A memory disposition system, comprising a first memory device and a second memory device. First and second memory devices are provided to a system, such as an embedded system. The first and the second memory devices are coupled to a control unit, such as micro control unit. The first memory device stores first programs and the second memory device second programs. The first and second programs are controlled by the control unit. The first memory device can be a one time programmable memory device, such as a ROM, and the second memory device a multiple times programmable memory device, such as a flash memory.

The invention relates to system control methods, and in particular to memory disposition methods and systems for a system with a control unit.
An embedded system generally comprises a combination of hardware and software, either fixed or programmable. Embedded systems are generally designed for specific application devices, such as mobile phones or personal digital assistants (PDAs). Thus, components of an embedded system are distinguished from a common computer system. For example, memory devices in an embedded system of an application device, such as a mobile phone, may be designed with limited size due to hardware limitations of the application device.
Conventionally, an embedded system has a control unit, such as a micro control unit (MCU), for system control and a memory device, such as a flash memory, for program storage. A collection of software programs is controlled by the control unit and stored in the memory device. If software programs are modified, they must be compiled, linked, and reloaded in the system, even though the modification may be minor.
FIG. 1 is a flowchart of an embodiment of a conventional software program control method. In the example, an embedded system has a control unit for software program control and a flash memory for software program storage. Software programs are modified (step S100). The software programs are compiled, and the relative addresses of the symbols (functions/data/variables) in the software programs are determined at compile time (step S102). The symbols are then linked to absolute addresses, which will not be changed at runtime (step S104). The modified software programs are reloaded in the flash memory (step S106).
FIG. 2 is a diagram of an embodiment of a conventional software program control system. The software program control system is employed in an embedded system with a control unit 204. For example, an embedded system with a MCU may be employed in a mobile phone for communication. A memory device 202 is provided and coupled to the control unit 204. The memory device 202, a flash memory, is a non-volatile memory and allowed to be programmed for multiple times. The memory device 202 is used for storing software programs. Furthermore, a random-access-memory (RAM) 206, which is a volatile memory, is provided to store run-time data. For the conventional embedded system, all software programs are stored in the flash memory 202, requiring large memory size. The cost of a multiple-time programmable memory device, such as a flash memory, is much higher than a one-time programmable memory device, such as read-only-memory (ROM). However, if whole software programs are stored in the ROM, it will not be flexible if some defects need to be fixed. Additionally, memory sizes are limited for most embedded systems. Thus, cost-reduced memory disposition methods and systems for an embedded system are desirable.


The flow of fluid to a hydraulic actuator is controlled by a valve assembly which operates in different metering modes at various points in time for energy conservation. The metering mode to use is selected in response to the hydraulic load acting on the hydraulic actuator. Specifically, the present magnitude of hydraulic load is determined and compared to first and second thresholds. Below the first threshold only a first metering mode is activated, and only a second metering mode is activated above the second threshold. A combination of the first and second metering modes is utilized when the hydraulic load is between those thresholds, wherein the metering modes are used in proportion to a proportional relationship of the hydraulic load to the first and second thresholds. Using a metering mode combination in this manner smoothes transitions between the first and second metering modes.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to electrically controlled hydraulic systems for operating machinery, and in particular to determining in which one of a plurality of hydraulic fluid metering modes the system should operate at any given time.
2. Description of the Related Art
A wide variety of machines have members which are moved by a hydraulic actuator, such as a cylinder and piston arrangement, that is controlled by a hydraulic valve. Traditionally the hydraulic valve was manually operated by the machine user. There is a present trend away from manually operated hydraulic valves toward electrical controls and the use of electrohydraulic valves, such as those driven by solenoids. This type of control simplifies the hydraulic plumbing as the control valves do not have to be located near an operator station, but can be located adjacent the actuator being controlled. This change in technology also facilitates sophisticated computerized control of the machine functions.
Application of pressurized hydraulic fluid from a pump to the actuator and fluid flow back from the actuator to a reservoir is governed by an assembly of proportional solenoid operated spool valves. To control a cylinder-piston type hydraulic actuator for example, four solenoid valves are connected in the legs of a Wheatstone bridge with the supply line from the pump and return line to the reservoir coupled to two opposite bridge corners and two cylinder chambers connected to the other two corners, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,880,332. By selectively operating different pairs of the valves, fluid is conveyed to and drained from the cylinder chambers to extend and retract the piston rod. The amount that each valve opens is directly related to the magnitude of electric current applied to the solenoid coil, thereby enabling proportional control of the hydraulic fluid flow.
When an operator desires to move a member on the machine a joystick is operated to produce an electrical signal indicative of the direction and desired rate at which the corresponding hydraulic actuator is to move. The faster the actuator is desired to move the farther the joystick is moved from its neutral position. A control circuit receives a joystick signal and responds by producing a signal to open the pair of valves associated with the direction of the desired motion.
The aforementioned U.S. patent describes a velocity based hydraulic control system having a plurality of different metering modes which are selected to drive the actuator in the intended direction. The metering modes utilize fluid from different sources in the system and consume various amounts of power to operate the pump. Therefore, some metering modes are more energy efficient than others. However, a particular metering mode may only be available under certain operating conditions, such as requiring specific pressure relationships among sections of the hydraulic system.
The fundamental metering modes in which fluid from the pump supply line is supplied to one of the cylinder chambers and drained to the reservoir return line from the other chamber are referred to as "standard metering modes", specifically a standard extension metering mode or a standard retraction metering mode. A hydraulic system also can employ regeneration metering modes in which fluid draining from one cylinder chamber is fed back through the valve assembly to supply the other cylinder chamber. In a regeneration metering mode, the fluid can flow between the chambers through either the corner of the valve bridge connected to the supply line, called "high side regeneration", or through the valve bridge corner coupled to the reservoir return line in "low side regeneration". In cross function regeneration metering modes, fluid exiting under pressure from one hydraulic actuator is routed, either through the supply line or the return line, to power another hydraulic actuator. The regeneration metering modes employ fluid being exhausted from a hydraulic actuator in place of fluid from the pump thereby saving energy than otherwise is required to drive the pump.
An electronic controller for the hydraulic system monitored the operating conditions that were used to determine the metering mode and automatically selected the most efficient mode that was functionally available. When the operating conditions changed so that it was advantageous to use another metering mode than that which was currently active, the system switched directly to the more efficient metering mode. This worked effectively in many situations, such as when a sharp load change occurred, for example upon the bucket of an excavator hitting the ground. However, abrupt metering mode transitions did not work well in other situations, such as when the excavator bucket was elevated in the air or when a telehandler boom was extending. In these latter situations, the abrupt metering mode transition often produced a jerk in the machine motion, which upset the machine operator who erroneously believed that the machine was malfunctioning. The prior solution involved restricting the occurrence of metering mode transitions to only when a sharp load changes took place. However, this dramatically limited the efficiency derived from having multiple metering modes.

Hydraulic metering mode transitioning technique for a velocity based control system


Various embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for automatically compensating an individual's credit risk score for macroeconomic data. In particular, various embodiments provide systems and methods to determine a macroeconomic risk score. In addition, various embodiments provide systems and methods to determine an adjusted credit risk score for an individual based on the individual's credit risk score and a macroeconomic risk score that serves as a scale adjuster to keep overall delinquency and/or loss rates in line as economic factors change.

1. Field of Invention
The disclosed invention generally pertains to the field of credit risk scores, and more specifically, to a system and method for automatically compensating an individual's credit risk score for macroeconomic data.
2. Description of the Related Art
In the United States, a credit risk score, or simply credit score, represents the creditworthiness of an individual. Lenders, such as banks and credit card companies, use an individual's credit score to evaluate the potential risk of lending money to the individual. In other words, lenders will use credit scores to determine who qualifies for a loan, at what interest rate and credit limits, and who does not.
The most widely known credit score in the United States is the Fair Isaac Corporation score (FICO). This score is calculated by applying statistical methods and data analysis, developed by Fair Isaac, to information in an individual's credit file and will range from 300 to 850. In addition, there are three major credit reporting agencies, Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion, who are often referred to as the "credit bureaus" and also calculate their own credit scores. Credit scores for the same individual will differ among the three agencies due to the statistical methods employed by each agency, what information is used, and what weight is given to the information.
In 2006, the credit bureaus introduced VantageScore® (registered trademark of VantageScore Solutions, LLC, Wilmington, Del.) to provide an alternative to the traditional scores discussed above. VantageScore uses a different range than the traditional FICO score, i.e., 501 to 990. An individual's VantageScore® may still differ from agency to agency; however, this difference is not due to the credit score model but due to differences in how information is reported to and stored at the three agencies.
The goal of any credit score model is to be able to identify as many people as possible who are good credit risks and eliminate those who are bad credit risks. Thus, the value of a credit score to lenders is its ability to predict an individual's future creditworthiness. Typically, the information that is used to calculate an individual's credit score is account information, such as credit cards, automobile loans, student loans, and mortgages, public records, such as tax liens and bankruptcies, and inquires, such as requests by lenders to view the individual's credit. In addition, various factors are considered and weighted such as punctuality of payment in the past, the amount of debt, length of credit history, types of credit used, and recent search for credit and/or amount of credit obtained recently.
However, a problem that exists with traditional risk scores is over time they tend to lose accuracy due to macroeconomic changes. As a result, lenders, who have determined that 5% of individuals with a score of 500 will default on a loan, for example, will discover that due to a decline in the economy, they need to adjust the score to 550 in order not to accept greater risk. Therefore, lenders must validate the performance and distribution of their model on a regular basis and adjust strategies and/or develop their model on a regular basis in order to compensate for economic changes in the use of credit risk models for decision purposes. This is time and resource intensive, both from the standpoint of performing the analysis, e.g., collecting historical data and running the analysis to interpret the validation results, and from an operational standpoint, e.g., changing score cut offs or embedding new scores in existing processes and training personnel to understand the new policy. In addition, while distributions can be run on the current economic cycle, validations by definition require looking at scores over a historical time frame. In other words, validations require looking at the economic conditions at the time when individuals, who have defaulted on a loan, applied for the loan. Therefore, the current economic cycle is not applicable.
Thus, a need exists to provide a mechanism by which the model can essentially adjust for current economic conditions, in which the adjustment is based on correlated econometric factors determined by analysis of the historical impact of these factors on score distributions and performance. Such an automatic adjustment will allow model strategies to keep pace with economic changes without requiring lenders to validate the performance and distribution of the model and adjust strategies and/or develop the model as frequently as otherwise.

