A spectrometer is provided for acquiring a Raman spectrum from a sample. The spectrometer includes a first laser, a second laser, a detector and a processing device. The first laser is adapted to produce a first laser beam for generating first Raman spectra from the sample. The second laser is adapted to produce a second laser beam for generating second Raman spectra from the sample. The detector is adapted to collect the first Raman spectra and the second Raman spectra. The processing device is adapted to process the collected first and second Raman spectra to provide the Raman spectrum.

A vibrational spectrum of molecules, ionic compounds, and polyatomic ions may be generated using Raman spectroscopy. This vibrational spectrum may be used to identify a sample of a unique chemical or a unique mixture of chemicals much as a fingerprint is used to identify a person.
To generate a Raman spectrum, a sample is irradiated with a monochromatic excitation source. This monochromatic excitation source provides spectral resolution in the Raman spectrum. By contrast, a broadband source may generate broad vibrational peaks in the vibrational spectrum.
Typically, when photons from a monochromatic excitation source impinge a sample, a majority of the photons are scattered elastically resulting in a Rayleigh scattering of light. This scattering of light has the same wavelength as the excitation source. The excitation source therefore should be relatively intense in order to generate a Raman signal that may be relatively easily detected. As a result, lasers are almost exclusively used as the monochromatic excitation source in conventional Raman spectrometers.
The efficiency of Raman scattering is inversely proportional to the laser wavelength raised to the fourth power. It is easier therefore to generate a detectable signal using a laser with a relatively short wavelength. A short wavelength laser, however, may have a relatively large amount of energy per photon, which can result in the generation of fluorescence due to the population of excited electronic states within the sample or within impurities included in the sample. Fluorescence generation is typically many orders of magnitude more efficient than Raman scattering. Using a short wavelength laser therefore often results in a spectrum with a fluorescence signal that is much larger than the Raman signal and may prevent the Raman signal from being accurately measured. Thus, there are both advantages and disadvantages for any laser wavelength that might be selected. Many commercial instruments therefore include a plurality of excitation lasers so that a user may select which laser wavelength is appropriate for a particular measurement.
The Raman signal is detected with a detector sensitive to the Raman photons generated by the laser. A typical detector includes a plurality of charge-couple-devices (CCDs). These CCDs enable a spectrum with a relatively high signal to noise ratio to be obtained due to the nature of the CCDs. For example, a silicon-based CCD detector may be made in an array format so that Raman photons of different wavelengths may be detected substantially simultaneously by dispersing the photons spatially across the CCD. This multiplex effect allows the entire Raman vibrational spectrum of a sample to be detected with a single measurement.
For a sample that gives rise to strong fluorescence as discussed above, it is desirable to use a long wavelength laser so that the excited states of the sample are not populated efficiently. A typically CCD detector, however, is not sufficiently sensitive to photons with a wavelength greater than 1100 nanometers (nm). This presents a dilemma since it is common to distinguish chemicals based on vibrations due to carbon-hydrogen (CH), oxygen-hydrogen (OH), and nitrogen-hydrogen (NH) bond stretching. These vibrations generally occur at absolute energies between 2700-3300 wave numbers. When used in combination with vibrations of lower energy (e.g., the "fingerprint" region), a significant advantage is realized.
To observe the hydrogen stretching vibrations with a CCD detector that detects photons at wavelengths shorter than 1100 nm, the excitation laser should be less than 807 nm. For this reason, one of the most common lasers used in an excitation source is a 785 nm wavelength laser. Use of a 785 nm wavelength laser, however, often results in generation of significant fluorescence. Thus, it is desirable to use a longer wavelength laser in order to reduce fluorescence. Use of a longer wavelength laser, however, may result in the loss of important vibrational information about the chemical sample since the vibrations due to carbon-hydrogen (CH), oxygen-hydrogen (OH), and nitrogen-hydrogen (NH) bond stretching occur at wavelengths which are not detectable by a silicon CCD. Furthermore, less expensive CCDs typically cannot efficiently detect photons with wavelengths above 1060 nm. For example, the CCDs typically used in handheld Raman instruments cannot detect the laser wavelengths greater than 785 nm that include the important CH, OH, NH bond stretching vibrations.
Longer wavelength lasers in combination with detectors that are sensitive to longer wavelength photons may be used during Raman spectrometry. For example, an FT-Raman spectrometer typically includes a 1064 nm wavelength laser and a single element detector based on germanium or indium gallium arsenide in combination with an interferometer. Although FT-Raman spectrometer detects substantially the entire Raman spectrum including the CH, OH, and NH stretching region, this spectrometer has other deficiencies. In particular, the laser wavelength of the FT-Raman spectrometer is so long that in order to generate a sufficient Raman signal, a high optical power is used that may result in sample burning. This problem is compounded since germanium (Ge) detectors and indium gallium arsenide (InGaAs) detectors generate a higher noise level than silicon detectors such as CCDs. This poor performance relative to a CCD detector results in a lower quality spectrum or the requirement of a much longer acquisition time.
In a second example, a spectrometer is configured with InGaAs array detectors and a long (e.g., 1064 nm) wavelength laser. Although the InGaAs array detectors provide a multiplex advantage similar to a CCD, this spectrometer may also cause sample burning as described above. Furthermore, even with the addition of the multiplex effect, the InGaAs array detectors are still noisier than CCD detectors and thus have a worse quality signal-to-noise ratio. This is compounded by fixed pattern noise due to non-uniformity of the individual InGaAs detector elements (pixels) which make the InGaAs array detector.
In a third example, a spectrometer is configured with a short wavelength laser (e.g., 785 nm wavelength laser) with a CCD detector, and a long wavelength laser (e.g., 1064 nm wavelength laser) with an InGaAs array detector. This configuration allows a user to select traditional CCD detection (e.g., with 785 nm laser excitation) for samples which exhibit negligible or low fluorescence, or to select InGaAs array detection (e.g., with 1064 nm laser excitation) for samples which exhibit significant fluorescence. Effectively providing two Raman spectrometers, however, dramatically increases cost, size, and complexity of the spectrometer. In addition, this spectrometer still suffers from the poor signal to noise of the InGaAs array detector for part of the vibrational information.
As described above, prior art spectrometers are unable to use laser wavelengths long enough to significantly reduce fluorescence relative to a 785 nm wavelength laser, while still being detectable by a CCD detector and providing the vibrational spectral region including CH, OH, and NH vibrations. In addition, these spectrometers also suffer from a spectral resolution problem. For example, since the Raman signal is dispersed spatially across the CCD as a function of wavelength, the resolution between vibrational peaks may be limited by the size of the CCD detector. Therefore, in order to observe both the fingerprint region and the hydrogen stretching region with good resolution, a relatively large CCD detector should be used (e.g., one inch or larger in length). However, such a relatively large CCD adds significant expense to the spectrometer.
There is a need in the art for an improved method and apparatus for acquiring Raman spectra.

Acquiring a Raman spectrum with multiple lasers


A system and method for detecting fraudulent identification tags, such as Universal Product Codes (UPC) applied to goods to be purchased is disclosed. Images of the goods to be purchased and corresponding feature models are stored in a database. When a customer desires to purchase an item containing a UPC, a scanned image of the item about to be purchased may be acquired and a feature model of the scanned image may be created. The system may retrieve from the database the image and feature model previously stored for the item associated with the just-scanned UPC. A variety of image processing techniques may be used to compare the scanned and database images and/or the scanned and database feature models. In one embodiment, these image processing techniques may include determining a geometric transformation that maps the features of the scanned image onto the features of a database model.

The field of the present disclosure relates to systems and methods for fraud prevention, and more particularly, to systems and methods for prevention of fraud due to the substitution of machine-readable identification tags.
The use of machine-readable identification tags on goods has become ubiquitous in many industries. Optically readable tags, such as barcodes, enable the quick and automated identification of goods. For example, in the retail industry the Uniform Product Code (UPC) barcode is widely used. There are many other uses of barcodes, such as identifying industrial goods in factories and warehouses and in luggage handling systems. Non-optical identification tags, such as radio frequency identification (RFID) tags, are becoming increasingly popular.
With the expansion of the use of machine-readable identification tags there has been an increase in the occurrence of fraudulent identification tags, particularly with UPC barcodes in the retail environment. Such fraud will typically involve the perpetrator applying to an item to be purchased the UPC barcode for a less costly item. Several methods to circumvent UPC barcode substitution fraud have been employed. One method is to rely on a checkout clerk to read the description of a scanned item on the point of sale (POS) terminal and to visually inspect the item to see if it matches the description. This method is slow, and is prone to human error. This method is also not effective against unscrupulous checkout clerks.
Another method used to deter UPC barcode substitution fraud is found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,115,888 to Schneider, which discloses a self-service checkout system in which scanned items are weighed. The measured weight of the scanned item is compared to an expected weight corresponding to the scanned UPC barcode. Supervisory personnel are alerted if a discrepancy in the two weights is found. The system may not be able, however, to distinguish a fraudulent UPC barcode in many cases where the item having the fraudulent UPC barcode weighs about the same as the expected item.
A system that verifies both the weight and the shape of an item to be purchased is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,792,018 to Humble. In this patent, a self-service checkout system weighs and obtains a silhouette of an item being scanned. The weight and silhouette characteristics are compared to an expected weight and silhouette previously stored in a database to determine if the UPC barcode is fraudulent. While some degree of security is provided in this system, this system is not useful where the weight and shape of the legitimate and fraudulent product are similar.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,883,968 to Welch et al. discloses a system that compares the color information of a scanned item with the color information of the item associated with the scanned UPC barcode. This is done by acquiring a color image of the item and then generating color histograms from the image. The color histograms are then compared to the color histogram of the expected item. However, this system may not be effective in situations where the two items being compared have the same color information, but differ in more subtle ways, such as the name or model number. Also, this system may not work well where the conditions under which the image of the item stored in the database differ from those of the scanned item. For example, differences in lighting, viewing angle and distance from the camera may result in the same item appearing different enough to be identified as a different item. The result may be an incorrect identification of a legitimate transaction as being fraudulent, which is undesirable.
As can be seen, there is a need for a system and method for detecting the presence of fraudulent identification tags, such as UPC barcodes. There is a also a need for a system that can detect fraudulent identification tags, which does not rely on human input, is fast and can tolerate different image acquisition conditions. There is a further need for a system that can effectively detect fraudulent identification tags with very few instances of legitimate transactions being identified as fraudulent.


