly, the charging pump circuit 203 sends the positive current packet to the loop filter 204. As a result, the control signal Vc outputted from the loop filter 204 is raised. Consequently, the delay quantity of the variable delay circuit 201 is decreased so that the phase of the output clock OUT.sub.-- D is advanced and the phase of the feedback clock FB approaches that of the input clock CL.
On the contrary, when the phase of the feedback clock FB is earlier than that of the input clock CL, the phase comparator 202 outputs the down signal DWN* over a period which is equivalent to a phase difference for each cycle of the input clock CL. Accordingly, the charging pump circuit 203 sends the negative current packet to the loop filter 204. As a result, the control signal Vc outputted from the loop filter 204 drops. Consequently, the delay quantity of the variable delay circuit 201 is increased so that the phase of the output clock OUT.sub.-- D is delayed and the phase of the feedback clock FB approaches that of the input clock CL.
When the phase of the feedback clock FB is coincident with that of the input clock CL, the phase comparator 202 outputs neither the up signal UP* nor the down signal DWN* so that the supply of the current packet to the loop filter 204 is stopped. Consequently, the control signal Vc is not changed. Accordingly, the phase of the feedback clock FB gradually converges on that of the input clock CL so that the phase difference becomes stable in the zero state. The coincidence of the phases is apparent or substantial one. To be exact, the phase of the feedback clock FB is delayed by one cycle of the input clock CL. However, such apparent coincidence is practically equivalent to no phase difference.
As described above, the clock supply apparatus comprising the DLL device according to the prior art functions to compensate for the delay time of a clock. For a duty ratio related to the waveform of the clock, the value of the input clock CL is transmitted to the clock wiring 4 as it is. There is a case where some of various device portions for receiving the supply of the clock through the clock wiring 4 operate at the leading edge of the clock and some of them operate at the trailing edge of the clock. In this case, it is preferable that the duty ratio of the clock should be 50%. By way of example, an edge-triggered flip-flop and a macro block such as a RAM (a circuit block which has a very large hardware scale and implements the specific functions, for example, a RAM, a FIFO, an ALU and the like) are provided together.
If the device portion in which the operation that is started at the leading edge of the clock is latched at the trailing edge of the clock and the device portion which performs the reverse operation are provided together, it is assumed that the duty ratio of the supplied clock is 30%. While the operation should be terminated in a time which is 30% of the clock cycle in the former device portion, the operation can be performed in a time which is 70% of the clock cycle in the latter device portion.
If the amounts of operation of both device portions are equal to each other, the maximum operating speed of the whole apparatus is determined by a period in which the clock has a value of "1" (HIGH level), that is, a length which is 30% of the cycle. On the other hand, if the duty ratio of the clock is 50%, it is possible to employ a higher clock frequency than in the case where the duty ratio of the clock is 30%. In other words, the whole apparatus can operate at a higher speed. Accordingly, it is desirable that the clock supply apparatus comprising the DLL device should have the waveform shaping function for converting the duty ratio of the clock to 50%.
It is not easy to become conscious of the operation performed for a period in which the clock has a value of "1" and the operation performed for a period in which the clock has a value of "0" (LOW level) to be positively reflected in design for each device portion. For this reason, the largest margin of design can usually be obtained by employing the clock having a duty ratio of 50% described above. Assuming that the circuit can operate at the highest speed when the duty ratio of the clock is set to a specific value other than 50%, however, the operating speed of the circuit can be increased to the maximum of potential capacities if the clock supply apparatus can give a desired duty ratio irrespective of the duty ratio of the clock supplied from the outside of the circuit.
Some apparatus need clocks having different phases for each device portion, and some apparatus need clocks having different frequencies for each device portion. However, a clock supply apparatus having the waveform shaping function for converting the duty ratio, the frequency, the number of phases and the like of the clock supplied from the outside has not been known as an apparatus having the function of compensating for out-of-phase according to the prior art.

Waveform shaping device and clock supply apparatus


An information recording and/or reproducing apparatus comprises a head section to record and/or reproduce information onto/from an information recording medium having a shape other than a circular shape, holding device for holding the information recording medium and rotating the medium, moving device for moving the holding device in a predetermined direction, detecting device for detecting a rotating position of the information recording medium held to the holding device, and control device for controlling movable guide device in correspondence to a signal from the detecting device.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an ejecting mechanism of an information recording medium in, for instance, an optical information recording and/or reproducing apparatus for recording and/or reproducing information by using an information recording medium having. A shape other than a circular shape.
2. Related Background Art
Hitherto, a read only compact disc, a write once and read mostly (WORM) type optical disk, and the like have been known as optical information recording media. The study, development, and realization of an information processing system such as an electronic file system or the like using those recording media are being executed more and more. Further, in recent years, an information processing system using a card-shaped optical recording medium, i.e., an optical card which is superior to the disk-shaped recording medium in terms of portability, has also been highlighted.
For example, in U.S. Ser. No. 047,290 (same assignee), there have been proposed an optical recording medium in which concentric or spiral information tracks are formed on the surface of a rectangular card and an information recording and reproducing apparatus using such a medium.
FIG. 1 is a plan view of an optical card C having an almost rectangular card shape. Although the size of optical card C is not particularly limited, it is preferably sized such that the card can be enclosed in a pocket, purse, or the like and in the case of carrying the card, it is not too large nor small. For instance, the card is dimensionsed to approximately 85.6 mm.times.54.0 mm. In FIG. 1, a circular recording area D in which a center position O of the optical card C is used as a center is formed on the surface of the optical card C. A number of concentric or spiral information tracks are arranged in the recording area D.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an optical information reproducing apparatus for reproducing information by rotating the optical card C. In FIG. 2, a turntable 1 onto which the optical card C is put is rotated by a spindle motor 2 attached below the turntable 1. A guide groove 3 having a width which is fairly larger than a length of short side of the optical card C is formed on the upper surface of the turntable 1. A leaf spring 4 is attached to one wall of the guide groove 3. When the optical card C is put on the guide groove 3, the card is pressed to the other wall of the guide groove 3 by the leaf spring 4. On the other hand, a pin-shaped stopper 5 is provided at one end of the guide groove 3. A lever 7 is rotatably attached at the other end of the guide groove 3 at a position around a pin 6 provided in the outside of the guide groove 3 on the turntable 1. One end of a coil spring 8 is attached to the turntable 1. The other end of the coil spring 8 is connected to the lever 7. The operational edge of the lever 7 presses the optical card C on the guide groove 3 to the stopper 5 by the tensile force of the coil spring 8.
The insertion and ejection of the optical card C into and from the turntable 1 are executed in a state in which the lever 7 is rotated around the pin 6 against the tensile force of the coil spring 8 and the operational edge of the lever 7 is moved out of the guide groove 3. The optical card C is inserted in the direction of an arrow X in the guide groove 3 and is moved to a position where the front edge of the card abuts on the stopper 5 while being pressed to the wall on the opposite side by the leaf spring 4. Thereafter, the lever 7 is come into contact with the card C and the card is fixed. In a state in which the optical card C is fixed by the leaf spring 4 and lever 7, the center position O of the recording area D is located onto the axial center of the rotating shaft of the spindle motor 2.
On the other hand, a feed screw 9 and a guide rail 10 are attached in parallel in the horizontal direction over the turntable 1. An optical head 11 is movably mounted to the feed screw 9 and guide rail 10. A female screw which engages the feed screw 9 is provided in the optical head 11. The optical head 11 is slidably attached to the guide rail 10. When the feed screw 9 is rotated by a drive motor (not shown), the optical head 11 is moved along the guide rail 10 and accesses the recording area D on the optical card C which is rotated by the spindle motor 2 in the direction of an arrow W, so that the recorded information can be reproduced.
In the foregoing example, the optical card C is ejected out in a state in which the operational edge of the lever 7 is moved out of the guide groove 3 as mentioned above. However, in the case of automatically ejecting out the optical card C, the alignment of the guide groove 3 needs to be accurately made to coincide with the ejecting conveying direction of the optical card C. If the matching accuracy in this case is low, not only a conveyance error occurs but also there is a danger such that the optical card C itself will be damaged.
On the other hand, in recent optical cards, there have been proposed many optical cards on each of which a mark such as characters, photographs, or the like is printed so that the operator can check the content of the optical card with the eyes. In the case of using such an optical card, it is natural for the operator to insert the optical card into the information recording and/or reproducing apparatus in a state in which the mark such as characters, photographs, or the like printed on the optical card is directed in such a direction as to be easily read by the operator and the card is ejected out in the same state as above. Further, such a method is also convenient upon operation. However, the above information recording and/or reproducing apparatus does not have means for accurately directing the optical card in the ejecting direction, so that such an operation cannot be executed and is inconvenient.