Macroeconomic-adjusted credit risk score systems and methods


A three-way catalyst article, and its use in an exhaust system for internal combustion engines, is disclosed. The catalyst article for treating exhaust gas comprising: a substrate; and a single catalyst layer deposited directly on the substrate; wherein the single catalyst layer comprises a first platinum group metal (PGM) component, an oxygen storage component (OSC) material, and an inorganic oxide; and wherein the single catalyst layer has a total washcoat loading of less than 2.4 g/in3.

Internal combustion engines produce exhaust gases containing a variety of pollutants, including hydrocarbons (HCs), carbon monoxide (CO), and nitrogen oxides ("NOx"). Emission control systems, including exhaust gas catalysts, are widely utilized to reduce the amount of these pollutants emitted to atmosphere. A commonly used catalyst for gasoline engine applications is a three-way catalyst (TWC). TWCs perform three main functions: (1) oxidation of carbon monoxide (CO); (2) oxidation of unburnt hydrocarbons; and (3) reduction of NOx to N2.
In most catalytic converters, the TWC is coated onto a high surface area substrate that can withstand high temperatures, such as flow-through honeycomb monoliths. The large surface area of these substrates facilitates the desired heterogeneous reactions, but can also contribute to exhaust backpressure, i.e., restrictions on the flow of exhaust gas from the engine to the tail pipe. High backpressure in an exhaust system can reduce the engine's fuel economy and power output. Despite advances in TWC technology such as those described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,022,825, 9,352,279, 9,040,003, and US Pat. Publication No. 2016/0228818, there remains a need for improved catalytic converters for certain engine platforms that simultaneously produce high conversion rates and low back pressure. This invention solves these needs amongst others.

Low washcoat loading single layer catalysts for gasoline exhaust gas applications


Techniques for designing a low-noise amplifier (LNA) for operation over a wide range of input power levels. In an exemplary embodiment, a first gain path is provided in parallel with a second gain path. The first gain path includes a differential cascode amplifier with inductor source degeneration. The second gain path includes a differential cascode amplifier without inductor source degeneration. The cascode transistors of the gain paths may be selectively biased to enable or disable the first and/or second gain path. By selectively biasing the cascode transistors and input transistors, various combinations of the first and second gain paths may be selected to provide an optimized gain configuration for any input power level.

1. Field
The disclosure relates to integrated circuit (IC) design, and more particularly, to the design of amplifiers, including low-noise amplifiers (LNA's).
2. Background
Receivers for wireless communications often incorporate a low-noise amplifier (LNA) in the radio-frequency (RF) front-end. The LNA may be designed to accommodate a wide range of power levels at the input to the receiver. For example, when the input to the receiver is at a high power level, the LNA must exhibit good linearity characteristics to avoid introducing non-linear distortion products into the LNA output. Conversely, when the input to the receiver is at a low power level, the LNA must exhibit high gain and low noise characteristics to adequately amplify the input signal without generating excessive noise. In amplifier design, the requirements of good linearity and low noise are often conflicting.
It would be desirable to provide techniques for designing an LNA that can accommodate a wide range of expected input power levels.

Amplifier supporting multiple gain modes


The present invention relates to an improved turbine structure for use in a gas turbine engine. The turbine structure includes a one-piece drum rotor and a plurality of turbine blades attached to the one-piece drum rotor. The one-piece drum rotor includes integrally formed, welded disks for supporting the plurality of turbine blades. A method for installing the turbine structure is also described.

(a) Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an improved structure for a turbine section of a gas turbine engine and in particular, to a low pressure turbine section having a one-piece drum and a plurality of blades attached to the drum.
(b) Prior Art
FIG. 1 illustrates a low pressure turbine section of a gas turbine engine. Currently, the low pressure turbine section has individually bladed rotors that are stacked one at a time into the low pressure turbine case followed by a set of stators. The next rotor is placed onto the previous one and the two are bolted together. This sequence is repeated until all blades and vanes are installed. Separate turbine disks have been necessary to allow this style of assembly to work. The separate turbine disks add complexity and, therefore, cost and weight because of the flanges between the disks that must be machined, drilled and bolted together.
Thus, there is a need for a turbine section that is less complex in structure and that has a reduced weight and cost associated with it.


A drive method for a display device that displays by causing charged particles to migrate by applying an electric field, including a gray level drive step of causing the particles to migrate to a gray level that is not a saturation state in which migration of the particles is saturated. The gray level drive step changes the display by causing the particles to migrate to produce a display color difference.

1. Field of Invention
The present invention relates to a particle migration type display device, to a drive method for the display device, to a drive device, to a display device, and to an electronic device.
2. Description of Related Art
Particle migration type display devices such as the electrophoretic display device taught in Japanese Unexamined Patent Appl. Pub. JP-A-2006-267982 are known from literature. Such electrophoretic display devices cause charged particles (including pigment) to migrate by applying an electric field, and the color that is displayed is determined by the color of the particles that are near the viewing surface of the display or the color of the fluid in which the particles are dispersed. Conventionally, this type of particle migration display device is driven by causing the particles to migrate until a saturation state in which particle migration stops is achieved to display content. An electrophoretic display device, for example, requires approximately two seconds to redraw the display to a saturation state once a display redraw command is applied.
A problem with the conventional method of driving a particle migration type display device such as an electrophoretic display device is that the redraw time is relatively long because of this saturation drive method and the display appears to be slow when the display changes. For example, during the initial configuration of a time device having such a display, when setting the time, setting the world time zone, setting a timer, selecting the 12- or 24-hour time display method, or selecting the pattern and thickness of time markers, the display is changed frequently and yet the user must wait for the electrophoretic display to finish redrawing a current display setting before proceeding the next setting.
By comparison, it takes several tens of milliseconds to redraw the display on a liquid crystal display device as taught in Japanese Unexamined Patent Appl. Pub. JP-A-H08-68875, for example, and this fast response speed means that the user can quickly switch between these different settings. This also means that when the time is displayed the second, which must be redisplayed every second, can also be displayed, and the time can be rapidly advanced to adjust the time by holding a button depressed, for example.
However, because particles must be migrated, response times on a typical particle migration type display device are slow, and response times comparable to an LCD panel display cannot be expected since it is not yet possible to rapidly redraw the particle migration display.

Drive method for a display device, drive device, display device, and electronic device


A fully integrated automated laser weld process control system (LWPCS) and method of controlling the fabrication of structural parts, particularly for shipbuilding and other industries. The LWPCS defines joint and weld quality attributes as process control variables and integrates these weld quality variables, along with the more traditional process parameters such as laser power, wire feed, GMAW voltage and active seam tracking, into a closed-loop monitoring and control system. The LWPCS includes a central processor and a plurality of subsystems that control laser beam positioning, vision-based monitoring and image processing, active weld-quality monitoring and inspection, adaptive beam delivery, and seam tracking. Cross-communication between subsystems is managed by the central processor. In addition to process control, the system extracts weld quality attributes during the weld process and provides immediate documentation of the weld quality.

