A housing for a light fixture comprising a body having a sidewall with a plurality of fin-engaging elements and at least one fin removably engaged with at least one of the fin-engaging elements, thereby providing great design adaptability at modest cost. Preferably, one fin differs from another fin in character such as in shape, color, material or indicia displayed on the surface of the fin. A method is also provided for fabricating a light fixture with selective and exchangeable fins whereby selected placement of the fins around the sidewall is possible.

Light fixtures found in indoor industrial, commercial, and retail settings typically consist of a housing and a lamp assembly. The housing holds within it the power components needed by the fixture to operate such as the ballast and the capacitor. The lamp assembly often may consist of a lamp socket, a lamp or light source mounted to the socket, and a reflector or refractor to distribute the light from the lamp in a useful and desirable manner.
In the past, light fixtures of this nature were mounted high above the ground by securing the housing to a ceiling or ceiling supports. Such fixtures were usually out of sight and valued primarily on how well they provided illumination. As a consequence, the design of the housing drew upon functional requirements such as the spacing of the components and their need for ventilation rather than upon style.
Today's lighting fixtures, however, are expected to meet the needs of the purchaser that are not just limited to their use as a source of lighting. More and more often light fixtures are seen as one of the elements to be drawn upon by interior decorators to create a desired atmosphere in a given indoor setting. These fixtures are no longer hidden by high ceilings but are suspended from the ceiling to be closer to workers and customers. Many fixtures are even found being mounted to the surrounding walls. As a result, light fixtures are quite often being chosen to match or contrast with the room or building's decor. They may also be called upon to assist in establishing or projecting a certain corporate image for the purchaser such as by their choice of color or by their display of specific icons or logos.
Even many light fixtures that could be considered stylish have their shortcomings. Customers of lighting fixtures, like those of any product, demand timely delivery of the goods they order. Keeping the time needed, therefore, to fill and deliver a customer's order to a minimum is critical. This has meant limited choices for the customer since any customization of the light fixture has to be performed at the time of assembly. Moreover, any such customization can oftentimes be quite time consuming, increasing the cost to both the manufacturer and customer. This has naturally been a source of some dissatisfaction to many customers who have grown accustomed over the years to being able to choose from a wide selection for nearly any other product they buy.
Another shortcoming with the more stylish lighting fixtures is the fact that their appearance after purchase is fixed. If the room or area around the fixture is later remodeled or redesigned, its particular look may no longer be desirable. On the other hand, replacement of the fixture would be in most cases cost prohibitive. A lighting fixture then that can be customized at any time, to meet the needs of the purchaser for the particular setting where it is being used, would be highly desirable.
A lighting fixture is therefore needed having features that can be easily customized or changed to reflect the tastes or decorative sensibilities of the purchaser. A lighting fixture is also needed where such customization can be done inexpensively so that individual lines of light fixtures targeting different but select customer groups can be developed economically. In particular, there are significant benefits in having a light fixture that can be manufactured at a low cost and yet includes features that allow one model to reflect the colors of a local school or sports team in a specific part of the country while a different unit can be made to display the logo of a certain corporation. This invention meets these needs and overcomes other problems and shortcomings in the prior art.


A wall-mounted storage and organization organizer for notes, memos, calendars, business cards, reminders, keys and the like, comprising a multi-door cabinet is herein disclosed. The organizer has approximate dimensions of twenty-eight (28) inches in height, twenty (20) inches in width, and three (3) inches in depth. The front door is provided with a clear pane under which photographs, calendars and the like can be placed on a second door in a neat manner for all to see without opening the outer door. When additional doors of the organizer are opened, additional organizational spaces are provided. The organizer further provides cork board surfaces and white board surfaces as well as a magnetic tray for holding dry erase markers and an eraser. Such surfaces would allow users to leave themselves or others messages or large notes. The rearmost door provides a mounting means thereto a wall surface and provides a series of varying sized pockets capable of holding small business cards up to a large sheet of paper. Such pockets would be used to organize lists, appointment reminders, additional calendars, photographs and the like. Finally, the rear surface provides a plurality of hooks used to hold keys, ID tags and other similar items.

In many homes, the refrigerator ends up as the collection place for documents such as a child's school work, calendars, meeting reminders, telephone numbers, and photographs. These papers are typically held in place with a magnet or two (2) adhering to the metal surface. While such a method typically works, it is burdened with a few disadvantages. First the magnets are prone to falling off, especially with heavy or larger pieces of paper. Secondly, air from wind movement or simply walking by can get under the paper causing it to be dislodged and fall to the floor. Finally, papers are often lost amongst the utility bills, doctor visit reminders, calendars and everything else found on a typical refrigerator. These same problems exist in an office environment where bulletin boards can be even worse and nothing can be found. Accordingly, there exists a need for a means by which important papers, documents, reminders and the like can be easily found without the disadvantages as described above. The development of the apparatus herein described fulfills this need.
Cork boards are also frequently used for maintaining papers in kitchens. As with the refrigerator magnets situation described above, the papers are prone to falling from a cork board. Also, cork boards can lend an untidy appearance to one's kitchen. The apparatus described herein eliminates the untidiness of cork boards while retaining the functionality of a corkboard.
There have been attempts in the past to invent wall-mounted organizing systems. U.S. Pat. No. 7,260,904 issued to Boisseau discloses a flat calendar wall-mounted system that comprises a white board, a calendar, and a cork board. Unfortunately, this patent does not appear to disclose a plurality of panel assemblies that are connected by hinges and capable of foldably compacting or opening to reveal a cabinet like structure with various sized compartments and hooks for holding items.
U.S. Patent Application Number 2007/0077815 filed by White et al. discloses discreet messaging center and organizers that appear to be capable of being fitted together to form a modular message center. Unfortunately, this patent does not appear to disclose a plurality of panel assemblies that comprise a white board or a cork board surface that are hingedly connected to a cabinet-like structure.
U.S. Patent Application Number 2006/0225331 filed by Evans discloses a household organizer that appears to comprise a display board with two foldable sections. Unfortunately, this application does not appear to disclose a cabinet like structure in which all of the panel assemblies fold from one (1) side nor, does it appear to comprise an outermost panel that is capable of accepting pictures or other decorative items behind a window.
U.S. Pat. No. D 417,701 issued to Jack discloses what appears to be a wall-mounted white board and cork board combination with a shelf for a pen and/or an eraser. Unfortunately, this design patent does not appear to be similar in appearance to the disclosed apparatus, nor does it appear to comprise several panel assemblies that are foldable upon one (1) another to conserve space on a wall.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,682,695 issued to Hoffman discloses a combination presentation organizer that appears to be a portable display for a bulletin board or white board and that provides various attachments means to a wall. Unfortunately, this patent does not appear to disclose a plurality of panel assemblies that comprise a white board or a cork board surface that are hingedly connected to a cabinet-like structure.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,658,635 issued to Davis et al. discloses a bulletin board further comprising an accessory attaching mechanism comprising a frame that accepts a "C"-shaped grip. Unfortunately, this patent does not appear to disclose a wall-mounted cabinet structure that comprises various sized compartments and hooks for storage of articles, nor does it appear to disclose a plurality of white board and cork board panels hingedly attached to said cabinet.
U.S. Pat. No. D 281,704 issued to Deacon discloses a combined bulletin board, telephone book and pad holder that appears to be wall-mounted. Unfortunately, this design patent does not appear to be similar in appearance to the disclosed apparatus, nor does it appear to comprise an organizer with a plurality of compartments and hooks contained within a cabinet like structure.
U.S. Pat. No. D 274,589 issued to Christensen et al discloses a wall mounted combined picture frame and bulletin board. Unfortunately, this design patent does not appear to be similar in appearance to the disclosed apparatus, nor does it appear to comprise several panel assemblies that are foldable upon one (1) another to conserve space on a wall.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,107,442 issued to Levine appears to disclose a free standing easel like structure with a rotatable cork board and accessory storage shelf. Unfortunately, this patent does not appear to disclose a wall-mounted cabinet structure that comprises various sized compartments and hooks for storage of articles.
None of the prior art particularly describes a bulletin board organizer comprising a front panel providing a transparent window under which photographs can be placed on a panel in a manner for all to see without opening the front panel, a plurality of corkboard surfaces and a plurality of whiteboard surfaces for leaving messages or notes, a magnetic tray for holding dry erase markers and an eraser, and a rear panel providing a mounting means thereto a wall surface and providing a plurality of storage compartments and a plurality of hook fixtures that the instant invention possesses. Accordingly, there exists a need for a means by which important papers, documents, reminders, and the like can be easily found without the disadvantages as described above.


An antenna system, a communication terminal and a base station are provided. The antenna system includes a system ground unit having a receiving hole penetrating therethrough; and a millimeter wave antenna unit embedded in and fixed to the receiving hole. The millimeter wave antenna unit includes: a radiator, a first substrate layer, a second substrate layer, a feeding body, a third substrate layer, and a grounding layer that are stacked. The feeding body is provided with a slit strip and a feeding port, the slit strip has an opening penetrating to one of sides of the feeding body, the feeding port is disposed adjacent to the opening, the grounding layer is electrically connected to the system ground unit, and the radiator is coupled with the feeding body. The antenna system can achieve omnidirectional radiation and has a scanning angle of over 100 degrees.