An apparatus is disclosed for roll forming metal components including substantially channel-shaped members for use in a building structure. The apparatus includes a support frame assembly having front and rear portions. A mechanism is provided for selectively feeding at least one metal strip into the support frame assembly, the metal strip having a pair of side edges and a center web. A plurality of driver roll elements are mounted along the support frame assembly and are adapted to move the metal strip through the frame assembly. Finally, a plurality of spaced idler forming rolls are mounted for free rotation in pairs along the support frame assembly. The idler forming rolls are adapted to simultaneously air form the side edges of the metal strip into angularly extending side flanges by urging the side edges in opposing directions from the center web as the metal strip is moved along the frame assembly by the driver roll elements. In addition, a device for feeding metal strips to the roll forming apparatus is disclosed along with an apparatus for assembling metal wall frame structures, both stationary and foldable forms thereof, from channel-shaped members.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to the fabrication and assembling of building frame components and, more particularly, to devices for accomplishing this. Specifically, the present invention relates to apparatus for the efficient and precise formation of metal frame components to enable easy assembly and use of the same in both commercial and residential structures.
2. Description of the Prior Art
In general, wall structures for both residential and commercial construction have been made over the years using the so-called stick framing method and construction. In such stick frame construction, the structural walls are made from wood studs, and the top and bottom wood framing members are called plates. Typically, the studs and plates are made from two-by-four lumber members which are generally 2″ in thickness and 4″ in width cut to the desired length. Stick framing generally involves the technique of nailing the studs to the top and bottom plates and are normally spaced 16″ on center to form a building structural wall. Systems for arranging these components into wall structures are illustrated in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,986,247, 4,876,787 and 5,646,860.
In recent years, high-rise and other commercial building structures have replaced standard stick frame construction with steel structures. High-rise buildings typically employ straight column members subjected to high axial compression forces. The use of solid or rectangular rolled-steel sections typically in the form of steel studs supported between steel tracks has now become the standard construction format for commercial wall construction. Such steel members can be produced economically in a wide range of sizes and are readily assembled into wall and window sections. Examples of such devices are illustrated in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,877,129 and 4,078,288.
Light gauge steel framing has been available to the construction market for well over forty years now. In fact, it has become the dominant, i.e. greater than 90 percent, construction technique in the commercial industry. However, wood is still the dominant framing material in the residential construction field, still amounting to about 85-92 percent. Considerable time and money has been expended by numerous trade and industry organizations, particularly during the past ten or twelve years, in study and research to determine why there is this vast difference in usage between these two construction fields, which at first glance would appear to have equal need and use for this material in their respective construction fields. As a result of the above findings, it has been determined that there has been noticeable progress made by light gauge steel framing in gaining a larger portion of the residential building market. Nonetheless, this progress has been a slow, moderate increase as opposed to the extreme dominance of steel framing vs. wood stick framing which has occurred in the commercial construction field.
There are a number of reasons for this disparity of usage of steel framing between these two fields of construction. Among the obstacles faced are traditional residential construction approaches as well as production methods for steel framing components. The production method of choice for producing light gauge steel framing has been, and will most likely continue to be, cold roll forming. This is due to its inherent low production cost with almost no material scrap loss factors. During the last 50 years, cold roll forming of steel has gone from substantially a "black art" with machines and materials which required considerable operator experience and skill, to a production technology which today is performed by higher precision machines and with fewer operator skills while using materials that are much more uniform in quality.
There are two main components used in light gauge metal framing. These components include studs (similar to wood framing) which in walls are the vertical members, and tracks, which are the top and bottom horizontal frame members to which the studs are attached. Both components are basically a U-shape component with the studs having inwardly turned stiffened lips on the outer distal edge of each leg, whereas the tracks do not. The tracks are dimensioned widthwise to fit over the ends of the studs, and the stud and track members are used to frame wall sections. The same basic shapes in wider and heavier gauge sizes are also used for floor framing sections. Both shapes are also used to assemble roof and other truss members of considerable spanning and load carrying capabilities.
Traditional cold roll forming devices consist of sets of two driven shafts positioned one above and one below a metal sheet passing through the device. Mounted on these shafts are roll elements whose profile has been machined to bend or form a strip of flat metal as it passes between the tightly spaced roll contours. This set of shafts, rolls and the mechanism that drives them is referred to as a roll pass. A roll former will consist of a number of such roll passes mounted in a flat steel base with all passes being mounted in a straight line, and with all shafts in parallel with each other. The profile of each set of rolls in each succeeding pass is designed to gradually change the cross section of the initially flat metal strip fed into the machine, into the final desired shape as it passes through the sets of rolls. The number of passes required will vary with the complexity of the shape being formed as well as the type of material, its thickness and physical properties.
Typically, the lower shaft is in a fixed position and is non-adjustable vertically. The upper shaft is typically vertically adjustable, usually having compression springs mounted between the bearing blocks of the upper and lower shafts which are sufficiently strong so as to not only support the weight of the upper shaft and its rolls, but to also hold it firmly against adjustment screws which limited the extent the shaft and its roll can move upwardly. The design and machining of the rolls is done in a manner to allow a particular gauge or thickness of metal strip to pass between them. This space or clearance between the rolls is usually a compromise to allow clearance for more than one gauge to pass through the machine by making adjustment of the screws located above each bearing of the upper shaft.
The clearance or space between the upper and lower roll contours must be sufficient to allow the rolls to slip against the metal strip being formed as there is obviously only one point on the circumference of each roll, called the drive point, at which the metal strip and the surface of a given roll can be traveling at the same speed. This point will vary with each set of rolls in each pass, in that the rolls not only form the metal strip but also function to drive the strip through the machine. The balance of the metal strip and roll surfaces are sliding in relationship to each other.
To successfully roll form a finished shape, the metal's yield strength must not be exceeded as the metal is formed by the rolls. Otherwise, strains can be induced at the points where it is exceeded which in turn can result in stretched metal with residual stresses that can distort, twist and curve the shape of the finished part. Assuming that the roll tooling has been properly designed to avoid this particular problem, there are a number of other factors which still cause problems in existing roll forming technology. The rolls in a typical roll forming device are typically positioned firmly in a fixed position against a shoulder on each shaft. Good tooling design must assume the space or clearance between the two rolls remains constant. However, there is no such thing as absolute perfection in either the roll former or it's roll tooling, nor in the metal strips which are to be passed through the machine.
There are a number of tooling variables that may be the source of other problems. Drive shafts which are less than absolutely straight, or rolls that are not absolutely concentric or not uniformly fitted to their drive shafts, and similar variations from perfection, can cause the rolls to lope during rotation. This may vary the design spacing between the rolls, thus alternately squeezing and inducing stresses in the metal as it passes through the machine. Other similar machine and tooling variables can also be cited. The degree of these variables in a machine and its tooling can increase during the operating life of both because of wear and strains that are either induced or relieved through production usage.
There may also be metal strip variables. Perfection in the metal strip being roll formed is also not likely. An article from the October issue, 2002, of The Fabricator magazine, outlines the reality of the variables inherent with present day state of the art metal strip roll form production. These strip variables coupled with machine and tooling variations outlined above, combined to induce stresses during roll forming which can seriously affect the quality of the finished formed parts. Thus, there remains a need in the art for an apparatus which can roll form such metal components for wall structures as well as assembling wall structures from such components and which overcomes the numerous aforementioned problems inherent in the existing technology. The present invention addresses and solves these particular problems in the art.

Apparatus for the fabrication of metal wall frame members and assembly of wall frames therefrom, and foldable wall frame structures


The invention concerns a devise being a flat lattice frame for holding string lights, such as Christmas lights, for tangle free storage designed to fit in a standard file storage box. It is designed in a manner for easy use, helps to minimize the required storage space and to approximately match the interior of a standard file box to provide vertical support.

Decorative string lights are typically used for seasonal displays, such as Christmas, for limited time (typically less than 60 days). The balance of the year they are they are kept in storage. Since most of the year they are in storage, it is important to have efficient storage method with a minimum wasted space. The storage factor has become more important as the actual or effective cost of storage has increased and/or the availability of storage in homes may have decreased.
Due to length and characteristics string lights can become tangled when not stored properly, which can lead to damage. Storing in an orderly manner that minimizes or eliminates the potential for becoming tangled is preferred. With the conversion to LED type string lights, which are currently more expensive than incandescent lights, preventing damage has an increased importance.
Since string lights are seasonal this means that once a year they are taken out of storage and placed back in storage, so while the process of taking out of storage and putting in storage in needs to be effective it does not have to be the primary characteristic of the storage device. For large quantities of string lights, a uniform and cost effect method of storage is desirable


A cut and stack label includes a layer of polymer film printing stock having a first face carrying a printed message and a second, opposite face, a clear polymer film laminated to the first face over that printed message and a coating of an anti-static formulation over the clear polymer film and/or the second face. An optional dusting or layer of offset powder may also be provided.