Apparatus for recording and/or reproducing information


A wind park with a plurality of wind energy plants, which each have one plant control, which presets a desired value for the active power to its wind energy plant, and with a park control, which presets a desired value for the active power to be generated for each plant control and limits the active power fed by the wind park to a preset value, by shutting down a first group of wind energy plants and presetting a desired value for the active power to a second group of wind energy plants at a time, characterised in that the park control starts the wind energy plants of the first group again when the sum of the actual values of the active power of the wind energy plants of the second group has reached the preset desired value and/or a predetermined time duration has elapsed.

The present invention is related to a wind park and to a method for the operation of a wind park. The wind park has a plurality of wind energy plants, which each have one plant control. The plant control is able to preset the active power to be generated by the wind energy plant, provided that there is enough wind. For this purpose, a desired value is preset to the plant control of the wind energy plant. The plant control can be also realised as a closed-loop control, so that the actual value of the active power generated by the wind energy plant can be regulated to the desired value. Further, the wind park is equipped with a park control, which presets a desired value for the active power to each plant control.
From WO 01/25630 A1, the entire contents of which is incorporated herein by reference, a wind park is known, the power rating of which is greater than the power which can be fed and/or is permitted to be fed into the power supply grid to which the wind park is connected. In order to limit the power which is fed to the maximum value, it is proposed to limit the fed power of all the wind energy plants of the wind park.
From WO 03/030329 A1, the entire contents of which is incorporated herein by reference, a wind park is known, the active power delivered into the power supply grid of which can be preset by a grid operator. The control of the wind park reduces the output for the wind energy plants according to the defaults, wherein the output thereof can be throttled equally or differently at a time.
From GB 2 330 256 A, the entire contents of which is incorporated herein by reference, a wind energy plant is known, in which the voltage is measured at the connection point of the wind energy plant to the grid and the maximum possible power to be fed is calculated. An overvoltage through the power which is fed into the grid by the wind energy plant is to be avoided at relatively weak grid connections in particular.
From EP 1 467 463 A1, the entire contents of which is incorporated herein by reference, a wind park is known, which has a park control. The active power fed into the grid by the wind park is adjusted depending on the frequency measured at the grid connection point. This control/closed loop control for the wind park is based on the fact that when more power is generated than consumed in a grid, the frequency increases, and the frequency then decreases when more power is consumed than is generated.
From EP 1 571 746 A1, the entire contents of which is incorporated herein by reference, a method for the closed-loop control of the active power in a wind park is known. The method provides that a desired value for the active power of the park control can be preset manually or dynamically. In the case in which the actual value of the power exceeds the desired value, two methods are provided in order to reduce the surplus power of the wind park. In the first concept, the power is run up to a maximum value for selected wind energy plants, and the remaining other plants are scaled down. In an alternative concept, one or several wind energy plants are scaled down and the fine adjustment of the power is performed by the remaining plants.
It is known that under certain grid conditions and/or when certain grid errors occur, it may happen that the power fed into the grid by a wind park has to be limited within a short period of time and has to be stably maintained on the limited value. Usually the signal which triggers this process in the wind park is preset by the grid operator. The period of time within which the active power has to be scaled down is less than 4 seconds, for instance.
The present invention is based on the objective to provide a wind park and a method for the operation thereof, which permits with simple means to limit the active power fed into electric grid within a short period of time, without limiting the possibilities for the closed loop control of the wind park.

Wind park and method for the operation of a wind park


Provided are a micro light emitting diodes and a method of transferring the same. The method includes providing an array substrate with the micro light emitting diodes; adhering abnormal micro light emitting diodes of the array substrate on a first carrying plate; adhering the abnormal micro light emitting diodes on the first carrying plate to a laser deformation glue layer of a second carrying plate; irradiating the laser deformation glue layer by a laser to flip the abnormal micro light emitting diodes; transferring the abnormal micro light emitting diodes from the second carrying plate to a third carrying plate; and transferring again to the array substrate.

In recent years, with development of science and technology, in order to meet high requirements of users for display quality, science and technology workers have gradually turned to research on micro light-emitting diodes (micro LEDs) from ordinary light-emitting diodes (LEDs).
The micro LEDs reduce a size of ordinary light-emitting diodes to 1%, and a length of micro LEDs is less than 100 micrometers. At present, in a process of transferring the micro LED device to the array substrate, there are cases where the micro LED device is inverted and a positive electrode and a negative electrode of the micro LED device are misaligned, which affects transfer and assembly efficiency of the micro LED device. Therefore, there is a need to solve the above issues.

Method of transferring micro light emitting diodes and display panel

Shenzhen China Star Optoelectronics Semiconductor Display Technology Co., Ltd.


Various embodiments include methods and devices for implementing refining of user interface (UI) behavior. Embodiments may include creating a touch-profile of a touch-panel of a computing device from results of a self-diagnostic test measuring capacitance of capacitive sensors of the touch-panel, embedding the touch-profile in a framework of an operating system of the computing device, determining an unusable area of the touch-panel from the touch-profile, and determining a UI modification based on the unusable area of the touch-panel.

User interactions with mobile devices, such as smartphones, increasingly rely on touch-sensitive touchscreens displays rather than physical controls, such as buttons, switches, dials, etc. However, touchscreen displays are delicate, and damage to and wear out of touchscreen components can adversely affect a user's ability to interact with a mobile device.