Parts that are used on naval ships must meet high quality standards and preferably be as light in weight as possible. Certain structural shapes are typically fabricated by such methods as deflanging or splitting hot-rolled I-beams. Use of hot-rolled sections has certain inherent disadvantages with regard to product quality. For one, the tolerance range is wide, requiring that many parts fabricated from these shapes be reworked. For example, hot-rolled I-beams are often split in two to obtain T-beams. The position of the flange relative to the web varies widely on hot-rolled I-beams, which may require that the T-beam be reworked. For another, the distortion on the parts resulting from working the material can be unacceptably great, which, again, requires that the part be reworked or compensatory measures taken when the hot-rolled section is assembled. Reworking of parts increases considerably cost and fabrication time of parts.
In addition to the disadvantages mentioned above, the use of hot-rolled sections limits the designer to certain sizes and shapes, thereby resulting in a higher weight product. Hot-rolled structural parts are made in standard sizes and shapes, with large jumps in dimensions between sizes. The structural requirements of a part may allow the design of a part that has dimensions that lie between two sizes of conventional parts. Since it is not acceptable to use a part with strength and rigidity properties that are lower than specified, the larger size must be used, resulting in a part that is dimensionally greater and stronger than necessary. The difference in dimensions most certainly adds unnecessary weight to the structure.
The use of hot-rolled structural sections also limits the types of material used. Most hot-rolled structural shapes or parts for shipbuilding are made from AH36 material. Higher strength steels (HSLA 65, 80, or 100) are available in plate stock only. The use of these higher strength steels would allow the structural parts to be designed to smaller dimensions, which would result in a significant reduction in weight.
The conventional deck on a ship is constructed from steel plates, with T-beams welded to the plates to provide additional stiffness. With conventional welding systems, it is difficult to control dimensional tolerancing and distortion. Secondary processes are then applied to the welded structure to eliminate the distortion. This is typically done by applying heat to the distorted parts, which may result in higher residual stresses in the parts. The necessity of applying these secondary processes raises the cost of the structure in terms of both time and cost.
It is possible to construct the deck as a composite structure, using two much thinner steel plates of high strength steel, with a corrugated structure sandwiched between them, then welding T-beams to the structure to add stiffness. It is estimated that the use of such a composite construction for the decks of a ship would result in up to 50% overall weight savings of the ship. The difficulty today with employing such construction methods lies in the seam tracking and weld quality control systems. Conventional laser-welding systems that could weld a T-beam do not have a comprehensive process control and integrated weld quality inspection system that provides feedback and weld control during the weld process. It is known in laser welding systems to use a seam tracker to guide the laser beam along the weld seam, but the inspection systems are not coupled into the weld control processes. In other words, they don't feed data back to control the process. Such control could correct processes that are going off-specification, before it is too late and a deficient weld has been completed. With conventional laser welding systems, the inspection is a separate offline process, that is, the welded parts are transported to an inspection station offline, where the final weld inspection and secondary processes are applied.
The difficulty of controlling the quality of a weld is magnified when welding large structural parts. With complex three-dimensional shapes, the errors are also three-dimensional and are accordingly very difficult to properly measure and correct.
What is needed, therefore, is a system for and a method of fabricating structural parts that significantly reduce the amount of rework. What is further needed are such a method and a system for fabricating such structural parts from plate stock, rather than hot-rolled sections. What is yet further needed is such a system that enables integration of the weld process with other systems.


A method for detecting an open current transformer in an electrical power system includes measuring for a voltage value on a secondary side of a current transformer. The method continues with observing the voltage value for a predetermined waveform and initiating corrective action in the electrical power system upon detection of the predetermined waveform.

Protective relays are devices designed to protect an electrical power system during disturbances. To accomplish their functions, the relays receive signals from the power system mainly by way of two types of devices, the potential transformer and the current transformer.
Potential transformers convert high voltage levels down to low voltage levels. Current transformers convert high current levels to low current levels. The lower level currents are then received by devices like protective relays and demand meters.
It is well known that current transformers have a unique operating characteristic. If the current transformer is operating under load—with current flowing in the primary side—and the low level's secondary side circuit is open, then high voltages will develop at the current transformer secondary terminals which can be dangerous or fatal to operators and may damage devices connected to the current transformer's circuits. Additionally, an open transformer circuit results in a disconnuity of signal provided to the protection and control equipment, such as the protective relays, causing likely misoperations or failure to operate. Moreover, an open circuit associated with a current transformer can result in magnetization of the current transformer that causes incorrect output even after the open circuit condition is corrected. In robust power systems, the current transformer is considered to be a weak link since there are not many ways to understand the overall health of the device other than off-line testing.
The prior art provides over voltage protection against the unplanned opening of current transformers by utilizing a test plug and meter. This is accomplished by continuous monitoring of the voltage levels on the secondary side of the transformer. If an over voltage condition develops, an electronic component that is placed in parallel with the main current path detects the condition. In response to the over voltage condition, the electronic component switches on, bypassing the open circuit and returning the current flow and eliminating the over voltage condition. Accordingly, the prior art device has the ability to limit the voltage to safer levels of under 100 volts.
However, this approach is still not considered to provide adequate safety protection. Accordingly, other devices have been developed that analyze the current flow. For example, when the alternating current flow crosses a zero value, the prior art electronic switching device turns off, eliminating the bypass of the open circuit and the current continues to flow in the primary (high side) of the current transformer. With a secondary side of the transformer open circuited, an over voltage condition again develops across the secondary and the protection on the test plug once again limits the voltage to safer levels and the cycle continues to repeat until the test plug is removed from the circuit. Thus, until the test plug is removed from the circuit, the user of the test plug is continuously exposed to voltages that may exceed desired safety levels. Unfortunately, the monitoring of the on and off cycles causes a lack of continuity of current to the protective relays and also negatively impacts the integrity of the current waveform as that waveform is distorted in the secondary side of the current transformer. This lack of either continuity or integrity in the secondary circuit could be seen by some protective relays as a disturbance in the electrical power system, thereby causing protective relays to take the power system out of service unnecessarily.
Another prior art solution provides for a test switch connected between the transformer's secondary side and a protective device. A plug for testing the circuit is inserted into the test switch so that the secondary side current flows through the test plug wherein the test plug comprises a circuit for closing the current transformer secondary side when the secondary side is open circuited and closing the circuit when closed, thereby maintaining a continuous flow of current through the protective device. Although this test plug configuration is an improvement, it is believed that a further improvement can be obtained by directly monitoring the voltage and/or current conditions of the secondary side of the current transformer thus allowing for the ability to instantaneously correct or generate an alarm when an open circuit condition is detected.

Methods for detecting an open current transformer


DRAM devices are made having self-aligned tungsten landing plug contacts to gate electrodes for capacitor-under-bit line (CUB) for reduced aspect ratio contact openings. A planar insulating layer is formed, and openings for bit line contacts, node contacts, and contacts on the chip periphery are concurrently etched for metal landing plugs. A TiN/Ti/N.sup.+ polysilicon multilayer is deposited and annealed to form low contact resistance to the substrate A tungsten (W) layer is then deposited and etched back to form W landing plug contacts in the contact openings, which reduce the aspect ratio for the multilevel contacts. A Si.sub.3 N.sub.4 etch-stop layer and a BPSG are deposited and planarized. Capacitor openings are etched in the BPSG aligned over the node contacts. A conformal conducting layer and a planarized polymer are deposited and polished back to complete the bottom electrodes in the capacitor openings. After removing the polymer, an interelectrode dielectric layer and a conformal conducting layer (top electrode) are deposited and patterned to complete the capacitors. A planar insulating layer is formed and the interlevel contact openings etched with reduced aspect ratios to the landing plugs. W/TiN plugs are formed in the openings, and a first level of metal interconnections is formed.

(1) Field of the Invention
This invention relates to semiconductor integrated circuit devices, and more particularly to a method for fabricating dynamic random access memory (DRAM) devices with an array of memory cells having capacitor-under-bit line (CUB). At the same time the process integration forms tungsten landing plug contacts in the cell areas and peripheral areas of the DRAM chip that reduce the aspect ratio for the multilevel contacts The tungsten landing plug contacts include a unique barrier layer of TiN/Ti/N.sup.+ polysilicon, that prevents dopant depletion from the substrate and forms titanium silicide (TiSi.sub.2) contacts with lower contact resistance (R.sub.c) to the substrate
(2) Description of the Prior Art
Dynamic random access memory (DRAM) circuits are used extensively in the electronics industry for storing data. Each memory cell consists of a single capacitor and a field effect transistor as a charge transfer transistor The binary data (1's and 0's) is stored as electrical charge on the capacitor in the individual memory cells. The number and density of these memory cells on the DRAM chip has dramatically increased in recent years and by the year 2000 the number of memory cells on a chip is expected to reach 1 Gigabit. This increase in circuit density has resulted from the downsizing of the individual semiconductor devices (FETs) and the resulting increase in device packing density The reduction in device size is due in part to advances in high-resolution photolithography and directional (anisotropic) plasma etching. However, as the horizontal device feature sizes are scaled down to submicrometer dimensions, it is necessary to use self-alignment techniques to relax the alignment requirements and improve critical dimension (CD) control.
Unfortunately, as the horizontal dimensions continue to decrease, while the vertical dimensions remain essentially constant, the aspect ratio (depth to width) increases and it becomes increasing difficult to etch reliable contact holes This is a particular problem when etching the multilevel contact openings on the DRAM devices. One method for reducing the difficulties of etching high aspect ratio contact holes on DRAMs is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,332,685 to Park et al. In this approach a polysilicon or metal is formed by selective deposition or by deposition and etching back to form contact plugs in the contact holes in the insulating layer on the substrate. Park et al. then form the stacked capacitors and bit lines on the contact plugs adjacent to each other. However, since the capacitors and bit lines lie in the same plane, the size of the capacitor and packing density are limited. Another method for making DRAM memory cells is the Capacitor-Under-Bit line (CUB) structure described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,648,291 to Sung in which the bit line contact is made self-aligned to the adjacent stacked capacitor. However, the method requires a high-aspect-ratio contact hole for the bit line, which is increasingly difficult to make as the minimum feature sizes decrease. Still another method for making DRAMs is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,045,899 to Arimoto. The bit line contact and bit line are formed between and adjacent to the stacked capacitors so as to suppress the stray bit line capacitance for improved circuit performance The problem of making multilevel contact holes with high aspect ratios is not addressed. Therefore, there is still a need to improve the DRAM process so as to minimize the aspect ratios of the multilevel contacts holes on the DRAM chip during downscaling of the minimum feature sizes of the devices.
Another problem associated with increased packing density is the increased contact resistance (R.sub.c) with reduced minimum feature size of the contact hole and the formation of shallower diffused junction depths in the FET source/drain contact areas to improve the FET electrical characteristics. One approach is to replace the more conventional doped polysilicon plugs with tungsten (W) metal plugs using a titanium/titanium nitride (Ti/TiN) barrier/adhesion layer.
This approach is described by Somekh et al. in U.S. Pat. No. 5,250,467, in which a Ti barrier layer is deposited in the contact holes using a conventional PVD sputtering process and annealed in nitrogen to form a TiSi.sub.2 with the doped silicon substrate contact and concurrently a top TiN layer. The W plug is then formed by CVD deposition using tungsten hexafluoride. However, Somekh et al. do not address the problem of depletion of the dopant from the substrate contact during TiSi.sub.2 formation that would also increase the contact resistance (R.sub.c). Another method of making W/TiN contacts is described by Pinchovski et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,822,753, in which a self-aligned titanium silicide (salicide) is used, and then a TiN layer is deposited as a barrier/adhesion layer. However, the depletion of dopant from the shallow diffused junction in the substrate contact during the TiSi.sub.2 formation is not addressed.
Therefore there is still a need in the semiconductor industry to provide a very manufacturable cost-effective process that increases the memory cell density on the DRAM chip while reducing the aspect ratio of the multilevel contact and reducing contact resistance (R.sub.c).