Nowadays, a communication technology has been developed to a fifth generation (5G), which requires a higher data transmission rate. To meet this requirement, a spectrum of a 5G network will be extended to a millimeter wave range. Therefore, there may be a higher requirement for millimeter wave antennas with RF above 20 GHz. Millimeter wave antennas are typically arranged in an array in which a plurality of identical antenna elements are adopted, and typically achieve high gain due to increased free space path loss in a high frequency millimeter band. Also, at millimeter wave frequencies, a communication link may be interrupted if a line of sight (LOS) is not maintained between a transmitter and a receiver. Therefore, it is important that the millimeter wave antennas can control an entire radiation pattern to maintain the line of sight (LOS). Moreover, high carrier frequency and large bandwidth characteristics that are unique to the millimeter wave antenna are the main means to achieve 5G ultra-high data transmission rate. Thus, rich bandwidth resources of the millimeter wave band provide a guarantee for a high-speed transmission rate.
However, due to severe spatial loss of electromagnetic waves in this frequency band, a wireless communication antenna system using the millimeter wave band needs to adopt a phased array architecture. Phases of the respective array elements are distributed by a phase shifter, thereby forming a high-gain beam, and the beam performs scanning in a certain space range by changing of the phase shift. However, in the millimeter wave band, if LOS communication cannot be maintained between the transmitter and the receiver of the antenna system, the communication link is easily interrupted, and if a bandwidth thereof covered within the beam range is limited, thus reliability of the antenna system may be affected.

Antenna system, communication terminal and base station


There is provided a detection process for a digital radio which receives a multistate baseband signal comprising removing the low frequency information content of the baseband signal and subsequently restoring the low frequency information content to provide a conditioned baseband signal for detection so as to provide automatic frequency control for the radio on a manner avoiding loss of the low frequency information content of the baseband signal. This is accomplished by removing the low frequency information content of the baseband signal by high pass filtering to provide a filtered baseband signal, decoding the filtered baseband signal to provide decoded information signals in digital form, converting the decoded digital information signals to analog information signals, low pass filtering the analog information signals to recover the low frequency information content and adding the low pass filtered analog signal to the baseband signal to provide a conditioned baseband signal for detection wherein the conditioned baseband signal contains the low frequency information content.

This invention relates to the art of digital data radio frequency communication, and more particularly to new and improved modulation and detection processes for digital radio communication.
One area of use of the present invention is in a radio transceiver employed in a metropolitan area communications network, although the principles of the present invention can be variously applied. Direct digital synthesizers and phase lock loops have been employed in the generation of frequency modulated transmission signals. In a multi-state frequency shift key modulation scheme, a potential problem exists in that transitions between frequency states can be abrupt causing undesirable spectral splatter. In the reception of such signals, a drawback of the typically fast-acting automatic frequency control circuit is the potential loss of low frequency data.
It would, therefore, be highly desirable to provide a digital data radio frequency modulation process and apparatus wherein the reference signal transitions smoothly from one state to another. It would also be highly desirable to provide an automatic frequency control for a digital radio wherein carrier frequency errors are removed and the information is detected in a simple yet highly effective manner.

Digital radio having improved modulation and detection processes


A security shield device is provided in two embodiments. One embodiment includes a front cover, a rear base and a connector member connecting the front cover to the rear base. The front cover is mounted to a slidebolt latch for movement between a covered position shielding a padlock shackle coupled to a latch portion of a slidebolt latch and an uncovered position displaced from the latch portion of the slidebolt latch. The rear base mates with the latch portion of the slidebolt latch so as to attach the rear base to the slidebolt latch when the padlock shackle is coupled to the slidebolt latch. The connector member prevents movement of the front cover relative to the slidebolt latch away from the rear base which would expose the shackle of the padlock. The other embodiment includes a front cover, a rear base connected to the front cover, and apertures defined therein aligned with openings in stationary and movable latch portions of a slidebolt latch. The aligned apertures and openings receive a padlock shackle to couple the security shield device and stationary and movable latch portions together with upper edge portions of the front cover and rear base disposed on opposite sides of the latch portions shielding the latch portions of the slidebolt latch and padlock shackle coupled thereto.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to protective security devices and, more particularly, is concerned with security shield devices for covering portions of slidebolts and padlocks locking the slidebolts on doors of buildings, such as mini-storage facilities.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Self-storage facilities, also widely known as mini-storage facilities, are increasingly subject to vandalism and breakins of storage compartment doors. These doors are typically either rollup or flat overhead doors which employ slidebolts of differing designs. Different padlocks are commonly used to interconnect and prevent unlatching of the slidable part of the sidebolt relative to the stationary part fixed on the door. However, most padlocks are vulnerable to being broken by burglars using conventional bolt cutting tools which can be purchased at any hardware store.
One preventive measure commonly proposed to reduce burglaries is the hiring of security personnel to patrol the facilities afterhours. However, such measure may only be cost-effective at large self-storage facilities and so is not a viable solution.
Another preventive measure proposed to reduce burglaries is the use of some type of cover for a padlock to restrict access to the portions of the padlock which are vulnerable to attack and being broken or cut. Some representative padlock security covers proposed in the prior patent art are the ones disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,566,296 to Kochakis, U.S. Pat. No. 4,852,920 to DeForrest, Sr., U.S. Pat. No. 4,896,518 to Appelgren, and U.S. Pat. No. 4,905,486 to Appelbaum.
While the padlock security covers of these patents may operate satisfactorily under the limited range of conditions for which they were intended, they are not seen by the inventor herein as providing a viable solution to the breakin problems being experienced at self-storage facilities. None of these covers provides sufficient protection of both the padlock and the portion of the slidebolt next to the door jamb.
Consequently, a need still exists for a suitable shield device for covering both the padlock and portion of the slidebolt next to the door jamb.

Slidebolt and padlock security shield devices


The present invention uses the mutually series connected resistive, or inductive, or capacitive impedance to divide the voltage of bi-directional power source, thereby using the divided power of the impedance component to drive the bi-directional conducting light emitting diode in parallel connection at the two ends of the impedance.

(a) Field of the Invention
The bi-directional light emitting diode drive circuit in bi-directional divided power impedance is disclosed by that an AC power or a periodically alternated polarity power is used as the power source to supply to the resistive impedance components, or inductive impedance components, or capacitive impedance components in mutual series connection, whereby the power source voltage is divided. Thereof, it is characterized in that the said divided power across the two ends of the first impedance and the second impedance is used to drive a bi-directional conducting light emitting diode, or to drive at least two bi-directional conducting light emitting diode sets which are respectively parallel connected across the two ends of the first impedance and the second impedance.
(b) Description of the Prior Art
The conventional light emitting diode drive circuit using AC or DC power source is usually series connected with current limit resistors as the impedance to limit the current to the light emitting diode, whereof the voltage drop of the series connected resistive impedance always result in waste of power and accumulation of heat which are the imperfections.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Bi-directional light emitting diode drive circuit in bi-directional divided power impedance


Embodiments disclosed herein provide systems and methods for biometric sensors being embedded in a wearable computing device. The biometric sensors may determine a user's biometric data, and the determined biometric data may be transmitted to a biometric server over a network. In response to receiving the biometric data, the biometric server may parse the received biometric data to determine if an emergency alert signal should be transmitted to third parties.

Field of the Disclosure
Examples of the present disclosure relate to techniques for communicating emergency alerts. More particularly, embodiments are related to wearable technology comprising sensors that may trigger the emergency alerts.
Background
Conventional devices capable of transmitting "personal assistance needed" or emergency alert signals to remote friends, relatives, caregivers, and emergency personnel ("third parties") are generally known. However, these devices require an active step by the wearer of the device to perform actions to communicate an emergency alert signal notifying a third party of the existence of a medical, personal, or other emergency. For example, certain conventional devices effectively function as wearable, easy-to-use transmitters that communicate the emergency alert signal in response to the wearer of the device pressing a button or some other affirmative action to trigger transmitting the alert signal. Persons with potential need for such devices include older adults, individuals living alone, persons with disabilities or chronic diseases, and individuals working in high risk occupations. Yet, these people may not be able to perform the affirmative action to transmit the alert signal for various reasons.
Hospitals and other medical facilities use conventional sensors to monitor the status of patients and the facilities. These conventional sensors may detect smoke, fire, pathogens, heart rates, breathing rates, EEG, blood oxygen levels, etc. These conventional sensors are hardwired within a closed circuit to give off an audible alarm or flashing light that alert third parties of an emergency situation. However, these conventional sensors cannot monitor beyond confined area due to the restriction of requiring a hard wired connection. Current monitors also restrict wearer's movement and are easy to disconnect.
Accordingly, needs exist for more efficient and effective emergency alert systems that may automatically transmit an emergency alert signal to designated responders.

Methods and systems for emergency alerts


Aspects of the present disclosure are directed to apparatuses and methods involving nanowires having junctions therebetween. As consistent with one or more embodiments, an apparatus includes first and second sets of nanowires, in which the second set overlaps the first set. The apparatus further includes a plurality of nanowire joining recrystallization junctions, each junction including material from a nanowire of the first set that is recrystallized into an overlapping nanowire of the second set.

