A die attach system is provided. The die attach system includes a verification substrate configured to receive a plurality of die, the verification substrate including a plurality of substrate reference markers. The die attach system also includes an imaging system for determining an alignment of the plurality of die with the verification substrate by imaging each of the plurality of die with respective ones of the plurality of substrate reference markers.

In connection with the placement of a die on a substrate (e.g., the placement of a semiconductor die on a substrate), many conventional applications utilize a "pick and place" operation. In such operations, a die is "picked" from a semiconductor wafer or other die supply source, and then the die is moved to (and "placed" on) a target substrate. Such operations may also utilize one or more transfers between a "pick" tool and a "place" tool.
Certain die attach applications do not utilize a pick and place operation. For example, a die supply source (e.g., a wafer including a plurality of die) may be positioned between a bond tool and a substrate. Die included in the die supply source may be attached to a film or the like. After alignment between the bond tool, the die to be attached, and a placement location of the substrate—the bond tool presses the die against the placement location of the substrate.
Accuracy of a die attach operation tends to be performed after the operation is complete, using equipment separate from the die attach system. Such accuracy determinations tend to be time consuming and costly. Thus, it would be desirable to provide improved systems and methods for verifying the accuracy of die attach operations, and similar processes.

Die attach systems including a verification substrate


Methods and systems are disclosed for adaptive scheduling queue control based upon page hit distance determinations. A threshold occupancy value is determined for a window of previous access requests to a memory and used to adaptively control a number of access requests stored in a scheduling queue buffer. For certain embodiments, a page hit distance (PHD) determination for each access request and historical page hit distance data is used to adjust the threshold occupancy value that determines the number (N) of access requests stored in the buffer prior to removing an access request and using it to access the memory. For each access request, the page hit distance represents the number of previously received access requests since the last access request to access the same page of memory. An average PHD can be determined over a number (M) of previous access requests and used to control the threshold occupancy value.

Memory controllers are used in SoC (system on chip) architectures to control access to memory such as a dynamic random access memory (DRAM). However, even though memory speeds have steadily increased, the performance of memory controllers such as DRAM controllers (DRCs) has not kept up with the performance capabilities of other circuitry within SoC architectures.
Memories, such as DRAMs, are often organized into multiple banks, each having multiple pages. At a given time, only one page per bank may remain open and accessible to memory access requests. A memory access to a page other than currently open pages results in a page miss. A page miss may require closing of the currently open page in the target bank followed by opening of the requested page. This page change results in performance loss. On the other hand, a memory access to a currently open page (which is opened by one of the previous memory accesses) is said to be a page hit which is considerably faster than a page miss. Prior DRC solutions, therefore, have prioritized page hits over page misses whenever possible. For example, to improve efficiency, DRC solutions have used access scheduling to prioritize page hits by storing access requests in a queue and then choosing stored accesses out of order to maximize page hits within the DRAM being accessed by the SoC.
For one prior DRC solution, the DRC maintains a scheduling queue (SQ) for incoming access requests. Access requests are added to the SQ in the order of the arrival, and access requests are removed from the SQ based on a scheduling policy. Once removed from the SQ, an access request is sent to an access timing controller that in turn sends appropriate access commands to the DRAM while maintaining DRAM timing constraints. One prior scheduling policy can be summarized as follows for each access request within the SQ: (1) select oldest request that has timed out to avoid starvation, and if none available, then (2) select oldest request that is a page hit, and if none available, then (3) select oldest request that is ready to be processed. For this prior scheduling policy, the performance improvement depends on the occupancy of the SQ. As such, increasing the number of access requests stored in the SQ will also increase the probability of exploiting page hits for the access requests thereby leading to an improved page hit rate. Thus, one prior technique is to slow or throttle DRAM accesses in order to increase the SQ occupancy and thereby increase the page hit rate. This throttling mechanism is based upon a predetermined fixed delay timer and is unaware of actual run-time workload characteristics for the memory. Although this throttling technique increases the SQ occupancy, this increase of SQ occupancy itself can cause an undesirable reduction in the speed and efficiency of memory accesses.

Adaptive scheduling queue control for memory controllers based upon page hit distance determinations


A method and apparatus for an integrated circuit having a offset reference circuit block to receive an external voltage reference and output an offset reference voltage are described herein.

Electrical input/output (I/O) standards define electrical properties such as operating voltage, driving current, level-switching behavior, etc., for communicative exchanges between components of a system. One class of I/O standards, commonly referred to as voltage-referenced, involves reference to a supplied voltage to determine the high/low state of signals. A voltage-referenced standard may provide for higher data transfer speeds with smaller voltage swings.
In typical operation, a platform implementing a voltage-referenced standard may use a reference voltage generator disposed on a motherboard to supply a reference voltage to various system components, such as, a central processing unit and a chipset. The reference voltage may be provided directly to the I/O buffer of the components to be used for interpreting/generating incoming/outgoing data signals. Unfortunately, dependence upon the reference voltage off of the motherboard as the component reference voltage may limit the effectiveness of the platform. A component may be forced to adapt to a reference voltage common to the platform without regard for the margins that are most suitable to the particular component. Still other components may be entirely incompatible with the platform reference voltage.


A device for osteosynthesis of bones by intra-marrowial fixation includes a tube (2) made of a non-elastic material, adapted to be inserted into the marrow cavity of a bone (1), one end (2') being sealed, and the other end being open, and a connection part (13), comprising a fixation part (4) designed to be inserted into the tube (2) for the fixation of the tube (2) in a hole of the bone (1), and a vent part (12) designed to be inserted into the fixation part (4) and for a tight connection therewith, and including a connection (8) for a line (14) for introducing a pressurized biologically inert liquid (10) into the tube (2) and releasing it therefrom, and a valve (9) for opening and closing the liquid passage through the vent. The tube (2) is filled with a biologically unobjectionable sterilizable liquid (10), for example water, gelatin solution or dextran solution, under a pressure of 200 to 1000 kPa.

For the osteosynthesis of bones, i.e. the connection of fragments of bones through surgical methods, usually different kinds of wires, splints, etc., are used for external osteosynthesis. On the other hand, for the so-called intra-marrowial cavity osteosynthesis, a solid metal rod is introduced into the marrow cavity of the respective bone over its whole length, thereby stabilizing the fragments during the whole period necessary for the natural healing process. For this type of intra-marrowial osteosynthesis, a lot of different kinds and types of nails and rods has been developed, differing in their shape, form and size and the materials used.
There is no question that a correctly executed intramarrowial osteosynthesis has a lot of advantages; however, there are also a few, but relevant disadvantages. This applies particularly for the most common method of open nailing. For this method, a relatively extensive instrumentarium is necessary, which also makes this method complex and expensive, since a broad variety of nails and rods are to be provided in view of the individual adaptation to the patient. This procedure is also time-consuming, particularly in cases when holes are to be drilled into the marrow cavity of the bone prior to the nailing, which also increases the risk of infections. Another disadvantage of this method is that the nails or rods fixed to the bone must be removed after the healing of the bone, i.e. usually within a period of about two months to about two years after application, which by itself is also a relatively demanding procedure.

Method and device for the osteosynthesis of bones


A system, in some embodiments, comprises: a drill string; a first receiver coil coupled to the drill string at a fixed tilt angle with respect to a longitudinal axis of the drill string; a second receiver coil coupled to the drill string at another fixed tilt angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the drill string; and a processor coupled to the first and second receiver coils and configured to trigonometrically manipulate a response of the first receiver coil and a response of the second receiver coil to determine a response of a modeled receiver coil having a desired tilt angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the drill string, wherein said responses are based on a subterranean formation layer.

Transmitter and receiver coils are frequently used in drilling operations to collect information about the formation into which a borehole is being drilled. This information is used to make informed decisions about the drilling operations—for instance, drill string inclination ("geosteering") and whether to drill into a new formation layer ("geostopping"). The usefulness of such transmitter and receiver coils is limited, however, because the coils are positioned in a fixed location and at a fixed tilt angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the drill string. If the coils cannot be physically rotated, it is difficult to scan the formation ahead of the drill bit. As a result, geosteering and geostopping decisions must be made based on limited information.

Modeled transmitter and receiver coils with variable title angles for formation scanning


A swing training device which positively prevents a player's wrists from uncocking until a desired point the swing is reached.