Method for fabricating capacitor-under-bit line (CUB) dynamic random access memory (DRAM) using tungsten landing plug contacts

Vanguard International Semiconductor Corporation


A door wheel includes a casing approximately having a form of "", a climbing frame approximately having a form of isosceles triangle and a portion of which is rotatably fixed on the casing, a roller rotatably installed on the climbing frame, a wedge approximately having a form of right-angled triangle and the inclined surface of which is adjacent to the surface corresponding to the fixed end of the climbing frame and which can be rectilinearly moved in the casing, and a control screw which is rotatably installed in the casing to rectilinearly move the wedge and one end of which is coupled with the wedge. The free end of the climbing frame can be climbed together with the roller by moving the wedge through rotating the control screw.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a door wheel which is placed under the bottom of a sliding door frame to smoothly move the door along the door rail.
2. Discussion of Related Art
Generally, a sliding door is open or closed by moving the door frame, coupled between the upper and lower portions of the door casing, along the door rail. The door frame is manufactured to be large enough to easily couple or separate it with or from the door casing. A door wheel having a roller is provided under the bottom of the door frame to smoothly move it.
In the sliding door, since the door is loosely coupled with the door casing, the door may be swayed due to the external power like wind or it may be even broken away from the door casing. Thus, a method of controlling the height of the door wheel has been developed to prevent the door from swaying. But, the conventional door wheel has a problem in its durability due to its weak coupling structure.


A portable urinal includes: a moisture solidification layer containing a super absorbent polymer; and a plate-shaped support member supporting the moisture solidification layer and having a hollow portion; and a shape retaining wire retaining the plate-shaped support member in the form of an alphabet “C”, wherein the shape retaining wire has a single closed curve in the form of covering the plate-shaped support member and is provided along the edge of the plate-shaped support member.

In general, a urinal is a toilet which is used for receiving urine which is stored in the bladder as a solution that accumulates and stores various wastes generated in the body as a result of human metabolism in the form of an aqueous solution and then excreted from the body when the amount thereof reaches a certain limit.
Conventional urinals are divided into women's urinals and men's urinals, and a toilet stool which is fixedly installed in each partition of the toilet is used for the women's urinals as it is, and a separate wall-mounted type or vertical urinal fixedly installed to the toilet is used as the men's urinals.
However, since the conventional urinals are fixed in the toilet, there is a problem in that it is impossible to be used under driving, during the operation of the store during the mountain or long distance trip, or during outdoor gathering.
For example, if a user feels urgent urination when a road is blocked while driving or the user can not find a toilet, the user feels a lot of trouble. In the case of women, even if the user finds a public restroom, the user has to wait in line for a toilet, and the user feels unpleasant because the user uses the same toilet stool used by others in aircrafts, trains, ships, etc. In the case of a single store, if the user feels urgent urination while the store is operating, the user feels difficulty because the user can not leave the store. There is a problem in that the user can not go to the toilet even if the user feels urgent urination in a situation where it is difficult to act. There is a problem in that if the user feels urgent urination while traveling in an unfamiliar area, the user feels difficult because the user can not find a toilet. It is difficult to go to the toilet in an outdoor meeting place where people gather by a group.
In addition, people who have diseases such as incontinence, prostate, and residual urine have a problem of always living in tension to find the toilet.


A gravel packing apparatus includes a base pipe defining an interior fluid conduit, the base pipe having a production section configured to provide fluid communication between an exterior of the base pipe and an interior of the base pipe, the base pipe having a blank section. The apparatus also includes a screen surrounding the production section, the screen in fluid communication with an annular region of a borehole and configured to prevent particulate matter from passing therethrough, and a filtration assembly disposed proximate to the blank section, the filtration assembly including a fluid passage extending between an exterior of the blank section and an interior of the blank section.

Various tools are utilized in the hydrocarbon exploration, drilling and completion industry to increase or maximize production efficiency. Sand control devices such as gravel packs are utilized to control the ingress of particulate contaminants into production fluid and to aid in stabilizing production formations.
Installing a gravel pack typically involves deploying a screen assembly including a base pipe and a screen into a borehole, and injecting a gravel slurry into an annular region around the screen assembly. Fluid from the gravel slurry is then drawn through the screen assembly and through fluid passages in the base pipe to dehydrate the slurry and set the gravel pack.
The screen assembly may include a connection arrangement at one or both ends for connecting the screen assembly to another screen assembly or other component. The connection arrangement typically includes a blank section of the base pipe at which there are no fluid passages. As such, an additional feature such as a wire wrap is typically installed with the screen assembly so that gravel slurry around the blank section can sufficiently dehydrate and a gravel pack can be evenly set along the screen assembly.

Gravel pack filtration system for dehydration of gravel slurries


Methods and apparatuses for generating a frame of semantically labeled 2D data are described. A frame of sparse 3D data is generated from a frame of sparse 3D data. Semantic labels are assigned to the frame of dense 3D data, based on a set of 3D bounding boxes determined for the frame of sparse 3D data. Semantic labels are assigned to a corresponding frame of 2D data based on a mapping between the frame of sparse 3D data and the frame of 2D data. The mapping is used to map a 3D data point in the frame of dense 3D data to a mapped 2D data point in the frame of 2D data. The semantic label assigned to the 3D data point is assigned to the mapped 2D data point. The frame of semantically labeled 2D data, including the assigned semantic labels, is outputted.

An autonomous vehicle may use different sensors to sense its surrounding environment, and may process the raw sensor data received from the different sensors using a computer vision software system (hereinafter computer vision system) to perform object detection, classification, regression, and segmentation in order to detect and identify objects of interest (e.g., pedestrians or other cars). LIDAR sensors and camera sensors, such as optical camera sensors, are often used in autonomous vehicles.
Object detection, classification, regression, and segmentation using computer vision systems, whether implemented in an autonomous vehicle or in other devices and systems, are typically machine learning-based systems. Such machine learning-based systems typically require training with large amounts of data, for improved accuracy. For training a machine learning-based computer vision system to perform object detection, classification, regression, and segmentation, the training should be performed using datasets that include data having object labels. Inclusion of data having sematic labels in the form of bounding boxes and semantic masks in the dataset may also help to train a machine learning-based computer vision system. For training a machine learning-based computer vision system to perform object detection, classification, regression, and segmentation using 3D data (e.g., LIDAR data received from LIDAR sensors), there is currently a lack of datasets that include data having semantic labels (also referred to as "semantically labeled data") that can be used for training purposes. In particular, currently there is a lack of datasets that include data having semantic labels in the form of both 3D object bounding boxes and associated 3D semantic masks.
One of the challenges of training a machine learning-based computer vision system to perform object classification and segmentation is the shortage of datasets including semantically labeled data. Manual creation of semantically labeled data is time-consuming and expensive. Therefore, it would be desirable to provide a way to generate semantically labeled data with reduced human supervision.