A variety of devices rely upon conductive components such as electrodes. For many representative devices, such as solar cells and touch screens, it can be desirable for such electrodes to exhibit some degree of transparency. Transparent characteristics may be achieved using conductive meshes, or other components that pass light.
While electrodes having transparent characteristics have been useful, it can be difficult to obtain transparency while maintaining desirable conductivity characteristics. Moreover, various conditions limit processing characteristics for such electrodes. For instance, in many applications, it is desirable to form flexible electrodes on a flexible substrate, such as a plastic-based substrate. However, many plastic and other substrates are not amenable to various processing conditions, such as those involving high heat. Moreover, for various nano-scale applications, it can be difficult to control heating of the materials at desirable locations.
The above and other challenges have been difficult to address for a variety of applications.

The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior University


This invention relates to glucopyranose compounds of formula (I) and (IA) ##STR1## and the non-toxic salts thereof wherein the substituents are as defined herein. Such materials possess enhancing activity of cellular immunity (e.g. mitogenic activity) to living tissue and therefore are useful as anti-tumor agents.

Gram-negative germs (e.g. cholera germs, salmonella germs, colon bacillus) have compounds known as lipopolysaccharides (abbreviated as LPS) on the outer cell membrane, and it was thought that such compounds induced endotoxin shock.
It was known that LPS have various bioactivities including fetal toxicity; this is why it is so named an endotoxin. For example, LPS have a pyrogenetic action, a hemorrhage action, can induce encephalomyelitis, arthritis, and have a blastogenic action (macrophage activating action, B cell mitogenic activity, producing action of non-specific antibody, enhancing activity of cellular immunity etc.) and anti-tumor action (INF (interferon) inducing action, TNF (tumor necrosis factor) inducing action etc.).
Especially, LPS is effective as a non-specific immunity agent, and has an action inducing hemorrhage necrosis of tumor cells specifically by its TNF inducing activity, and therefore can be useful as an anti-tumor agent.
LPS is also useful for its inducing activity of IL-1 (interleukin-1) or interferon, not only enhancing its activity of cellular immunity but also stimulating of NK (natural killer) activity.
On the other hand, LPS is constituted from three kinds of materials, i.e. acidic protein, macromolecular polysaccharides and phospholipid, and the phospholipid but has been found as its active site by Westphal, Ludertz et al. ##STR2##
The phospholipid shown above is called lipid A, and it was known that lipid A alone possesses various activities like LPS.
The absolute structure of lipid A was unknown for many years, but recent studies have made clear that its structure is a disaccharideamine combined with fatty acids and phosphoric acids as shown below. See Nippon Saikin-gaku Zasshi 40(1), 57 (1985) and Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A., 80, 4624 (1983): ##STR3##
As a result of these recent studies, it has been discovered that each subunit above possesses activities like lipid A. In particularly, the reducing subunit was isolated as a biosynthesis precursor and was named lipid X. See Biol. Chem., 256, 10690 (1981) and Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci., 80, 4624 (1983).
Futher, a compound combined with a hexadecanoyl group on the hydroxy group of the .beta.-hydroxytetradecanoyl group on the 2nd position of lipid X as ester is named lipid Y.
Patent applications have been filed on the above lipid A, lipid X and lipid Y by Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation. See WO-8404526 or EP-143840.
Non-reducing subunits were not found to be naturally occuring, and some of them were synthesized chemically, i.e. compounds of general formula: ##STR4## Examples are: Compound 1:
R.sup.1 = ##STR5## R.sup.2 =--H Compound 2: PA1 R.sup.1 =--CO--C.sub.13 H.sub.27 PA1 R.sup.2 =--PO(OH).sub.2 PA1 R.sup.A 1= ##STR6## R.sup.2 =--PO(OH).sub.2 See Agric. Biol. Chem., 48(1), 251 (1984) and FEBS LETT., 167, 226 (1984). PA1 R.sup.1 represents a single bond or an oxycarbonylalkylene group of from 2 to 20 carbon atoms; PA1 R.sup.2 and R.sup.6, independently, represent a hydrogen atom or a general formula: ##STR9## (wherein R.sup.10 represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl or alkoxy group of from 1 to 7 carbon atom(s) or a halogen atom, and s represents 1, 2 or 3), respectively; PA1 R.sup.3 represents an alkylene group of from 1 to 20 carbon atom(s); PA1 R.sup.4 represents a hydrogen atom or a general formula: ##STR10## (wherein R.sup.11 represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl or alkoxy group of from 1 to 7 carbon atom(s) or a halogen atom, and t represents 1, 2 or 3); PA1 R.sup.5 repesents an oxycarbonylalkylene group of from 2 to 20 carbon atoms; and R.sup.7 represents a hydrogen atom or a hydroxy group; PA1 W.sup.2 represents a group represented by A, B, D or E: PA1 A represents a general formula: ##STR12## B represents a general formula: ##STR13## D represents a general formula: ##STR14## and E represents a general formula: ##STR15## (in each of A, B, D and E, l and q each represents an integer of 11.about.15, m and m' each represents an integer of 6.about.12, n represents an integer of 6.about.10, l' and n' each represents an integer of 9.about.13, PA1 G represents a single bond or an alkylene group of from 1 to 4 carbon atom(s), PA1 Y.sup.2 represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl or alkoxy group of from 1 to 7 carbon atom(s) or a halogen atom); PA1 W.sup.3 represents a group represented by L, M or Q: PA1 L represents a general formula: ##STR16## M represents a general formula: ##STR17## and Q represents a general formula: ##STR18## (in each of L, M and Q, Z represents a single bond or an alkylene group of from 1 to 4 carbon atom(s), p and p' each represents an integer of 6.about.12, q' represents an integer of 11.about.15, r represents an integer of 6.about.10, PA1 Y.sup.3 represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl or alkoxy group of from 1 to 7 carbon atom(s) or a halogen atom); PA1 W.sup.4 represents a hydrogen atom, hydroxymethyl group or sulfoxymethyl group; PA1 with the proviso that when W.sup.4 represents hydroxymethyl group, (A,M), (A,Q), (D,M), (D,Q), and (E,M) as the combination of (W.sup.2, W.sup.3) are excluded, and when W.sup.4 represents sulfoxymethyl group, (A,M) and (E,M) as the combination of (W.sup.2, W.sup.3) are excluded;
Patent applications relating to the above compounds have been published. See Japanese Patent Publication No. 61-126093 and 61-126094.
Further, compounds replacing the hydroxy group on the 1st position with a hydrogen atom has benn described, i.e. compounds of general formula: ##STR7## wherein A represents O or NH, R.sup.2' represents C.sub.14 or C.sub.14 -O-C.sub.14, R.sup.3' and R4' represent a hydrogen atom or P, C.sub.14 represents a tetradecanoyl group, C.sub.14 -O-C.sub.14 represents a (3-tetradecanoyl)-tetradecanoyl group, and P represents a phosphoryl group, respectively. Stereo configuration of AR.sup.2' on the 3rd position is .alpha.-configuration or .beta.-configuration. See Japanese Patent Publication No. 61-172867.


A radio with a tuner and other program sources uses a digital signal processor (DSP) to enhance the audio signal and to generate a stream of digital data including audio data and control data corresponding to loudness functions. A fiber optic data link couples the data stream to a plurality of remote DSP modules each of which drive one or more speakers. Each module contains a user programmed DSP, a digital to analog converter and an amplifier for each associated speaker. The DSP modules are identical except for software parameters which establish a transfer function and a loudness characteristic for each speaker. The same DSP modules and the same speakers can be used in several vehicle types and the system audio performance can be optimized by customizing software for each type of vehicle.

In the design of radio or audio systems for automotive vehicles, performance is optimized by selecting speaker characteristics, speaker placement, filters for cross-over control and other custom hardware for each type of vehicle. Variations in vehicles of a similar type such as the presence of a sun roof or leather seats affects the acoustical properties of the vehicle and the system must be altered accordingly if optimum sound is to be attained. Given that there are different levels of systems from a basic 4 speaker system to an 18 speaker system, even more equipment variables have to be entertained. This poses an expensive design effort for each type of vehicle and further requires an inventory of parts especially selected or made for various types of vehicles.
The basic unit of a vehicle audio system is a radio augmented by other program sources such as a cassette tape player and/or a compact disc (CD) changer or player which are processed by a portion of the radio circuits. With the use of digital technology in sound systems, a digital signal processor (DSP) in the radio processes the incoming audio signal to achieve bass and treble control and room effect simulations, and outputs audio signals to the speakers which are distributed throughout the vehicle.
It is here proposed to use the DSP technology to reduce the proliferation of parts and further to simplify vehicle assembly through the use of common wiring and reduced part numbers, improved heat management, optimized audio performance, and system upgradability.

Distributed digital signal processing for vehicle audio systems


A semiconductor device includes a first conductivity type low concentration impurity layer provided around a thick silicon oxide film, which is formed for element isolation in a first conductivity type element region as a surface region in a semiconductor substrate, and a second conductivity type impurity layer which is provided immediately under at least the thick silicon oxide film. The second conductivity type impurity layer constitutes a channel stopper to enhance the effect of element isolation. The first conductivity type low concentration impurity layer has an effect of improving the P-N junction breakdown voltage of an active region in the first conductivity type element region, and suppresses the narrow channel effect of a MOS transistor in the first conductivity type element region.