Self-diagnostic methods for refining user interface operations


An image forming apparatus with an image reading apparatus that may suppress the intensity level of radiated noise from the image reading apparatus in an appropriate manner, without disrupting other functions, etc. The movable image reading apparatus comprises a carriage having a light source adapted to expose an original to light, a photoelectric conversion element, and a drive circuit unit adapted to drive the photoelectric conversion element; and a plurality of guide members adapted to movably guide the carriage. The plurality of guide members are individually earthed to a housing of the image forming apparatus through a plurality of earth contacts.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus with an image reading apparatus, and more particularly, to an image forming apparatus that suppresses noise radiating from an image reading apparatus.
2. Description of the Related Art
Image reading apparatuses are often connected to a printer or the like and used as one of the components of image forming apparatuses such as copiers or multi-function peripherals (MFPs), although they may be used standalone.
FIG. 7 is a top view of an image forming apparatus with an image reading apparatus, wherein components of a movable image reading apparatus 201 are mainly illustrated. In FIG. 7, the movable image reading apparatus 201 has a carriage 210, and the carriage 210 has a lamp 211, an image sensor 212, and an image sensor substrate 213.
The lamp 211 serves as a light source that emits light to an original. The emitted light is reflected by the original. Then, the reflected light is incident on the image sensor 212 through a lens or the like (not illustrated). The image sensor 212 includes a photoelectric conversion element such as a line CCD, and it is mounted on the image sensor substrate 213. The image sensor 212 is driven by an image sensor driving circuit 215 formed in the image sensor substrate 213 (see FIG. 8).
The carriage 210 is coupled to a timing belt 221. The timing belt 221 is rotatably supported by a driving pulley 222 and a driven pulley 223. The driving pulley 222 is connected via a gear or the like to a rotating shaft of a stepping motor 220. In addition, the carriage 210 is slidably fitted into a guide shaft 310 and slidably engaged with a guide rail 311. Further, the guide shaft 310 and the guide rail 311 are mounted on a side surface of the image reading apparatus 201 at a predetermined spaced-apart distance from, and in parallel to, a platen glass formed on the ceiling surface of the image reading apparatus 201.
According to this configuration, the carriage 210 is moved in right and left directions in FIG. 7 reciprocally along the bottom surface of the platen glass by forward/reverse rotations of the stepping motor 220, by which the original (information on the original) is exposed and scanned accordingly. In this case, a position sensor 224 senses that the carriage 210 is moved to its home position. Upon sensing, the rotational direction of the stepping motor 220 is reversed.
FIG. 8 is a block diagram schematically showing a configuration of the control system of the movable image reading apparatus 201. The carriage 210 has not only the above-mentioned lamp 211, image sensor 212, and image sensor substrate 213, but also a lamp inverter 217 to turn on the lamp 211. In addition, an A/D conversion circuit 216 and an image sensor driving circuit 215 (a drive circuit unit) are mounted on the image sensor substrate 213 together with the image sensor 212. The image sensor 212 photoelectrically converts the image light associated with the original under a drive control of the image sensor driving circuit 215 and outputs as an analog image signal. The analog image signal is converted to a digital image signal by the A/D conversion circuit 216.
The digital image signal is transferred to an image processing substrate 102 (an image processing unit within the image reading apparatus) through a video cable 214. The video cable 214 includes a flexible flat cable (harness). The image processing substrate 102 is provided with a CPU 151 that controls the image reading apparatus 201, a RAM 153, and a ROM 152 that stores program for controlling the image reading apparatus 201. Between the image processing substrate 102 and the image sensor substrate 213, for example, signals are transmitted and received through the video cable 214. In this case, for example, the image processing substrate 102 supplies power from the power source and driving signals for the image sensor 212 to the image sensor substrate 213. On the other hand, the image sensor substrate 213 outputs, e.g., digitized image signals to the image processing substrate 102.
The image sensor driving circuit 215 supplies to the image sensor 212 a driving clock signal with a high frequency of on the order of 10 MHz to read a signal charge (an image signal) from the image sensor 212. Supplying such a high-frequency driving clock signal generates noise. The generated noise is radiated from the image sensor substrate 213 or the video cable 214. The radiated noise has a negative impact on, e.g., electric appliances.
Measures for alleviating such radiated noise from the above harness (the video cable 214) include a method using a flexible flat video cable with an electrostatic shield (see, for example, Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication (Kokai) No. 02-308667). As described above, providing an electrostatic shield to the video cable 214 could reduce the radiated noise to some extent.
However, there has not been achieved sufficient reduction in such radiated noise, because feeble radiated noise leaked from the harness or the substrate provided with such an electrostatic shield is combined with the electrically instable conductive members in vicinity and those conductive members become antennas accordingly, so that radiation efficiency increases.
In the image forming apparatus with the above-mentioned image reading apparatus 201, the guide shaft 310 and the guide rail 311 of the image reading apparatus 201 may serve as the above-mentioned antennas.
That is, the guide shaft 310 and the guide rail 311 of the image reading apparatus 201 are earthed by conductive members such as earth lines or sheet metals with a side surface of the housing of the image reading apparatus 201 used as an earth path. The purpose of using a side surface of the housing of the image reading apparatus 201 as an earth path is to allow the carriage 210 to move successfully in an image reading operation. In addition, the housing of the image reading apparatus 201 and the housing of the image forming apparatus 101 are earthed at the rear-end portion of the side surface.
However, in such earth connection, as an earth path involves a large number of members, the length of the earth path becomes longer and contains impedance accordingly. As a result, this leads to electrical instability, particularly in higher frequency regions, and increases an intensity level of the radiated noise.
Further, in the above-mentioned earth connection, a GND (ground) loop R101 is formed by the guide shaft 310, the guide rail 311, and the conductive members through which the guide shaft 310 and the guide rail 311 are connected to each other (see FIG. 9). The GND loop R101 serves as a loop antenna so that the intensity level of radiated noise increases at a wavelength corresponding to N and 1/N times the loop length.
It is considered, as an approach for reducing the intensity level of radiated noise, to reduce the loop area or the loop current of a GND loop. However, the reduced loop area would lead to reduction in size of readable originals, etc., which would not be considered feasible. In addition, the reduced loop current would lead to decrease in quality of the read images or the like, which would not be considered feasible.


A focused ion beam apparatus includes: a focused ion beam tube configured to irradiate a focused ion beam onto a sample; a detector configured to detect secondary particles generated from the sample due to the irradiation and to output detection information regarding detected secondary particles; an image forming unit configured to form an observation image of the sample based on the detection information; a storage unit configured to store positional relation between a first processing area set on an observation image of a first sample and a cross-section surface of the first sample; and a processing area setting unit configured to automatically set a second processing area on an observation image of a second sample based on the positional relation stored in the storage unit and a position of a cross-section surface of the second sample on the observation image of the second sample.

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to a focused ion beam apparatus.
2. Description of the Related Art
In the related art, TEM observation at specific positions is being widely used to set process conditions and perform process management with respect to semiconductor devices. In order to manufacture these sample pieces for TEM observation, an FIB-SEM apparatus is used (see, for example, JP-A-2010-002308). Also, in recent years, miniaturization of device structures has developed, and the film thicknesses of TEM samples to be manufactured have decreased. For example, in current NAND flash memories, it is required to decrease their thicknesses to 20 nm or less.
However, in order to manufacture TEM samples having smaller film thicknesses, a high technical level is required. Also, since it is required for a plurality of workers having different technical levels to manufacture a number of samples, a reduction in a technical level which is required of workers, the uniformity in the quality of manufactured TEM samples, and shortening of work time are big issues.