Method and system for semantic label generation using sparse 3D data


Circuitry for testing the ability of an intermediate range nuclear instrut to detect and measure a constant current and a periodic current pulse. The invention simulates the resistance and capacitance of the signal connection of a nuclear instrument ion chamber detector and interconnecting cable. An LED flasher/oscillator illuminates an LED at a periodic rate established by a timing capacitor and circuitry internal to the flasher/oscillator. When the LED is on, a periodic current pulse is applied to the instrument. When the LED is off, a constant current is applied. An inductor opposes battery current flow when the LED is on.

a. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to electronic test circuitry and, more particularly, to circuitry for testing the ability of an intermediate range nuclear instrument to detect and measure a constant current and a periodic current.
b. Description of the Prior Art
Occasionally, malfunctions occur in the nuclear instruments used to measure ion chamber current. These nuclear instruments, in this case termed "intermediate range nuclear instrumentation", are essentially comprised of an input circuit, a current level measuring circuit and meter, a rate of change of level measuring circuit and meter, and internal test circuits. This current, at levels of between 10.sup.-11 amperes and 10.sup.-2 amperes is generated by the ion chamber and is proportional to the neutron flux (power level) in the nuclear reactor. Since multiple channels of instrumentation are used, the malfunctioning instrument can be removed and replaced with a spare known to be operational. The malfunctioning instrument is then repaired. Upon completion of repairs, test circuits internal to the instrument are used to check the instrument and confirm if the repair actions were successful.
In many instances, external current sources are not readily available to confirm proper instrument operation starting at the instrument's signal input connector. Because the internal test circuits do not check the instrument from its signal input under system conditions, an input fault may go undetected until the instrument is re-installed in the system.
Typical of the prior art is U.S. Pat. No. 4,782,242 to Kovacs which discloses a switching circuit for generating high voltage pulses utilizing an inductive coil. Some named uses for that switching circuit include the ignition of internal combustion engines, ignition of flash tubes, and in traffic control systems.
A solid state monitoring system is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,927,399 to Fuzzell which provides an operator of a machine with a sensible indication when the condition being monitored changes from one side of a predetermined level of operation to the other side of that level. In this known instance, the system utilizes a solid state integrated circuit timer for each critical level of condition to be detected, the timer being connected for astable oscillation and triggered into oscillation when the charge of a timing capacitor rises to the threshold level of the timer.
Oscillation of the timer then energizes an indicator, for example, a light-emitting diode, to provide a sensible indication to the operator.
However, in no known instance is there available a simple and readily usable test circuit for testing the ability of an instrument to detect and measure both a constant current and a periodic current pulse.

Electronic constant current and current pulse signal generator for nuclear instrumentation testing

The United States of America as represented by the Department of Energy


In an image pickup device, a step of forming an embedded plug includes a step of forming a connecting hole in the insulation film in which the embedded plug is to be formed, a metal layer deposition step of depositing a metal layer on the insulation film in which the connecting hole is formed, thereby covering an interior of the connecting hole and at least a part of an upper surface of the insulation film in a laminating direction thereof, and a metal layer removing step of polishing the upper surface of the insulation film on which the metal layer is deposited thereby removing the metal layer except for the interior of the connecting hole, an etch-back method performed on the embedded plug in at least an insulation film, and a chemical mechanical polishing method performed on the embedded plug in another insulation film.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a manufacturing method for an image pickup apparatus, and more particularly to a producing method for a MOS image pickup apparatus.
2. Related Background Art
As a photoelectric converting device for use in a digital still camera or a digital video camera, a CMOS area sensor is often employed. In a CMOS area sensor, electrical signals generated by photoelectric conversion by a plurality of photodiodes provided on a semiconductor substrate are read by MOS transistors. It has, for example, a following structure as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-231915. On an N-type silicon semiconductor substrate, a well is formed by diffusing a P-impurity, and an N-impurity diffusion area of a photodiode is formed in such P-well. A charge generated by a photoelectric conversion is accumulated in the N-impurity diffusion area. Subsequently, the charge is transferred, by a gate electrode of a charge-transferring MOS transistor, to a drain area (floating diffusion area), constituted of an N-impurity diffusion area, of the transfer MOS transistor. Such photodiode, gate electrode and drain area are covered by a first insulation film. A first wiring layer is provided on the first insulation film and is connected with an impurity diffusion area such as the drain area of the transfer MOS transistor, through a contact plug penetrating the first insulation film. On the first wiring layer, there are similarly provided a second insulation film, a second wiring layer, a third insulation film and a third wiring layer. The first and second wiring layers are connected by a via plug penetrating the second insulation film, and the second and third wiping layers are connected by a via plug penetrating the third insulation film. The gate electrode is also connected by a similar wiring structure. Such contact plug and via plug are often formed by tungsten. On the third insulation film, a passivation film for device protection is provided, and a color filter and a microlens for sensitivity improvement are provided on the passivation film.
The CMOS area sensor of such structure is prepared by at first forming a lowermost part such as the photodiode, then forming a first insulation film, and forming a contact plug penetrating the first insulation film. The process is following by forming a first wiring layer, then forming a second insulation film in a similar manner, and forming a via plug penetrating the second insulation film. It is then followed by forming a second wiring layer, forming a third insulation film in a similar manner, forming a via plug penetrating the third insulation film and forming a third wiring layer.
For forming a contact plug or a via plug, a connecting hole is formed in the insulation film by a photolithographic process and an etching process. Then a high-melting metal or alloy film such as of tungsten is formed on the insulation film by a blanket chemical vapor deposition (CVD). The blanket CVD process causes a metal film deposition on a surface bearing the connecting hole, and fills the interior of the connecting hole with a metal film. Thereafter the metal film is removed except for the connecting hole to obtain a contact plug or a via plug. At the same time the insulation film is planarized.
For removing the metal film except in the interior of the connecting hole and planarizing the insulation film, following methods are known. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-204055 discloses an etch-back method for planarizing irregularities of a film by an etching, and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-352049 discloses a chemical-mechanical polishing (CMP). In the prior technology, such etch-back method or CMP method has always been selected for removing the metal film on the insulation film.
The etch-back method, when employed for forming a contact plug or a via plug, allows to attain a uniform flatness on the insulation film, but is unable to completely remove a residue of the metal film, caused in the etching process, thereby causing a possibility of shortcircuiting on the wiring layer to be formed thereon.
On the other hand, the CMP method, when employed for forming a contact plug or a via plug, can remove protruding extraneous matters deposited in the steps up to the metal film formation and can reduce the possibility of shortcircuiting of the wirings in comparison with the case of the etch-back method. However, since the insulation film is also polished together with the contact plug or the via plug, a polishing unevenness is caused depending on a CMP apparatus and a polishing pattern.
Because of such polishing unevenness, the insulation to be positioned between the photodiode and the color filter becomes uneven in the thickness for example between a central part and an edge part of a sensor chip. Particularly in an image pickup device, the incident light amount entering the photodiodes becomes uneven, thereby leading to a deterioration in the sensor characteristics, such as an unevenness in color. Particularly a thickness unevenness in the uppermost insulation, in the laminating direction, may influence significantly the sensor characteristics.

Manufacturing method for image pickup apparatus


Disclosed is a touch window. The touch window includes a cover window where a view area and a dead area surrounding the view area are defined; an electrode in the view area, the electrode sensing a touch position; an electrode substrate on which the electrode is formed; a sensor part in the dead area, the sensor part including a light receiving part and a light emitting part; and a scattered-reflection control part between the cover window and the sensor part.

The embodiment relates to a scheme for effectively utilizing a sensor part mounted on a touch window.
As electronic appliance industry has been developed, various display devices have been developed and an image apparatus, a computer and a mobile communication terminal employing the display devices have been developed. These display devices are equipped with a function of an input device as well as a display function for displaying an image. To this end, a touch window is installed on a display surface of a display device and the display surface is pressed through the touch window such that a predetermined function corresponding to the pressed position may be performed.
The touch window includes a cover window which receives a touch input from an outside, a TSP (Touch Screen Panel) which is disposed below the cover window and in which a V/A (View Area) and a D/A (Dead Area) are implemented through a sensing electrode pattern, and a button part which is electrically connected to the TSP and is formed on the surface of the cover window as an icon.
Various sensors for sensing various external states are installed in the D/A of the touch window, and thus, a gap is generated between the sensor part in which the sensors are installed and the cover window. However, when the gap exists, signals output from the sensors are scatter-reflected and input again to the sensors, so that malfunctions may be caused in the sensors.
FIGS. 1 and 2 are views showing one example of forming a touch screen panel (TSP) according to the related art.
Referring to FIG. 1, the TSP extends below a sensor part in the related art. In this case, since the TSP is not formed between the sensor part and the cover window, a gap is formed.
Referring to FIG. 2, when the gap is formed between the sensor part and the cover window, a part of a signal emitted from a light emitting part in a sensor is scatter-reflected through the gap, so that the signal is again input to a light receiving part. The scatter-reflected signal causes a malfunction of the sensor so that the operation failure may occur.


A door module support, for fixing to a door body, between the damp space and the dry space of a motor vehicle, having a support plate for the location of functional elements of a vehicle door, for example, a window winder, a doorlock, door handle and/or a door internal cladding, first fixing points on for the support plate which serve for the fixing of the support plate to the door body. In the mounted state thereof, one surface of the support plate is facing the damp space and the other surface is facing the dry space with a sealing contour around the edge thereof, along which the support plate lies against the door body in a sealed manner when in the mounted state. The support plate further includes second fixing points, for the fixing of at least one functional element to the support plate. At least a part of the second fixing points is provided in fixing regions which are formed on the section of the support plate which lies outside the part surrounding the sealing contour and which extend into the dry space.

A door module support is used for fixing on a door body, e.g. on the door inside skin of a motor vehicle door, between the wet space and dry space of a vehicle and is formed by a support plate which can hold a number of different functional elements of a vehicle door, such as for example a window lifter, a door lock, a door handle, cable wires and door inside trim. These functional elements can be assembled with the door module support into a pre-fitted precheckable structural group (door module) which is fixed as one whole unit on the door body of a vehicle door.
To this end the door module support has first fixing points which serve to fix the support plate on the said door body wherein in the fastened state one surface of the support plate faces the dry space of the vehicle and the other surface of the support plate faces the wet space of the vehicle. The support plate thereby adjoins the door body with a circumferential sealing profile (which is uniform around the edge) so that a fluid-tight separation between the wet space and dry space of the vehicle door is guaranteed. The support plate can thereby adjoin the door body in particular through a sealing track or comparable sealing elements.
Furthermore the support plate has two fixing sites which are provided on the support plate for fixing the aforesaid functional elements.
A door module support of this kind is known for example from WO 96/28314.