There is a growing consumer preference for food, beverage and household products packaged in plastic containers. This is because plastic containers offer the consumer a number of convenient benefits including, but not limited to, portability, resealability, safety, light weight and contourability for a comfortable grip.
Plastic containers, however, pose several challenges for packaged goods companies and label manufacturers. One of the main reasons for this is that plastic containers are particularly durable and can withstand more demanding consumer environments, such as an ice chest, as well as withstand a drop to the ground of perhaps six feet or more. Further, a plastic container's portability means it can be used and the product consumed over a long period of time including days or weeks, not hours.
For label manufacturers, this means packaged goods companies prefer labels to be 100% waterproof, 100% scuff-proof, extremely durable, resistant to scuffing and product deterioration, able to withstand drops of six feet or more without tearing and be aesthetically pleasing to the consumer's eye and touch for the life of the use of the plastic container. Unfortunately, no state of the art label capable of use with existing cut and stack labeling equipment offers all of these desired performance features in a cost effective manner.
State of the art label solutions for plastic containers generally fall into four categories, poly/paper, poly/poly, aqueous coated synthetic and ultraviolet (UV) coated synthetic. An example of a state of the art poly/paper label is a lightweight clear polypropylene film laminated to C1S paper. The clear polypropylene film provides an attractive high gloss appearance. The film lamination also provides durability for scuff protection and passing drop tests. Due to its incorporation of a paper layer, however, the poly/paper label is not waterproof. Accordingly, when subjected to humid or wet environments, the label has a tendency to curl and/or to deteriorate.
An example of a poly/poly label is a lightweight clear polypropylene film laminated to a lightweight white opaque polypropylene film printing stock. The clear polypropylene film provides an attractive high gloss appearance and durability for scuff protection and passing drop tests. The 100% film nature of the construction provides the label with 100% waterproof properties. However, poly/poly labels are available only in roll fed label form and thus are limited to use by packaged goods companies that own and/or operate roll fed labeling equipment. As presently manufactured, poly/poly labels are not stiff enough and lack sufficient anti-static properties to run in existing cut and stack labeling equipment.
An example of an aqueous coated synthetic label is a single layer heavyweight bright white polypropylene film that is aqueous coated. The 100% film nature of the construction provides the label with 100% waterproof properties. However, an aqueous coated synthetic label does not have the high gloss appearance or scuff resistance properties of laminated labels and, accordingly, does not provide a complete answer to the needs of the packaged goods manufacturer.
An example of a UV coated synthetic label is a single layer of heavyweight bright white polypropylene film printing stock that is ultraviolet coated. Again, the 100% film nature of the construction provides the label with 100% waterproof properties. While the UV coated synthetic label does have a higher gloss appearance and improved scuff and product resistance properties when compared to an aqueous coated synthetic label due to the use of an ultraviolet coating, it does not offer the same degree of gloss and scuff protection as the film lamination label. This shortcoming along with the high cost of ultraviolet inks and coatings means that UV coated synthetic labels also fail to meet all the needs of the packaged goods manufacturer.
A need is therefore identified for an improved label for packaged goods manufacturers that provides all the desired properties in a cost effective label that is stiff enough and has sufficient anti-static properties to reliably and efficiently run in existing cut and stack labeling equipment.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.


A memory cell has a first switching element, a second switching element and a storage capacitor and formed in an active region. A first bit line and a first word line are connected to the first switching element and a second bit line and a second word line are connected to the second switching element. A plurality of the memory cells are formed within the active region which extends in a straight line. The active region extends at an angle with respect to the bit and word lines. The active region thus has no bent portions. The deterioration of the characteristics of the memory cell caused by the bent portions can be prevented.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a semiconductor memory device, in particular to a semiconductor memory device provided with memory cells that are configured by one data storage capacitor and two switching elements.
2. Description of Related Art
Memory cells each of which is configured by one data storage capacitor, and one switching element (transistor), are known as dynamic random access memory (DRAM) cells. The memory cells are referred to as "one-transistor/one-capacitor (1T/1C)" memory cells. Data access to 1T/1C memory cell is performed by using the one transistor and the refresh is performed by using the same transistor. Accordingly, data access to a memory cell on a bit line cannot be performed for a period during which the refresh is performed to a memory cell on the same bit line. High speed access to the memory is thus difficult.
In contrast to the 1T/1C memory cell, a two-transistor/one-capacitor (2T/1C) memory cell in which two switching elements (transistors) are connected to one capacitor has been proposed. Such a memory cell is disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open Application No. 2000-124331. As shown in FIG. 10, drains of a first MOS transistor Tr1 and a second MOS transistor Tr2 are connected to one capacitor C. A first bit line B1 is connected to a source of the first MOS transistor Tr1, and a second bit line B2 is connected to a source of the second MOS transistor Tr2. Further, a first word line W1 is connected to a gate of the first MOS transistor Tr1, and a second word line W2 is connected to a gate of the second MOS transistor Tr2. In such 2T/1C memory cell M, if one of the transistors Tr1 and Tr2 is used for data write-in and the other transistor is used for data read-out, then data write-in and data read-out can be performed at the same timing to different memory cells on the same bit line. Alternatively, if one of the transistors Tr1 and Tr2 is used for data write-in and data read-out, and the other transistor is used for refresh, then data write-in, data read-out, and refresh can be performed at the same timing to different memory cells on the same bit line. It thus becomes possible to achieve high speed access to the memory cells.
A layout structure of 2T/1C memory cell is proposed in JP2000-124331. As shown in FIG. 11, an active region DA extends in a diagonal direction with respect to the word lines and the bit lines, which are mutually orthogonal. The first MOS transistor Tr1 and the second MOS transistor Tr2 are configured by the first word lines W1 and the second word lines W2 within the active region DA. Each of the MOS transistors Tr1 and Tr2 is connected to the first bit line B1 and to the second bit line B2, through bit line contacts BC. It should be noted that "active region" in this specification means a region that is formed on a semiconductor substrate, surrounded by an element separation region, in which diffusion layers, and a channel region that is sandwiched by the diffusion layers, are formed in order to configure a memory cell. Furthermore, A capacitor contact CC is provided in the diffusion layer shared by the first and second transistors Tr1 and Tr2 and is connected to a capacitor. The active regions DA of adjacent memory cells are formed in a zigzag pattern and are mutually continuous so that the plurality of memory cells arranged in a bit line direction are connected to the first bit line B1 and the second bit line B2.
Alternatively, a configuration disclosed in FIG. 1 of JP 2000-124331, but not shown here, has also been proposed. In this configuration, the active regions take on a different shape having a bent portion like that of a crank. A configuration disclosed in FIG. 8 of JP 2000-124331 has also been proposed. In this configuration, the diffusion layers of the plurality of memory cells that are arranged along the bit lines are formed in a linear shape extending in a direction that is parallel to the bit lines. Branch lines protrude out from the bit lines and are connected to the MOS transistors of each memory cell.
The Zigzag shape of the active regions DA as shown in FIG. 11 accompanies bent portions X in an outer edge of the active region pattern. The active regions DA may easily lose their shape in the bent portions X when the active regions are formed in the semiconductor substrate by using a photolithography technique, and it is difficult to form the active regions into shapes as designed. In addition, stress tends to be caused in the semiconductor substrate in the portions that have lost their shape. In particular, an angular portion of the active region may become rounded, and the width dimension of the active region in this portion may decrease. If this loss of shape is caused in the active regions, a target gate width will not be obtained. Further, electrical leakage fluctuation may be caused between the semiconductor substrate and the diffusion layers within the active regions due to stress. The problem may cause the decline of MOS transistor performance and deterioration of data retention characteristics of the memory cells. Accordingly, it is necessary to consider loss of shape of the active layers and stress, and design the active regions with a certain margin therefor. This becomes an impediment in miniaturizing the active regions, namely, an impediment in miniaturizing the memory cells.
Further, the layout structure cited in FIG. 1 of JP 2000-124331 has the same problems due to its bent portion. On the other hand, there are no bent portions in the active regions in the layout structure cited in FIG. 8 of JP 2000-124331. With the layout structure, although the problems that accompany the bent portions are eliminated, the branch lines extending from the bit lines must be formed, and contact failures will be caused and the securing the margin is needed due to loss of shape in the branch lines. As a result, impediments in miniaturizing the memory cells cannot be avoided.
In addition, in the layout structure shown in FIG. 11, each capacitor CC of adjacent memory cells has a narrower spacing in the bit line direction than in the word line direction. Accordingly, if one tries to increase the planar surface area of the capacitors formed on an upper layer of the MOS transistors in order to increase the data storage volume, the planar shape of the capacitors cannot simply be made into a rectangular shape having one long side. As a result, the planar shape of the capacitors becomes complex, and there is a problem in that manufacturing of capacitors is difficult.