A color filter substrate for a transflective liquid crystal display device includes a substrate having a plurality of pixel regions, each of the plurality of pixel regions having reflective and transmissive portions, a black matrix on the substrate, a buffer layer on the black matrix having a first open portion corresponding to the transmissive portion of the pixel region and a patterned spacer within the reflective portion of the pixel region, a color filter layer on the buffer layer, the color filter layer having a first thickness within the reflective portion of the pixel region and a second thickness within the transmissive portion of the pixel region, and a common electrode on the color filter layer, wherein the buffer layer and the patterned spacer are a single body.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a liquid crystal display device and a method of fabricating a liquid crystal display device, and more particularly, to a transflective liquid crystal display device and method of fabricating a transflective liquid crystal display device.
2. Discussion of the Related Art
In general, transflective liquid crystal display (LCD) devices function as both transmissive and reflective LCD devices. Accordingly, since the transflective LCD devices can use both a backlight and an exterior natural or artificial light, the transflective LCD devices are usable in more different type of devices, wherein power consumption of transflective LCD devices can be reduced.
FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of an array substrate for a transflective liquid crystal display device according to the related art. In FIG. 1, a gate line 52 and a data line 62 are formed on a substrate 50, wherein the gate line 52 and the data line 62 cross each other to define a pixel region P. A thin film transistor (TFT) T, which includes a gate electrode 54, an active layer 56, and source and drain electrodes 58 and 60, is disposed at a crossing of the gate line 52 and the data line 62. In addition, the pixel region P includes a reflective portion C and a transmissive portion D, wherein a reflective electrode 64 and a transparent electrode 66 correspond to the reflective portion C and the transmissive portion D, respectively. The reflective electrode 64 having a transmissive hole 64a is formed over the transparent electrode 66, and a metal pattern 65 having an island shape overlaps a portion of the gate line 52 and contacts the reflective electrode 64 or the transparent electrode 66. Accordingly, the metal pattern 65 and the overlapped portion of the gate line 52 constitute a storage capacitor CST.
FIG. 2 is a schematic cross sectional view along I—I of FIG. 1 according to a first embodiment of the related art, and FIG. 3 is a schematic cross sectional view along I—I of FIG. 1 according to a second embodiment of the related art. In FIGS. 2 and 3, first and second substrates 50 and 80 face each other and are spaced apart from each other, wherein the first and second substrates 50 and 80 include a plurality of pixel regions P and a gate line (not shown) and a data 62 line crossing each other are formed on an inner surface of the first substrate 50. In addition, a red sub-color filter 84a, a green sub-color filter 84b, and a blue sub-color filter (not shown) are formed on an inner surface of the second substrate 80, and a black matrix 82 is formed between the sub-color filters 84a and 84b. A transparent common electrode 86 is formed on the sub-color filters 84a and 84b and the black matrix 82, wherein the pixel region P includes a reflective portion C and a transmissive portion D. Generally, a reflective electrode 64 corresponding to the reflective portion C and a transparent electrode 66 corresponding to the transmissive portion D are formed over an inner surface of the first substrate 50. The reflective electrode 64 has a transmissive hole 64a formed over or under the transparent electrode 66.
In the transflective LCD device, it is necessary to obtain an equivalent optical efficiency in the reflective and transmissive portions C and D. In FIG. 2, since the light path (i.e., the distance that light transverses when light passes through a liquid crystal layer) in the reflective portion C is different from that in the transmissive portion D, the polarization properties in the reflective and transmissive portions C and D are also different from each other. When light passes through a liquid crystal layer 90 having a thickness d within the transmissive portion D, light passing through the liquid crystal layer 90 in the reflective portion C is reflected at the reflective electrode 64 and then passes through the liquid crystal layer 90 again. Accordingly, light path in the reflective portion C is twice of that within the transmissive portion D. Thus, light has different polarization properties in the reflective and transmissive portions C and D, thereby a difference in light efficiency is generated.
To solve this problem, as shown in FIG. 3, an insulating layer 63 within the transmissive portion D has an open portion 61 so that light path in the reflective portion C can be the same as that in the transmissive portion D. When the liquid crystal layer 90 in the reflective portion C has a first thickness of d, the liquid crystal layer 90 in the transmissive portion D has a second thickness of 2d. In other words, the liquid crystal layer 90 has a dual cell gap.
However, even though light efficiency of the reflective portion C is the same as that of the transmissive portion D due to the dual cell gap, uniform color reproducibility cannot be obtained. The sub-color filters 84a and 84b within the reflective portion C have the same thickness as that in the transmissive portion D. Light passes through the sub-color filters 84a and 84b twice within the reflective portion C, whereas light passes through the sub-color filters 84a and 84b just once in the transmissive portion D. Accordingly, even though light passing through the transmissive portion D is brighter than light reflected from the reflective portion C, light emitted from the reflective portion C has higher color reproducibility than that emitted from the transmissive portion D. To solve this problem, a method that a sub-color filter having a dual thickness in the reflective and transmissive portions is disclosed in Korean Patent Application No. 2000-9979.
FIG. 4 is a schematic cross sectional view along I—I of FIG. 1 according to a third embodiment of the related art. In FIG. 4, first and second substrates 50 and 80 having a pixel region P face each other and are spaced apart from each other, and a liquid crystal layer 90 is interposed therebetween. The pixel region P includes a reflective portion C and a transmissive portion D, wherein a black matrix 92 is formed on an inner surface of the second substrate 80 at a border of the pixel region P. A transparent buffer layer 94 corresponding to the reflective portion C is formed on the black matrix 82, and red and green sub-color filters 96a and 96b are formed on the buffer layer 94 in the pixel region P. A planarization layer 97 and a common electrode 98 are sequentially formed on the red and green sub-color filters 96a and 96b.
A reflective electrode 64 corresponding to the reflective portion C and a transparent electrode 66 corresponding to the transmissive portion D are formed on an inner surface of the first substrate 50. Generally, the reflective electrode 64 has a transmissive hole 64a formed under the transparent electrode 66. Since an insulating layer 63 under the reflective electrode 64 has an open portion 61 corresponding to the transmissive hole 64a, a first thickness d1 of the liquid crystal layer 90 within the reflective portion C is one-half of a second thickness d2 of the liquid crystal layer 90 within the transmissive portion D. That is, the second thickness d2 of the liquid crystal layer 90 within the transmissive portion D is substantially twice of the first thickness d1 of the liquid crystal layer 90 within the reflective portion C. Each of the sub-color filters 96a and 96b has a thickness ratio of 1:2 within the reflective and transmissive portions C and D due to the buffer layer 94.
FIGS. 5A to 5F are schematic cross sectional views of a fabrication process of a color filter layer according to the related art. In FIG. 5A, a black matrix 92 is formed on a substrate 80 by sequentially depositing and patterning chromium oxide (CrOx) and chromium (Cr), wherein the black matrix 92 is provided for low reflectance of an LCD screen. Since an aperture ratio is directly dependent on a shape of the black matrix 92, the black matrix 92 is formed to cover only a portion corresponding to a switching element (not shown), a gate line (not shown), and a data line (not shown) in order to prevent light leakage due to reflected light and an assembly margin of an attachment process for the upper and lower substrates. As a result, a portion of the color filter substrate within a pixel region is exposed.
In FIG. 5B, a transparent thin film 93 is formed on the black matrix 92 by depositing one of a photopolymeric polymer, an organic insulating material, and an inorganic insulating material.
In FIG. 5C, a buffer layer 94 is formed at a portion corresponding to the reflective portion C through photolithographic processes to eliminate the transparent thin film 93 (in FIG. 5A) corresponding to the transmissive portion D. As a result, the buffer layer 94 is formed on a second substrate 80 corresponding to the reflective portion C.
In FIG. 5D, a red sub-color filter 96a is formed on the buffer layer 94 by coating and patterning color resin including red dye. Since the color resin fills a portion corresponding to the transmissive portion D where the buffer layer 94 is not formed, the red sub-color filter 96a is formed to correspond to one pixel region P including the reflective and transmissive portions C and D.
In FIG. 5E, similar to the red sub-color filter 96a, a green sub-color filter 96b is formed on the buffer layer 94 by coating and patterning color resin including green dye.
In FIG. 5F, similar to the red and green sub-color filters 96a and 96b, a blue sub-color filter 96c is formed on the buffer layer 94 by coating and patterning color resin including blue dye. Accordingly, a color filter layer 96 including red, green, and blue sub-color filters 96a, 96b, and 96c may be formed. In addition, a common electrode 98 is formed on the color filter layer 96 by depositing one of a transparent conductive metallic material group including indium-tin-oxide (ITO) and indium-zinc-oxide (IZO). A planarization layer (not shown) may be formed between the color filter layer 96 and the common electrode 98.
In the transflective LCD devices of FIGS. 2, 3, and 4, ball spacers may be used to maintain a cell gap. Generally, since the ball spacers are randomly spread out between first and second substrates, an inferior alignment layer may be formed due to movement of the ball spacers. Moreover, a light leakage phenomenon may occur at portions adjacent to the ball spacers due to adsorption forces between liquid crystal molecules adjacent to the ball spacers. In addition, since the ball spacers may be formed through an additional process, production costs increase. Accordingly, superior display quality can not be obtained in the transflective LCD device using the ball spacers.