Brose Fahrzeugtelle GmbH & Co. KG, Coburg


An intra prediction encoding apparatus includes: an optimal filter selecting unit for providing a plurality of extrapolation prediction filter candidates for filtering pixels adjacent to a current block to be encoded, with respect to each intra prediction direction or prediction mode of the current block, and selecting a filter having lowest encoding cost among the plurality of extrapolation prediction filter candidates; a residual signal generating unit for generating an extrapolation prediction value of the current block through the filter selected by the optimal filter selecting unit, and generating a residual signal by calculating a difference between a generated extrapolation prediction value of the current block and a pixel value of the current block; a transform and quantization unit for performing transform and quantization on the residual signal generated by the residual signal generating unit; and an entropy encoding unit for performing entropy encoding on a transformed and quantized residual signal.

The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art.
In a video data compression apparatus, intra coding achieves efficient compression by performing transform, quantization, and entropy encoding on a residual signal obtained by efficiently removing spatial redundancy from a frame or block.
Representative examples of intra coding may include Joint Photographic coding Experts Group (JPEG) that is compression technique based on a block-wise Discrete Cosine Transform (DCT), and JPEG2000 that increases coding efficiency through an arithmetic coding technique based on Wavelet. It is known that intra coding technique using direction-based extrapolation prediction of H.264/AVC has the most excellent performance.
As shown in FIG. 1, the intra coding through direction-based prediction of H.264/AVC performs extrapolation prediction by using left and upper pixels A to M, of which encoding/decoding has been completed based on nine directions, including DC prediction (mode 2). That is, extrapolation prediction of a pixel value within a block is performed by filling the block with values taken from the left and upper pixels along prediction directions. For example, in the case of mode 0, extrapolation prediction is performed in a vertical direction, which has a 4×4 block of FIG. 1 filled with values of its upper pixels A, B, C, and D in arrow directions.
However, when a block to be encoded corresponds to a complicated texture area or a spatial gradient between pixels which is caused by light, spatial redundancy may not be efficiently removed during intra coding. In order to effectively solve this problem, an improved prediction technique has been proposed to compose a single pixel value to be predicted during extrapolation prediction with a combination of two or more adjacent pixels. However, this technique has a factor to limit the improvement of prediction performance by leaving a residual signal with respect to a block having only one principal edge.

Device and method for competition-based intra prediction encoding/decoding using multiple prediction filters


The present invention relates to compounds, small interfering RNAs and compositions and methods of inhibiting tumorigenesis and methods of inhibiting tumor cell growth and proliferation using agents that inhibit the hedgehog and Gli signaling pathway, including agents that inhibit GLI synthesis and/or function. The present invention also relates to particular biomarkers that can be used in the diagnosis and prognosis of melanomas. Methods of treating cancer, including melanoma are also provided using small organic compounds, siRNAs and blocking antibodies that inhibit or block the SHH/GLI pathway. In addition, the use of agents that inhibit other signaling pathways is contemplated for use as second agents to be used in conjunction with the inhibitors of the GLI pathway.

