A method for managing color specification in a display device interface for a computer. The display device interface includes services to create palettes, to associate palettes with on or off screen surfaces such as sprites, overlays and textures, and to manipulate the entries in palettes. A method for managing color specification includes creating a palette that stores indices to another palette.

In computer graphics, a color image typically comprises a two dimensional array of binary color values, called a pixmap. The elements in the array are sometimes referred to as pixel values or "pixels," which represent the individual picture elements of an image. To display these pixels, a display controller typically reads the elements in an array, converts them into values compatible with the display monitor and controls the monitor's display of the image. For example, a display screen on a raster display device is comprised of an array of pixels. In the process of displaying an image on the monitor, the raster scans across the display screen energizing the individual picture elements with an electron beam based on the color values for each pixel.
A color table or "palette" is often used to compress a color image. Rather than store color values for each pixel, the pixmap can store indices into a color table instead. The entries in the color table store color values, which represent the available color choices for the pixmap or pixmaps that refer to the table. While the available color choices do not represent every conceivable color choice, they are generally deemed sufficient for the their particular application.
A color table is a form of image compression because the indices to a color table occupy fewer bits than the corresponding entries in the table. The trade off is that the color table represents a limited range of color choices. Consider the following example. One of the ways to represent the color of a pixel is to store a binary value for the Red, Green, and Blue (RGB) color components. For example, a color image can be represented with 8 bit R, G, B values. The total length of a pixel would then be 24 bits. Now, if the image is represented with only 256 colors for example, each of the 8 bit RGB values for these 256 colors can be stored in a color table having 256 entries. This color table is sometimes called an 8 bit color table because the entries to the table can be represented by an 8 bit number. Instead of storing 24 bits for each pixel in an image, each pixel can be represented by a single 8 bit index to the color table. By using the color table, the image is compressed by about a factor of 3.
While color tables provide an effective form of compression, they can also lead to difficult bookkeeping problems for application programmers. The images used in a typical game application, for example, may refer to different and inconsistent color tables. Ultimately, the display controller must have the accurate color information in order to generate the display image properly.

Method and system for managing color specification using attachable palettes and palettes that refer to other palettes


A coaxial electrical connector to be connected to a printed circuit board, includes an outer conductor (10), a central conductor (20) having an axial contact section (21), and a dielectric block (30) molded to hold the outer and central conductors together. A radial section (22) extends outwardly from a bottom of the contact section. A lower surface of the radial section is concaved with respect to the printed circuit board such that there has no material other than air under the lower surface of the radial section, thereby adjust the impedance of contact to a proper value by changing the dielectric constant under the lower surface of the radial section.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to the art of electrical connectors, and more particularly to a coaxial electrical connector for being connected to a printed circuit board.
2. Description of the Related Art
Impedance match issue is one of the most important things for signal transmission of electrical connectors. Different kinds of ways are adopted by designers to adjust the impedance of contacts to a proper value. In order to adjust the impedance of contacts to a proper value, designers usually adopt the way of changing the dielectric constant around the contacts. As disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,902,408, a coaxial electrical connector includes an outer conductor having a tubular section, a central conductor having a contact section that extends in an axial direction within the tubular section, a dielectric block molded so as to hold together the outer and central conductors as a unit, and a radial section extending outwardly from a bottom of the contact section. There has a part of the dielectric block attached around a bottom surface of the radial section, which may influence the impedance of contacts due to having the dielectric material disposed around the radial section. Due to high speed data rate was arisen, the above design of the coaxial electrical connector could not meet the electrical performance requirement because of the impedance of the contact (i.e. around the contact section). Thus, it is supposed to adjust the impedance of the contact by changing the dielectric constant around the contact.
Therefore, there is a need to provide a coaxial electrical connector to resolve the above-mentioned problem.


A printer moves a color chart relative to a spectrometer that carries out spectral measurement on the color chart. The color chart, which is a color measurement target of the printer, includes a color patch and a white portion that is positioned in a first position and a second position. The first position and the second position interpose a color measurement position, in which the color patch is disposed, along a predetermined direction. The printer acquires measured values by carrying out spectral measurement for the color measurement position, the first position, and the second position, determines a reference value corresponding to the color measurement position based on the measured values of the first position and the second position, and determines a color measurement result of the color patch based on the measured value of the color measurement position and the reference value.