(1) Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to semiconductor devices such as BiCMOSs and CMOSs having integral P- and N-type elements, and more particularly to a structure of an element isolation region which isolates the elements from one another as well as a method for fabricating the same.
(2) Description of the Related Art
With a recent trend of making semiconductor devices further miniaturized in the structure and higher in the integration density, there is a need of miniaturizing the structure of the element isolation region that electrically isolates elements from one another. Such an element isolation region is constituted by, for instance, a selective oxide film (or field oxide film) which is fabricated by an LOCOS process and, to reinforce the element isolation performance of the field oxide film, a channel stopper is formed thereunder by introducing an impurity. FIGS. 1A to 1D illustrate step by step a prior art process of fabricating such an element isolation region, a P- and an N-channel region being shown separately.
As shown in FIG. 1A, on a semiconductor substrate 11 which has a predetermined semiconductor surface region formed on the principal surface side, a first silicon oxide film 22 is formed, and a silicon nitride film 23 is formed thereon. As shown in FIG. 1B, with a first resist pattern 24 formed by a lithographic process as a mask, a portion of the silicon nitride film 23 which is in an element isolation formation region is removed until the first silicon oxide film 22 or the semiconductor substrate 11 is exposed.
Next, as shown in FIG. 1C, the first resist pattern 24 is removed. Then, a second resist pattern 25 is formed to cover the P-channel region, and a P-type impurity layer 20' is formed as a channel stopper in the N-channel region by ion implanting a P-type impurity such as boron. As shown in FIG. 1D, the second resist pattern 25 is subsequently removed, and a second silicon oxide film (or field oxide film) 14 is formed by oxidation for element isolation. Finally, the silicon nitride film 23 is removed.
In this element isolation structure, no impurity for the channel stopper is doped immediately under the field oxide film 14 for the P-channel region element isolation. Therefore, to obtain the desired element isolation effect, it is necessary to increase the width or thickness dimension of the field oxide film. Thus, it is difficult to make the element isolation region finer as compared to the channel region.
It has been proposed to improve the element isolation with respect to the P-channel region by implanting an impurity for the N-channel stopper immediately under the field oxide film in the P-channel region as well. FIGS. 2A to 2E illustrate step by step a fabrication process in this case. As shown in FIG. 2A, on a semiconductor substrate 11, a first silicon oxide film 22 is formed, and a silicon nitride film 23 is formed thereon. As shown in FIG. 2B, with a first resist pattern 24 formed as a mask by a lithographic process, a portion of the silicon nitride film 23 in the element isolation formation region is removed until the first silicon oxide film 22 or the semiconductor substrate 11 is exposed.
Next, as shown in FIG. 2C, the first resist pattern 24 is removed. Then, a second resist pattern 25 is formed to cover the P-channel region, and a P-type impurity layer 20' is formed as a channel stopper in the N-channel region by ion implanting a P-type impurity such as boron in a portion at which the second resist pattern 25 does not exist. As shown in FIG. 2D, the second resist pattern 25 is subsequently removed. Then, a third resist pattern 26 covering the N-channel region is formed, and an N-type impurity layer 19' is formed as a channel stopper of the P-channel region by ion implanting an N-type impurity such as boron in a portion at which the third resist pattern 26 does not exist. As shown in FIG. 2E, the third resist pattern 26 is subsequently removed, and a second silicon oxide film (or field oxide film) 14 is formed by oxidation for element isolation. Finally, the silicon nitride film 23 is removed.
As shown above, it is possible to realize a finer isolation element with respect to the individual channel regions by forming the channel stoppers immediately under the field oxide film in the respective P- and N-channel regions. However, to fabricate this structure, it is necessary to form resist patterns each for the ion implantation of impurity in each channel region, thus increasing the number of steps and the fabrication cost.
Another problem is posed by the fact that, since the channel stoppers, which are formed immediately under the field oxide film in the respective channel regions, are of relatively high impurity concentration, active layers formed by an impurity of the opposite conductivity type in each channel region, for instance, source and drain regions of a MOS transistor, may happen to be in direct contact with the channel stoppers. As an example, in the case of the example shown in FIG. 3, a P-type impurity layer 20' is formed as the channel stopper immediately under a field oxide film 14 in a P-channel region such that it is in contact with an N-type diffusion layer 18 which constitutes the source and drain of an N-type MOS transistor. A P-N junction that is formed between these two high impurity concentration impurity layers, is subject to P-N junction breakdown voltage deterioration. Besides, the impurity in the N-type diffusion layer 18 is diffused laterally by a heat treatment during the fabrication process. As a consequence, a pronounced MOS transistor narrow channel effect appears and results in deterioration of the transistor characteristics.

Semiconductor device with impurity layer as channel stopper immediately under silicon oxide film


A robot includes a base; a trunk linked to the base; a multi-joint robot arm rotatably linked to the trunk; and an elevating mechanism capable of bringing the trunk to a low position and a high position higher than the low position, and a time taken when a tip of the multi-joint robot arm is moved by a predetermined distance when the trunk is at the high position is longer than a time taken when the tip of the multi-joint robot arm is moved by a predetermined distance when the trunk is at the low position.

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to a robot, a robot control device, and a robot system.
2. Related Art
A robot described in JP-A-2013-157561 has a base (body portion), a trunk (arm drive unit) provided so as to be liftable with respect to the base, and multi-joint robot arms (arms) rotatably provided at the trunk.
A robot described in JP-A-2013-99806 has a trunk, and a pair of multi-joint robot arms rotatably provided at the trunk.
In the robot having the configuration as described in JP-A-2013-157561, as the height of the trunk with respect to the base is greater, the rigidity of the trunk degrades and the vibration generated when an arm is driven becomes greater. However, in the robot described in JP-A-2013-157561, such a point is not considered at all, and it is inferred that drive conditions (for example, acceleration, deceleration, a position proportional gain, or the like) of the arm are set to be constant irrespective of the height of the trunk with respect to the base. Therefore, in particular, there is a problem in that the vibration when the height of the trunk with respect to the base is high cannot be suppressed. In addition, there is also a problem in that it is difficult to stably drive the robot in an unstable installation state due to the problem called the degradation of the rigidity of the trunk as described above.
Additionally, in the robot having the configuration as described in JP-A-2013-99806, for example, the other multi-joint robot arm may perform another work even in the midst of one multi-joint robot arm performing work that requires precision. In such a case, there is a problem that the vibration generated by the driving of the other multi-joint robot arm may exert a bad influence on the work, which is being performed by the one multi-joint robot arm and requires precision.

Robot, robot control device, and robot system


A network for altering the audio output of a system which comprises at least one series RC or RLC circuit coupled between the positive and ground conductor of a cable that is suitable for connecting an electrical musical instrument, or similar source, to an amplifier or other load. The components of the RC or RLC circuit are selected by determining the frequency at which the positive conductor's natural phase angle is 45°. Each of the RC or RLC circuits is selected to have a phase angle of −45° at a frequency equal to or different from the frequency at which the positive conductor has a phase angle of 45° depending upon the audio effect desired. In addition, the component values of the circuits are selected such that the measured impedance of the network at all frequencies in a predetermined frequency range is equal to or greater than 0.20 MΩ, and the overall combined capacitance of the cable and the capacitance and/or inductance of the network does not cause the effect of audible “roll-off” in the system.

The present invention relates to audio cables in general and in particular to a method and apparatus comprising a passive network particularly suitable for use in cables designed to connect electrical musical instruments to amplifiers.
Musicians of electrical instruments have long been aware that the audio qualities of their music depend in part on the total system comprising the instrument, the cable and the amplifier. Generally, within the range of audio frequencies produced by a particular electrical instrument, cable and amplifier system, there is a smaller range in which the sounds produced are "emphasized" or "noisy." The actual range depends on the length, materials and construction of the cable.
Graphic equalizers, which utilize active filters, may be used to compensate for this effect. Usually the compensation requires an amplification of the sounds at the lower and higher end of the relevant frequency range, with a gradual decrease in the amplification for each frequency range toward the center frequency which produces the familiar "V" on the graphic equalizer controls. Active filter compensation, however, can produce its own noise. Furthermore, a more evenly balanced signal expands the control choices afforded to the musician by a graphic equalizer. Because of the required compensation, such choices are usually limited in current standard systems.
The inventors of the present invention discovered that there was a relationship between the rate of change in the phase angle of the cable and the perceived clarity and "evenness" of the music produced by the system. Where the rate of change in the phase angle was at a maximum the sound produced was the most "emphasized" or "noisy." The relationship could be quantified in terms of the frequency at which the positive conductor of the cable had a phase angle of 45° (or, alternatively, as the frequency where the quality factor (Q) was equal to 1) as a result of the inherent inductance of the cable.
The inventors discovered that by selectively connecting passive RC or RLC circuits between the positive and negative (or ground) conductors of the cable, where the RC or RLC circuits had a phase angle of −45° at selected frequencies that were within the audio frequency range, approximately equally distributed on a logarithmic scale, and not equal to the frequency where the cable naturally had a phase angle of 45°, the resulting audio output could be modified to significantly reduce the "emphasized" or "noisy" effect, and produce a more uniform audio output over the range of frequencies produced by the system.