Inductive signaling plays a critical role in both normal and disease development as developmental pathways that become unregulated in the adult can lead to abnormal patterning, overproliferation and neoplasia. One signaling pathway that is involved in several patterning events during embryogenesis is that triggered by secreted sonic hedgehog (Shh) (Echelard, Y., Epstein, D. J., St-Jacques, B., Shen, L., Mohler, J., McMahon, J. A. & McMahon, A. P., Cell 75, 1417-1430 (1993); Riddle, R., Johnson, R. L., Laufer, E. & Tabin, C., Cell 75, 1401-1418 (1993); Krauss, S., Concordet, J.-P. & Ingham, P. W, Cell 75, 1431-1444 (1993); Roelink, H., Augsburger, A., Heemskerk, J., Korzh, V., Norlin, S., Ruiz i Altaba, A., Tanabe, Y., Placzek, M., Edlund, T., Jessell, T. M. & Dodd, J., Cell 76, 761-775 (1994)). Shh binding to the membrane patched (ptc)-smoothened (smo) receptor complex elicits a cascade of cytoplasmic signal transduction events, including the inhibition of protein kinase A (PKA) (Fan, C.-M., Porter, J. A., Chiang, C., Chang, D. T., Beachy, P. A. & Tessier-Lavigne, M., Cell 81, 457-465 (1995); Hynes, M., Porter, J. A., Chiang, C., Chang, D., Tessier-Lavigne, M., Beachy, P. A. & Rosenthal, A., Neuron 15, 35-34 (1995); Concordet, J.-P., Lewis, K. E., Moore, J., Goodrich, L. V., Johnson, R. L., Scott, M. P. & Ingham, P. W., Development 122, 2835-2846 (1996); Epstein, D. J., Martí, E., Scott, M. P. & McMahon, A. P., Development 122, 2885-2894 (1996); Goodrich, L. V., Johnson, R. L., Milenkovic, L., McMahon, J. A. & Scott, M. P., Genes Dev. 10, 301-312 (1996); Hammerschmidt, M., Bitgood, M. J. & McMahon, A. P., Genes and Dev. 10, 647-658 (1996); Marigo, V., Johnson, R. L., Vortkamp, A. & Tabin, C. J., Dev. Biol. 180, 273-283 (1996); Stone, D. M., Hynes, M., Armanini, M., Swanson, T. A., Gu, Q., Johnson, R. L., Scott, M. P., Pennica, D., Goddard, A., Phillips, H., Noll, M., Hooper, J. E., de Sauvage, F. & Rosenthal, A., Nature 384, 129-134 (1996)) that leads to the transcription of the zinc finger transcription factor gene Gli1 (Marigo, V., Johnson, R. L., Vortkamp, A. & Tabin, C. J., Dev. Biol. 180, 273-283 (1996); Lee, J., Platt, K. A., Censullo, P. & Ruiz i Altaba, A., Development (1997)). Gli1 is a proto-oncogene first isolated as an amplified gene in a glioma that can transform fibroblasts in cooperation with E1A (Kinzler, K. W., Bigner, S. H., Bigner, D. D., Trent, J. M., Law, M. L., O'Brien, S. J., Wong, A. J. & Vogelstin, B., Science 236, 70-73 (1987); Ruppert, J. M., Vogelstein, B. & Kinzler, K. W., Molecular and Cellular Biology 11, 1724-1728 (1991)). Gli1 is a member of a family comprising two other related genes: Gli2 and Gli3 (Ruppert, J. M., Vogelstein, B., Arheden, K. & Kinzler, K. W., Mol. Cell Biol. 10, 5408-5415 (1990); Hui, C.-C., Slusarski, D., Platt, K. A., Holmgren, R. & Joyner, A. L., Developmental Biology 162, 402-413 (1994)). However, only Gli1 has been shown to be a target of Shh and mimic its effects (Lee, J., Platt, K. A., Censullo, P. & Ruiz i Altaba, A., Development (1997)). In Drosophila, hedgehog signaling (Forbes, A. J., Nakano, Y., Taylor, A. M. & Ingham, P. W., Development Supplement 115-124 (1993)) similarly leads to the action of cubitus interruptus (ci), a Gli homolog that activates transcription of hedgehog-target genes (Domínguez, M., Brunner, M., Hafen, E. & Basler, K., Science 272, 1621-1625 (1996); Alexandre, C., Jacinto, A. & Ingham, P. W., Genes and Dev. 10, 2003-2013 (1996); Hepker, J., Wang, Q.-T., Motzny, C. K., Holmgren, R. & Orenic, T. V., Development 124, 549-558 (1997); von Ohnen, T., Lessing, D., Nusse, R. & Hooper, J. E., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA. 94, 2404-2409 (1997); Mullor, J. L., Calleja, M., Capdevila, J. & Guerrero, I., Development 124, 1227-1237 (1997)).
One of the processes in which Shh signaling is involved is the differentiation of ventral neural tube cell types acting as a notochord and floor plate-derived signal (Echelard, Y., Epstein, D. J., St-Jacques, B., Shen, L., Mohler, J., McMahon, J. A. & McMahon, A. P., Cell 75, 1417-1430 (1993); Roelink, H., Augsburger, A., Heemskerk, J., Korzh, V., Norlin, S., Ruiz i Altaba, A., Tanabe, Y., Placzek, M., Edlund, T., Jessell, T. M. & Dodd, J., Cell 76, 761-775 (1994); Martí, E., Bumcrot, D. A., Takada, R. & McMahon, A. P., Nature 375, 322-325 (1995); Ruiz i Altaba, A., Roelink, H. & Jessell, T. M., Mol. Cell. Neurosci. 6, 106-121 (1995); Chiang, C., Litingtung, Y., Lee, E., Young, K. E., Corden, J. L., Westphal, H. & Beachy, P. A., Nature 383, 407-413 (1996); Ericson, J., Morton, S., Kawakami, A., Roelink, H. & Jessell, T. M., Cell 87, 661-673 (1996)).
In addition to effects on neural tissue, it has been found that ectopic expression of Shh and Gli1 also leads to the activation of Shh signaling target genes in epidermal non-neural ectoderm. Injected Shh induced the ectopic expression of Gli1, HNF-3β and Shh (Ruiz i Altaba, A., Roelink, H. & Jessell, T. M., Mol. Cell. Neurosci. 6, 106-121 (1995)), and ectopic expression of Gli1 induced the ectopic expression of HNF-3β and Shh (Lee, J., Platt, K. A., Censullo, P. & Ruiz i Altaba, A. Gli1 is a target of sonic hedgehog that induces ventral neural tube development. Development (1997)). Together, these results indicated that both neural and epidermal cells have functional reception and transduction mechanisms for Shh and can respond by activating the expression of Shh/Gli1 target genes even though epidermal cells do not normally receive the Shh signal at this stage.
Furthermore, SHH signaling has been implicated in many aspects of animal development, acting through the transmembrane proteins PATCHED1 (PTCH1) and SMOH to activate the GLI zinc-finger transcription factors (Ingham, P. & McMahon, A., Genes Dev. 15, 3059-87 (2001); Ruiz i Altaba, A., Sanchez, P. & Dahmane, N., Nat. Rev. Cancer 2, 361-372 (2002).
A different signaling pathway is triggered by HEDGEHOG (HH) proteins, acting through the transmembrane proteins PATCHED1 (PTCH1) and SMOOTHENED (SMOH), to regulate the three GLI zinc finger transcription factors. SHH-GLI signaling is required for the growth of certain sporadic cancers, including basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) (Dahmane, N., et al., (1997). Activation of the transcription factor Gli1 and the Sonic hedgehog signalling pathway in skin tumours. Nature 389, 876-881; Williams et al., (2003) Identification of a small molecule inhibitor of the hedgehog signaling pathway: effects on basal cell carcinoma-like lesions. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 100, 4616-4621; Athar et al., (2004) Inhibition of smoothened signaling prevents ultraviolet B-induced basal cell carcinomas through regulation of Fas expression and apoptosis. Cancer Res. 64, 7545-7552, medulloblastomas (Dahmane et al., (2001) The Sonic Hedgehog-Gli pathway regulates dorsal brain growth and tumorigenesis. Development 128, 5201-5212; Berman et al., (2002) Medulloblastoma growth inhibition by hedgehog pathway blockade. Science 297, 1559-1561, gliomas (Dahmane et al., (2001) The Sonic Hedgehog-Gli pathway regulates dorsal brain growth and tumorigenesis. Development 128, 5201-5212, pancreatic (Thayer et al., (2003) Hedgehog is an early and late mediator of pancreatic cancer tumorigenesis. Nature 425, 851-856, stomach (Berman et al., (2003) Widespread requirement for Hedgehog ligand stimulation in growth of digestive tract tumours. Nature 425, 846-851 and prostate cancers (Sanchez et al., (2004) Inhibition of prostate cancer proliferation by interference with SONIC HEDGEHOG-GLI1 signaling. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA. 101, 12561-12566; Karhadkar et al., (2004) Hedgehog signalling in prostate regeneration, neoplasia and metastasis. Nature 431, 707-712; Sheng et al., (2004) Sheng, T., Li, C., Zhang, X., Chi, S., He, N., Chen, K., McCormick, F., Gatalica, Z., Xie, J. (2004) Activation of the hedgehog pathway in advanced prostate cancer. Mol Cancer. 3, 29).
Alterations in several different oncogenic signaling pathways are found in many cancer types, begging the question of how such different events converge to produce reproducible and diagnosable tumors. An exception appears to be cutaneous melanomas in which activation of the RAS-RAF-MEK/AKT signaling is ubiquitous (Chin, (2003) The genetics of malignant melanoma: lessons from mouse and man. Nat Rev Cancer. 3, 559-570; Chudnovsky et al., (2005) Melanoma genetics and the development of rational therapeutics. J. Clin. Invest. 115, 813-824; Meier et al., (2005), The RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways present molecular targets for the effective treatment of advanced melanoma. Front Biosci. 10, 2986-3001). Melanomas originate from melanocytes and/or from their neural crest-derived pluripotent precursors, and can develop, directly or from skin moles or nevi, into incurable distant metastasis in viscera, bone and brain.
These findings contrast with the fact that such tumors commonly harbor mutations in various oncogenes and tumor suppressors, including EGFR, RAS and PTEN (Vogelstein and Kinzler, (2004) Cancer genes and the pathways they control. Nat Med. 10, 789-799. It is not known whether the effects of such oncogenic mutations could affect the function of the GLI proteins. More particularly, it has yet to be determined whether SHH-GLI signaling could have a role in melanocytes and cutaneous melanoma. The findings of an association between the oncogenic mutations noted above and the function of the GLI proteins could address the need for novel therapeutics for the treatment of melanomas and other tumor types in which oncogenic mutations and the presence of GLI potentiates the tumorigenic process. The work presented herein addresses this need.
The molecular mechanisms underlying cancer development and metastases are beginning to be understood and with this the hope that rational and targeted cures can be developed. The incidence of cutaneous melanoma is increasing and it remains one of the deadliest cancers after metastasis. A large body of evidence gathered over many years shows that cutaneous human melanomas and their metastases routinely involve oncogenic activation of the RAS-RAF-MEK and AKT signaling pathways (Meier, F. et al. The RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways present molecular targets for the effective treatment of advanced melanoma. Front Biosci. 10, 2986-3001 (2005)). Common alterations include those activating NRAS—which activates both the BRAF-MEK and AKT cascades—and BRAF; as well as increases in the level of AKT3, with AKT signaling being critical for melanomagenesis (Davies, H. et al. Mutations of the BRAF gene in human cancer. Nature 417, 949-954 (2002); Stahl, J. M. et al. Deregulated Akt3 activity promotes development of malignant melanoma. Cancer Res. 64, 7002-7010 (2004); Chudnovsky, Y., Khavari, P. A. & Adams, A. E. Melanoma genetics and the development of rational therapeutics. J. Clin. Invest. 115, 813-824 (2005)). In addition, we have recently shown that cutaneous melanomas depend on sustained SHH-GLI signaling—a cellular communication pathway involved in patterned growth and in stem cell/progenitor lineages—and on GLI1 function for growth, recurrence and metastasis (Stecca, B. et al. Melanocyte proliferation and melanoma growth, recurrence and metastasis require sustained SONIC HEDGEHOG-GLI signaling. Submitted. (2006)). These results raise the question of how signaling pathways involved in critical aspects of embryonic development, adult homeostasis and human cancers interact. Here we show that RAS-MEK/AKT and SHH signaling converge to regulate the behavior of GLI1, the function of which is required in human cancers, including prostate cancer and melanoma (Stecca, B. et al. Melanocyte proliferation and melanoma growth, recurrence and metastasis require sustained SONIC HEDGEHOG-GLI signaling. Submitted. (2006); Sanchez, P. et al. Inhibition of prostate cancer proliferation by interference with SONIC HEDGEHOG-GLI1 signaling. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA. 101, 12561-12566 (2004)). Moreover, we show that SUPPRESSOR OF FUSED (SUFUH) provides a critical counterbalance to oncogenic RAS-MEK/AKT and SHH pathway inputs.
The citation of any reference herein should not be construed as an admission that such reference is available as "Prior Art" to the instant application.

Methods and compositions for inhibiting tumorigenesis


There is provided a liquid jetting apparatus including: a liquid jetting head including a liquid jetting surface; a wiper including first and second wiping portions; a moving mechanism; a liquid discharge mechanism; and a controller configured to perform: controlling the moving mechanism to cause the first wiping portion to wipe the liquid jetting surface in a state that the first wiping portion is brought into contact with the liquid jetting surface; controlling the moving mechanism to cause the second wiping portion to wipe the liquid jetting surface in a state that the second wiping portion is brought into contact with the liquid jetting surface; and controlling the liquid jetting head to jet the liquid from the nozzles such that the liquid makes a contact with the second wiping portion to clean the second wiping portion.

1. Field of the Invention:
The present invention relates to a liquid jetting apparatus and a method for cleaning a wiper.
2. Description of the Related Art:
As an example of liquid jetting apparatuses which discharge liquids, there is known such a liquid jetting apparatus including a mechanism which removes foreign substances and the like adhering to a liquid jetting surface formed with nozzles. For example, there is known a wiping unit which wipes an ink jetting surface (nozzle forming surface) of an inkjet head and is capable of both removal operations of removing the ink adhering to the ink jetting surface and removing the foreign substances adhering to the ink jetting surface.
The above wiping unit has a wiper pressed against the ink jetting surface, The wiper is made from a composite material which joins a wiping material formed of an elastic plate such as rubber on one side, and a rubbing material such as felt on the other side. The wiper moves in one direction relative to the ink jetting surface to wipe away the ink adhering to the ink jetting surface with the wiping material. Further, the wiper moves in the direction opposite to the one direction relative to the ink jetting surface to rub away the foreign substances adhering to the ink jetting surface with the rubbing material.

Liquid jetting apparatus and method for cleaning wiper


A color image forming apparatus for forming a color image. An image retainer is provided for carrying the color image, and a charger charges a surface of the image retainer. A latent image former forms a latent image on the charged surface of the image retainer, and a multicolor developer develops the latent image. A black developer develops the latent image. A transfer sheet conveyer conveys a transfer sheet and transfers the developed latent image onto the transfer sheet. A cleaner cleans a residual developer on the surface of the image retainer. The image retainer, either one of the black developer or the multicolor developer, and the cleaner are formed as a detachable processing cartridge, and the rest of the black developer or the multicolor developer is detachable to the body of the color image forming apparatus.