1. Technical Field
The present disclosure relates to a color measurement device, an image forming apparatus, electronic equipment, a color chart, a color measurement method, and the like.
2. Related Art
In the related art, there is known a recording apparatus provided with a transport mechanism that transports a recording medium, a recording head that adopts an ink jet recording system to record an image by ejecting ink onto the recording medium, and a color measurement unit that performs color measurement of the image which is recorded on the recording medium. See, for example JP-A-2013-217654.
In the recording apparatus described in JPA-2013-217654, a color measurement unit is provided with a color measurement carriage capable of moving along a recording medium, and a pressing plate which presses the recording medium. Of these elements, the color measurement carriage is configured to have a color measurement sensor disposed on the inner portion, and is capable of moving in directions orthogonally intersecting the direction in which a transport mechanism transports the recording medium. The recording apparatus moves the color measurement carriage along the pressing plate in relation to the recording medium and carries out the color measurement by the color measurement sensor in a state in which the recording medium is pressed by the pressing plate.
However, in the recording apparatus described in JP-A-2013-217654, when there is inconsistency in the thickness dimension of the pressing plate along the movement directions of the color measurement sensor, a measurement distance between the color measurement sensor and the recording medium varies depending on the position.
When cockling or waviness occurs in the recording medium due to the influence of variation in temperature and moisture, the recording medium is moved in the transport direction, and when the color measurement position on the recording medium is changed, the measurement distance may vary due to the influence of the waviness.
In this manner, when the measurement distance varies according to the color measurement position due to the influence of structural causes of the recording apparatus, waviness of the recording medium, or the like, the quantity of the light, which is reflected from the recording medium and is detected by the color measurement sensor, fluctuates. Therefore, in a case in which the reflectance, the chromaticity, or the like of a measurement target is calculated using reference values (i.e., measured values that are a light quantity values of a measurement wavelength) that are obtained by spectrally measuring a reference object (e.g., a white reference plate) disposed in a position which differs from the actual color measurement position, there is a concern that differences will arise in the measurement distances between the measurement positions of the reference object and the actual measurement positions. When the light quantity values of the reflected light fluctuate due to an error in the measurement distances, and an error in excess of an allowable amount arises between the appropriate reference values (ideal values) in the actual color measurement positions and the reference values which are the measured values of the reference object, there is a problem in that it is not possible to acquire, with high precision, the color measurement results of the reflectance, the chromaticity, or the like which are acquired based on the reference values.

Color measurement device, image forming apparatus, electronic equipment, color chart, and color measurement method


The performance and the functionality of a projection-type video display device are improved to expand an application range of the projection-type video display device. The projection-type display device has two optical engines, increases the luminance of a display image, achieves a pseudo high resolution, or displays a three-dimensional image and a wide screen. The two optical engines have an adjusting mechanism to adjust a position on which an image is displayed. The adjusting mechanism has a plurality of mechanisms which adjust relative three-dimensional axis-direction positions between the two optical engines and inclinations of the optical engines with respect to axes. For example, in consideration of cross actions between adjustments, the plurality of adjusting mechanisms are allocated to the optical engines. As a result, the adjustments can be easily performed.

Projection-type video display devices using liquid crystal panels, with increasing opportunities to utilizing the devices in, for example, presentation halls and the like, are required to be simplified and reduced in price and, furthermore, to get high performance and high function.
Patent Literature 1 discloses a technique of compensating for defocus caused by a change in temperature with a simple mechanism.
Patent Literature 2 discloses a technique to use a planar mirror as a projection mirror.

Projection-type video display device having adjusting mechanism of two optical engines


It becomes possible to use drive pulses having different pulse widths for one kind of drive pulse signal period. Therefore, even if a voltage acting on a crossing part of drive and detection electrodes is periodically changed through a stray capacitance attributed to an external object such as a finger in an undesired manner, the pulse width of the drive pulse is never fixed with respect to the period, and the periodic buildup of a certain voltage on a detection signal, which would make appreciable noise, is suppressed. Thus, the reduction of detection signals can be suppressed in quantity without switching the pulse signal frequency of the drive pulse of a touch panel.

The present invention relates to a semiconductor device having a touch panel controller for controlling a touch panel, and an electronic device having a touch panel controller and a microprocessor.
An electrostatic capacitance type touch panel has been in widespread use as an input device of PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), a tablet PC (Personal computer) or the like. Especially, a mutual capacitance-type touch panel which enables a multi-touch detection includes: a plurality of drive electrodes; a plurality of detection electrodes; and a plurality of crossing parts formed by the drive electrodes and the detection electrodes, wherein a fluctuation in capacitive coupling state at each crossing part can be obtained by means of signals taken, in turn, from the detection electrodes when the drive electrodes are driven by use of a pulse in turn. Calculating the coordinates of a position where the capacitance fluctuation is caused, which crossing part the stray capacitance has been changed on, i.e. which crossing part a finger has approached or touched can be known.
International Patent Publication No. JP-T-2009-535742 includes the description for the reduction of noise in the detection cycle of an electrostatic capacitance type touch panel. Specifically, it is preferable for the purpose of noise rejection to drive a touch panel by means of drive pulses having different frequencies. Noise which is present in a drive pulse of a certain drive frequency is not involved in a drive pulse of another frequency. For instance, it suffices to perform the detecting action with drive pulses of three drive frequencies, and then to adopt, from results thereof, one which is the smallest in the influence of noise.