A connector plug comprises a shielding shell, an insulating base, a terminal module and two baffles, the insulating base comprises a base and a tongue plate connected to a front end of the base, a front end face of the tongue plate being backwards concavely provided with a slot running through a rear end of the base; the terminal module comprises an upper terminal module, a lower terminal module and a hook plate sandwiched between the upper terminal module and the lower terminal module; the terminal module is embedded into the slot of the insulating base; and the two baffles are disposed on upper and lower surfaces of the tongue plate, respectively, the shielding shell encloses the tongue plate and the two baffles, and the two baffles are connected to the shielding shell, respectively.

At present, connectors have been widely applied in electronic products for data transmission, charge, video transmission and other functions. With the development demand and trend of light and thin electronic products (for example, various ultra-thin tablets, mobile phones, two-in-one boxes, other special mobile devices, etc.), connectors are becoming lighter and thinner in order to conform to the corresponding size of electronic products. As the size of connectors becomes smaller, the size of corresponding structural components is limited and the distance between an upper row of contact terminals and a lower row of contact terminals becomes smaller too. Accordingly, new problems appear: interference of signal is caused between the upper row of contact terminals and the lower row of contact terminals, and it is likely to result in unstable data transmission as the conventional shielding structure design is unable to provide for good shielding effect; and, the structure for assembling the upper row of contact terminals and the lower row of contact terminals within an insulating base is also unstable or complicated in procedure.
Therefore, it is urgent to propose a new technical solution to solve the above problems.

Electrical tongue connector with good shielding and improved contact performance


A wind turbine system able to withstand up to 150 mph winds, comprising the electricity generating components moved from the nacelle to the top of the tower, positioned vertically, and comprising: a main-shaft bearing; a gearbox; a brake assembly; a high-speed shaft; a generator; and an electrical control cabinet. The purpose of positioning in the tower is to protect the components from high winds, tornados, etc. and to regulate the rotation of the propellers to make more electricity. The turbine can be easily repaired onsite by removing covers on the upper tower; and with snap in replacement parts. Drone, which are stored in the top horizontal housing, can surveil and protect the turbine and the surrounding area. And, solar panels on the sides and/or cover of the top horizontal housing provide energy to the turbine in low and no wind conditions.

A wind turbine is a device that converts the kinetic energy of wind into electrical energy using a simple principle that the energy in the wind rotates the propeller like blades of the rotor of the turbine, which is normally connected to the rotor shaft of the generator using the main shaft and which spins the rotor shaft of the generator creating electricity from the kinetic energy of the wind. Based on the design of the rotor, wind turbines are conventionally classified as Horizontal axis wind turbine and Vertical axis wind turbine. The rotation of the propellers is often 15 rpm, which is converted through mechanical gears and bearings to 1800 rpm to produce electricity. To date the propellers have been designed exclusively for their aerodynamic properties, such as for aircraft application.
Placement of a wind turbine tower is usually in a permanent location that is now subject to global warming weather fluctuations, which include frequent hurricane type winds and tsunami forces. Often this subjects the wind turbine structure and parts as gears and bearings to shock loads not originally anticipated. As an example, General Electric, which is a major supplier of wind turbines, has had a plurality of unexplained wind turbine failures, to include tower bending collapses. GE Haliade-X 13MW has a 65 ton nacelle atop the tower.
Therefore, there exists a need for a wind turbine system that can withstand up to 150 mile per hour (mph) winds (e.g. not be damaged in hurricanes). It should also have easy access to repair and replace the electrical-mechanical components for electricity generation and to reduce their exposure to adverse climate. And the wind turbine system should be able to be controlled remotely, and/or automatedly for the safe rate of propeller rotation.

Wind turbine nacelle and tower redesign for extreme loads and remote servicing and surveillance drone


A refrigerator includes a food storage space, an evaporator for generating cool air, and a fan for circulating the cool air to the storage space. An air diverting valve is provided which is movable in response to an opening of a door to the storage space for redirecting the air to form an air curtain across an opening of the storage space. The air diverting valve can be moved by a motor, or by a spring.

(1) Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to a refrigerator, and more particularly, a refrigerator which is provided with an air curtain device for preventing the discharge of cool air when the door is open.
(2) Description of the Prior Art
A refrigerator maintains foodstuffs in a freezed or refrigerated state in order to prevent the deterioration of the foodstuffs' freshness and taste. The foodstuffs stored in the refrigerator's refrigerating compartment are cooled by cool air generated by the operation of the refrigerating cycle. At the front of the refrigerating compartment is formed an opening to which a door is attached to open and close the refrigerating compartment. Such a conventional refrigerator has a disadvantage in that the cool air in the compartment is released into the air when the door is open, thereby raising the temperature therein. This is caused by the pressure and temperature differences between the inside and outside of the compartment. This problem results in the decreased operating efficiency of the refrigerator and especially the deterioration of the foodstuffs' freshness and taste.
In order to resolve the above disadvantage, there has been disclosed a technique for preventing the discharge of cool air in the compartment by creating an air curtain across the opening of the compartment when the door is open. Examples of this arrangement are JP Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 56-12972 and JP Utility Model Laid-Open Publication No. 61-89782.
FIG. 12 shows a prior art disclosed in JP Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 56-12972. An air outlet 21 and air inlet 23 are provided at the front opening of the refrigerator body 11, an air passage 25 is provided along the inner walls 13,15,17 to connect the air outlet 21 with the air inlet 23, and a motorized fan 27 is installed in the air passage 25 and operates when the door 19 is open. Thus, when the door 19 is open, the motorized fan 27 operates to circulate cool air through the air passage 25, thereby creating an air curtain 29 over the front opening between the air inlet 21 and the air outlet 23. However, such a prior art for creating an air curtain has a disadvantage in that because it requires the additional motorized fan and air passage, the structure of a refrigerator with the air curtain device is unnecessarily complicated.
FIG. 13 shows another prior art disclosed in JP Utility Model Laid-Open Publication No. 61-89782. The inside space 5 extends into the machine compartment 4 which is provided at the top of the refrigerator and has a motorized fan 7 therein. Thus, cool air discharged by the motorized fan 7 collides with the inner front side 11 of the extending space 5, and is therefore redirected downward, thereby creating an air curtain over the opening 2.
However, as in the former prior art, this type of air curtain requires an additional motorized fan, thereby complicating the structure. Furthermore, it has another disadvantage in that the air curtain does not function properly because the cool air discharged by the motorized fan is circulated within the entire storage space, thereby forming the air curtain incompletely.

Refrigerator forming an air curtain across an opening when a door is open


An NC control unit 100 includes a touch panel display device 155 through which a barrier canceling command is input and a machining control section 160 that performs an interference check for interference between a milling tool 70 and a chuck 58 and jaws 60. When the machining control section 160 determines that interference occurs and stops movement of a tool rest 54, the machining control section 160 writes the barrier canceling command that commands cancelation of the interference check for a process of a machining program where the interference has been determined based on manipulation of the display device 155. When the machining program including the barrier canceling command is carried out to machine subsequent workpieces, the machining control section 160 omits the interference check for the process corresponding to the barrier canceling command.

Conventionally, an interference check is performed in a numerical control machine tool to prevent interference between a tool rest and a holding means for holding a workpiece. The holding means may be a jig such as chuck jaws or a vise. Typically, in an interference check for chuck jaws, a chuck barrier is defined on an X-Z plane for each chuck jaw, and it is determined whether the tool rest or the cutting edge of the cutter enters the chuck barriers, while the tool rest or a cutter of a tool is moved on the X-Z plane (see Patent Document 1). Parameters necessary for setting chuck barriers are set in advance before shipment of the numerical control machine tool. As a result, simply by setting the jaw shape, a user can perform an interference check.
In case of milling a workpiece, the cutting edge of a tool may have to enter a gap between two jaws. In this case, an interference check is canceled before executing a machining program. Specifically, the chuck barriers are canceled so as to allow the cutting edge of the tool to enter the gap between the jaws. This makes it necessary for the operator to perform a visual interference check throughout the processes of the machining program. As a result, the operator may erroneously allow an interference between the tool rest and the holding means to occur.
Patent Document 2 discloses a method for selectively activating and de-activating an interference check between a cutting tool and a non-safety zone. According to this method, it is determined whether a machining program to be carried out is a legitimate program written according to a legitimate procedure depending on whether there is specific code written in this machining program. If the machining program is a legitimate program, the movement of the cutting tool is prevented from automatically stopping even when the cutting tool enters the non-safety zone.
However, this method requires a prolonged time for editing programs in advance and checking for interference in an actual machine tool when in an initial product machining after completion of program writing.
Patent Document 3 is a publication representing the state of the art at the time of filing.