A stretch matenal consists essentially of a thermoplastic polymer matstial that meets the following couditions:                (i) the thermoplastic polymer material contains:                    (a) 100 parts by weight of a hydrogenated block copolymer having a number average molecular weight of 50,000 to 140,000 and comprising am least two polymer blocks (A) composed mainly of a vinyl aromatic compound and at least one hydrogenated polymer block (B) composed mainly of a conjugated diene compound;            (b) 0 to 120 parts by weight of a non-aromatic rubber softening agent;            (c) 0 to 80 parts by weight of polyethylene that has an MFR of 15 g/10 min or above when measured at 190° C. wider a load of 2.16 kg; and            (d) 0 to 40 parts by weight of polystyrene that has an MFR of 5 g/10 min or above when measured at 200° C. under a load of 5.00 kg.

Certain thermoplastic elastomers do not require a vulcanization process in their production, yet they still exhibit rubber elasticity. Such thermoplastic elastomers are used to form stretch materials such as films, bands, strands, and non-woven fabrics, which are then used in combination with laterally expandable non-woven fabrics or pleated non-woven fabrics to form stretchable articles. These stretch materials or articles have become widely used in various sanitary products such as disposable diapers, toilet training pants, and medical products such as surgical bandages and surgical gowns. Traditionally, thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers or hydrogenated styrene-based thermoplastic elastomers have been used in these applications.
In order for these stretch materials to be used in the aforementioned applications, they must have properties such as a high flexibility to reduce the irritation and pressure that the materials can exert on a human body, a good stretchability, a good stress relaxation property to reduce residual strain, and a good processability. None of conventional thermoplastic elastomers are less than satisfactory in terms of their quality and processability, however.
For example, thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers, though highly stretchable, lack required flexibility and are also unfavorable in terms of water-resistance and weather-resistance. Likewise, hydrogenated styrene-based thermoplastic elastomers have poor processability despite their relatively high weather-resistance, flexibility, and stretchability.
In view of these drawbacks of conventional stretch materials, it is an objective of the present invention to provide a stretch material made of a thermoplastic elastomer that has a good stress relaxation property, bears less residual strain, and at the same time exhibits a stretchability and a flexibility comparable to vulcanized rubber. Such a stretch material can be stretched easily to better fit a human body without causing undesired irritation or exerting undesired pressure on the human body. Furthermore, the stretch material exhibits a good melt-processability during high-speed production and is thus easy to produce.


A toner comprised of resin particles, magenta pigment particles, and surface additive particles comprised of a mixture of colloidal silica, metal oxide, and a polymeric hydroxy compound.