Sports such as golf, baseball, hockey and tennis require the holding and swinging of a shaft or handle (which maybe a club, racket or a stick) to hit an object (which may be a ball or a puck), with a high swing speed that generates strong force. The swinging of that shaft or handle be it a baseball bat, golf club, hockey stick or a tennis racket requires skill and a lot of practice, over a long period of time in order to do it well. Some of the problems are that such swing occurs so fast and is so complex with so many body parts moving simultaneously that it is impossible to figure out how well one is doing it and even more difficult to control the precise timing of these complex movements.


A method for generating input data for a SPICE simulator in which a preprocessor computer program automatically assigns one of the models in the SPICE deck for modeling a particular device in a circuit simulated by the SPICE deck. Data which specifies valid device size ranges for a particular model is added to the SPICE deck prior to preprocessing. The model is assigned by the preprocessor computer program based upon device size, whether it is connected to power supply or ground and device type (P or N). The preprocessor output data is in a format usable by a commercially available SPICE program.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to electronic circuit simulators and more particularly to a method for preprocessing input data for such a simulator.
2. Description of the Related Art
In a typical electronic circuit design situation, the designer begins by drawing a design of the circuit which the designer considers appropriate for a given application. Prior to the advent of electronic circuit simulators, a physical prototype or "breadboard" of the circuit would then be made, using a kit of parts (resistors, diodes, transistors, etc.) normally used by the designer's company in manufacturing circuits. The physical circuit would then be tested to determine if it operated as intended. If it did not, the designer would modify the design and the physical prototype, retest the modified prototype, and continue iteratively to refine the design until it operated satisfactorily.
Simulators have come to be widely used to facilitate the computer-aided engineering (CAE) and design (CAD) of electronic circuits and systems. Simulation enables a user to work with a proposed circuit at much less expense than it would be to work with a physical embodiment of the circuit. Simulation also enables the user to vary parameters of operation of the circuit more quickly than in a physical circuit.
A number of simulators have been developed which simulate the operation of integrated electronic circuits. The most widely used such simulator is SPICE, described by L. W. Nagel and D. O. Pederson, "Simulation Program With Integrated Circuit Emphasis (SPICE), " 16th Midwest Symposium on Circuit Theory, Waterloo, Ontario, (Apr. 12, 1973), and available as Electronics Research Laboratory Report No. ERL-M383, University of California, Berkeley, (Apr. 12, 1973). SPICE is a descendant of a simulator known as CANCER. L. W. Nagel and R. A. Rohrer, "Computer Analysis of Nonlinear Circuits, Excluding Radiation (CANCER)," IEEE J. Solid-State Circuits, Vol. SC-6, pp. 166-182, (August, 1971). A detailed description of SPICE is provided in L. W. Nagel, "SPICE2: A Computer Program to Simulate Semiconductor Circuits," Electronics Research Laboratory Report No. ERL-M520 (May 9, 1975), and Ellis Cohen, "Program Reference for SPICE2," Report No. ERL-M592, both available from the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, University of California, Berkeley. The foregoing cited papers are incorporated herein by reference.
SPICE and other integrated circuit simulators typically include a lumped parameter characterization of ideal components used in an integrated circuit. These include passive components such as resistors, inductors and capacitors. Active components, such as diodes, bipolar transistors and field effect transistors (JFETs and MOSFETs), are provided by models which include a specification of various structural features and parameters that affect their operation. SPICE is also capable of simulating ideal current and voltage sources, and these sources can be either independent or controlled by other currents or voltages in a circuit.
In the prior art, after design of the circuit, the designer typically generates, at a keyboard input to a computer, a line of code which specifies each device in the circuit. The active devices are typically specified by an identifying number, a set of node numbers which identifies the circuit nodes to which the device terminals are attached, whether the device is N or P type, the device width and length and the model assigned to simulate operation of the device.
The model assigned to simulate a particular device depends upon several factors. First, if the device is connected to a power supply or to a ground node, a different model may be selected if the device is not so connected. Secondly, some models are suitable for modelling P type devices whereas others are designed to model N type devices. Finally, a particular model is typically suitable only for devices within a given size range. Thus, the circuit designer is faced with assigning a particular model for each device in the circuit. This presents a tedious task for an integrated circuit having several thousand active devices.
One SPICE program which operates generally as described above is HSPICE, Version 8907, published by Meta Software of San Jose, Calif. HSPICE includes an accompanying user's manual which is incorporated herein by reference. Two types of input data are typically provided to a SPICE program, such as HSPICE. First, model data defines a preselected number of models, including models of active components. Each active component model includes a specification of various structural features and parameters. Secondly, device data is provided in the form referred to above, namely a device number, the circuit nodes to which the device is connected, device size and type and identification of one of the models from the model data for modeling the particular device.
Data specifying a particular model is referred to as a model card while data specifying a particular device is referred to as a device card. Each set of data comprises a line of code in a listing. Such nomenclature stems from the days when a punched computer card contained the data necessary for each specified model or device. All of the device cards and model cards are referred to collectively as a SPICE deck. The model cards are developed by empirical testing of a physical device and may be used in simulations of different circuits made with similar processes. The device cards are hand coded, i.e., data is entered at a keyboard, for a particular circuit design. When the SPICE deck is loaded into a computer programmed with an electronic circuit simulator, the computer simulates operation of the circuit.
Also known in the prior art is use of a schematic computer program, like the EDGE schematics package by Cadence Design Systems, in which a schematic diagram of the integrated circuit design is created. Such a program can automatically provide a portion of the device card data, namely device number, circuit nodes to which the device is connected and device type and size. The model selected to model a particular device is based on the device size, whether it is connected to a power supply or ground and device type. Model selection is determined by the designer and data indicating a particular model is added to each device card by hand-coding the same from a computer terminal.
Each model includes data indicating whether the model is appropriate for modeling a device connected to a power supply or to ground and whether the model is suitable for a P or an N device. Although a particular model is generally valid only for modeling devices within a specified size range, SPICE programs typically do not have an input data format to accommodate data indicating the device size range for which the model is valid. The data in the model card thus provides no indication as to the device size range for which the model is valid.
It would be desirable to eliminate the hand-coding associated with assigning a model to each device.
It is a general object of the present invention to provide a less time consuming and less error prone method for generating input data for an electronic circuit simulator which automatically assigns a model for each device in a specified electronic circuit.
It is a more specific object of the present invention to provide such a method which generates data specifying the circuit devices, and an associated model for each device, in a format compatible with the data input format for an electronic circuit simulator.
It is another specific object of the present invention to provide such a method in which each model for an active device is associated with a device size range for which the model is valid.
The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of the invention will become more readily apparent from the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment which proceeds with reference to the drawings.

Method for generating input data for an electronic circuit simulator


A packaged MEMS device may include an embedding arrangement, a MEMS device disposed in the embedding arrangement, a sound port disposed in the embedding arrangement and acoustically coupled to the MEMS device, and a grille within the sound port. Some embodiments relate to a sound transducer component including an embedding material and a substrate-stripped MEMS die embedded into the embedding material. The MEMS die may include a diaphragm for sound transduction. The sound transducer component may further include a sound port within the embedding material in fluidic or acoustic contact with the diaphragm. Further embodiments relate to a method for packaging a MEMS device or to a method for manufacturing a sound transducer component.

In the technical field of electronic devices and microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), there is a trend towards miniaturization and heterogeneous system integration. Among others, the desire for miniaturization and heterogeneous system integration calls for new packaging technologies which also allow large area processing and 3D integration with potential for low-cost applications. Two major packaging trends in this area are thin film technique and the so called Chip-in-Substrate Package technique (CiSP).
Typically, the main functions of a chip package may be to attach a semiconductor chip or semiconductor die at a printed circuit board (PCB) and to electrically connect the integrated circuit that is implemented on the semiconductor chip/die with the circuit(s) that is/are present on the printed circuit board. The chip may be arranged on an interposer. Furthermore, the package may provide protection for the die against damage and environmental influences (dirt, moisture, etc.).

System and method for packaged MEMS device having embedding arrangement, MEMS die, and grille


A method for characterizing a desired property of a fluid downhole is described. In some non-limiting examples, the method comprises receiving an input signal representing sound speed of a fluid downhole, processing the input signal using a correlation equation expressing the desired property in terms of at least sound speed to produce an output signal representing the desired property, and outputting the output signal. In some examples, the correlation equation is derived through a chemometric analysis of a training data set, the training data set comprises a plurality of input values and a plurality of output values derived from said input values, between the desired fluid property and the first measured property, and the output values are calculated from the input values using a series of correlation equations. In at least one example, the desired property is gas oil ratio. In another example, the desired property is gas brine ratio. In a further example, the series of correlation equations comprises the Batzle and Wang relations. In another example, the receiving comprises receiving a plurality of input signals representing a plurality of measured properties of a fluid downhole and the processing comprises processing the plurality of input signals using the correlation equation expressing the desired property in terms of the plurality of measured properties.