Transflective liquid crystal display device comprising a patterned spacer wherein the buffer layer and the spacer are a single body and method of fabricating the same


An all optical fiber bit stream reader system for examining the data contents of an optical fiber involving the conversion of a temporal timing signal into a spatially located signal is provided. The invention generally comprises generating and detecting a signal indicating the presence of data, in a manner which is minimally destructive to the data.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a method of reading the data contents of an optical fiber line.
2. Description of the Related Art
Digital circuits used in the computing, networking, and communications industries have steadily moved towards higher speed, channel capacity, and reliability. The costs of piece parts, functional assemblies, system blocks, networks, and the services sold to end-users are simultaneously plummeting. Customers demand transparent access to faster networks with commensurate improvement in service offerings and uptime.
The standard practice in wide-bandwidth communication networks is to convert electrical impulses into light pulses and to propagate these pulses through optical fibers to their destinations where they are converted back into electrical signals. This eliminates a number of fundamental bottlenecks inherent to directly sending an equivalent amount of information in the same amount of time by purely electrical means. Technological developments in optical fiber materials, laser sources, detectors, and networks have proceeded at a pace faster than that of semiconductor electronics.
Optical diagnostic and switching methods, however, have not kept pace and are the primary roadblocks to growth in this sector. Electrical signals propagate as pulses along circuit traces and wires. They generate electrical fields which can be probed often without significant degradation of the pulse energy. However, most often the readout is destructive with a consequent storage of the pulse bit stream into a shift register and consequent regeneration of the bit stream in the original format. Optical pulses, on the other hand, are confined to propagating along the guiding structure of an optical fiber, and the energies in each pulse are small. Conventional ways of examining an optical data stream and making a decision based upon that result require destructively converting the optical pulses into electrical signals, using electrical methods to make the decision, regenerating the optical pulse train, and coupling it back into a specified optical fiber.
This is a complex, costly process with considerable scope for introducing, amplifying, and propagating errors. In addition to switching, examining an optical data stream for "signature analysis," fault testing, housekeeping, and/or sampling, as is routinely done in the test-and-measurement of electronic digital circuitry, has not been accomplished by optical techniques. All of these functions are typically done by storing the data stream in electronic shift registers. Additionally, conventional methods for "tapping" an optical line require disclosing the existence of a tap.

Abstract: One embodiment comprises providing a piece of optical fiber that exhibits a nonlinear response through a two photon absorption process and subsequent emission of a photon corresponding to the two photon absorption process. Such a fiber could comprise a conventional doped silica fiber into which an additional dopant has been introduced.

Abstract: Another embodiment involves modifying the index of refraction of the cladding of the optical fiber line. This causes a fraction of the electric field or light pulse guided through the fiber (if present) to be coupled out of the fiber. Thereafter, the pulse can be detected.

Abstract: The optical bit steam reader can be used for important problems in optical communications such as switching, test-and-measurement, system housekeeping, data sampling, and fiber tapping for optical communications.


Apparatus for reducing obstructive sleep apnea, snoring and/or nasal drainage. One apparatus includes an upper member fitting the interior and exterior surfaces of a user's upper dentition, and a lower member fitting similarly adjacent a user's lower dentition. The lower member includes molar extensions projecting away from the lower member. The upper member includes upper molar extensions projecting away from the upper member and toward the lower molar extensions so that when the user bites or clenches, the upper right and lower right extensions impinge on one another in substantially overlapping fashion, as do the molar upper left and lower left extensions. The upper and lower members have an anterior shape to form a gap sufficient for the user's tongue to extend into the gap, and each molar extension may include a magnet. Methods of using the apparatus and kits to reduce sleep apnea, snoring, and/or nasal drainage.

1. Technical Field
The present disclosure relates to oral devices, apparatus, kits, and methods for reducing or eliminating obstructive sleep apnea, snoring and/or nasal drainage in mammals.
2. Background Art
Sleep apnea is a reduction in the blood oxygen level due to any cause. The present disclosure relates to "obstructive sleep apnea", which is problematic for many people—about 12 to 18 million people in the United States as of 2008. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) involves a reduction in breathing, called hypopneas, or a complete halt in airflow, called apneas, during sleep. Most pauses last 10 to 30 seconds, but some may persist for one minute or longer, according to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. See Landers, S J, "Link strengthened between sleep apnea and mortality risk", amednews, Sep. 1, 2008. As indicated in this article, apnea has been linked to higher mortality risks.
There are of course many known devices which claim to reduce or eliminate OSA, and these devices typically fall in two categories: external masks, such as the CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) masks; and oral devices, sometimes referred to as mandibular splints. Pharmaceuticals comprise another category. The present disclosure involves the oral device or mandibular splint category.
Another discomfort is nasal or sinus drainage, sometimes referred to as nasal or sinus congestion, nasal or sinus drip, nasal or sinus irritation. The term "nasal drainage" is used herein to include all of these conditions unless otherwise noted. Non-oral products, such as adhesive strips positioned on the nose, may relieve some of these symptoms. However, nasal strips may only reduce anterior (frontal) congestion, and not posterior (throat) congestion.
Many of the known oral devices are uncomfortable and/or complicated, leading to reduced use. Furthermore, their use in humans may reduce speaking substantially, or at least the ability to speak understandably. A long felt and unmet need remains for an oral device, apparatus or kit, and methods of using these, to efficiently, safely and comfortably reduce or prevent OSA, snoring, and/or nasal drainage.

Oral devices, kits, and methods for reducing sleep apnea, snoring, and/or nasal drainage


A mounting system for a shower head includes a mounting bracket mounted to a pipe passing through a shower wall, wherein the pipe is part of a shower that delivers water to a shower head. A telescoping arm is affixed to the mounting bracket through a multi-directional joint at a first end of the telescoping arm. A shower head holder is affixed to a second end of the telescoping arm by way of an adjustable joint. The multi-directional joint is formed to rotate and pivot relating to the mounting bracket so that the telescoping arm may be rotated and pivot toward and away from the shower wall in three dimensions.

1. Field of Invention
This invention relates to a shower arm assembly for mounting a hand-held shower head on a wall of the shower surround. More particularly the invention relates to a shower arm assembly having a 3 dimensional and flexible adjustment of the position of the shower head in relation to the connection point on the wall where the flexible hose of the shower head is attached, without damaging the wall and without the use of any tools.
2. Description of Related Art
Whether bathing in the shower stall or in the bath tub typically a person stands in the shower and is sprayed with water through a shower head, which is attached to a shower pipe extending from the central plumbing. A shower head directly attached to a shower pipe is able to be pivoted about the attachment to the shower pipe to provide a certain degree of movement to control the direction of the shower spray. The movement of the shower head is limited to pivotal movement about the connection point to the shower pipe and cannot be translated in any direction.
An improvement to the adjustability of the standard shower head includes the development of the hand held shower head. The hand held shower head includes a flexible hose attached to the shower pipe and a shower head having a handle attachment to the opposite end of the flexible hose. The hand held shower head is typically mounted on a bracket attached to the shower pipe to allow the hand held shower head to be used as a normal shower head, and can normally be pivoted about the attachment of the bracket to the shower pipe. However, the hand held shower head can also be removed from the bracket and held in the desired position with one hand. This allows the user to move the shower head to any desired position however it requires that the user utilize one hand to hold the shower head.
Further developments in shower head positioning includes shower pipe extensions, which include one or more rigid links having one end pivotally attached to the shower pipe and the other end pivotally attached to the shower head, or to another rigid link. The links are typically elongated rigid hoses and allow for limited movement in vertical and lateral directions. The movement is limited by the length of the rigid links and the direction of the movement allowed by the pivotal joints between the links. This type of a rigid link structure often leaks at the joints and can become loose and fail to hold the desired position.
Frequently, adjustable mounts are used in combination with hand-held shower heads to permit the level of the shower head to be lowered from a typical wall mounted shower head level for use by children and disabled. The adjustability of the mount permits the shower head to be changed as the children grow to accommodate their increasing height, and permits temporary repositioning of the shower head when persons of differing heights use the shower. Once the children grow the mounts are usually removed from the shower wall to restore the shower to its original appearance and condition. In the past, removal often damaged the surround because the supports were attached to the wall with semi-permanent means as described above.
There is missing in the art where a shower head assembly allows the variable positioning of the shower head in three dimensions and with any desired distance from the wall and with minimal exposure and space requirement in the shower taking space, while leaving the user with two free hands. It is to overcome the shortcomings in the prior art that the present invention was developed.