The present invention is generally directed to toners, developers, and imaging processes, including a full color process for forming multiple color images, and more specifically, the present invention is directed to a process for obtaining multicolor, including two-color images which in an embodiment comprises charging an imaging member, creating on the member a latent image comprising areas of high, medium, and low potential, developing the low areas of potential with the magenta developer composition illustrated herein, subsequently developing the high areas of potential with a developer composition, transferring the developed image to a substrate, and optionally permanently affixing the image to the substrate. In embodiments, the toners and developers of the present invention can be utilized in specific color imaging processes, such as process color, and the like. An example of the aforementioned development process comprises a developer housing with a twin auger transport single magnetic brush design mounted in the approximate 6 o'clock orientation. The magnetic brush roll (developer roll) is about 30 millimeters in diameter, sandblasted for roughness, and preferably operates at about 1.5 times the speed of the photoreceptor, or imaging member. The developer roll is spaced about 0.5 millimeter from the photoreceptor and is biased with a square wave 550 volt RMS 2.0 KHz AC bias added to the DC bias which is variable between 0 and -500 volts depending upon the photoreceptor discharge characteristics, and the desired xerographic developability established by the control algorithm. A stationary magnet is situated internal to the rotating developer roll sleeve, and is comprised of a ferrite with a designed magnetic pole configuration to satisfy the requirements of controlling the developer transport and developability. The developer flow (termed Mass on the Sleeve, or MOS) can be controlled by the location of a low permeability trimmed bar in the magnetic field at the point of trimming. Typically, the MOS is set at 33.+-.3 mg/cm.sup.2 and is sensitive to the trim gap, toner concentration (TC) and developer tribo, hence, the developer housing has a toner concentration sensor as part of the process control circuitry. The twin augers in the developer housing sump transport the developer in opposite directions, first past the toner dispenser then to the developer pick up region of the developer roll. The augers have slits built into them in order to facilitate the mixing of the fresh toner added to the developer. Usually a number of latent images are formed and developed sequentially on the imaging member with an appropriate toner, such as that of the present invention for the magenta color. Another embodiment of the present invention relates to magenta toners comprised of toner resin particles, colored pigment particles, especially flushed FANAL PINK D4830.TM. (BASF), an optional negative charge enhancing additive, surface additives, such as colloidal silicas, like AEROSIL.RTM.#76, tin oxide, especially a tin oxide available as S-1; and polymeric hydroxy surface additives, such as UNILINS.RTM., reference U.S. Pat. No. 4,883,736, the disclosure of which is totally incorporated herein by reference. The toner in embodiments can be comprised of resin particles, a magenta pigment, preferably flushed into the toner resin, and surface additives of colloidal silica and UNILIN.RTM..
A number of advantages are associated with the toner of the present invention in embodiments thereof, including significantly improved color especially in the red and blue region, lower cost, lower fuser minimum fixing temperature (MFT), and improved fuser life. In another embodiment, there can be added to the toner a negative charge additive, such as an aluminum complex, as mentioned herein like BONTRON E-88.TM., available from Orient Chemical, thereby lowering the triboelectrical charge of the toner in embodiments; and the use of a common carrier for each colored toner. Also, there are provided in accordance with the present invention processes for obtaining passivated magenta toners, and more specifically wherein the magenta pigments are passivated thereby decreasing, or substantially eliminating their adverse effects on the electrical characteristics of the toner and developer compositions containing such pigments. Other advantages associated with the present invention include the provision of a developer with stable positive triboelectrical toner characteristics which enables the generation of high quality images subsequent to development, that is images with substantially no background deposits and substantially no smearing for a broad range of relative humidity conditions, that is for example from 20 to 80 percent relative humidity at an effective range of temperature zones ranging, for example, from about 20.degree. C. to about 80.degree. C.
Passivation can be achieved by, for example, the admixing of the magenta pigment and charge additives with the toner resin particles. One advantage associated with the processes of the present invention is the ability to generate high quality multicolor, especially three, images, one of which is magenta, and the other of which can be yellow and cyan in a single development pass.
Toner compositions with colored pigments are known. For example, there are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,948,686, the disclosure of which is totally incorporated herein by reference, processes for the formation of two color images with a colored developer comprised of a first toner comprised of certain resin particles, such as styrene butadiene, a first pigment such as copper phthalocyanine, a charge control additive, colloidal silica and metal salts of fatty acid as external surface additives, and a first carrier comprised of a steel core with, for example, a terpolymer overcoating; and a second developer comprised of a black toner, a second charge additive and a steel core carrier with certain polymeric overcoatings, see Claim 1 for example. Examples of colored toner pigments are illustrated in column 9, lines 10 to 26, and examples of charge additives for the toner are detailed in column 9, lines 27 to 43, of the aforementioned patent. For the black toner, there can be selected the components as recited in columns 10 and 11, including charge additives such as distearyl dimethyl ammonium methyl sulfate, see column 11, lines 16 to 32. Additionally, the working Examples of this patent detail the preparation of a number of specifc toners. Also, there is illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 4,948,686 a process for forming two-color images which comprises, for example, (1) charging an imaging member in an imaging apparatus; (2) creating on the member a latent image comprising areas of high, intermediate, and low potential; (3) developing the low areas of potential by conductive magnetic brush development with a developer comprising a colored first toner comprising a first resin present in an amount of from about 80 to about 98.8 percent by weight and selected from the group consisting of polyesters, styrene-butadiene polymers, styrene-acrylate polymers, styrene-methacrylate polymers, and mixtures thereof; a first pigment present in an amount of from about 1 to about 15 percent by weight and selected from the group consisting of copper phthalocyanine pigments, quinacridone pigments, azo pigments, rhodamine pigments, and mixtures thereof; a charge control agent present in an amount of from about 0.2 to about 5 percent by weight; colloidal silica surface external additives present in an amount of from about 0.1 to about 2 percent by weight; and external additives comprising metal salts or metal salts of fatty acids present in an amount of from about 0.1 to about 2 percent by weight; and a first carrier comprising a steel core with an average diameter of from about 25 to about 215 microns and a coating selected from the group consisting of methyl terpolymer, polymethyl methacrylate, and a blend of from about 35 to about 65 percent by weight of polymethyl methacrylate and from about 35 to about 65 percent by weight of chlorotrifluoroethylene-vinyl chloride copolymer, wherein the coating contains from 0 to about 40 percent by weight of the coating of conductive particles and wherein the coating weight is from about 0.2 to about 3 percent by weight of the carrier; (4) subsequently developing the high areas of potential by conductive magnetic brush development with a developer comprising a black second toner comprising a second resin present in an amount of from about 80 to about 98.8 percent by weight and selected from the group consisting of polyesters, styrene-butadiene polymers, styrene-acrylate polymers, styrene-methacrylate polymers, and mixtures thereof; a second pigment present in an amount of from about 1 to about 15 percent by weight; and a second charge control additive present in an amount of from about 0.1 to about 6 percent by weight; and a second carrier comprising a steel core with an average diameter of from about 25 to about 215 microns and a coating selected from the group consisting of chlorotrifluoroethylene-vinyl chloride copolymer containing from 0 to about 40 percent by weight of conductive particles at a coating weight of from about 0.4 to about 1.5 percent by weight of the carrier; polyvinylfluoride at a coating weight of from about 0.01 to about 0.2 percent by weight of the carrier; and polyvinylchloride at a coating weight of from about 0.01 to about 0.2 percent by weight of the carrier; and (5) transferring the developed two-color image to a substrate. Imaging members suitable for use with the process of the copending application may be of any type capable of maintaining three distinct levels of potential. Generally, various dielectric or photoconductive insulating materials suitable for use in xerographic, ionographic, or other electrophotographic processes may be selected for the above process. Examples of suitable photoreceptor materials include amorphous silicon, layered organic materials as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,265,990, the disclosure of which is totally incorporated herein by reference, and the like.
Processes for obtaining electrophotographic, including xerographic, and two-colored images are known. In U.S. Pat. No. 4,264,185, the disclosure of which is totally incorporated herein by reference, there is illustrated an apparatus for forming two-color images by forming a bipolar electrostatic image of a two-color original document on a photoconductive drum. A first developing unit applies a toner of a first color and polarity to the drum and a second developing unit applies a toner of a second color and polarity to the drum to form a two-color electrostatic image which is transferred and fixed to a copy sheet. A bias voltage of the first polarity is applied to the second developing unit to repel the toner of the first color and prevent degradation of the first color toner image. A bias voltage of the second polarity is applied to the first developing unit to prevent contamination of the first color toner with the second color toner. Also, the following United States patents are mentioned: U.S. Pat. No. 4,308,821 wherein there is disclosed a method and apparatus for forming two-color images which employs two magnetic brushes; U.S. Pat. No. 4,378,415, which discloses a method of highlight color imaging which comprises providing a layered organic photoreceptor having a red sensitive layer and a short wavelength sensitive layer, subjecting the imaging member to negative charges, followed by subjecting the imaging member to positive charges, imagewise exposing the member, and developing with a colored developer composition comprising positively charged toner components, negatively changed toner components, and carrier particles; U.S. Pat. No. 4,430,402, which discloses a two-component type dry developer for use in dichromatic electrophotography which comprises two kinds of developers, each of which is comprised of a toner and a carrier, and wherein dichromatic images can be formed by developing a positively and negatively electrified electrostatic latent image successively with toners different in polarity and color from each other; U.S. Pat. No. 4,594,302 which discloses a developing process for two-colored electrophotography which comprises charging the surface of a photoreceptor with two photosensitive layers of different spectral sensitivities with one polarity, subsequently charging the photoreceptor with a different polarity, exposing a two-colored original to form electrostatic latent images having different polarities corresponding to the two-colored original, developing one latent image with a first color toner of one polarity, exposing the photoreceptor to eliminate electric charges with the same polarity as the first color toner which are induced on the surface of the photoreceptor in the vicinity of the latent image developed by the first color toner, and developing the other latent image with a second color toner charged with a polarity different from that of the first color toner; U.S. Pat. No. 4,500,616 which discloses a method of developing electrostatic latent images by selectively extracting colored grains of one polarity from a mixture containing colored grains having opposite polarity to each other in the presence of an alternating field, followed by development of the electrostatic image by the selectively extracted colored grains; U.S. Pat. No. 4,524,117 which discloses an electrophotographic method for forming two-colored images which comprises uniformly charging the surface of a photoreceptor having a conductive surface and a photoconductive layer sensitive to a first color formed on the conductive substance, followed by exposing a two-colored original to form on the photoconductive layer a latent image corresponding to a second color region in the original with the same polarity as the electric charges on the surface of the photoconductive layer; U.S. Pat. No. 4,525,447, which discloses an image forming method which comprises forming on a photosensitive member an electrostatic latent image having at least three different levels of potentials, or comprising first and second latent images and developing the first and second latent images with a three component developer; U.S. Pat. No. 4,539,281, which discloses a method of forming dichromatic copy images by forming an electrostatic latent image having a first image portion and a second image portion; U.S. Pat. No. 4,562,129, which illustrates a method of forming dichromatic copy images with a developer composed of a high-resistivity magnetic carrier and a nonmagnetic insulating toner, which are triboelectrically chargeable; U.S. Pat. No. 4,640,883, which discloses a method of forming composite or dichromatic images which comprises forming on an imaging member electrostatic latent images having at least three different potential levels, the first and second latent images being represented, respectively, by a first potential and a second potential relative to a common background potential; U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,045,218 and 4,572,651. The disclosure of each of the aforementioned United States patents are totally incorporated herein by reference.
The process of charging a photoresponsive imaging member to a single polarity and creating on it an image comprised of at least three different levels of potential of the same polarity is illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 4,078,929, the disclosure of which is totally incorporated herein by reference. This patent discloses a method of creating two-colored images by forming on an imaging surface a charge pattern including an area of first charge as a background area, a second area of greater voltage than the first area, and a third area of lesser voltage than the first area with the second and third areas functioning as image areas. The charge pattern is developed in a first step with positively charged toner particles of a first color and, in a subsequent development step, developed with negatively charged toner particles of a second color. Alternatively, charge patterns may be developed with a dry developer containing toners of two different colors in a single development step. Also of interest with respect to the trilevel process for generating images is U.S. Pat. No. 4,686,163, the disclosure of which is totally incorporated herein by reference.
The photoresponsive imaging member can be negatively charged, positively charged, or both, and the latent image formed on the surface may be comprised of either a positive or a negative potential, or both. In one embodiment, the image comprises three distinct levels of potential, all being of the same polarity. The levels of potential should be well differentiated, such that they are separated by at least 100 volts, and preferably 200 volts or more. For example, a latent image on an imaging member can comprise areas of potential at -800, -400, and -100 volts. In addition, the levels of potential may comprise ranges of potential. For example, a latent image may consist of a high level of potential ranging from about -500 to about -800 volts, an intermediate level of potential of about -400 volts, and a low level ranging from about -100 to about -300 volts. An image having levels of potential that range over a broad area may be created such that gray areas of one color are developed in the high range and gray areas of another color are developed in the low range with 100 volts of potential separating the high and low ranges and constituting the intermediate, undeveloped range. In this situation, from 0 to about 100 volts may separate the high level of potential from the intermediate level of potential, and from 0 to about 100 volts may separate the intermediate level of potential from the low level of potential. When a layered organic photoreceptor is employed, preferred potential ranges are from about -700 to about -850 volts for the high level of potential, from about -350 to about -450 volts for the intermediate level of potential, and from about -100 to about -180 volts for the low level of potential. These values will differ depending upon the type of imaging member selected.
Moreover, illustrated in copending application U.S. Ser. No. 500,335/91, the disclosure of which is totally incorporated herein by reference, are developers, toners and imaging processes thereof. In an embodiment of the copending application, there is provided a process for forming two-color images which comprises (1) charging an imaging member in an imaging apparatus; (2) creating on the member a latent image comprising areas of high, intermediate, and low potential; (3) developing the low areas of potential by, for example, conductive magnetic brush development with a developer comprising carrier particles, and a colored first toner comprised of resin particles, colored, other than black, pigment particles, and an aluminum complex charge enhancing additive; (4) subsequently developing the high areas of potential by conductive magnetic brush development with a developer comprising a second black developer comprised of carrier particles and a toner comprised of resin, black pigment, such as carbon black, and a charge enhancing additive; (5) transferring the developed two-color image to a suitable substrate; and (6) fixing the image thereto. In an embodiment of the aforementioned copending application the first developer comprises, for example, a first toner comprised of resin present in an effective amount of from, for example, about 70 to about 98 percent by weight, which resin can be selected from the group consisting of polyesters, styrene-butadiene polymers, styrene-acrylate polymers, styrene-methacrylate polymers, Pliolites.RTM., crosslinked styrene acrylates, crosslinked styrene methacrylates, and the like wherein the crosslinking component is, for example, divinyl benzene, and mixtures thereof; a first colored blue, especially PV Fast Blue.TM. pigment present in an effective amount of from, for example, about 1 to about 15 percent by weight, and preferably from about 1 to about 3 weight percent; an aluminum complex charge enhancing additive; and a second developer comprised of a second toner comprised of resin present in an effective amount of from, for example, about 70 to about 98 percent by weight, which resin can be selected from the group consisting of polyesters, styrene-butadiene polymers, styrene-acrylate polymers, styrene-methacrylate polymers, Pliolites.RTM., crosslinked styrene acrylates, crosslinked styrene methacrylates, and the like wherein the crosslinking component is, for example, divinyl benzene, and mixtures thereof; and a black pigment present in an effective amount of from, for example, about 1 to about 15 percent by weight, and preferably from about 1 to about 5 weight percent wherein the aforementioned black toner contains a charge enhancing additive such as an alkyl pyridinium halide, and preferably cetyl pyridinium chloride, and in a preferred embodiment the black toner is comprised of 92 percent by weight of a styrene n-butyl methyacrylate copolymer (58/42), 6 percent by weight of Regal 330.RTM. carbon black, and 2 percent by weight of the charge enhancing additive cetyl pyridinium chloride.
Illustrated in copending application U.S. Ser. No. 547,362/91, the disclosure of which is totally incorporated herein by reference, is a process for forming two-color images which comprises (1) charging an imaging member in an imaging apparatus; (2) creating on the member a latent image comprising areas of high, intermediate, and low potential; (3) developing the low areas of potential by, for example, conductive magnetic brush development with a developer comprising carrier particles, and a colored first toner comprised of resin, a positively charging pigment, and a negatively charging pigment; (4) subsequently developing the high areas of potential by conductive magnetic brush development with a developer comprising a second developer comprised of carrier particles and a toner comprised of resin, black pigment, such as carbon black, and a charge enhancing additive; (5) transferring the developed two-color image to a suitable substrate; and (6) fixing the image thereto.