This application is entitled to the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/931,381 for "Estimating gas-oil ratio from other physical properties," filed May 23, 2007. Knowing the gas-oil ratio (GOR) of crude oil formations is of considerable interest to those involved in the exploration and production of hydrocarbons (oil and gas). Various methods for estimating GOR of a fluid downhole based on performing infrared spectroscopy are already well known in the art. GOR is typically characterized in terms of a number of standard cubic feet of gas per stock tank barrel of oil. For black oils, GOR is typically less than 2000 standard cubic feet of gas per stock tank barrel of oil. For volatile oils, GOR is typically between 2000 and 3300 standard cubic feet of gas per stock tank barrel of oil. Gas and oil density and modulus, as well as oil viscosity, increase with molecular weight and pressure, and decrease with temperature. Gas viscosity has a similar behavior, except at higher temperatures and lower pressures, where the viscosity will increase slightly with increasing temperature. Large amounts of gas go into solution in lighter oils and substantially lower the modulus and viscosity.
Brine modulus, density, and viscosities increase with increasing salt content and pressure. Brine is peculiar because the modulus reaches a maximum at a temperature from 40 to 80° C. Far less gas can be absorbed by brines than by light oils. As a result, gas in solution in oils can drive their modulus so far below that of brines that seismic reflection "bright spots" may develop from the interface between the oil-saturated and brine-saturated rocks.
A prior reference of particular note with respect to pore fluids is Batzle and Wang, "Seismic Properties of Fluids," Geophysics, v. 57, no. 11, pp. 1396-1408 (November, 1992) (hereinafter, "Batzle and Wang," which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety for all purposes). The teachings of Batzle and Wang, commonly and collectively referred to as the Batzle and Wang relations, are widely known to and used by those of ordinary skill in the art.
In general terms, the Batzle and Wang relations comprise a series of separate correlation equations for sound speed and for GOR in terms of other parameters but it does not provide any equation for GOR in terms of sound speed, live oil density, pressure, and temperature. For example, one Batzle and Wang correlation equation relates gas-containing ("live") oil density to GOR, gas density, and formation volume factor. Another Batzle and Wang correlation equation relates formation volume factor to GOR, gas density, stock-tank ("dead") oil density, and temperature. The sound speed of live oil can be estimated by substituting for dead-oil density a pseudo-density based on expansion caused by gas intake into the equation for sound speed of dead oil. The sound speed of live oil at borehole temperatures and pressures is generally between 1100 and 1700 meters per second. Still another Batzle and Wang correlation equation relates the pseudo-density to formation volume factor, GOR, and stock-tank oil density.
Another reference, Han and Batzle, Velocity, Density and Modulus of Hydrocarbon Fluids—Data Measurement," Society of Exploration Geophysicists Technical Program, Expanded Abstracts, 2000, pp. 1862-1866, doi:10.1190/1.1815792 (hereinafter, "Han and Batzle," which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety for all purposes) elaborates on the Batzle and Wang formulations and is similarly widely known in the art.
While the utility of the Batzle and Wang approach to pore fluid characterization and the seismic significance of fluid and rock properties is widely recognized, there remain perceived shortcomings to such an approach, inasmuch as the suite of equations commonly ascribed to Batzle and Wang cannot be algebraically solved simultaneously to derive GOR values from sound speed, live oil density, pressure, and temperature because of their complexity. It is well-known to those of ordinary skill in the art that the roots of fifth-order or higher polynomials cannot in general be solved in terms of simple algebraic functions. This poses certain undesirable limitations on the practical utility of the prior art for this purpose of this invention as exemplified by Batzle and Wang and its progeny. For example, Batzle and Wang express GOR in terms of stock tank oil density and other parameters, which cannot be measured downhole.
In particular, it has heretofore not been shown a feasible methodology for characterizing the gas-oil ratios of a fluid downhole in terms of parameters, such as sound speed and live oil density, which are measurable downhole.


The present invention is a method of generating a model of a random field which has directionally varying continuity. First, a tentative model for the random field is specified. Second, connected strings of nodes within the model are identified. Third, a spectral simulation on each of the strings of nodes is performed to determine updated values for the random field. Finally, the tentative model is updated with the data values from the spectral simulations.

Geologic models are commonly used in the petroleum exploration and production industry to characterize petroleum reservoirs and depositional basins. The term "geologic model" may represent either the entire volume of a subsurface volume of interest to an analyst, or a single region of interest within that larger subsurface volume. Geologic models are generally in the form of a three-dimensional array of blocks, sometimes referred to as cells. Furthermore, geologic modeling techniques frequently refer to nodes within a model; each such node generally falls at the center of any such block or cell. Occasionally models are in the form of an array of points, in which case each point is a node. However, hereafter, without limitation, geologic models will be referred to as being constructed of an array of blocks.
A geologic model's characterization of the subsurface derives from the assigning of geologic rock properties, such as lithology, porosity, acoustic impedance, permeability, and water saturation, to each of the blocks in the model. The process of assigning values to the blocks is generally constrained by stratigraphic or structural surfaces and boundaries, such as facies changes, that separate regions of different geologic and geophysical properties within the subsurface. Because geologic models are frequently used to simulate the performance of a reservoir over time, the importance of accurately assigning the values to each of the blocks results from the fact that the spatial continuity of the rock properties in a petroleum reservoir can significantly influence fluid flow from the reservoir. More accurate geologic model characterizations of rock-property spatial continuity allow more accurate planning of the production that can be attained from the reservoir. For this reason, methods of improving the accuracy of the characterization of rock-property spatial continuity in geologic models are desired.
Industry presently uses geostatistical algorithms to characterize the three-dimensional spatial continuity of a rock property in a geologic model. These algorithms use a variogram to quantify the spatial variability of the rock property as a function of both separation distance and direction between individual blocks in the model. Another form of geostatistical simulation is spectral simulation, which uses the amplitude spectrum to control the three-dimensional continuity of rock properties within the model. The amplitude spectrum is the frequency-domain representation of the variogram. There are several advantages of spectral simulation over more traditional geostatistical simulation methods that use variograms. These advantages include computation speed, particularly when using the fast Fourier transform, and the ability to directly measure and model rock-property continuity as a function of continuity scale (spectral frequency), a feature unique to spectral simulation.
Nevertheless, all geostatistical algorithms, including spectral simulation, at present suffer from the limiting assumption of stationarity in the geologic characteristics of the modeled subsurface region. In other words, geostatistical algorithms assume that a modeled rock property can be represented by a single set of statistical measures, which are often referred to as global measures. For example, a single global variogram model or amplitude spectrum would be used to represent the spatial continuity of the modeled rock property over all blocks of the entire model. The variogram or spectrum defines both the desired range (magnitude or separation distance) and dominant direction of the continuity, assuming an anisotropic model. A limitation of this method, however, is that it is well known in the art that the geologic characteristics of the subsurface are non-stationary. Specifically, the spatial continuity of a rock property may change locally within the model, sometimes according to predictable or measurable trends. These local changes will be referred to as local measures, and may be characterized by local variogram models.
For example, consider the sediments deposited in a river channel. Paleo-hydrodynamics control the distribution of the lithological and petrophysical properties within this channel. It is understood in the art that the continuity of these properties is anisotropic—typically greatest along the channel and less continuous across channel. It is also understood that sinuosity may cause channel reaches to locally vary in direction; therefore, rock-property continuity will also locally vary in direction. Most geostatistical methods do not allow the direction of continuity to vary spatially, but instead impose the limitation of a single direction of maximum continuity on the model.
Very few geostatistical modeling methods have attempted to address this limitation. Xu (1996) developed a geostatistical algorithm that can model locally varying orientations of the rock properties. When assigning a rock-property value to a geologic-model block, the variogram orientation is rotated to match the local orientation of rock-property continuity. Azimuths assigned to each geologic model block represent this local orientation. Azimuths are distances in angular degrees, generally in a clockwise direction from north. These azimuths may be obtained from any source, including well or seismic data interpretation. However, when assigning a property value to a geologic-model block, this method must assume an identical local orientation of rock-property continuity for all blocks within the local search radius, even if the azimuths differ for each block. This limits the ability to model locally rapid changes in continuity orientation. In addition, the method is a variant of traditional geostatistical algorithms that use variograms and, as compared to spectral simulation, suffers from the limitations noted above.
More recently, Jones et al. described, in a co-pending patent application titled "Method for Locally Varying Spatial Continuity in Geologic Models," a method of building geologic models in which the direction of greatest continuity bends spatially according to geologic or geophysical interpretation. This interpretation leads to the path and orientation of maximum continuity, defined by a thalweg. A thalweg is a reference line, often a centerline, through an interpreted geologic feature, such as a seismically interpreted channel complex. The fundamental idea behind the method is to transform the coordinate system prior to modeling so that the thalweg is linear in a new coordinate system. Standard geostatistical methods may be used in the new coordinate system, which then involves a constant orientation of continuity. After geostatistical simulation, the original coordinate system is restored, providing a model in which continuity follows the path of the thalweg. This invention works well to condition rock-property continuity in geologic features that can be associated with and described by a single thalweg; i.e., features with continuity directions that align with a single thalweg, such as a channel feature. However, the invention does not work well to condition rock-property continuity in geologic features or regions having more complex continuity patterns; i.e., features with continuity directions that cannot be defined by a single thalweg, such as a complex deltaic geometry.
There is a need for a method whereby the direction of maximum continuity within a random field, such as a three-dimensional geologic model, can be locally varied. More specifically, there is a need for a method which allows the modeler to vary the direction of maximum rock-property continuity at any location in the geologic model according to local azimuth and/or dip information, using spectral simulation as the geostatistical modeling method. Any such method should allow use of information from geologic or geophysical data to determine or deduce the extent to which continuity locally varies in a specific direction within the modeled region of the subsurface, and thereby provide the ability to accurately represent this variability within the geologic model and to simulate reservoir flow performance which reflects this variability. The present invention satisfies that need.