An apparatus for improving the safety of a pet during travel is disclosed. The apparatus includes a body. The body includes a base, a wedge, and a back support. The wedge is positioned along the base. The wedge includes a top end elevated above the base and an inclined surface for supporting torso portions of the pet during travel. The back support is positioned along the base and configured to support a rear portion of the pet during travel. The apparatus may include a restraint system. The restraint system may include a harness which may engage with a portion of the base and may also engage with other portions of the pet. The apparatus may further include a strap assembly coupled to the base which may define at least one strap end for engaging with an anchor point of a vehicle.

Conventional apparatuses or systems for transportation of a pet may include pet car seats, pet safety seats, general pet carriers, and the like. However, it is believed that conventional systems are generally insufficient for maintaining a pet in place relative to a portion of a vehicle or otherwise, and that conventional systems fail to provide adequate safety and comfort to the pet during travel. For example, conventional dog car seats may merely involve strapping the dog to the seat of an automobile. Yet, as may be expected during travel, the dog may be subjected to random and unpredictable forces stemming from a crash or sudden movement of the automobile. Such unexpected forces may loosen the straps and pull the dog from the surface of the seat. In addition, such forces may be of sufficient strength to shift the position of the dog relative to the seat which may increase anxiety and negatively affect the comfort level of the dog during travel. More substantial movement of the dog relative to the seat may leave the dog flailing about and can result in injury.
It is with these observations in mind, among others, that various aspects of the present disclosure were conceived and developed.

Apparatus and methods for improving safety of a pet during travel


An appliance for drying laundry (100) comprises an appliance cabinet (110), a laundry treatment chamber (105) inside the cabinet, and a drying air recirculation path (245) for causing recirculation of the drying air into/out from the laundry treatment chamber. The drying air recirculation path is at least partly external to the laundry treatment chamber. A drying air moisture condensing and heating system (215,220,225) located in the drying air recirculation path for dehydrating the moisture-laden drying air leaving the laundry treatment chamber and heating the dehydrated drying air before it re-enters into the laundry treatment chamber. The drying air moisture condensing and heating system comprises a first heat exchanger (215) and a second heat exchanger (220) of a heat pump (215,220,225,210), and further comprising a drying air propeller (250) inside the drying air recirculation path and a Joule-effect drying air heater (255), downstream the second heat exchanger, energizable for contributing to the heating of the drying air. The appliance includes a user interface (121) comprising a laundry treatment cycle selector (305) operable by a user for selecting a laundry treatment cycle, and a control unit (265) adapted to control the machine operation. The user interface comprises a command input means (315) operable by the user for imparting to the appliance an energization command to energize the Joule-effect heater. During the execution of the laundry treatment cycle selected by the user, the control unit causes the selective energization of the Joule-effect drying air heater based on the energization command imparted by the user.

Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to the field of household appliances for laundry and garments treatment. In particular, the present invention relates to appliances for drying laundry, such as laundry dryers and combined washers/dryers.
Discussion of the Related Art
Appliances for drying laundry are adapted to dry clothes, garments, laundry in general, by circulating hot, dry air within a tumbler or drum. The drum is rotatable within a machine external casing or cabinet, and is designed to contain the items to be dried. The rotation of the drum causes agitation (tumbling) of the items to be dried, while they are hit by the drying air flow.
Combined laundry washer/dryer appliances combine the features of a washing machine with those of a dryer. In a washer/dryer, the drum is rotatable within a washing tub which is accommodated within a machine external casing or cabinet.
In a known type of laundry dryers and washers/dryers, also referred to as "condenser dryer", the drying air flow is typically caused to pass through the drum, exiting therefrom from a drying air outlet, then it passes through a moisture condensing system, where the humid, moisture-laden air is at least partially dehydrated, dried, and the dried air flow is heated up by means of a heating arrangement; the heated drying air flow then re-enters into, and passes again through the drum, and repeats the cycle.
While in some known condenser laundry dryers and washers/dryers the moisture condensing system is an air-air heat exchanger, exploiting air taken in from the outside for cooling down the drying air (and thus cause the condensation of the moisture), other known dryers and washers/dryers exploit a heat pump to dehydrate the drying air flow. In these "heat pump dryers", the heating of the drying air may be performed by the heat pump itself. An example of heat pump laundry dryer can be found in EP 2270276.
DE 4304226 discloses a condensation tumble dryer, comprising a heat pump, and an air circuit in which the airstream is guided for heating over the liquefier of the heat pump and subsequently into an air inlet of a drying chamber containing the drying items, and in which the airstream is guided for cooling out of an air outlet of the drying chamber at least partly over a heat exchanger containing the evaporator of the heat pump. In order to achieve a faster heat up of the process airstream, a second heating apparatus in the form of an electric resistance heating is disposed between the process air fan and the air inlet of the drying chamber. This resistance heating can be switched on and off by a switch which is actuated by the electronic program control. The resistance heating is switched off when the pressure of the cooling agent exceeds a critical value during the drying phase. For this purpose, a temperature sensor is arranged on the connecting tube between compressor and liquefier, which sensor monitors the temperature which is proportional to the pressure of the cooling agent.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

ELECTROLUX HOME PRODUCTS CORPORATION N.V.


A method of fabricating a color filter substrate is provided. First, several color filter patterns are formed on a substrate. Then, an opaque layer is formed over the substrate and the color filter patterns. After that, the opaque layer is patterned to form a black matrix between the color filter patterns and several protrusions on the color filter patterns simultaneously. Finally, several spacers are formed on a part of the black matrix.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a method of fabricating a color filter (CF) substrate, and more particularly, to a method of fabricating a color filter substrate capable of forming a black matrix (BM) and protrusions simultaneously.
2. Description of Related Art
The liquid crystal display (LCD) is one of the most important milestones in the history of displaying techniques. Because the LCD has a light and slim body, consumes very little power and produces very little radiation in operation, it has become one of the mainstream products in the market.
However, the earlier versions of the liquid crystal display suffer from a narrow viewing angle problem. To enhance the viewing angle of the display, the industry has developed a multi-domain vertically aligned (MVA) LCD. The MVA LCD has protrusion structures on the color-filter substrate and/or the active-device-array substrate so that the liquid crystal molecules tilt in multiple directions to enhance the viewing angle of the liquid crystal display.
The process of forming the color-filter substrate of the conventional MVD LCD includes forming a black matrix on a glass substrate. Then, a color filter layer having red, blue and green filter patterns is formed. After that, an overcoat layer and a common electrode are sequentially formed over the foregoing structure. Thereafter, protrusions and photo spacers are separately formed over the common electrode. Finally, an alignment layer is formed over the foregoing structure.
According to the foregoing description, the process of forming the color filter side substrate of the conventional MVD LCD requires at least more than four photo-mask processes. With the current trend of reducing the number of photo-mask processes in the process of forming a liquid crystal display, further simplification of the process is preferred. Therefore, half-tone techniques and back exposure techniques have been developed to reduce the number of photo-masks. However, the half-tone technique is more difficult to implement and the cost of the photo-mask is higher. On the other hand, the back exposure technique has difficulty controlling the width of the black matrix and the level of precision demanded is also high so that there are still plentiful grounds for improvement.