Capacitive touch panel device with differing drive pulse widths


A character generating device which is capable of creating a clear thickened or thinned (wider or narrower) character by eliminating an improper portion of an outline of a character. According to a character code input from an input portion, a CPU obtains outline font data for one character from a font data storage and transfers the data into a RAM. On the basis of the character code input from the input portion, the CPU searches a head address of a memory storing data for a required character and transfers the data from the address into the RAM. A character thickness processing portion performs character thickening or thinning operations on each point sequence composing each outline of the outline-font character and a point-sequence transferring portion determines, by use of functions or a table, a correct destination and transfers thereto the improper point-sequence on the thick or thin processed outline of the outline-font character.

The present invention relates generally to thickened and thinned character generating devices and more particularly to character generating devices for generating different thickness characters of outline fonts used in word processors and computer systems.
Japanese Laid-open Patent Publication No. 59-210482 is a known reference describing such a character generating device that stores each character pattern as information indicating the positions of a plurality of representative points of strokes of a character pattern and as information indicating the thickness of each stroke at its representative points and determines data for each stroke between the representative points from co-ordinate information and outline data of a character pattern represented by strokes from the information on stroke thickness at the representative points to efficiently generate character patterns of various sizes.
Japanese Laid-open Patent Publication No. 61-143792 discloses a character generating device that comprises a storage for storing information indicating positions of representative points of strokes of each character pattern, information indicating standard stroke thickness at the representative points and information indicating maximal stroke thickness and means for determining stroke data on connections of representative points from the co-ordinate information read from the storage and outline data of the character represented by the strokes from information indicating the standard thickness and the maximal thickness at the representative points.
Japanese Laid-open Patent Publication No. 64-590 discloses another character generating device that is capable of converting character patterns (letters, symbols, pictures) stored in a storage into signals of characters, which are modified (enlarged/reduced or thickened/thinned or vertically extended/contracted) as desired through computer operations for generating vector signals from codes in a code memory and feature codes in a particular signal memory, merely by inputting a character signal for selecting a form and character and a parameter for selecting character form.
Japanese Laid-open Patent Publication No. 4-136898 discloses another character generating device that is intended to modify a digital vector font for generating characters modified in line thickness of a stroke and characters each having a partially changed outline by using means for giving a relevant attribute to curve-to-line approximation data of a character outline and means for changing thickness of a stroke line and partially changing a character outline in accordance with the given attribute.
Japanese Laid-open Patent Publication No. 4-24689 discloses a further character generating device that is capable of storing outline information indicating each character or graphic symbol in a storage and changing any outline by using means for reading-out the changeable outline information from the storage, means for changing the read-out outline information according to a modification content, means for correcting the changed outline information according to the modification content and means for outputting the corrected outline information.
As mentioned above, each conventional device for generating a thickened or thinned character requires treatment of a large number of data because the thickness of any character is changed in accordance with attributive information added to elements (points, line and curves) constituting an outline of each character and strokes constituting each character. This is a disadvantage common to the above-mentioned prior art devices.

Thickened and thinned character generating device including elements for removing undesirably formed outline portions


A multi-component low-k isolation spacer for a conductive region in a semiconductor structure is described. In one embodiment, a replacement isolation spacer process is utilized to enable the formation of a two-component low-k isolation spacer adjacent to a sidewall of a gate electrode in a MOS-FET device.

1) Field of the Invention
The invention is in the file of Semiconductor Structures.
2) Description of Related Art
For the past several years, the miniaturization and higher packing density of conductive regions in semiconductor structures, such as gate electrodes or metal interconnects, has been accompanied with an increase in fringe capacitance. Fringe capacitance, i.e. "cross-talk," between such conductive regions may be detrimental to the performance of, for example, semiconductor devices or interconnect networks.
In order to overcome any dominant effects of fringe capacitance, higher power input may be provided to the semiconductor structure. However, this approach has drawbacks for today's low power requirements, e.g. extending battery life. Thus, a methods to isolate conductive regions in semiconductor structures is described herein.