Method of conditioning a random field to have directionally varying anisotropic continuity


A ring-shaped resistance heater for supplying heat to a growing single crystal, contains an upper and a lower ring, which are electrically conductively connected by means of a loop adjacent to a ring gap of one ring, such that the flow direction of electric current which is conducted through the rings is opposite in the rings; connecting elements which hold the upper and lower rings together in a spaced apart relationship; and current leads for conducting electric current through the upper and lower rings.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a ring-shaped resistance heater for supplying heat to a growing single crystal.
2. Background Art
One method for producing single crystals is the Czochralski method. It is employed, for example, for producing single crystals composed of silicon. In accordance with this method, firstly a melt is produced in a crucible, then a seed crystal is brought into contact with the melt and, finally, a single crystal suspended from the seed crystal is caused to grow by the seed crystal being pulled upward from the surface of the melt.
It is advantageous if heat can be supplied to the growing single crystal by means of a ring-shaped resistance heater, which is also called a ring heater hereinafter. Thus, US 2004/0192015 describes a method wherein heat is supplied to the phase boundary of the growing single crystal by means of a ring heater in order to homogenize the axial temperature gradients at the phase boundary along the radius of the single crystal. The aim of the measure is to influence the formation of intrinsic point defects to the effect that the defect properties of the grown single crystal are as uniform as possible in a radial direction.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,132,507 mentions that a ring heater can also be used to reduce fluctuations of the diameter of the single crystal and the growth rate.
The inventors of the present invention have ascertained that the use of a ring heater for supplying heat to a growing single crystal poses difficulties if, at the same time, a strong external magnetic field is built up in order to influence the flow in the melt. An electromagnetic interaction between the external magnetic field and the magnetic field generated by the ring heater occurs in such a case. The Lorentz force acting on the ring heater can alter the position of the ring heater, damage the ring heater or even destroy the latter.
U.S. Pat. No. 7,335,864 B2 describes the fact that the inherent magnetic field of a resistance heater can be reduced by a heating coil being wound in a bifilar fashion, such that the electric current flows in opposite directions through the partial turns of the heating coil. However, despite the use of a ring heater modified in this way, the difficulties mentioned cannot be eliminated satisfactorily because the interaction between the magnetic fields remains, albeit in weakened form.

Ring-shaped resistance heater for supplying heat to a growing single crystal


A route priority configuration method, a device, and a controller. The controller receives an interface creation request for creating a layer 3 interface on a target device, where the interface creation request carries an IP address and a subnet mask. The controller generates a direct route of the layer 3 interface based on the interface creation request; allocates a route priority to the direct route according to a preset allocation rule; and sends the direct route and the route priority corresponding to the direct route to the target device. According to the embodiments, direct routes generated based on a same IP address can correspond to different route priorities, to avoid a case in which direct routes advertised by different distributed gateways form ECMP, and improve route priority configuration efficiency.

A virtual extensible local area network (VXLAN) is a network virtualization technology. When a device needs to access a virtualized network, a VXLAN gateway is used. The VXLAN gateway may provide packet transmission for the device. To relieve pressure on a single VXLAN gateway and improve forwarding efficiency of the VXLAN gateway, a VXLAN distributed gateway technology is proposed currently. The VXLAN distributed gateway technology refers to that different VXLAN distributed gateways deployed on two or more devices are configured with a same IP address and provide a gateway service at the same time.
All of the VXLAN distributed gateways have the same IP address, and each VXLAN distributed gateway advertises a direct route based on the IP address. Therefore, in a VXLAN distributed gateway scenario, direct routes corresponding to layer 3 interfaces configured on the devices form equal-cost multi-path (ECMP). The direct route is defined relative to a remote route. The direct route is generated by a device based on an IP address of an interface of the device. The remote route is generated based on an IP address of an interface of another device. The ECMP indicates a number of different paths to a same destination IP address or a same destination network segment. The number of paths have same costs. However, because all ECMP occupies hardware resources of a device, ECMP needs to be avoided when the ECMP cannot be used or is not required by a user.
In an existing technical solution, route priorities of direct routes that can form ECMP are manually modified to avoid unnecessary ECMP. However, a workload of modifying the route priorities is relatively heavy, and an error is very likely to occur in a manual modification manner, thereby affecting route priority configuration efficiency.

Route priority configuration method, device, and controller


A climbing support is provided for aiding a climber in scaling a tree, pole, or other generally vertical surface. The climbing support includes an elongate body that supports a plurality of steps, a strap, cable, or other flexible securing member that is wrapped around the tree, and a retractor for stowing the flexible securing member so that it is extendable and retractable from the support. The climbing support is thus substantially self-contained so that it does not require separate components for installation or use. Standoffs may be provided for stabilizing the support in a location spaced from the tree. Optionally, the climbing support's steps, standoffs, and elongate body are collapsible to compact configurations for stowage or transport.

The ability to safely and efficiently climb or scale trees, poles such as telephone or powerline poles, and similar structures or surfaces is useful for reaching elevated hunting blinds, servicing utility wires, and the like. Although ladder-like "climbing sticks" are sometimes used for climbing, these are typically tied or strapped to trees or poles using loose ropes or straps, and are generally bulky and time consuming to install and remove.