Provided is a naphthalene compound represented by the following Formula (1): ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 each represent a linear or branched alkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, an alkoxyalkyl group having 2 to 20 carbon atoms or an alkenyl group having 2 to 20 carbon atoms which may be substituted with halogen atoms and have no asymmetric carbon atoms; A represents any of the groups represented by the following formulas: ##STR2## (wherein X.sub.1, X.sub.2, X.sub.3 and X.sub.4 each represent a hydrogen atom or a halogen atom); and z represents 0 or 1. The addition of this naphthalene compound to a liquid crystal composition makes it possible to improve various characteristics such as the high speed response property of the liquid crystal composition and the temperature dependency of the response time. The above naphthalene compound is useful as a liquid crystal material for liquid crystal compositions, particularly ferroelectric liquid crystal compositions.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a naphthalene compound, more specifically to a novel naphthalene compound and a naphthalene compound to be useful as an intermediate product for producing said compound and to a liquid crystal composition containing said novel naphthalene compound and a liquid crystal element using the liquid crystal composition.
2. Description of the Related Art
Liquid crystal display elements have so far widely been used for various display elements by making the best use of excellent characteristics thereof such as low voltage actuation, low power consumption, possibility of thin type display, and no fatigue of eyes because of light-receptive display element.
Among them, there have widely been used TN (twisted nematic) type liquid crystal display elements using nematic liquid crystal and STN (super twisted nematic) type liquid crystal display elements having a torsion angle adjusted from 180.degree. to 270.degree.. These display elements are nematic liquid crystal display elements using nematic liquid crystal. These nematic liquid crystal display elements have the defect that they have a long response time and therefore can provide only a response time falling on the order of some ten msec.
A recent progress in industrial techniques has been followed by strong requirement of high speed response to liquid crystal elements, and in order to meet such requirement, various attempts have been made by improving liquid crystal materials. For example, a display device making use of a photoswitching phenomenon of ferroelectric liquid crystal has been proposed Appl. Phys. Lett., 36, 899 (1980)!. The liquid crystal elements are expected to be applied to not only displays for liquid crystal televisions, etc., but also to materials for optoelectronics-related elements such as optical printer heads, optical Fourier transform elements and light valves.
Ferroelectric liquid crystals belong to tilt series chiral smectic phases in terms of a liquid crystal phase, and among them, liquid crystal phase called a chiral smectic C phase having a low viscosity is preferred from a viewpoint of practical use. Various liquid crystal compounds showing chiral smectic C phases have so far been investigated, and a lot of compounds have already been found and produced. Conditions for using them for ferroelectric liquid crystal elements include:
showing a chiral smectic C phase in a wide temperature range including room temperature, PA1 having a suitable phase series on a high temperature part of a chiral smectic C phase and large helical pitches thereof in order to obtain good orientation, PA1 having a suitable tilt angle, PA1 having a low viscosity, PA1 having spontaneous polarization which is large to some extent, and the like.
No single ferroelectric liquid crystal which can satisfy these conditions has ever been known. Accordingly, ferroelectric liquid crystal compositions obtained by blending several liquid crystal compounds or non-liquid crystal compounds have to be used in practical uses.
A ferroelectric liquid crystal composition does not always comprise only ferroelectric liquid crystal compounds, and it is disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 61 195187 (1986) that compositions showing ferroelectric liquid crystal phases as a whole can be obtained by employing compounds or compositions showing non-chiral smectic C, F, G, H and I phases for fundamental materials and blending them with one or plural compounds showing ferroelectric liquid crystal phases. Further, it is reported that ferroelectric liquid crystal compositions can be obtained as a whole by employing compounds or compositions showing phases such as a non-chiral smectic C phase for fundamental materials and blending them with one or plural compounds which are optically active but do not show ferroelectric liquid crystal phases Mol. Cryst. Liq. Cryst., 89, 327 (1982)!.
Phenylpyrimidine series liquid crystal compounds and phenylbenzoate series liquid crystal compounds as shown below have so far been known as typical compounds showing chiral smectic C phases: ##STR3## wherein R represents an alkyl group, and R* represents an optically active alkyl group.
Further, naphthalene series liquid crystal compounds as shown below are proposed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 63-246346 (1988), Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 1-193390 (1989), Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 3-68686 (1991) and Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 3-106850 (1991): ##STR4## wherein R represents an alkyl group, and R* represents an optically active alkyl group.
However, ferroelectric liquid crystal compositions using the phenylpyrimidine series liquid crystal compounds or phenylbenzoate series liquid crystal compounds described above have had the problems that they are liable to cause orientation unevenness so as to bring about defects when they are put into liquid crystal cells and that the good memory property can not be obtained and the contrast ratio is low. Meanwhile, ferroelectric liquid crystal compositions comprising the naphthalene series compounds described above show good orientation when liquid crystal cells are charged with them, and can provide a good memory property without having defects. However, it is not reasonable to say that they have sufficiently satisfactory characteristics in terms of high speed response and temperature dependency of a response time.

Naphthalene compound, and liquid crystal composition and liquid crystal element using the same


Systems and methods for inhibiting foam formation in an acid gas removal system are provided. Preconditioning a rich amine or triethylene glycol stream exiting an absorber of an acid gas removal system through a rotary separation turbine can provide pre-separation of gas from rich amine or triethylene glycol, as well as effectively reduces or inhibits foam formation. Systems provided enhance plant reliability and also recovers hydraulic power into electricity.

In most gas processing facilities, the amine treating unit, such as an amine contactor and amine regeneration unit, is a continuous processing unit that removes acid gases from a hydrocarbon gas stream. The primary acid gases to be removed are hydrogen sulfide and carbon dioxide. Acid gases are commonly removed by contacting the hydrocarbon stream with an aqueous organic amine such as monoethanolamine (MEA), diethanolamine (DEA), methyldiethanolamine (MDEA), diisopropanolamine (DTPA), diglycolamine (DGA) triethanolamine (TEA) or others diluted in water as an aqueous amine solution. The amine solution chemically reacts with and/or physically absorbs the acid gases in an absorber (amine contactor). In the absorber, the acid gases in the hydrocarbon gas stream are removed and a sweetened gas stream and an amine solution rich in the absorbed acid gases (rich amine) at high pressure are produced. The rich amine is then introduced to an amine flash tank through a pressure reduction device to remove the light hydrocarbons with some acid gases at a much lower pressure. The amine-acid gas interaction is later reversed in a low pressure and high temperature stripper (amine regenerator), resulting in a wet acid gas stream and a reusable solvent stream (lean amine).
In an amine unit, foaming in the absorber and regenerator is a common problem due to liquid hydrocarbon contamination and other particulates in amine solution. A portion of heavier hydrocarbon components in the absorber feed gas will be absorbed by the amine solution. Foaming is likely to occur due to the low surface tension of the independent liquid hydrocarbon in the rich amine. For example, due to significant shearing by pressure letdown of the rich amine via a Joule-Thompson (JT) valve, foaming frequently occurs. The residence time of the aqueous organic amine stream in the amine flash tank may not be sufficient to allow resolution or breaking of foaming. In addition, in the two-phase rich amine after pressure letdown, the flash gas can expand from a liquid to a vapor causing uncontrollable foaming. The formation of foam in the amine flash tank or stripper unit is undesirable and can overwhelm the separation process in the tank or stripper. The formation of foam can lead to treating capacity constraints, excessive amine losses due to carryover of amine to downstream processes, off-specification products (lean amine and/or treated gas), resulting in reducing the operating rate of the unit, producing unspecified dark sulfur, increasing fouling within the lean/rich amine exchanger, and/or increasing the pressure drop within the unit. If a major foaming occurs, not only is there excessive amine carryover to downstream mol-sieve dehydration unit, but also a significant amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) will be carried into the cryogenic section; in particular, for the hydrocarbon gas with high CO2 content. Under both scenarios, the LNG plant may be partially or totally shut down to troubleshoot the mol-sieve dehydration uint and/or defrost the cryogenic section of the plant, resulting in a negative impact on LNG production. Typical attempts to control foaming in the stripper include the use of antifoams (silicone and nonsilicones), increasing the aqueous amine stream temperature, and/or installation of a bigger flash drum. While such methods exhibit some efficacy, they are usually only partially successful in addressing downstream operating problems or are costly to implement. For example, continuous addition of antifoams to solve the foaming problem may lead to further worsening problem, unstable operations, and increased operational expenditure.

Systems and methods of inhibiting foam formation using multiphase turbines


Solar cell modules for converting solar energy into electrical energy, such as used in a concentrating photovoltaic system. The modules have a first ventilating opening in the module housing; and a ventilating subassembly mounted on the module housing and disposed over the ventilating opening in the module housing. The ventilating subassembly has a housing having a first chamber adjacent to and in communication with the first ventilating opening in the module housing; a second chamber adjacent to the first chamber, the second chamber having a second ventilating opening to the external environment; and a filter membrane separating the first chamber from the second chamber to allow air to flow between the first chamber and the second chamber through the filter membrane.

Solar array modules are constructed to house solar cell receivers that mount a solar cell that converts solar energy into electrical current. The modules include a housing, and a number of lenses mounted on the housing that direct incoming solar energy to focus on a solar cell mounted on corresponding solar cell receivers.
The modules are often placed outdoors in various environmental conditions that may include extreme heat, cold, humidity, rain, snow, and ice. The housing protects the solar cell receivers from such environmental conditions. A vent or opening may be formed in the housing to allow air circulation.