The present invention relates to a color image forming apparatus such as a color printer, a color copier and the like. The present invention especially relates to a color image forming apparatus which can form a color image of stable quality, be made compact, and meet the demand of forming a black and white image. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a color image forming apparatus that enables formation of a stable black and white image and which is in great demand.
It is also the principal object of this invention to provide an improved electrostatic color image forming apparatus in which: a photoreceptor drum and a developing unit are assembled into a cartridge so that the cartridge can be rapidly attached to and removed from the apparatus in order to easily clean and inspect the inside of the apparatus; and the cartridge can be easily and positively replaced with a new one when the cartridge has been used to the limit defined as the predetermined number of times in which image forming is conducted.
For example, a copier with a process cartridge has been disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication Open to Public Inspection No. 163276/1982, wherein the process cartridge is integrally composed of a photoreceptor drum, a charger, a cleaning unit and a black and white developing unit, and the process cartridge can be easily attached to and removed from the apparatus.
In this type of copier, the above-described process cartridge is replaced before parts and materials to be used to form an image have worn out beyond limits in order to avoid overworking the copier and to obtain a stable image quality.
In the copying machine industry, there is now an increased demand for a color image instead of a black and white image because a color image has much information. In Japanese Patent Publication Open to Public Inspection No. U.S. Pat. No. 4,500,195 issued to Hosono wherein the color copier is provided with a color copy process cartridge which has a photoreceptor drum, a charger, a color developing device composed of a plurality of developing units, a cleaning unit and the like, and is provided with a black and white copy process cartridge with a black (BK) developing device so that the black and white copy process cartridge can be used as the spare of the color copy process cartridge.
However, the above-described color copy process cartridge has a complicated structure and is expensive since a plurality of developing devices are installed in it. In order to put the color copy process cartridge into practical use in terms of cost reduction, it is preferable that the above-described cartridge is replaced and discarded after its photoreceptor with long life has been used to its limits or the carrier in the developer has been used to its limits. The life of the above-described photoreceptor drum is usually 50000 to 80000 color copies and the life of the carrier contained in the developer is 20000 to 30000 color copies. Accordingly, toner is needed to be supplied from a toner supply unit provided to each of the plural apparatus, wherein each toner supply unit is corresponding to a developing unit. The toner supply unit is provided to the outside portion of the outer wall of the process cartridge and connected with the process cartridge at the connecting portion which has an opening to supply toner to the developing chamber of the developing unit.
However, in the case of the color image forming apparatus disclosed in the above-mentioned U.S. Pat. No. 4,500,195, the process cartridge must be replaced when the image forming mode is changed from the color image forming mode to the black and white image forming mode, or from the black and white image forming to the color image forming mode. Accordingly, it has the disadvantages of complicated operation, high cost, and waste of time.
There is a demand for a compact and light image forming apparatus as a printer and copier have become popular. Since the black and white image forming apparatus has been replaced with the color image forming apparatus, it has become very important to make the apparatus compact. However, in the case of the above-described color image forming apparatus disclosed in the U.S. Pat. No. 4,500,195, a plurality of developing units, a transfer means, and other image forming units are not arranged properly. Therefore, it has been difficult to make the above-described apparatus compact and to obtain a color image of stable quality.
The first example of the present invention aims to solve the problems described above. The object of the present invention is to provide a color image forming apparatus in which a color image forming process cartridge is adopted, and which is characterized in that: a color image of stable quality is obtained; the apparatus is made compact by the proper arrangement and composition of image forming units; and the image forming mode is easily converted from color image forming to black and white image forming without being restricted by a cartridge.
Furthermore, in the case of the above-described color image forming apparatus disclosed in the U.S. Pat. No. 4,500,195, it has this disadvantage, that the apparatus is stained by the toner which leaks out and dispersed when the toner supply unit is connected with the process cartridge at the connecting portion. In order to eliminate this disadvantage, a complicated sealing member to seal the connecting portion becomes necessary, wherein the sealing member is opened and closed when the toner supply unit is connected with and disconnected from the process cartridge. Especially, in the case of a color image forming apparatus, it is necessary to supply plural kinds of toner to a plurality of developing units. Accordingly, the structure becomes further complicated and even when a small amount of toner leaks out and disperses, the image quality is lowered because of color mixture caused by mixed toners.
The above-described color image forming apparatus has the further disadvantages, that color mixture tends to occur, and that it is difficult to maintain stability of the apparatus to acquire balance because a plurality of developing units stacked horizontally in the process cartridge are horizontally provided close to the photoreceptor drum. The above-described color image forming apparatus has the further disadvantage, that the transfer and conveyance means of transfer paper tends to be stained by the toner which leaks out and disperses because the means is located below the photoreceptor drum.
In order to solve the problems described above, the second example of the present invention has been offered. The object of the second example is to provide a color image forming apparatus characterized in that: the quality of a black and white image is stabilized by adopting a black and white process cartridge; the image quality is improved and the apparatus is made compact by a proper arrangement and composition of image forming units; and by providing color developing units to the apparatus the image forming mode is easily converted from the black and white copying mode to the color copying mode without restrictions of the process cartridge.
Conventionally, some types of electrostatic image forming apparatuses have been used. One is characterized in that a photoreceptor drum and a developing unit are provided to a unit which can be rapidly attached to and removed from the apparatus. The other is characterized in that a unit including a photoreceptor drum and a unit including a developing unit are individually provided to the apparatus, wherein both units can be rapidly attached to and removed from the apparatus. The above-mentioned electrostatic image forming apparatuses are formed in such a manner that the inspection of the inside of the apparatus, the exchange of parts, and the cleaning of the inside of the apparatus can be easily and positively conducted.
The life of a photoreceptor which is repeatedly used to form images, is limited. For example, the photoreceptor is generally replaced with a new one when it has been used to the limit defined as the number of times in which the photoreceptor has been used to form images, wherein the number of times can be 10000, 30000, or 50000 times. The life of a developing unit is limited in the same way as the photoreceptor. The photoreceptor is commonly replaced with a new one when it has been used to the limit.
The photoreceptor and the developing unit have the endurance limit within which an image of good quality can be formed. The endurance limit is determined by the number of times in which images have been formed. When the photoreceptor is used to the limit, it is suddenly degraded. For that reason, the photoreceptor must be replaced with a new one before it has been worn beyond the limit. In the case of a developing unit, although the endurance limits of Y, M, C, and BL developing units are the same, the frequency of use of each developing unit is different when multicolor image forming is conducted. Accordingly, each developing unit reaches the limit of use at different times. In many cases, the frequency of use of the black developing unit is high and the frequency of use of the color developing unit is not so high. In the case described above, if each color developing unit is discarded on the assumption that each color unit has worn out synchronously with the black developing unit, it will amount to discarding color developing units which still have enough capacity, which can be considered enormous losses from the view point of economical use of color developer and color developing units.
In the case of multicolor image forming, the frequency of use of Y, M, and C developers or of B, G, and R developers can be regarded as almost the same.
The third example of the object of the present invention is to provide an electrostatic image forming apparatus in order to solve the above-described problems, wherein the electrostatic image forming apparatus is characterized in that: a cartridge is provided in which the units having the same frequency of use are built so that the work of inspection, cleaning and replacing parts can be conducted precisely and easily, and furthermore the photoreceptor, the developing unit and the cleaning unit can be utilized until they wear out to the limit.

Color image forming apparatus with a multicolor detachable process unit


A flexible web formed of a shape retentive material includes a convex head web having a first end spaced from a second end, with the second end including a convex snout web extending from the second end canted relative to the second end for positioning about the facial portion between a horse's eyes, with strap members arranged to secure the head and snout web about the horse's head. The head web and the snout web each include individual strap portions for securement of the primary flexible web about a horse's head to prevent injury to the horse during loading and unloading of the horse relative to trailers for transport of the horse.

1. Field of the Invention
The field of invention relates to horse head securement structure, and more particularly pertains to a new and improved horse head protector wherein the same is arranged to afford protection to a horse's head and facial regions.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Contemporary transport of horses requires the horses to be loaded and unloaded relative to a trailer structure. Frequently, a horse will rear or jerk its head relative to the loading and unloading procedure effecting injury to the horse requiring medical attention. To prevent the horse from effecting such injury upon contact with a framework of an associated trailer, the horse head protector structure of the instant invention is directed to the covering of the horse's head and facial region. Prior art horse head gear is typically related to harness and bridle structure such as indicated in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,631,906; 3,765,151; and 4,774,801.


A hydraulic excavator is provided, facilitating access to the lower side inside an engine compartment, allowing a maintenance job to be performed in a reasonable posture. The hydraulic excavator includes a revolving frame, an engine arranged on the revolving frame, and a counterweight arranged on the revolving frame, at the back side of the engine. A recess indented from the bottom face in the upward direction is formed at the counterweight. An opening is formed at the revolving frame for allowing a person to access from the lower side of the revolving frame to the space between the engine and the counterweight. The recess has a section overlapping with the opening, when viewed from the top.

In association with a conventional hydraulic excavator, Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2008-223353 (PTD 1) discloses providing a work space to allow a worker to perform maintenance service with respect to an engine compartment by providing a recess at the front side of a counterweight, opened towards the front face and top face.