The present invention provides a sensor device for detecting a substance contained in a fluid comprising a first photonic crystal region, a second photonic crystal region, a first channel which is connected to the first photonic crystal region, and passes the fluid containing the substance therein, a second channel which is connected to the second photonic crystal region, and passes a fluid for reference therein, an optical waveguide which is connected to the first photonic crystal region and the second photonic crystal region, and guides light, and a detecting section for detecting a difference between a light which has passed through the optical waveguide and the first photonic crystal region and a light which has passed through the optical waveguide and the second photonic crystal region.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a sensor device used for measuring the refractive index of a fluid flowing in a channel and detecting a target substance in the fluid.
2. Related Background Art
In recent years, a high-performance biochip and a high-performance sensor using a new technology for analyzing/detecting an organism have been expected as means of realizing a brief home medical examination and proteomics for elucidating the structure and function of protein. For instance, a sensor device using a DNA chip, a DNA microarray, surface plasmon resonance, a multiplex internal reflection method and a photonic crystal has been suggested, researched and developed.
A method for analyzing/detecting an organism using a DNA-microarray makes use of the molecular recognition capacity of a DNA molecule. The DNA microarray has several types of DNA or oligonucleotide arranged on a small carrier such as glass at high density. When a gene is analyzed with the organism-analyzing method, the DNA to be arranged there is cDNA of genetic origin, or the like. As an example, a case of analyzing the gene will be described below. The gene expression is analyzed by the steps of labeling a mRNA or cDNA sample extracted from a specimen with a fluorescent dye; immersing the DNA microarray into a solution containing the labeled sample to make each spot in the DNA microarray emit different fluorescent colors depending on the hybridized ways of a DNA probe with the sample; and analyzing the intensity of the fluorescent signal.
Particularly, a DNA microarray having DNA integrated on the surface of a silicon substrate with the use of photolithography has been called a DNA chip. In a gene analysis using the DNA chip, several types of oligonucleotide are artificially synthesized each in separate micro areas on the surface of a substrate such as glass and a semiconductor. The procedure of the analysis employs hybridization and fluorescent labeling, as in the case of using the DNA microarray. The DNA chip is commercially available under the registered trademark of Gene Chip by Affymetrix Corporation in the United States. Recently, even the DNA microarray prepared by using means such as an ink jet technique other than lithography has been called the DNA chip.
One problem of a procedure using a DNA microarray is to need fluorescent labeling. When the sample is labeled, a procedure of labeling the sample may deteriorate the specificity in DNA hybridization or cause variation in labeling due to variation in the procedure, which may deteriorate the quantitativity of the analysis. Accordingly, the analysis method has not yet been practically used in the true sense in a medical scene. On the other hand, an organism-analyzing/detecting method which does not need fluorescent labeling has been also developed actively. Examples of them are the methods of using the above described surface plasmon resonance, multiple internal reflection method and photonic crystal. The methods all use light for detection.
Generally, a sensor device using light for detection often employs a structure using an interference effect of light. A method for composing the interference sensor device includes a ring type, a Michelson type, a Fabry-Perot type and a Mach-Zehnder type, and they are used in accordance with the purpose.
FIG. 2 shows a schematic block diagram of a Mach-Zehnder interferometer constituted by a Y-branched waveguide formed on a substrate 204. Light 207 emitted from a light source 205 propagates through an optical waveguide 201, and is divided into two light waves at the first Y-branched waveguide 209. The two light waves respectively propagate through the optical waveguide 203 and the optical waveguide 211, and are synthesized into one at the second Y-branched waveguide 210. The synthesized light propagates through the optical waveguide 202, and is emitted from the optical waveguide 202 as light 208. The complex amplitude information of the light 208 is detected in a photo-detecting section 206. If an optical power meter is employed for the photo-detecting section, the intensity of the synthesized light (the intensity of interference light) can be measured with it.
FIG. 3 shows one example of a relationship between a phase difference Δψ between two light waves and the intensity I of interference light, when two light waves having the same angular frequency are synthesized. When each of the two light waves is assumed to have the complex amplitude of A1 cos(ψ1−ωt) and the complex amplitude of A2 cos(ψ2−ωt), I equals (A1+A2)2 when the phase difference Δψ is even-numbered times of π, which is the maximum intensity. On the other hand, when the phase difference Δψ is odd-numbered times of π, I equals (A1−A2)2, which is the minimized intensity.
When the optical path lengths of optical waveguides 203 and 211 are equal, a phase difference becomes 0 and the intensity of interference light is maximized. When an environment in any one of the optical waveguides 203 and 211 changes, and consequently the optical path length changes, the lights having propagated through the optical waveguide 203 and the optical waveguide 211 cause the difference of the phases between them. As a result, the intensity 208 of the interference light changes. By deciding the maximum intensity of the interference light as a reference value and measuring a change in the intensity from the maximum intensity, an amount of change in the environment having occurred in any one of the optical waveguides 203 and 211 can be estimated.
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-075447 proposes a method for measuring a change of a resonance mode of the photoexcited surface plasmon on a metallic surface with detected light, which is formed due to the coupling of antigen with antibody when the metal surface having the antibody carried thereon contacts with a solution containing the antigen.
A sensor device disclosed in Applied Physics Letters, Vol. 82, No. 26, 30 Jun. 2003, pp. 4648-4650 has a structure of introducing several types of liquids into a micro resonator laser prepared by using a photonic crystal, and measuring the shift of the wavelength of an emitted laser occurring due to a difference of refractive indexes.
When a state of a photonic crystal changes, for instance, a refractive index of a substance constituting the periodic structure of the photonic crystal, or an adsorbed state of another substance to the structure changes, the optical characteristics of the photonic crystal such as a transmission spectrum change. Accordingly, by detecting a change in the optical characteristic of the photonic crystal corresponding with a change in physical quantity such as the concentration of a specified substance in the sample to be detected, the information on the change in the physical quantity of a sample to be detected can be obtained.
When the optical characteristics of the photonic crystal change, incident light onto the photonic crystal is modulated. The modulation includes, for instance, the increase and decrease of the intensity of light, and changes in the phase and the spectral shape of the light. The form of light emitting from the crystal includes transmitted light, luminescent light and reflected light. FIG. 9 diagrammatically shows the state in which a wavelength λ of the light having transmitted through the photonic crystal shifts by Δλ in a spectrum, due to the change of the refractive index of an analyte. Generally, when the refractive index of the photonic crystal increases, the transmission spectrum shifts to a longer side of wavelength. If a quantitative relationship would exist between the amount of the change in the refractive index and the shifted amount of the wavelength, the refractive index can be measured by measuring the transmission spectrum.
A Si (silicon)-two-dimensional photonic crystal can be prepared relatively easily by applying a semiconductor microprocessing technology. FIGS. 1A and 1B show one example of the Si-two-dimensional photonic crystal prepared on a SOI (Silicon On Insulator) substrate. FIG. 1A is a plan view, and FIG. 1B is a sectional view taken in a median line indicated by 1B-1B on FIG. 1A. The Si-two-dimensional photonic crystal has a SiO2 layer 102 formed on a Si substrate 103; a Si layer 101 further formed thereon; and holes 104 hexagonally symmetrically arranged in the Si layer 101. The Si-two-dimensional photonic crystal has a planar shape, is prepared in a plane process, has a micro size, and accordingly is relatively easily merged with a μ-TAS (also called Micro Total Analysis System or Lab on Chip). By the same token, it is easy to form an optical waveguide in a μ-TAS. Accordingly, in an organism-analyzing/detecting method using the μ-TAS, several Si-two-dimensional photonic crystals and several optical waveguides can be used.
However, a conventional sensor device using a photonic crystal has high sensitivity, and accordingly unavoidably sensitively responds to various environmental changes. As a result, the conventional sensor device has had a problem that a signal-to-noise ratio is decreased when there is a signal to be unexpectedly detected, which is not the signal based on the change to be detected and is so-called disturbance. The disturbance is caused by a change of a refractive index occurring due to a temperature change, deformation in the photonic crystal due to an external force and thermal expansion, vibration and the fluctuation of the density of a buffer solution.
For example, disturbance due to a temperature change will be now described. When the temperature of a photonic crystal rises, the shape of the photonic crystal also changes due to thermal expansion, and simultaneously the refractive index changes. The two effects conspire to shift the wavelength of a transmission spectrum to a longer side, along with the increase of the temperature. When expressing an amount of the shift with Δλ2, the total amount of the shift of the transmission spectrum is expressed by Δλ=Δλ1+Δλ2. It is difficult to detect only the shifted amount Δλ1 caused by a change in a refractive index, by extracting it from the total amount, and as a result, the shifted amount Δλ2 lowers the sensitivity of the sensor.

Photonic crystal and waveguide sensor device


A method is disclosed for high volume production of molded dimensionally accurate polymer composite articles comprising three-dimensional carbon fiber reinforcement in high volume. Carbon fiber cloth infiltrated with a liquid thermosetting polymer precursor is shaped by application of pressure to urge the cloth against the surface of a mold and then heated while under pressure to cure the polymer precursor into a solid polymeric matrix for the carbon fiber article. Mold tooling is formed of suitable iron-nickel alloys and provided with a hard electroless nickel coating on the mold cavity surface. The iron and nickel alloy provides thermal expansion properties generally matched to those of the articles for the molding of dimensionally accurate parts. The nickel alloy coating provides a durable surface to resist abrasion by the carbon fiber cloth without adversely affecting the expansion properties of the mold, and remains adherent to the base metal during the repeated thermal cycling encountered in high volume production.