Venting assembly for concentrating photovoltaic system module


A photoelectric converter with improved charge transfer efficiency from a light receiving portion. The photoelectric converter includes a light receiving portion having an output end and a gate portion having a first side and a second side that both define a readout gate width for the light receiving portion, where the first side of the gate portion confronts the output end of the light receiving portion. The photoelectric converter also includes a charge transfer portion formed to confront the second side of the gate portion, where the readout gate width of said gate portion is wider at the first side confronting said light receiving portion than at the second side confronting said charge transfer portion.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a photoelectric converter such as an imaging apparatus employing photoelectric conversion devices such as photodiodes.
2. Description of Related Art
An imaging apparatus has a number of pixels formed in an imaging area (a light receiving portion) thereof receive light signals from a subject, photoelectrically converts the light signals into signal charges, transfers the converted electric signals, thereby imaging the subject.
FIG. 7 shows a CCD imaging apparatus as an example of an imaging apparatus.
Light incident on a photodiode 1 is photoelectrically converted into a signal charge, the signal charge is read out to a vertical CCD portion 3 via a readout gate 12A, the signal charge is transferred by supplying transfer clocks of, e.g. φV1 to φV4 to the vertical CCD 3, and the signal charge is directed to an output portion in a horizontal CCD portion to which transfer clocks of, e.g. φH1 and φH2 are supplied, where charge voltage conversion and the like are performed to produce an image signal.
By the way, recent imaging apparatuses, particularly a CCD (charge coupled device) imaging apparatus and the like, tend to have more compact unit cells and increase the amount of charges stored in a sensor to improve sensitivity.
For this reason, it is becoming difficult to read out charges into a vertical CCD, which is a charge transfer portion, from a photodiode comprising a light receiving portion (pixel portion) via a gate portion.
Particularly, as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, in the case of an imaging apparatus in which the horizontal size of a unit cell comprising a photodiode portion 1 and a gate portion 2 is longer than the vertical size, it is more difficult to read out charges into a vertical CCD portion 3. FIG. 4A shows a schematic layout of the unit cell from which the vertical CCD portion is excluded, and FIG. 4B shows a schematic layout of the unit cell including the vertical CCD portion (hereinafter the same is also true of other drawings). L2-1 or W1 in the drawings is the width of a readout gate 2A and L1-1 is the width of a gate 2B which is not related to readout. The reference numeral 4 designates a channel stopper for separating unit cells.
To solve such a problem, the following two measures are taken. One is, as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, to enlarge the readout gate width (gate length in a direction orthogonal to a carrier travel direction: the same is true of the following descriptions) L2-2 or W2 of a readout gate portion 2A (indicated by white background or oblique lines) of the gate portion 2. The other is, as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, to reduce a readout gate length (gate length in a carrier travel direction: the same is true of the following descriptions) l1-3.
However, in the layouts of FIGS. 5A and 5B, a ratio between the two gates of the vertical CCD portion 3, that is, a gate 2A to read out charges and a gate 2B which is not related to readout, is different. Consequently, the charge capacity of the vertical CCD portion is liable to become small or charges are liable to be unsuccessfully transferred.
In the layouts of FIGS. 6A and 6B, the gate 2 itself fails to play the role of a barrier during off operation, with the result that charges leak from the photodiode portion 1 to the vertical CCD portion 3 or light passes between a silicon film and a shielding film (both are not shown) below the gates, and photoelectric conversion may occur within the vertical CCD portion 3.

Photoelectric converter having a light receiving portion with an improved readout gate


A microscope system, kit and method are described for observation of cellular activity in real time. The system is used to monitor cell transfection using a polynucleotide noncovalently attached to a carrier, The carrier labeled with a dye or fluorescent agent so that transport of complex can be monitored in real time. The polynucleotide includes both a gene of interest and a reporter gene. The reporter gene indicates successful expression of the gene of interest.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to technology useful for in vitro polynucleotide delivery applications. In one aspect, methods for monitoring intracellular activity in real time are disclosed. More particularly, this invention relates to polynucleotides and labeled gene carriers which monitor transport within cells and gene expression using a fluorescence microscope equipped with a mercury lamp, objective lenses, excitation filter, and a high resolution digital camera. The technology is useful for in vitro delivery applications in mammals.
2. Description of the Related Art
There is a need for non-viral drug and gene delivery systems having desirable properties such as low immunogenicity, amenable to production on a relatively large scale, and which can be easily modified to provide a range of biological properties. See Mulligan, R. C. Science 260, 926-932 (1993); and Luo, et al. Nat. Biotechnol. 18, 33-37 (2000). A number of polycationic polymers and lipids have facilitated plasmid DNA transfection of cells. See Kircheiset al. Adv. Drug Deliver. Rev. 2001, 53, 341-358. It is believed that polymer-DNA complexes enter cells by an endocytotic pathway as illustrated in FIG. 1.
It is generally recognized that there are four barriers to transport of a biomolecule, such as a gene, into the cell. These are the cell membrane, endosome membrane, nuclear membrane and the release of the biomolecule from the carrier. In the case of a nucleic acid, the nucleic acid-carrier complex must first pass through the cell membrane (path 1, FIG. 1). When this is accomplished by endocytosis, the nucleic acid-carrier complex is then internalized. The carrier along with the nucleic acid-cargo is enveloped by the cell membrane by the formation of a pocket and the pocket is subsequently pinched off (path 2, FIG. 1). The result is a cell endosome, which is a large membrane-bound structure enclosing the nucleic acid cargo, and the carrier. The nucleic acid-carrier complex must then escape from the endosome membrane into the cytoplasm (path 4, FIG. 1), avoid enzyme degradation in the cytoplasm, and cross the nuclear membrane (path 5, FIG. 1). Once in the nucleus, the nucleic acid cargo must separate from the carrier. In general, anything designed to overcome one or more of the barriers described above may be considered a delivery enhancer.
In general, delivery enhancers fall into two categories. These are viral carrier systems and non-viral carrier systems. As human viruses have evolved ways to overcome the barriers to transport into the nucleus discussed above, viruses or viral components are useful in transport of nucleic acid into cells. One example of a viral component useful as a delivery enhancer is the hemagglutinin peptide (HA-peptide). This viral peptide facilitates transfer of biomolecules into cells by endosome disruption. At the acidic pH of the endosome, this protein causes release of the biomolecule and carrier into the cytosol.
Non-viral delivery enhancers may be either polymer-based or lipid-based. They are generally polycations which act to balance the negative charge of the nucleic acid. Polycationic polymers have shown significant promise as non-viral gene delivery enhancers due in part to their ability to condense DNA plasmids of unlimited size and to safety concerns with viral vectors. Examples include peptides with regions rich in basic amino acids such as oligo-lysine, oligo-arginine or a combination thereof and polyethylenimine (PEI). These polycationic polymers facilitate transport by condensation of DNA. Branched chain versions of polycations such as PEI and Starburst dendrimers can mediate both DNA condensation and endosome release (Boussif, et al. (1995) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci USA vol. 92: 7297-7301). PEI is a highly branched polymer with terminal amines that are ionizable at pH 6.9 and internal amines that are ionizable at pH 3.9 and because of this organization, can generate a change in vesicle pH that leads to vesicle swelling and eventually, release from endosome entrapment.
Another means to enhance delivery is to design a ligand on the carrier. The ligand must have a receptor on the cell that has been targeted for cargo delivery. Biomolecule delivery into the cell is then initiated by receptor recognition. When the ligand binds to its specific cell receptor, endocytosis is stimulated. Examples of ligands which have been used with various cell types to enhance biomolecule transport are galactose, transferrin, the glycoprotein asialoorosomucoid, adenovirus fiber, malaria circumsporozite protein, epidermal growth factor, human papilloma virus capsid, fibroblast growth factor and folic acid. In the case of the folate receptor, the bound ligand is internalized through a process termed potocytosis, where the receptor binds the ligand, the surrounding membrane closes off from the cell surface, and the internalized material then passes through the vesicular membrane into the cytoplasm (Gottschalk, et al. (1994) Gene Ther 1:185-191).
Various agents have been used for endosome disruption. Besides the HA-protein described above, defective-virus particles have also been used as endosomolytic agents (Cotten, et al. (July 1992) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA vol. 89: pages 6094-6098). Non-viral agents are either amphiphillic or lipid-based.
The release of biomolecules such as DNA into the cytoplasm of the cell can be enhanced by agents that either mediate endosome disruption, decrease degradation, or bypass this process all together. Chloroquine, which raises the endosomal pH, has been used to decrease the degradation of endocytosed material by inhibiting lysosomal hydrolytic enzymes (Wagner, et al. (1990) Proc Natl Acad Sci USA vol. 87: 3410-3414). Branched chain polycations such as PEI and starburst dendrimers also promote endosome release as discussed above.
To completely bypass endosomal degradation, subunits of toxins such as Diptheria toxin and Pseudomonas exotoxin have been utilized as components of chimeric proteins that can be incorporated into a gene/gene carrier complex (Uherek, et al. (1998) J. Biol. Chem. vol. 273: 8835-8841). These components promote shuttling of the nucleic acid through the endosomal membrane and back through the endoplasmic reticulum.
Once in the cytoplasm, the nucleic acid cargo must find its way to the nucleus. Localization to the nucleus may be enhanced by inclusion of a nuclear localization signal on the nucleic acid-carrier. A specific amino acid sequence that functions as a nuclear-localization signal (NLS) is used. The NLS on a cargo-carrier complex interacts with a specific nuclear transport receptor protein located in the cytosol. Once the cargo-carrier complex is assembled, the receptor protein in the complex is thought to make multiple contacts with nucleoporins, thereby transporting the complex through a nuclear pore. After a cargo-carrier complex reaches its destination, it dissociates, freeing the cargo and other components.
Technology that provides visualization of dynamic behaviors (paths 1-6, FIG. 1) of the complexes inside cells has been limited. Some workers have used electron microscopy to investigate the visualization of complexes inside cells. See Joshee et al. Human Gene Therapy 2002, 13, 1991-2004; and Panyam et al. Int. J. Pharm. 262, 1-11 (2003). However, this method does not allow the study of the dynamic behavior of living cells. Other workers have used confocal microscopy to study intracellular trafficking, but the system is expensive and observation could not be longer than 30 minutes. See Godbey, et al. PNAS 96, 5177-5181 (1999). Fluorescence microscopy has been used to observe a whole cell, but resolution inside the cell was poor. See Mathew et al. Gene Therapy, 10, 1105-1115 (2003).
In order to develop effective transfection reagents, there is a need for technology and methods to detect and monitor gene-DNA complexes inside cells. In this patent application, we disclosed technology and methods to monitor the real-time visualization and dynamic behavior inside cells.