A method and apparatus are provided for disposing of hazardous waste associated with criminal activity, the apparatus having a burner assembly and a gas neutralizing assembly secured to a portable frame. The gas neutralizing assembly includes a rupture tank, a reservoir tank in communication with the rupture tank, a water tank in communication with the reservoir tank, and a vacuum pump operatively connected to the reservoir tank.

The present invention relates to the safe disposal of hazardous waste associated with criminal activity and, more specifically, a method and means for safely disposing of the hazardous materials associated with the illegal production of methamphetamine.
Methamphetamine ("meth") has been a growing epidemic in the United States, in large part because it can be manufactured with readily available chemicals in the seclusion of one's own home. Meth traffickers typically manufacture meth in specially designed laboratories, which often are built in sheds, trailers, barns, or other rural settings. According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, meth traffickers operated more than 13,931 illegal meth labs in the United States between 1975 and 2001.
The production of meth involves a variety of hazardous chemicals, many of which can be found in household cleaners and products. One of the chemicals often used in the production of meth is anhydrous ammonia, which is a farm fertilizer commonly stored in large supply tanks on private farms across the country. Meth traffickers often use small pressure vessels, such as ordinary outdoor grill propane tanks, to hold anhydrous ammonia, which typically is stolen or obtained from the larger farm supply tanks. Anhydrous ammonia is extremely caustic and often difficult to safely contain. Most outdoor grill propane tanks have brass valves which corrode in the presence of anhydrous ammonia, leading to failure. Additionally, when anhydrous ammonia gas is pressurized, it becomes a super cool liquid, which often causes ice to form on typical outdoor grill propane tanks, also leading to potential failure of the pressure vessel.
After law enforcement discovers and shuts down an illegal meth lab, disposing of the hazardous chemicals and other materials involved in the production of meth is problematic, particularly for the disposal of anhydrous ammonia. Most local authorities lack the means or funds to properly dispose of these chemicals and often stockpile the chemicals and materials in remote locations until proper disposal can be accomplished. Because of the aggressive nature of anhydrous ammonia, allowing the gas to lay dormant in a storage facility creates an unsafe and potentially lethal situation. Additionally, because of the growing number of meth labs, local authorities are simply running out of room to store all of the hazardous chemicals and materials associated with meth production. Accordingly, there is a need for an improved method and means for safely disposing of the hazardous chemicals and materials associated with the illegal production of methamphetamine.
It is therefore a principal object of this invention to provide a method and means for the safe disposal of the hazardous wastes associated with criminal activity.
A further object of this invention is to provide a method and means for neutralizing anhydrous ammonia gas such that it can be safely disposed.
Still a further object of this invention is to provide a method and means for safely incinerating the materials associated with the illegal production of methamphetamine.
These and other objects will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Method and means of disposing of hazardous wastes connected with criminal activity


A method of compiling an application to reduce the occurrence of speculative exceptions is described. The method includes the steps of compiling the application to provide a speculation table and an executable file, and obtaining profile information about said compiled application using representative data sets. The compiler includes a scheduler unit for rearranging the order of the instructions in the application to provide optimal performance. The speculation table comprises a number of entries corresponding to the instructions of the application, each entry including a tag identifying the instruction and a semaphore indicating whether or not the instruction is likely to cause an exception. The executable file is run using a number of representative data sets to profile information identifying those instructions that result in exceptions, and the tag of the instruction is stored in a log file. After the profiling has completed, the tags of the instructions causing exceptions are used to set the semaphores in the speculation table corresponding to the tag. The application is then re-compiled. During the recompilation, those instructions with their semaphores set; i.e. those instructions causing exceptions, will not be speculatively scheduled by the compiler.

This invention relates generally to the field of computer system software and more specifically to the field of compilers.
As it is known in the art, software applications that are executed on a computer system are written in a high level computer language such as FORTRAN or "C". Before the application can be executed by the computer system, it must first be translated from the high level language down to a machine executable instruction stream. A software program known as a "compiler" uses input data about the type of computer system and the type of high level language in order to translate the application into machine code capable of being executed by the computer system.
The computer system is typically comprised of a number of functional units including a decode unit, an execution unit, and a memory unit. Each machine code instruction is decoded by the decode unit to determine the type of operation to be performed by the instruction. The instructions which are capable of being decoded and executed by the computer system are known as the instruction set of the computer. Typical instructions on a Reduced Instruction Set Computer (RISC) include a LOAD instruction and a STORE instruction.
In early computer systems, each instruction in a sequence was decoded and the associated function was performed before the decode of the following instruction in the sequence. Such an arrangement ensured that each operation was complete before the start of the next and that therefore any data dependencies between instructions were always satisfied before the instruction was decoded. A drawback of this arrangement was that only one unit of the computer system was functioning at any given time interval, while the other portions remained idle. Accordingly, because the computer system was not being fully utilized, the performance of the computer system was greatly reduced.
"Pipelined" architecture was developed in an effort to maximize the utilization of the computer system. In pipelined computer systems, after one instruction in the sequence was decoded by the decode unit and passed to the execution unit, the decode unit immediately began decoding the next instruction in the sequence. With such an arrangement the decode unit, the execution unit and the memory unit could all be operating on different instructions during any given time interval.
However, pipelined architectures still must honor dependencies between instructions in a sequence. For example, if one instruction in a sequence was to LOAD R1, (R2) (which acts to load a register R1 with the contents of memory at an address designated by R2) a memory read must be performed.
If the next instruction in the sequence is ADD R1, R5 (which acts to add the contents of the two registers), the ADD instruction can not be performed until the read of memory has been completed. As a result the computer system typically stalled the execution of instructions until the dependencies between successive instructions were resolved, again reducing the overall performance of the system.
In an effort to combat the performance reduction caused by stalls, the concept of rescheduling instructions arose. Rescheduling instructions involves reordering the sequence of instructions to place one or more other instructions in the sequence between instructions having dependencies that may result in a stall. With such an arrangement, functional work may be performed in instances where previously the machine was idle and thus the performance of the computer system is improved.
Compilers that reschedule instructions typically divide the instruction sequence into groups of instructions called basic blocks. A basic block is a group of instructions having only one entry point and one exit point. All instructions in the basic block are executed before exiting from the block. Therefore, instructions in the block may be rescheduled to any location in the block to alleviate stall situations caused by dependencies between instructions in the block as long as dependencies between instructions are obeyed.
However, for computer systems capable of executing a number of instructions at a time, short basic blocks of code do not provide a sufficient number of instructions for optimal rescheduling. In order to make additional instructions available for rescheduling, an approach known as "speculative scheduling" has been developed. According to the concept of speculative scheduling, instructions following a conditional branch instruction (and thus in a different basic block) may be rescheduled to precede the branch instruction. This rescheduled instruction is referred to as a "speculative instruction." After rescheduling, the speculative instruction is situated such that it will be executed before it is determined whether or not the branch is taken, and consequently before it is determined whether or not that speculative instruction need be executed at all. If it is determined that the speculatively executed instruction did not need to be executed, the instruction is said to be "mispredicted" and its result is ignored.
One problem that occurs with speculative scheduling arises from speculatively executed instructions which cause exceptions. An exception is raised when an error is detected by the computer system, such as a reference to an invalid address. Exceptions result in an interruption of the normal processing of the instruction sequence so that the error can be repaired and the instruction causing the error replayed before processing of the instruction sequence is resumed. If a speculatively executed instruction is mispredicted, and generates an exception, then a great deal of compute time is wasted handling an exception that would not have occurred had the speculative instruction been left in its original basic block.
Both hardware and software techniques have been developed to handle speculative exceptions. One hardware technique, described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,421,022, determines that there has been an exception condition caused by a speculative instruction, but withholds the signaling of an exception to the computer system until it is determined that the speculative instruction is in fact executed.
Software techniques typically do not have the capability to defer exceptions as done in hardware. However, one software method, described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/270,192, filed Jul. 1, 1994 and entitled "A Software Mechanism for Accurately Handling Exceptions Generated by Instructions Scheduled Speculatively due to Branch Elimination" defers exceptions in the following manner: Using a technique called "hardware predication", branch instructions were eliminated by applying the condition evaluated by the branch as a predicate to each instruction controlled by the branch. Each instruction controlled by the branch was encoded with the location of the instruction's associated predicate. In addition, each instruction included a semaphore for indicating whether an exception occurred during the execution of the speculative instruction. The exception handler, before executing the code to correct the exception, first checked the predicate and the semaphore of the speculative instruction. If it was determined that the speculative instruction should not have been executed, the exception handler did not proceed with the exception routine.
Thus both hardware and software techniques have been provided for correcting problems associated with speculative exceptions. However, each technique brings with it an associated overhead. The hardware technique utilizes chip area for control and pipelining of data. The software technique requires compute cycles for determining whether the exception handler need, in fact be executed, thus reducing the performance of the computer system. It is desirable to reduce the number of speculative exceptions to thereby minimize the overhead incurred by the software and hardware exception handling techniques.