Carbon fiber composite parts comprise carbon fiber cloth impregnated with a matrix polymer such as a suitable epoxy resin composition. While epoxy resins are commonly used matrix polymers, other polymers such as polyester resins, vinyl ester resins, polypropylene resins, or polyamide resins are also suitable. In low volume production of a given part, a thermosetting composite article is usually produced by layering sheets of carbon fiber cloth onto a mold cavity surface that defines the shape of the desired product. The alignment and weave of the carbon fibers in the cloth may be important in the mechanical performance of the resulting product. The layered sheets of carbon fiber cloth are carefully infiltrated and impregnated with uncured liquid polymer material. The liquid material is carefully flowed around each fiber or strand of the cloth to form a fiber and liquid composite with minimal air or gas voids. The liquid is uncured precursor material for the thermosetting polymeric material that will constitute a solid matrix around each fiber of the carbon cloth or other fibrous carbon reinforcing material. Impregnation with the liquid polymer precursor may be accomplished before or after the layered sheets are placed in the mold. There the layers are compacted into a desired shape and the liquid polymeric precursor matrix is heated and cured to a solid matrix. The cured polymer-carbon fiber composite product is light in weight and very strong.
For low volume production liquid polymer precursor (sometimes called "resin") impregnated carbon cloth sheets (called "prepreg") may be laid up by hand on a single-sided tool. Prepreg sheets about 0.2 mm thick and comprising, for example, 40 weight percent liquid epoxy resin precursor and 60 weight percent of a single layer of carbon cloth are cut to a desired shape and laid up in multiple layers on a mold surface to obtain a part shape. The assembly is then placed in a vacuum and compressed and heated to promote resin flow to eliminate voids in the molding. Heating at a suitable temperature cures the epoxy resin (or other resin material) to form a strong carbon composite product characterized by reinforcing layers of carbon fiber cloth in a polymer matrix. This composite is very strong and its constituents are of relatively low specific gravity. Compared to other candidate materials of construction, carbon fiber composites provide a unique combination of stiffness and low weight.
High value carbon fiber composite parts are used, for example, in aerospace applications, high performance sail boats and bicycles, and in racing vehicles or unique light-weight super cars. These "high value" applications permit the use of high labor cost, hand lay-up molding practices. And the low production volumes permit the use of molding tool materials that do not provide hard surfaces for resisting wear from the abrasive composite materials. The high volume production, for example, of automobile body panels requires molding tools in which many identical panels may be successively formed to high dimensional accuracy.
Invar tooling has been used for molding precision carbon fiber composite panels with complex geometry in both aircraft and automotive industries. The alloy, Invar-36, consists, by weight, of 36% nickel and 64% iron. It became the preferred tooling material because of its unique thermal expansion behavior: a coefficient of linear thermal expansion (CLTE) of
2×10−6 per ° C. in the temperature range of 25° C.-150° C., very close to that of the carbon fiber composites. The tooling material is considered to be too soft for production of a large number of composite parts. The hardness of Invar-36 (80 HRB) is significantly lower than that of the P20 tool steel (50 HRC), suggesting that Invar tooling will not be sufficiently wear-durable by automotive standards even for low volume production.
It is an object of this invention to provide a suitable tool material for molding liquid polymer precursor infiltrated, carbon fiber composite parts in high volumes where the tool surface is continually and repeatedly exposed to abrasive contact with the composite material. An example of such a manufacturing situation is the molding of automotive body panels at automotive production volumes.

Method for molding of polymer composites comprising three-dimensional carbon reinforcement using a durable tool


The present invention is a scanning monochromator for producing a light beam which rapidly and repetitively varies in wavelength. The device is a subtractive double monochromator in which an intermediate slit is moved to effect wavelength scanning; the intermediate slit fitted in a rotating disk positioned at the intermediate focal plane of the monochromator. Two forms of the device are disclosed.

A grating monochromator is an optical device which disperses the light from a radiant source into its constituent wavelengths and focuses one wavelength at the exit slit of the device, there to be observed or utilized.
Monochromators usually comprise a housing with an entrance slit to receive light into the housing, a grating positioned within the housing to receive and disperse the light passing through the entrance slit, and an exit slit in the housing positioned to transmit a narrow bandwidth of the light dispersed by the grating. The grating can pivot within the housing to direct different wavelengths of the spectrum through the exit slit for use or observation.
A grating spectrograph is an optical device related closely to a monochromator. Like a monochromator, a spectrograph disperses a beam of light into its constituent wavelengths. However, a monochromator focuses only a narrow band of wavelengths at the exit aperture or slit, while the design of the spectrograph is such that the entire spectrum of wavelengths present in the source is focused at the exit focal plane. Thus, a spectrograph is a polychromator, as multiple wavelengths are present simultaneously in linear array at the exit focal plane. The position along the spectrum determines which wavelength is present.
Many monochromators and spectrographs function with a single grating. A double grating system, however, offers improved spectral resolution and greatly reduced stray light ("stray light" being light of a wavelength other than that intended).
The well-known equation (ref 1) describing the behavior of a plane, reflective, diffraction grating is shown below. If i is the angle of incidence, d the angle of diffraction, s the distance between the rulings, n the order of the spectrum, then the wavelength (lambda) is EQU LAMBDA=s/n(sin i+sin d) (1)
If only first order diffraction is considered, n=1, s=constant for any particular grating, therefore, EQU LAMBDA=constant (sin i+sin d) (2)
Examination of equation 2 reveals that there are three ways that the wavelength, lambda, can be changed or scanned.
Case I: d is fixed and i is varied. This is the case of a device with a fixed grating, fixed exit slit, and moving entrance slit. PA0 Case II: i is fixed and d is varied. This is the case of a device with a fixed grating, fixed entrance slit, and moving exit slit. PA0 Case III: Both i and d are varied. This is the case of a device with a rotatable grating and fixed entrance and exit slits.
The present invention corresponds to Case I. That is, the single grating version uses a moving entrance slit so that the angle of incidence i varies as the slit moves. The double grating version can be viewed in the same way, since the moving intermediate slit is the entrance slit to the second half of the double system.
In the single grating version of the present invention, the entrance slit moves laterally along the length of a linear light source, so that the light admitted to the device strikes the diffraction grating at varying angles of incidence. Since the exit slit of the monochromator is fixed in position, only one wavelength of light will emerge from it since only one wavelength of light satisfies the grating equation for each different angle of incidence and fixed angle of diffraction.
The double grating version of the present invention is a form of subtractive double monochromator. These devices have been described and analyzed in the literature (see references 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5).
Double monochromators are devices which use two monochromators where the exit slit of the first monochromator is the entrance slit of the second monochromator. Thus, a double monochromator has an entrance slit, an intermediate slit, and an exit slit and the first dispersing element (diffraction grating) forms a real spectral image in the plane of the intermediate slit. If the dispersing elements of the monochromators are arranged so that the dispersion of the second element adds to the dispersion of the first element, the device is termed an "additive double monochromator." These devices exhibit low stray light and high dispersion and are very widely used. If the dispersing elements are arranged so that the dispersion of the second element subtracts from the dispersion of the first, the device is termed a "subtractive double monochromator." Subtractive double monochromators also provide very low stray light since the second half of the device reduces the already low stray light passing from the first half; this property is particularly important in spectrophotometric applications requiring high photometric accuracy.
The double grating version of the present invention can be described as a subtractive double grating monochromator in which the intermediate slit is rapidly and repeatedly moved (in a way to be described) across the real spectral image formed in the plane of the intermediate slit, thereby causing a rapid sweeping or scanning of the wavelength of the light admitted to the second half of the device wherein the light is de-dispersed or combined to a single beam irrespective of wavelength which beam emerges from the exit aperture of the monochromator.

Rapid-scanning monochromator with moving intermediate slit


A chewable tablet comprising Cefixime having a mean particle size between 20μ and 120μ wherein the said composition demonstrates bioequivalence to a suspension of Cefixime trihydrate. The process of preparation of the chewable tablet comprises the steps of optionally micronizing Cefixime such that the mean particle size of the Cefixime particles is between 20μ and 120μ, blending with other excipients, roll compaction, milling to form granules, blending to form a secondary blend and compression of the secondary blend to form tablets.