Microscope system and methods for intracellular studies


A data transmission method includes transmitting an encoded data signal in form of a data stream of data bursts between a transmitter and a receiver, making a decision as a function of at least one data transmission parameter as to whether an interference treatment of the data signal to be transmitted will be performed in the transmitter or in the receiver, performing the interference treatment in terms of at least on code in the transmitter, and performing the interference treatment of the data to be transmitted in terms of at least one further code in the receiver.

The present invention relates to a data transmission method, in which an encoded data signal is transmitted in the form of a data stream of data bursts between a transmitter and a receiver, and to a corresponding data transmission apparatus.
Although in principle the present invention can be employed for arbitrary data transmissions, it will be explained along with the problems it seeks to solve with regard to a cellular CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) data transmission system.
In particular, by means of CDMA, a plurality of data streams can be transmitted simultaneously over a joint frequency band, as known for instance from K. D. Kammeyer, Nachrichtenübertragung [Communications Transmission], 2nd Edition, in the series entitled Informationstechnik, published by Teubner, Stuttgart, 1996.
In CDMA, a simultaneous transmission of multiple data is effected by encoding the data with codes that are as much as possible uncorrelated, and by superposition of the encoded signals.
In data transmission, among other things, data transmitted in succession or simultaneously interfere with one another; that is, troublesome interference typically occurs in the transmission, in particular intersymbol interference (ISI) from multi-path transmission, and multiple access interference (MAI) by correlated codes.
The following methods are known for interference treatment:                a rake receiving device, located in the receiver, for treating the ISI, as known from John G. Proakis: "Digital Communications", 3rd Edition, McGraw-Hill, New York, etc., 1995;        joint detection (JD) in the receiver for treating ISI and MAI, as known from A. Klein, G. K. Kaleh and P. W. Baier: Zero Forcing and Minimum Mean-Square-Error Equalization for Multiuser Detection in Code-Division Multiple Access Channels, IEEE Trans. Vehic. Tech., Vol. 45 (1996), 276-287;        pre-rake combining in the transmitter for treating ISI, as known from R. Esmailzadeh and M. Nakagawa: "Pre-Rake Diversity Combination for Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum Mobile Communications Systems", IEICE Trans. Comm., Vol. E76-B (1993), 1008-1015; and        a joint preequalization in the transmitter for treating ISI and MAI.
In this type of data transmission, preequalization in the transmitter is an important interference treatment. Joint preequalization in the transmitter of data signals to be transmitted makes simple data detectors possible. In transmission channels that change quickly, however, preequalization in the transmitter leads to higher error rates than with interference treatment techniques in the receiver. For preequalization, the transmitter must know the pulse response of the transmission channel to be used. The TDD (Time Division Duplex) method makes it possible to achieve this knowledge. Accordingly, the channel is estimated before the data transmission.
The following have proved to be disadvantages of the prior art:                the rake receiving device does not eliminate MAI;        JD is very complicated;        joint preequalization is usable only for channels that change slowly.

Channel estimate predicted from several previous channel estimates, for pre-equalization


Embodiments of the present invention provide adjustments of the depiction of a user interface upon a computing environment's change in state.

As computing environments have become more complex, to some, the divisions between processors and applications have become blurred. Additionally, the delineation between processors has become weak, for example with remote applications rendering locally. The blurring is further compounded by technologies such as virtual machines.
It is beneficial to establish useful states in a computing environment that are separate from an application-centric interface. However, placing the computing environment in a designated state should not require a user to change the state with each application in the computing environment. Instead, a global state change (across applications, virtual machines, and so forth) should be possible.
Another limitation of conventional user interfaces is that computing environment state information is not shared in an unobtrusive manner.

Adjusting depiction of user interface based upon state


A semiconductor light emitting device includes a substrate, a reflective layer and a light emitting structure. The reflective layer includes at least two porous layers alternately disposed on the substrate and having different porosities. The light emitting structure is disposed on the reflective layer and includes a first conductivity-type semiconductor layer, an active layer and a second conductivity-type semiconductor layer.

A nitride semiconductor light emitting device has been highly developed in terms of design and manufacturing technology, thereby contributing to improvements in efficiency and output of white light emitting diodes (LEDs), as well as blue, green and ultraviolet (UV) short-wavelength LEDs. As a result of these developments, the applications of nitride semiconductor light emitting devices have been extended to headlamps of vehicles and general lighting devices. Accordingly, there is a need for a reduction of manufacturing costs in order to substitute existing light sources such as fluorescent lamps and the like.
In order to improve manufacturing yields, research is being conducted to replace a sapphire substrate with a wafer formed of a different material, such as a silicon substrate or the like, which is relatively cheap and able to have a large diameter. In this regard, development is needed in methods of securing crystalline properties in nitride single crystals grown on a substrate and improving light emitting efficiency by preventing photons generated in an active layer from being absorbed by the substrate.


A twisted string transmission system comprises a twisted string actuator, a force sensor, and a controller. The twisted string actuator is for converting a rotational motion into a linear force. The force sensor is for sensing the linear force. The controller is for receiving sensor information regarding the linear force from the force sensor and for providing control information to control the rotational motion based at least in part on the sensor information.

In robotics, electric motor actuators typically require a mechanical transmission, as motors are most efficient at high speeds and low forces, while applications typically require low speeds and high forces. Traditionally, gear transmissions are employed. However, these suffer from low efficiency, high cost, high weight, and a low tolerance to impact loads.


A suture needle instrument having improved connection means enabling a hollow suture needled to be attached to a handle in a variety of orientations. The suture needle is provided with user accessible suture channels and suture advancing wheels to facilitate cleaning and repair.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to devices used for suturing tissue during surgical procedures. More particularly, the invention relates to devices used to advance suture through tissue via a hollow needle piercing the tissue to be sutured. Still more particularly, the invention relates to suturing devices for use during endoscopic surgical procedures.
2. Background of the Prior Art
Devices for facilitating the suturing of tissue during endoscopic surgical procedures are commonly used. One such device is the Spectrum® tissue repair system made by Linvatec Corporation. The system incorporates a suture hook handle adapted to receive a variety of suture hooks, i.e. hollow needles, each suture hook having a distal tip shaped in varying ways. The suture hook handle is provided with a pair of opposed suture advancing wheels, the perimeters of which are covered with an elastomeric material. The wheels are aligned in a common plane and rotatable about their respective axes which are spaced a predetermined distance apart so that the perimeters of the wheels may be adjacent or contiguous to each other. The suture hook handle comprises a pair of diametrically opposed suture passageways leading to the nip of the wheels so that a suture inserted into a selected passageway is guided to the nip of the wheels and by rotation of one of the wheels may be advanced through the lumen of the selected needle.
The various suture hooks are attachable to the suture hook handle by means of an axially aligned recess at the distal end of the handle, the recess being adapted to receive a complementarily shaped hub attached to the proximal end of each suture hook. The end wall of the recess has an axially aligned aperture to receive suture from the nip of the wheels and guide it to the needle lumen. Once a suture hook is assembled with the suture hook handle, it is secured thereto by a transverse set screw which is advanced radially into the recess to engage a dimple on the hub of the suture hook to secure the hook to the handle.
While offering significant advantages and facilitating the suturing of tissue during endoscopic surgical procedures, the prior art device is not easily disassembled for cleaning or repair and does not allow reorientation of the suture hook during a surgical procedure. Orientation of this prior art device is generally accomplished by inserting a different suture hook rather than simply reorienting the one currently in use. Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to produce a suture hook system overcoming the disadvantages of the prior art device.
It is also an object of this invention to produce a suture hook handle which is easily disassembled for cleaning or repair.
It is also an object of this invention to produce a suture hook system which enables the reorientation of a selected suture hook during a surgical procedure.


In a method and a device for adapting the injection agent supply for an emission control system, the following steps are carried out: a) setting of a agent pressure target value in the line upstream of the pump in relation to the ambient pressure; b) opening of the pressure relief valve for a predetermined time t; c) determining the pressure difference between the target and the injection agent pressure, caused in step b), immediately after step b); d) setting a target value for the agent pressure in the line downstream of the pump in relation to the exhaust gas pressure in the system; e) opening of the injector for a predetermined time t; f) determining the pressure difference between the target and the agent pressure, caused in step e), immediately after step e); g) comparing the pressure differences from steps c) and f); and h) optional adaptation of the injector opening time.