Software mechanism for reducing exceptions generated by speculatively scheduled instructions


A system and method are provided for implementing a web server on a mobile station. A first mobile station may include a database of information. A network address for the first mobile station may be transmitted to a second mobile station to enable the second mobile station to communicate with the first mobile station directly over a wireless network. The second mobile station may then be provided access to the database of information by communicating directly over the wireless network with the first mobile station, wherein the first mobile station operates as the wireless server for the second mobile station.

Mobile stations are typically used as clients within wireless networks. While operating as a wireless client, a mobile station may access host services and information to satisfy a range of requirements.
The technology described in this patent document provides a system and method for implementing a web server on a mobile station. A first mobile station may include a database of information. A network address for the first mobile station may be transmitted to a second mobile station to enable the second mobile station to communicate with the first mobile station directly over a wireless network. The second mobile station may then be provided access to the database of information by communicating directly over the wireless network with the first mobile station, wherein the first mobile station operates as the wireless server for the second mobile station.
The mobile station operating as a wireless server may include a communication subsystem, a memory subsystem, a processing subsystem, and a wireless server module. The communication subsystem may be operable to send and receive communications over the wireless network. The memory subsystem may be operable to store data and program information, including a server database. The processing subsystem may be operable to store and retrieve data in the memory subsystem, execute programs stored in the memory subsystem, and cause the communication subsystem to transmit and receive communications over the wireless network. The wireless server module may be stored in the memory subsystem and executed by the processing subsystem. The wireless server module when executed by the processing subsystem may be operable to cause the wireless server to transmit a network address for the wireless server to a wireless client, the network address enabling the wireless client to communicate with the wireless server directly over the wireless network to access information in the server database.

Implementing a web server on a mobile station


An image forming apparatus having a toner density detecting sensor, a humidity sensor and a memory for storing past record of detected humidity. The toner density is compensated by referring to the detected toner density, currently detected humidity and past record of humidity to maintain image density stability.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as copying machines, laser printers and the like, and more specifically relates to an image forming apparatus capable of maintaining image density stability against varying humidity conditions.
2. Description of the Related Arts
In the aforesaid type of copying machine and the like, image density will vary depending upon the external environment. More specifically, when the developing material is allowed to sit undisturbed over a long period of time under high moisture conditions (for example, at night), a large quantity of toner will adhere to the surface of the photosensitive drum upon the initial developing due to a reduction in the amount of charge maintained by the toner as a result of the gradual loss of said charge during storage. As a result, the print density becomes too dense, thereby causing the so-called fog phenomenon.
Japanese Unexamined Patent Application No 58-33271 proposes a method for correcting a standard T/C (ratio of toner content to carrier content) based in the output of a humidity sensor that detects the humidity during machine operation.
The amount of electrical charge on the toner is changed in conjunction with variations in humidity. When the humidity changes in the increasing direction, the toner charge is reduced in proportion to the increase in humidity, but the toner charge is not likewise increased proportionately when the humidity changes in the decreasing direction. More specifically, the toner charge is gradually increased after a certain time period has elapsed.
Thus, when the standard T/C is corrected based on the humidity during the copying operation by the aforesaid conventional method, problems seldom arise when the humidity changes in the increasing direction, although when the humidity changes in the decreasing direction, the standard T/C ratio becomes larger before the toner charge increases. The aforesaid situation results in excessively dense print density and like disadvantages.

Image forming apparatus maintaining image density stability against humidity


A toner cartridge removably mounted to an image forming apparatus including a developing device. The toner cartridge includes a plurality of toner outlet openings for replenishing toner to the developing device and a plurality of toner collection openings for collecting the toner from the developing device. Further, the plurality of toner outlet openings and the plurality of toner collection openings are arranged substantially in a single array.

The present invention relates to a developing device for an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, and a toner cartridge for replenishing a fresh toner to the developing device.
A copier, facsimile apparatus, laser printer or similar electrophotographic image forming apparatus has a developing device for developing a latent image electrostatically formed on a photoconductive element, or image carrier, by using a toner. It has been customary with this kind of apparatus to replenish a fresh toner into the developing device from a toner cartridge removably mounted to the developing device. The developing device includes a toner storing section or hopper for receiving the fresh toner from the cartridge. During the course of development, the toner is sequentially fed from the hopper to the photoconductive element. The toner consists of toner particles and an additive. The problem with the conventional developing device is that as the developing device is operated a number of times, the additive concentration of the toner increases. As a result, the toner density, i.e., the density of an image developed by the toner is lowered. Specifically, although the additive should ideally be transferred to the latent image of the photoconductive element together with the toner particles, the additive is, in practice, left in the hopper without being consumed. Moreover, assume that the developing device or the entire image forming apparatus is held in an inclined position by accident. Then, because the toner is fed over the entire length of the photoconductive element, the additive concentrates on one end portion lower in level than the other end portion. This further increases the additive concentration of the toner and thereby aggravates the decrease in toner density or image density.

Toner cartridge including toner outlet openings and toner collection openings arranged substantially in a single array


The present invention provides an epoxy adhesive composition that is excellent in compatibility and storage stability, has high strength and excellent adhesiveness, is capable of reducing occurrence of warping or peeling when used for bonding different materials, and is also excellent in impact resistance after being cured. Provided is an epoxy adhesive composition including: a modified polyvinyl acetal resin having a constitutional unit with an acid-modified group; and an epoxy resin, the epoxy adhesive composition containing an organic solvent in an amount of 10.0% by weight or less.

Polyvinyl acetal resin is synthesized from polyvinyl alcohol as a raw material, and has an acetyl group, a hydroxyl group, and an acetal group in a side chain to show excellent toughness, adhesiveness, crosslinkability, and hygroscopicity. A variation in the ratio of side chain groups can change the resin properties. Owing to such properties, polyvinyl acetal resin is used in a wide range of applications including laminated glass interlayer films for automobiles and ceramic green sheets.
An attempt is now being made to improve resin properties and develop novel functions of polyvinyl acetal resin by introducing a functional group other than acetyl, hydroxyl, and acetal groups into a side chain of the polyvinyl acetal resin.
Polyvinyl acetal resin however has an insufficient adhesive force to metal materials. In addition, a difference in degree of shrinkage between polyvinyl acetal resin and metal materials causes warping or peeling during heat treatment for curing.
Patent Literatures 1 to 4 disclose adhesives prepared using epoxy resin. These adhesives however exert only an insufficient adhesive force to metal materials because of the insufficient strength of the resin contained.


A new class of compounds known as chalcogenosilacyclopentanes is described. These compounds are five-membered ring structures containing a silicon-selenium or silicon-tellurium bond, as shown in Formulas (I) and (II). In these compounds, the substituents on the silicon and on the ring carbons may be hydrogen, alkyl, alkoxy, aromatic, or ether groups. The chalcogenosilacyclopentane compounds undergo ring-opening reactions with hydroxyl and other protic functionalities and may be used to prepare substrates that are amenable to thin film deposition techniques such as ALD and CVD.

In thin film technologies, surfaces are generally modified to present a specific chemical functionality or to modify substrate behavior to enable a deposition technology. The latter case is particularly important in technologies where ultra-thin conformal layers are required. For example, atomic layer deposition (ALD) technology is becoming increasingly important in cadmium selenide and cadmium telluride thin film compositions for photovoltaic applications, in mercury-cadmium telluride (HgCdTe) deposition for sensor applications, and in germanium-antimony-tellurium (GST) deposition in phase change memory and capacitor applications. A general problem that has been observed in these thin film deposition schemes is slow growth per cycle in the initial stages of ALD, sometimes referred to as incubation or induction in the ALD process. Often, this slow growth is associated with the reactivity of a substrate which is not of the same composition as the film to be deposited. There remains a need in the art for substrates which can efficiently initiate deposition processes.


A fuse unit for use in e.g. motor vehicles, includes an electrically conductive busbar and a plurality of connections for individual power consuming components which are connected to the busbar directly or by way of interposed fusible links so as to be electrically conductive. The busbar has a contact blade adapted to plug into a mating connector of a power supply without the interposition of a further connection between them.

1. Field
The present invention relates to fuse units with multiple connections, and in particular fuse units for motor vehicles.
2. Discussion of Related Art
In the automotive industry, cable distributors are used, which feed current from a common source to the connections of individual power consuming components via individual fuses.
Fuses that are mounted on a common busbar or that are integrated in a busbar are already known. Such components are connected on both the incoming and the outgoing side via a screwed-on connector part. Alternatively, individual plug-in contacts may be provided on the fuses of the outgoing side. Such prior devices are described in DE 196 46 264 C2 where current supply connection is attached on the incoming side by way of a busbar by way of a main fusible element. On the outgoing side, a plurality of connector pieces are provided, which are individually connected to the busbar by way of fusible elements. In this regard, the fusible elements on the outgoing side may be preassembled in varying widths and/or thicknesses in relation to their melting behavior. A hole may be provided in the connector pieces on both the incoming and the outgoing side respectively for the attachment of a terminal end or for a screw terminal.