Cefixime is a semi synthetic cephalosporin antibiotic for oral administration. It was first disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,409,214 by Fujisawa Corporation, Japan. It is indicated for the treatment of infections caused by various gram—positive and gram—negative organisms chiefly uncomplicated urinary tract infections caused by E. coli and P. mirabilis, otitis media caused by H. influenza, M. catarrhalis and S. pyogenes, acute bronchitis and exacerbations of chronic bronchitis caused by S. pneumonia and H. influenza. It is also indicated for uncomplicated gonorrhea caused by N. gonorrhea. It is one of the most prescribed drugs for pediatric use.
Cefixime is currently available in a number of different formulations, for instance as oral suspension and tablets. Different formulations and different amounts of Cefixime are provided for adult and pediatric patients for example as tablets comprising 200 mg and 400 mg Cefixime trihydrate and as oral suspension comprising 100 mg/5 ml Cefixime trihydrate.
From the point of view of bioavailability, the preferred form of administration of sparingly soluble medicaments such as beta lactam antibiotics is often an aqueous suspension. However, there are limitations associated with this form of administration. For example, as mentioned in the product insert of "Suprax", Cefixime, given orally, is about 40%-50% absorbed whether administered with or without food. The oral suspension, on the other hand, produces average peak concentrations approximately 25%-50% higher than the conventional tablets. The area under the time versus concentration curve is greater by approximately 10%-25% with the oral suspension than with the conventional tablet after doses of 100 to 400 mg, when tested in normal adult volunteers. Thus, at the same dosage strength, Cefixime tablets are not bioequivalent to the suspension. Although suspensions are the common mode of administration of Cefixime especially to the pediatric population, they suffer from other disadvantages such as limited shelf life and lack of accuracy of dose measurement. The bitter taste of many such medicaments is also a drawback. The bulky nature of the container often precludes ease of carriage and storage.
Thus, a need exists for developing a formulation of Cefixime, which does not suffer from the disadvantages of the suspension formulation as elaborated above.
Solid dosage forms that are swallowed such as tablets and capsules provide accurate dosage, avoid taste problems and are more amenable to being portable; but since they have to disintegrate in the gastrointestinal tract and the medicament has then to dissolve before it can be absorbed, absorption tends to be slower than from a suspension and may be less than complete leading to bioequivalence issues as pointed out earlier. Also, some patients have difficulty in swallowing tablets and capsules, and there is a practical limit to the size, and therefore the dose, that can be swallowed. This is particularly true for geriatric patients and children.
Thus, the challenge for us was to formulate a dosage form comprising Cefixime, which would have a bioavailability similar to that of a suspension comprising Cefixime, but without the attendant disadvantages of suspension.

Pharmaceutical formulation of cefixime for enhanced bioavailability


A multifunction device for an undercarriage. The device comprises at least a first shaft rotatably mounted on the aircraft to rotate about an axis of rotation that is substantially parallel to a hinge axis hinging the undercarriage to the aircraft, and a telescopic second shaft rotatably mounted in the undercarriage and extending down along the undercarriage to the proximity of wheels carried thereby. A motor is adapted to cause the first shaft to rotate. The telescopic second shaft is a single shaft that extends inside the undercarriage to the proximity of an axle carrying the wheels of the undercarriage. The second shaft is connected to a differential connected to the wheels via drive shafts extending inside the axle.

Document U.S. Pat. No. 8,740,140, also published as US2014263832 and FR 2 939 099, is incorporated by reference. This document discloses a device comprising at least:                a first shaft rotatably mounted on the aircraft to rotate about an axis of rotation that is substantially parallel to a hinge axis hinging the undercarriage to the aircraft;        a telescopic second shaft rotatably mounted on the undercarriage and extending down along the undercarriage to the proximity of wheels carried thereby;        transmission means for transmitting rotary motion from the first shaft to the second shaft;        transmission means for transmitting rotary motion from the second shaft to at least one wheel carried by the undercarriage;        if the wheel is not fitted with a brake, means for selectively braking one of the shafts relative to the undercarriage; and        motor means adapted to cause the first shaft to rotate.
That type of device makes it possible not only to drive the wheels in rotation, but also to extend and to raise the undercarriage. In the embodiment shown in that document, the undercarriage is fitted with two telescopic second shafts extending on either side of the undercarriage, each co-operating with a respective one of the wheels.
The second shafts extend down of the sides of the undercarriage so they are exposed to external attacks, in particular to impacts from stones and to carbon dust projected from brake disks, which attacks run the risk of having an influence on the lifetime of the device.

Multifunction device for an undercarriage


Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a pixel circuitry and a driving method thereof. In the pixel circuitry, the reset circuit provides an initialization signal to a first node and one end of the light emitting device based on a reset signal. The driving transistor provides a driving current based on the voltage of the first node. The data signal write circuit provides a data signal to a third node based on a strobe signal. The compensation circuit couples a second node to the first node based on the strobe signal. The voltage supply circuit provides a first voltage signal to the second node based on a control signal. The control circuit provides a driving current provided by the driving transistor to the light emitting device based on the control signal. The light emitting device emits light according to the driving current.

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to the field of pixel circuitry technology, and in particular, to a pixel circuitry, an array substrate, a display device, and a driving method.
With the advancement of display technology, compared with conventional liquid crystal display (LCD) devices, a new generation of organic light emitting diode (OLED) display devices has lower manufacturing cost, a faster response speed, higher contrast, a wider viewing angle, a larger operating temperature range, bright colors, light weight, and thin thickness, without a backlight unit. Therefore, the OLED display technology has become the fastest growing display technology.

Pixel circuitry and driving method thereof, array substrate and display device


A system for the automatic identification and configuration of a computer peripheral uses an initialization program to send one or more query instructions to a peripheral device such as a CD-ROM drive. In response to the query instructions, the CD-ROM drive replies with data that can be used to uniquely identify the model number or type of CD-ROM drive. The system then selects the appropriate software driver for the identified CD-ROM drive and loads the selected driver. The system can further verify proper operation of other peripheral devices, such as a hard disk drive, by using commands within the disk operating system. A floppy disk, or other computer readable storage media, contains the initialization program and a software driver file for every type of CD-ROM drive supported by the system. The system automatically identifies and loads the appropriate software driver without requiring the user to respond to technical questions related to the hardware.

The use of computers, especially personal computers (PCs) is widespread. The computing power of the PC, whether coupled to a network or operating as a stand-alone device, has increased significantly as new computer designs move into production. While the new computer designs have consistently increased computing power, it also increases the complexity of the programs that run the computer. To take advantage of the increased computing power, operating systems, such as Microsoft MSDOS.RTM. and Microsoft Windows.RTM. 95, have become more complex. As a result, the installation and setup of a new computer can be extremely complex, especially for individuals with little or no technical training. Similarly, the recovery from a computer "crash" may require the reinstallation or configuration of certain software components, which also requires a significant amount of technical expertise.
Some computer interface boards, known as "plug and play" boards, have the ability to be identified and configured by the operating system. These boards contain extensive additional circuitry beyond that required to control the peripheral device. However, the identification of the boards is performed by the operating system. If the operating system is malfunctioning, the identification of boards cannot proceed.
Therefore, it can be appreciated that there is a significant need for a system and method to aid in the installation and/or reinstallation of computer software in a simplified and automated manner. The present invention provides this and other advantages as will be apparent from the following detailed description and accompanying figures.

Method for configuration of peripherals by interpreting response from peripherals to enable selection of driver file and altering configuration file to enable loading of selected driver file


A wheel lock configured for use in a movable apparatus is disclosed herein. In various embodiments, the movable apparatus can include a leg structure and a wheel rotatably mounted with respect to the leg structure. A wheel lock can extend through the wheel. The lock can have a first position in which the lock prevents rotation of the wheel from rotating and a second position in which the lock does not prevent rotation of the wheel. The second position can be axially displaced relative to the first position.

1. Field
The field relates to a wheel lock, and in particular, to a wheel lock operably coupled to a wheel of a movable apparatus.
2. Description of the Related Art
Conventional hose reel devices may include one or more wheels to allow the user to move the hose reel device between locations during operation of the device. However, when the user pulls the hose or otherwise contacts the device during operation, conventional hose reel devices may roll if the wheels are not locked. Allowing the hose reel device to roll freely during operation may prevent the user from enjoying a stationary platform from which to operate the device. Thus, although it can be advantageous to selectively permit the hose reel device to roll, there is a continuing need for devices and apparatus that can prevent the hose reel device from rolling when the user so desires.


A magnetic disk unit for data storage in which a magnetic read/write head is attached to a suspension arm. To prevent the head from making direct contact with the associated disk when the disk is not rotating, the disk unit is provided with a head lifting mechanism which comprises at least one linearly contractable and extendable bellows mounted on the base of the disk unit, a lifter member fixed to a movable end face of the bellows and a pressure transmitting passage to transmit a negative pressure created within the magnetic disk unit in the vicinity of a radially inner region of the rotating disk to the interior of the bellows. When the disk is stationary the bellows is in the expanded state, and the lifter member supports thereon the suspension arm so as to keep the head spaced from the disk. In read/write operations the negative pressure causes the bellows to contract such that the lifter member remains apart from the suspension arm.