For the reduction of pollutants, in particular for the reduction of nitrogen oxides and for the regeneration of diesel particle filters, different methods have become established in which reducing fluids (gases or liquids) are introduced into the exhaust system of an internal combustion engine.
To reduce nitrogen oxides, SCR (selective catalytic reduction) technology has proven to be particularly expedient, in which the nitrogen oxides (NOx) contained in the exhaust gas are selectively reduced, by means of ammonia or a corresponding precursor substance that can be converted to ammonia, to form nitrogen and water. Here, use is preferably made of aqueous urea solutions. The urea solution is hydrolyzed by means of hydrolysis catalytic converters, or directly on the SCR catalytic converter, to form ammonia and carbon dioxide. For this purpose, the urea solution is injected into the exhaust-gas flow upstream of the hydrolysis catalytic converter or the SCR catalytic converter by means of special dosing systems. This results firstly in the problem of determining the optimum reducing agent quantity, but secondly also that of ensuring the reliable supply and dosing of the reducing agent.
If reliable dosing is not ensured, it is not possible to attain efficient removal of nitrogen oxides (NOx) from the exhaust gas. On the one hand, an overdosing of reducing agent can lead to undesired emissions, for example of ammonia, a so-called reducing agent breakthrough. On the other hand, an underdosing can lead to inadequate reduction of the nitrogen oxides. The same also applies correspondingly to the regeneration of diesel particle filters, which takes place by means of an injection of fuel.
In the case of liquid reducing agents, such as the conventional urea solutions or fuel, the dosing may be carried out by means of an injector. Here, the activation time and therefore the opening time of the injector are decisive of the quantity of reducing agent supplied to the exhaust-gas aftertreatment system.
To attain the most effective atomization possible, high injection pressures are used. This simultaneously has the advantage that the ammonia can be released from the reducing agent solution more easily. For this purpose, the injector is connected via a line to the reducing agent pump.
To determine the actual amount of reducing agent injected, the nominal quantity of an injection is set to a constant value, and only the interval times between the injections are varied if required. The constant nominal quantity is set by virtue of a constant activation period of the injector being determined which corresponds to a constant injection quantity. Here, it is important that the same reducing agent quantity can always be expected for a certain activation period. Over the course of time, therefore, as a result of the variation of the interval times between two injections, the injected quantity is always a multiple of the constant injection quantity. This information is important in that there has hitherto been no direct feedback from the system reflecting the actual injection quantity. It is also possible to use a variable activation period of the injector to vary the reducing agent supply. For this purpose, however, the characteristic curve of the injector must be known. It has therefore hitherto not been possible for deviations as a result of production tolerances or system aging to be taken into consideration.
In any case, it is constantly sought to be able to control the injection quantity of reducing agent dispensed through the injection system as effectively as possible during operation so as to permit an injection according to requirements in all operating states.

Method and device for adapting the injection agent supply in an injection system, and exhaust gas aftertreatment system


An automatic capture restoration and threshold-seeking method and apparatus for use with a cardiac pacemaker derives control signals for restoring cardiac capture from a cardiac pressure sensor. The pressure sensor also provides input control signals for a threshold-seeking apparatus. Both pulse width and amplitude thresholds can be changed contemporaneously during both capture restoration and threshold seeking.

Generally speaking, a cardiac pacemaker is an electrical device used to supplant some or all of an abnormal heart's natural pacing function, by delivering appropriately timed electrical stimulation signals designed to cause the myocardium of the heart to contract or "beat". Stimulation signals usually have well-defined amplitude and pulse width characteristics which can be adjusted to meet physiologic and device power conservation needs.
The strength (amplitude) and duration (pulse width) of the stimulation signals must be of such magnitude that capture is maintained, to prevent serious complications and even death. Yet, it is desirable for these magnitudes not to be higher than is needed for a reasonable safety margin for longer battery life. Chief among the problems is that stimulation signal thresholds necessary for maintaining capture often fluctuate in the short term, and gradually change in the long term. It has been clinically observed that the lowest threshold is observed immediately after implantation of the pacemaker (the acute threshold). Inflammation in the tissue around the tip of the stimulation electrode requires greater energy to propagate the stimulation signals, thereby driving the threshold up sharply during the first two to six weeks to its highest level (the peak threshold). Some of the inflammation reduces over the long-term, to lower the threshold below the peak level--the chronic threshold. However, the chronic threshold does not reduce to the acute level, since some permanent fibrous tissue, requiring greater energy than non-fibrous tissue for signal propagation, remains around the electrode tip. In the short-term, thresholds may decrease with exercise, for example, and may increase with various activities, including sleep.
Some prior art implantable pulse generators (IPGs) which serve as cardiac pacemakers have an automatic capture feature to maintain capture without the need for clinical or patient intervention. These IPGs typically rely upon electrical sensors similar to pacing leads (consisting of insulated conducting wire, electrode tips and a connector for connecting the lead to the IPG) to sense the presence of capture in response to the stimulation signals. The function and accuracy of the these sensors have been adversely affected by one or more of factors including, but not limited to: myopotentials (electrical signals which are the product of muscle movement); stray electromagnetic interference (EMI); problems with the sensor sensitivity (either too sensitive or not sensitive enough); and variations of the sensed electrical signals as a result of changes in thoracic pressure (for example, due to respiration, coughing or sneezing).

Automatic cardiac capture restoration and threshold-seeking method and apparatus


Disclosed is a lithium-cobalt based complex oxide represented by Formula 1 below including lithium, cobalt and manganese wherein the lithium-cobalt based complex oxide maintains a crystal structure of a single O3 phase at a state of charge (SOC) of 50% or more based on a theoretical amount:LixCo1-y-zMnyAzO2  (1)                wherein 0.95≤x≤1.15, 0<y≤0.3 and 0≤z≤0.2; and        A is at least one element selected the group consisting of Al, Mg, Ti, Zr, Sr, W, Nb, Mo, Ga, and Ni, wherein the at least one element of A is Mg.

As mobile device technology continues to develop and demand therefor continues to increase, demand for secondary batteries as energy sources is rapidly increasing. Among these secondary batteries, lithium secondary batteries, which have high energy density and operating voltage, long cycle lifespan, and low self-discharge rate, are commercially available and widely used.
In addition, recently, lithium ion batteries are commercially used as a power supply in home electronics such as laptop computers, mobile phones and the like. Furthermore, as interest in environmental problems is increasing, research into electric vehicles (EVs), hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), and the like that can replace vehicles using fossil fuels, such as gasoline vehicles, diesel vehicles, and the like, which are one of the main causes of air pollution, is underway.
As a cathode of conventionally used lithium ion batteries, lithium cobalt oxides such as LiCoO2 having a layered structure are used. As an anode, graphite based materials are generally used.
Lithium cobalt oxides are currently widely used due to superior physical properties such as superior cycle characteristics as compared to LiNiO2 and LiMn2O4. To develop secondary batteries having high energy density, cathode active materials having large capacity are required. However, when operating voltage of lithium cobalt oxides are fixed unlike three component-based cathode active materials, it is substantially impossible to enlarge capacities of materials.
Accordingly, lithium cobalt oxides must be used under high voltage to develop secondary batteries having high energy density. However, approximately 50% or more of lithium ions are eliminated under high voltage operation, structures of lithium cobalt oxides collapse and, as such, lifespan characteristics are rapidly degraded.
To overcome this problem and to achieve high energy density, technologies substituting some cobalt with Al, Mg, B or the like, or treating surfaces of lithium cobalt oxides with a metal oxide such as Al2O3, Mg2O, TiO2 or the like are known.
However, when some cobalt is substituted with metals described above, there is still a problem such as degradation of lifespan characteristics. When a surface of a lithium cobalt oxide is coated with a metal oxide, specific capacity may be reduced due to addition of a coating material that does not directly participate in charge and discharge reaction, and a metal oxide with very low electrical conductivity mainly constitutes the coating material, which results in reduced conductivity. In addition, the coating process reduces active reaction area, thereby increasing interfacial resistance and deteriorating high-rate charge and discharge characteristics.
Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop technology for fundamentally addressing these problems and enhancing high voltage lifespan characteristics of a lithium cobalt oxide.

Lithium-cobalt based complex oxide having superior lifespan characteristics and cathode active material for secondary batteries including the same


Embodiments of the present invention provide for reduction of the likelihood of fraud by having at least one of an identifier of a location from where a request is submitted or information that can lead to identification of the location, submitted with or in addition to a request. Then, determination is made whether to service the request, based at least in part on the location from where the request is submitted or processed. In various embodiments, the location may be compared against predetermined permissible location(s) or a current user location. The request may be a request to conduct a transaction, access data, access a physical or informational resource, or access a secured area.

Credit account fraud costs companies millions of dollars per year. Additionally, companies spend large amounts of time and money trying to reduce credit account fraud. Many transactions involving credit accounts and credit cards occur via the Internet every day. Establishing the identity of the person using a credit card or credit account via the Internet is nearly impossible.
Currently, in the credit card industry there are several ways to help merchants verify that credit card information is actually coming from the cardholder and not a person trying to commit fraud. Unfortunately, none has proven to be effective all of the time.
One method is ZIP code verification. This process occurs when either a website prompts a cardholder to enter their billing ZIP code when completing a purchase form or when an operator verbally requests this information during a telephone transaction. When an order is placed, a match or no match is given based on whether or not the accurate ZIP code information was given.
Another fraud prevention method is additional number verification. Credit card issuers are now including extra digits on cards that are only visible to someone physically holding a card. These numbers usually appear on the front or back of a card. The idea behind this security measure is that only the person holding the card would have access to these numbers. For example, if a thief stole a credit card receipt it could contain the account number and the expiration date, but would not have these extra digits.
The problem with these verification methods is they are not fool proof in preventing fraud in the case where someone has physically stolen the card, piece of mail, or a company's internal database.
Similar problems exist for controlling access to usage of physical/informational resources, and access of secured areas.

Location based fraud reduction system and method