Method of fabricating color filter substrate


An on-vehicle electronic control device includes an auxiliary microprocessor and subjects a microprocessor allocated to a main part of control to an external diagnosis, thereby improving reliability of performance. A microprocessor including a nonvolatile program memory into which a control program is written is serially connected to an auxiliary microprocessor including an auxiliary nonvolatile program memory. The microprocessor and the auxiliary microprocessor function in cooperation to control on-vehicle electric load groups in response to input signals from on-vehicle sensor groups and on-vehicle analog sensor group. The nonvolatile program memory and the microprocessor are subjected to runaway monitoring performed by a watchdog timer and to an external checksum diagnosis performed periodically by the auxiliary microprocessor. If an anomaly occurs in the runaway monitoring, the external checksum diagnosis, and a checksum interval, parts of electric loads are cut off of power supply by load power relay.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an on-vehicle electronic control device, for example, an electronic control device incorporating a microprocessor used for performing fuel supply control for a vehicle engine, control of a throttle valve for air supply, or the like.
2. Description of the Related Art
In such an on-vehicle electronic control device as described above, as an anomaly diagnosis for a microprocessor that functions in cooperation with a program memory, runaway of the microprocessor is monitored using a watchdog timer, and program anomalies are monitored using a checksum.
Also, in an on-vehicle electronic control device equipped with an auxiliary microprocessor that is serially connected to the above-mentioned microprocessor and functions in cooperation with the microprocessor, a checksum is also performed on send/receive data in order to check communication data.
Up to now, there is proposed an "on-vehicle electronic control device" in which in order to self-check contents of a control program for a microprocessor by the microprocessor, the control program is divided into a plurality of segments to perform a checksum, thereby reducing a processing load of the microprocessor (see, for example, JP 2001-227402 A).
However, according to JP 2001-227402 A, there is a problem of degraded reliability in that an anomaly diagnosis for a program in question is performed based on the self-checking by the program in question per se. In addition, it is not guaranteed that the checksum is executed on a regular basis.
Up to now, there is proposed a "duplex asynchronous microcomputer system fault detector" in which a pair of microcomputers perform a checksum on one another, and upon detection of anomalies, stop watchdog signals corresponding to respective watchdog timers to cut off control outputs (see, for example, JP 06-259267 A).
According to JP 06-259267 A, there is a problem in that mutual transmission of data for a checksum cause an increase of input/output points of both the microcomputers. In addition, it is not guaranteed that the checksum is executed on a regular basis.
Further, up to now, there is proposed a "method of monitoring operations of two CPUs" which causes a system composed of two CPUs, a main CPU and a sub-CPU, to perform the following operations (see, for example, JP 05-081222 A). That is, in the case where the main CPU runs away out of control or is disabled, the two CPUs are both initiated and reactivated in response to a reset signal outputted from a watchdog timer circuit that is externally provided. In the case where the sub-CPU runs away out of control or is disabled, the main CPU monitors the fault, and a reset signal is outputted from the main CPU to the sub-CPU to initiate and reactivate the sub-CPU.
According to JP 05-081222 A, there is a problem in that if a microcomputer is reactivated in response to a reset pulse, a vehicle driver cannot recognize temporal occurrence of runaway of the microprocessor.
Meanwhile, up to now, there is proposed a "digital processor" in which when an anomaly is detected in a microcomputer by a watchdog timer, the operation of the microcomputer is completely stopped, and in order to recover the microcomputer, it is only after temporarily cutting off operational power supply to the microcomputer that the power is supplied again for the recovery (see, for example, JP 08-339308 A).
In this case, the microcomputer is not reactivated until a vehicle driver opens/closes a power switch. Thus, the above-mentioned digital processor has a feature that the vehicle driver can recognize the anomaly occurring in the microprocessor.
However, there is an inconvenience that a temporal malfunction due to noise forces a vehicle into stopping.
Further, up to now, there are proposed techniques related to the above such as an "input and output processing IC" (see, for example, JP 07-013912 A) and a "data communication equipment" (see, for example, JP 05-128065 A). JP 07-013912 A and JP 05-128065 A show that a microprocessor is serially connected with an input/output circuit and a slave microprocessor, respectively, and refer to a checksum with respect to serial communication data.
Also, there is proposed an "on-vehicle electronic control device" which relates to a pair of microprocessors performing serial communication with each other, and includes checksum means for communication data (see, for example, JP 07-269409 A).
The respective publications cited above relate strictly to a checksum involving communication data, and not to a checksum with respect to contents of a program memory.
All of the conventional techniques as described above have a problem in that cooperation and function allocation are not sufficiently realized when performing runaway monitoring and a checksum for a microprocessor and a program memory, and the functions individually processed fail to guarantee sufficient reliability of performance.


Abnormalities in the circulating immune complexes in a patient's blood, such as observed in patients having inflammatory disorders, viral infections, or simply deranged immune function, are restored to normal or viral immunity conferred by the administration of a matched or mismatched dsRNA.

Usually beginning as a benign process of a normally functioning immune system, immune complex formation may initiate injury to various organs and tissues. The activation of complement, a normal blood product, by CICs can lead to a series of destructive events, including cell lysis and deposition of CICs on various vessel walls, cell membranes, etc. The antigens responsible for initiating such a pathogenic immune response are often unknown in specific clinical practice, but may be microorganisms, tumors or, indeed, the body's own tissues. Infectious diseases such as hepatitis B can also be accompanied by immune complex disease. CICs are so far reaching in relationship to diagnosis and measuring the efficiency of therapy in various clinical situations such that, in the last 10 years, more than 40 assays have been developed to detect and quantify such immune complexes in human pathologic fluids. The brochures prepared by industry leaders (e.g., Maryland Medical Laboratory brochure, designated 4/87 or Roche Biomedical Laboratories brochure, prepared in 1987), attest to the magnitude of the chemical problems secondary to enhanced CIC production in man. Table 1 of the Maryland Medical Laboratory brochure is hereby incorporated by reference to indicate the range of the diseases associated with CICs.
CICs may actually contain virus particles as in the case of virus inclusion of the AIDS virus itself in CICs of AIDS patients (Morrow et al, Clin. Immunology and Immuno Pathology, Vol. 40, p. 515, 1986). The CICs, especially if present in high concentrations, may actually cause an immunosuppressive effect and can even cause blockade of the body's vital reticuloendothelial system (see references cited in Morrow et al). Thus, circulating ICs may be one of the reasons for the abnormal functioning of monocytes-macrophages in many human and animal diseases, including AIDS. Accordingly, it is clear that, while formation of "small" amounts of IC may be part of a normal pathophysiological response to disease, inappropriate synthesis of IC will cause and/or accelerate various diseases.
Immune complex formation is a useful parameter particularly in assessment of rheumatic diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus. Specifically, elevated levels of immune complexes seem to track disease activity in many patients over time.
Among the methods used to evaluate CICs in man is the assay for the CR1 receptor, a glycoprotein that binds certain fragments (notably C3G and C4G) of the complement system. Erythrocytes or red blood cells (RBCs) carry on their surface the majority of CR1 receptors in the body's circulation. CR1 appears to endow RBCs with the capacity to clear CICs by transporting them to the liver where they are removed by local monocytes/macrophages (see Tausk et al, J. Clin. Investigation, Vol. 78, p. 977, 1986, and articles cited therein). Various diseases involving autoantibodies and CIC, such as arthritis, leprosy and AIDS, are associated with low levels of erythrocyte CR1.
Two different designators for the AIDS virus exist; LAV is the designator for the AIDS virus isolated at the Pasteur Institute, Paris, France, and HTLV-III is the designator for the AIDS virus isolated at the National Institute of Health, Bethesda, Md., U.S.A. Frequently in this text, the AIDS virus will be referred to generically or designated HTLV-III or LAV without intending to differentiate between them. Furthermore, the term "AIDS virus" in the specification and claims includes any and all other viruses which may be associated with producing AIDS, whether yet isolated or not.

Treatment of hepatitis with mismatched dsRNA


The present invention provides methods and compositions for determining the presence and/or amount of HCV nucleic acids in a test sample. In particular, substantially purified oligonucleotide primers and probes are described that can be used for qualitatively and quantitatively detecting HCV nucleic acid in a test sample by amplification methods. The present invention also provides primers and probes for generating and detecting control nucleic acid sequences that provide a convenient method for assessing internal quality control of the HCV assay.