This invention relates to a magnetic disk unit for data storage, and more particularly to a mechanism for preventing a magnetic head in the disk unit from making direct contact with a data storage surface of the associated disk.
In conventional magnetic disk units for data storage, a magnetic head for read/write operations on a data storage surface of a rotating disk is attached to a suspension arm which flies on a thin cushion of air, or air-bearing, created above the rotating disk. To maintain an appropriate clearance between the head and the rotating disk by counterbalancing the air-cushioning force the suspension arm applies loading force to the head so as to urge the head toward the disk. Therefore, when the disk stops rotating the head comes into contact with the disk surface.
Recently there is a trend toward a decrease in the head-disk clearance for the purpose of enhancing the data storage density and thereby increasing the data storage capacity of each disk. To comply with such a trend recent magnetic disks have been improved in surface smoothness, but as an unfavorable effect of the improvement it is not rarely that a head sticks to a disk surface during stationary contact of the head with the disk.
Relatively simple countermeasures to the sticking phenomenon are supplying a large current to a spindle motor installed in a magnetic disk unit for rotating magnetic disks thereby augmenting the generated torque or supplying a large current to a voice coil motor in order to forcibly overcome the sticking. However, these countermeasures are against the requirement for saving of electric power and unsuitable for small-sized computers such a s personal computers of lap-top type using batteries for driving magnetic disk units. Besides, forcible detachment of a sticking head from the disk is liable to damage the disk and/or the head.
As a measure for solving the sticking problem there are proposals of restraining a magnetic head from freely moving toward the associated disk by employing a link mechanism to load the head when the disk is rotating and unload the head when the disk stops rotating. Besides, it has been proposed to keep a magnetic head at a predetermined distance from the associated disk surface when the disk is not rotating by forming a sloped face around the periphery of the disk and shaping the suspension of the head so as to engage and slides on the sloped face. However, the link mechanism is intricate and costly and hence is unsuitable for small-sized disk units used in, for example, personal lap-top computers. The mechanism using a sloped face around the periphery of the disk has a drawback that in the loading and unloading operations the motion of the head becomes oblique with respect to the data storage surface of the disk, not simply vertical to the disk. Due to such motion of the head the loading and unloading positions becomes somewhat indefinite, and there is a problem as to the state of access of the head to the disk.
Meanwhile, magnetic disk units for personal lap-top computers are required to endure shocks that may be applied thereto while the computers are being carried. It is usual to prevent each magnetic head from beating the associated disk surface by augmenting the force to urge the head toward the disk and/or to reduce the weight of each head in order not to seriously damage the associated disk even if the head beats the disk. However, by strongly pressing the head against the disk it is inevitable that friction between the head and the disk increases, and hence large electric power is consumed at the start of rotation of the disk. Therefore, this measure is not very suitable for magnetic disc units in personal lap-top computers. A reduction in the head weight is not always sufficient for realizing desired shock resistance.

Magnetic disk unit using negative pressure to counterbalance having head lifting mechanism


An in vitro cell assay for detecting an effect a test condition has on one or more cells. The assay comprises providing a binary half-adder system comprising first and second oscillating cells, and detecting an effect a test condition has on the oscillation of said first and/or second cells.

It is now understood that periodic behaviour is not confined to a limited number of physiological processes but is abundant in most biological systems. Periodicity in processes of the human body encompass phenomena such as genetic interactions, heartbeat rhythms, oscillating secretory, retina and muscle cells, cytoskeletal structures, bacterial oscillations, rhythmic oscillations (1-3). In 1952, whilst modelling neurons, Hodgkin and Huxley were able to accurately model the action potential in the giant squid axon (4). Their nonlinear ordinary differential equations approximate electrical characteristics of excitable oscillatory cells such as cardiomyocytes and neurons.
A number of research groups are now able to grow neurons on chips using a variety of techniques including an aligned micro-contact printing technique, patch clamping (which yields very accurate information but is invasive) and extracellular recordings by means of external micro-transducers or optical measurements (which are non-invasive) (5, 6), and it has recently been shown that Parkin diseased neurons can also be grown on a chip (7). In 2012 (8), it was shown that citicoline may be beneficial as a protective treatment against Alzheimer's following a stroke.
It is amongst the objects of the present invention to provide cell based assays which allow cells to be tested for an electrophysiological response to various stimuli. Such assays may be used in the testing of agents which may be of use in treating disease.

Assay utilising cellular binary half-adder system


Embodiments of the disclosure relate to apparatuses for enhanced thermal management of an inductor assembly using functionally-graded thermal vias for heat flow control in the windings of the inductor. In one embodiment, a PCB for an inductor assembly includes a top surface and a bottom surface. Two or more electrically-conductive layers are embedded within the PCB and stacked vertically between the top surface and the bottom surface. The two or more electrically-conductive layers are electrically connected to form an inductor winding. A plurality of thermal vias thermally connects each of the two or more electrically-conductive layers to a cold plate thermally connected to the bottom surface. A number of thermal vias thermally connecting each electrically-conductive layer to the cold plate is directly proportional to a predetermined rate of heat dissipation from the electrically-conductive layer.

An inductor is an electromagnetic component used to store energy in a magnetic field when electric current is passed through its electrical coil. In a planar inductor, the coil may be a flat wound wire, or it may be a winding that is embedded in a printed circuit board (PCB).
In the case of a planar inductor assembly with a winding embedded in a PCB, the heat generated by the PCB winding may be transferred through the bottom surfaces of the PCB to a secondary cold plate to which the PCB is mounted. However, in high power applications, a challenge arises in that the heat generated in the PCB-based winding layers forming the inductor may lead to excessively high temperatures (e.g. greater than 120° C.) that degrade the working properties of the inductor assembly. The heat generated in the PCB-based winding layers is on the order of 10's of Watts and sometimes more than 50 Watts. Since the PCB is formed using a low thermal conductivity material such as a glass-reinforced epoxy laminate (FR-4), there is no low-thermal-resistance heat flow path to dissipate the generated heat from the different winding layers, especially the winding layers proximate to the top surface of the PCB. Accordingly, it is desirable to have an enhanced thermal management solution for the inductor assembly designed to help dissipate the heat generated in the winding layers and guide it to the secondary cold plate such that the inductor can continue to work efficiently and reliably over its lifetime.

Functionally graded thermal vias for inductor winding heat flow control

TOYOTA MOTOR ENGINEERING & MANUFACTURING NORTH AMERICA, INC.


A communication system is provided for distributing communications within the system while maintaining each communication at one of a plurality of different security levels. The system uses internal encryption to encode all data signals with an encryption which is specific to the security level of the particular data signal being encoded. The internal encryption is designed to segregate all data signals in the system and to maintain the segregated data signals compartmentalized while being transferred on data streams within the system via common media.

Data communications including audio communications often have different security levels depending on the content of the communication. Different security levels, particularly in military applications, are designated by a standardized color coding scheme. For example, black represents a relatively low security level, which applies to unclassified communications. Red represents a relatively high security level, which applies to secret (i.e., classified) communications. Pink represents an intermediate security level between unclassified communications and secret communications, which applies to commercial secure communications. Additional security levels can also be provided as needed.
To effectively distribute data communications having different security levels, communication systems are employed which segregate the data communications at different security levels from one another and maintain proper compartmentalization of the communications as they are transferred within the system. Conventional communication systems commonly provide separate communication media for each security level enabled. Thus, for example, if the communication system enables the distribution of data communications at black and red security levels, the system provides two separate communication media, one for the black security level and one for the red security level.
Each set of communication media has its own dedicated wiring and input/output ports which substantially and undesirably increase the weight, complexity, power requirements, and cost of the communication system. Conventional communication systems may also rely on trusted software for the specific functions of segregating the data communications and maintaining compartmentalization as the data communications are transferred within the communication system. Therefore, whenever the trusted software is modified, the security of the communication system must be reevaluated, which is both time-consuming and costly.
The present invention recognizes a need for a secure communication system which overcomes the above-recited drawbacks of conventional systems. Accordingly, it is generally an object of the present invention to provide a communication system which effectively maintains each data communication routed within the system at one of a plurality of preassigned security levels. More particularly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a communication system which segregates and maintains data communications at separate security levels internal to the system by a relatively simple yet effective non-classified mechanism. It is still more particularly an object of the present invention to provide a communication system which transfers data communications, regardless of their preassigned security level, within the system on common communication media. It is another object of the present invention to provide a communication system which is not primarily software based with respect to system security and, more specifically, which is hardware based with respect to the security functions of segregating data communications and maintaining compartmentalization of the data communications as they are transferred within the system. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a communication system wherein the remaining nonsystem-related functionality is primarily software based. It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a communication system, wherein the software of the system can be freely modified without necessitating reevaluation of system security.
These objects and others are accomplished in accordance with the invention described hereafter.

Communication system segregating communications by security level