The following discussion of the background of the invention is merely provided to aid the reader in understanding the invention and is not admitted to describe or constitute prior art to the present invention.
One of the major causes of hepatitis are specific hepatitis viruses. Among them, HCV is now known to cause most cases of what was previously termed non-A, non-B (NANB) hepatitis, and causes the vast majority of post-transfusion and sporadic NANB hepatitis. HCV infections is generally symptomatically mild. However, at least half of all infected individuals appear to develop chronic hepatitis, and 20% of these may develop cirrhosis.
HCV is a small RNA virus containing a single molecule of RNA of about 10,000 nucleotides in length. The genome of HCV contains a single, long, open reading frame (ORF) that is translated into a single, large polyprotein and subsequently processed, and exhibits a large degree of nucleic acid sequence heterogeneity. The entire genome of HCV has been cloned and sequenced. To date, at least five related genotypes of the virus have been found. The relative abundance of each genotype throughout the world is the subject of intensive study. The 5′ untranslated region (UTR) of the virus is remarkably well conserved and has provided an excellent site for oligonucleotide probes and primers (Bukh et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci USA 88:942-946, 1992).
Since multiple HCV subtypes exist with varying amino acid sequences, these subtypes vary geographically and play a role in disease virulence. HCV can also alter its amino acid pattern over time in an infected person, hampering vaccine development. Since most cases of hepatitis C are subclinical, even in the acute stage, hepatitis C is often uncovered by the serendipitous detection of anti-HCV in apparently healthy persons.
HCV causes at least 80% of post-transfusion hepatitis cases and a substantial proportion of sporadic acute hepatitis cases. It is also implicated in many cases of chronic hepatitis, cryptogenic cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma unrelated to HBV. Infection is most commonly acquired via blood, either from transfusion or IV drug use. Sexual transmission and vertical transmission from mother to infant can occur but are relatively rare. A small proportion of seemly healthy persons are chronic HCV carriers, who often have subclinical chronic hepatitis or even cirrhosis. HCV is associated with many disorders including "immune" disorders, such as glomerulonephritis.
Diagnosis of hepatitis C is based on the presence of serum antibody (anti-HCV), which is not protective and implies active infection. First generation serologic tests were often falsely positive, but second and third generation tests are more reliable. Anti-HCV often appears several weeks after acute infection, so a negative test does not exclude recent infection.
The measurement of HCV nucleic acid in serum has become an important tool to identify individuals with high viral replication, to monitor patients on therapy, and to predict whether antiviral therapy will be successful.
Several tests have been employed to detect HCV in serum and other body fluids. Hybridization assays for detecting HCV polynucleotides are known in the art. For example, Matthews and Kricka, Analytical Biochemistry 169:1, 1988; Landegren et al., Science 242:229, 1988; Mattlin, Clinical Chem. 35: 1819, 1989; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,868,105.
To increase the sensitivity of such assays, HCV nucleic acid sequences can be detected by reverse transcribing HCV genomic RNA to form cDNA, amplifying the resulting cDNA by, for example, the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and detecting the presence of amplified product. The HCV detection assays based on PCR amplification of HCV polynucleotide sequences were described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,527,669; European Patent Publication No. 529,493; Young et al., J. Clin. Microbiol. 31(4): 882-886, 1993; and Young et al., J. Sin. Microbiol. 33(3): 654-657, 1995. Therefore, when active disease is suspended or post-treatment follow up is desired, detection of HCV-RNA by PCR provides a sensitive technique for the direct detection of HCV-RNA in patient serum.
Because of the sequence heterogeneity among HCV strains, there is still a need for primer oligonucleotides for amplifying HCV sequences, each chosen from a conserved region so that all, or almost all, strains will be amplified. U.S. Pat. No. 5,837,442, which is incorporated herein by reference, provides primers for the amplification of HCV nucleic acid with significantly high efficiency. This patent provides that amplification of HCV RNA can be carried out using a combined reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) amplification, in which a single enzyme catalyzes the primer extension both from the initial genomic RNA template (i.e. reverse transcription) and from the DNA templates synthesized in the amplification process.
Hybridization assays for detection of nucleic acids are described in, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,258,569; 6,030,787; 5,952,202; 5,876,930; 5,866,336; 5,736,333; 5,723,591; 5,691,146; and 5,538,848. Publications for detection of HCV using Real-time PCR (Taqman systems) include the following: Henning et al., Transfusion 41(9): 1100-6, 2001; Meng et al., J. Clin. Microbiol. 39(8): 2937-45, 2001; Komurian et al., J. Virol Methods 95(1-2): 111-9, 2000 Kleiber et al., J. Mol. Diagn 2(3): 158-66, 2000; Beames et al., J. Virol. 74(24): 11764-72, 2000 Kawai et al., J. Med. Virol. 58(2): 121-6, 1999; Mercier et al., J. Virol Methods 77(1): 1-9, 1999 Martell et al., J. Clin. Microbiol. 37(2): 327-32, 1999; Petrik et al., J. Virol Methods 64(2: 147-59, 1997; and Morris et al., J. Clin. Microbiol. 34(12): 2933-6, 1996.

Oligonucleotides and methods for detecting hepatitis C viral nucleic acids

Quest Diagnostics Investments Incorporated


Techniques for enabling efficient guest OS access to PCIe configuration space are provided. In one set of embodiments, a hypervisor can reserve a single host physical memory page in the host physical memory of a host system and can populate the single host physical memory page with a value indicating non-presence of PCIe device functions. The hypervisor can then create, for each guest physical memory page in a guest physical memory of a virtual machine (VM) corresponding to a PCIe configuration space of an absent PCIe device function in the VM, a mapping in the hypervisor's second-level page tables that maps the guest physical memory page to the single host physical memory page.

Unless otherwise indicated, the subject matter described in this section is not prior art to the claims of the present application and is not admitted as being prior art by inclusion in this section.
Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (PCIe) is a computer interface specification that enables high-speed peripheral devices to connect and communicate with computer systems in a standardized manner. A peripheral device that adheres to the PCIe specification, referred to as a PCIe device, attaches to a PCIe bus of a computer system and includes one or more functions representing the features/capabilities implemented by the device. Examples of such functions include a graphics controller function, a storage controller function, a network interface function, and so on. Each function is associated with a set of internal device registers, collectively referred to as a configuration space, that contains various informational and configuration parameters for the function. These configuration spaces are made accessible to device drivers and other software components for device initialization and setup purposes.
In modern computer systems based on 64-bit x86 and ARM microprocessor architectures, the specific mechanism by which the configuration spaces of PCIe device functions are exposed to software is known as Enhanced Configuration Access Mechanism (ECAM). ECAM involves mapping the configuration spaces on a per-segment—or in other words, per-bus—basis to regions in main memory. With these mappings in place, at the time a device driver or other program wishes to access the configuration space of a function number F belonging to a PCIe device number D on a bus number B, the device driver can compute the main memory address where the configuration space is mapped by retrieving the starting (i.e., base) address of B's memory-mapped region and adding to that base address an ECAM offset derived from B, D, and F. The device driver can then read or write the configuration space of F using this computed address.
When a computer system is virtualized (i.e., run as a virtual machine (VM)), all ECAM accesses to the configuration spaces of the VM's virtual and passthrough PCIe devices are emulated at the hypervisor level. This is achieved by ensuring that the range of guest physical memory reserved for mapping the devices' configuration spaces via ECAM is not backed by host physical memory, which in turn causes the hypervisor to trap and emulate guest reads or writes directed to that range. While this approach is functional, there are two issues: (1) the trap-and-emulate required for each ECAM access is relatively slow, and (2) the VM's guest operating system (OS) typically must perform a large number of ECAM accesses at the time of VM startup/boot in order to scan for the presence/non-presence of PCIe devices and to configure the function(s) of each present PCIe device. Taken together these issues result in a lengthy VM boot process, which is problematic for deployments that rely on fast VM boot times to meet technical or business goals.

Enabling efficient guest access to peripheral component interconnect express (PCIe) configuration space