Low-k isolation spacers for conductive regions


A turn proportioned turn signaling system for vehicles. The lamp arrays are provided signals from rotary sensors 30 from the steering column, the rack and pinion gear system, or trailer hitch mechanism that either directly affect the signaling pattern or drive a logic control unit that in turn drives the signaling pattern. The signal display panels may consist of a plurality of lamps or light emitting diodes intended to alert the surrounding people and vehicles. The display pattern selected by the logic control unit depends the magnitude and rate of turn.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to sets of lights that are arranged on an external surface of an automobile or vehicle to communicate a signal to other drivers and pedestrians and in particular to such light devices that capable of illuminating in dynamic patterns to enhance the information communicated to others.
2. Description of the Related Art
Currently, turn signals on vehicles typically consist of one or more lamps or light bulbs and flash in well-established constant time intervals. The flashing light bulbs indicate the direction of turn by the sheer position of the flashing lamp in relation to the center of the vehicle. That is, information that the vehicle is turning or is about to turn to the right is communicated to other drivers and pedestrians by a flashing turn signal light located on the right-hand side of the vehicle, ordinarily both on the front-right corner of the vehicle and on the rear-right corner of the vehicle. Also, occasionally, the vehicle is equipped with similar turn signal lights on other external surfaces of the vehicle, such as the casings around the outer rearview mirrors or the like.
The lamps alone, therefore, do not indicate the direction of turn. Instead, it is their positioning in relation to the center of the vehicle that communicate the direction of the intended turn. This is insufficient when the center of the vehicle is not easily determined by others, such as in the many circumstances of limited visibility, including nighttime and during inclement weather.
The lamps themselves are also not dynamic in that they fail to communicate any information about the magnitude of the turn, the rate of turn, the speed of the car as it enters the turn or during the turn, or the direction of the car (forward or reverse) as it initiates the turn. Instead, existing turn signal lamps involve a simple flasher unit connected in series to cause the lamp to light up and turn off in regular and constant intervals.
The current turn signal lights are also only operated manually, switched on by the driver and switched off either by the driver or by a rudimentary ratcheted release mechanism. There are often instances in current signaling systems therefore when the ratcheting mechanism turns off the turn signal lamps prematurely, before the turn is complete. Likewise, there are often other instances when the mechanism does not switch off the lamp at all, such as when the turn angle is gradual or small in magnitude or when the operator mistakenly turned on the turn signal. The ratcheted release fails in the above two cases, as it is not position sensitive, magnitude sensitive, nor rate sensitive.
Another instance where the racheted system fails is when a turn in one direction is being made and an immediate turn in the opposite side has to be made; an example is when one is turning right into an intersection but have to change lanes immediately to the left.

Dynamic vehicle signaling device and system


An intraluminal device is provided with a structural member having an abluminal surface to engage a vessel wall and a luminal surface. The structural member is formed with regions having different thicknesses between the abluminal surface and luminal surface. The intraluminal device may be useful where improved axial flexibility is desired.

The present invention relates generally to medical devices and more particularly to intraluminal devices.
Stents have become relatively common devices for treating a number of organs, such as the vascular system, colon, biliary tract, urinary tract, esophagus, trachea and the like. Stents are useful in a variety of medical procedures and are often used to treat various types of aneurysms. Stents are also useful in treating other ailments including blockages, occlusions, narrowing ailments and other related problems that restrict flow through a passageway (generally referred to as a stenosis).
For example, stents may be used to treat numerous vessels in the vascular system, including coronary arteries, peripheral arteries (e.g., carotid, brachial, renal, iliac and femoral), and other vessels. Stents have become a popular alternative for treating vascular conditions because stenting procedures are considerably less invasive than other alternatives. As an example, stenoses in the coronary arteries has traditionally been treated with bypass surgery. In general, bypass surgery involves splitting the chest bone to open the chest cavity and grafting a replacement vessel onto the heart to bypass the stenosed artery. However, coronary bypass surgery is a very invasive procedure that is risky and requires a long recovery time for the patient. By contrast, stenting procedures are performed transluminally and do not require open surgery. Thus, recovery time is reduced and the risks of surgery are minimized.
Many different types of stents and stenting procedures are possible. In general, however, stents are typically designed as tubular support structures that may be inserted percutaneously and transluminally through a body passageway. Typically, stents are made from a structure that wraps around at least a portion of a circumference and are adapted to compress and expand between a smaller and larger diameter. However, other types of stents are designed to have a fixed diameter and are not generally compressible. Although stents may be made from many types of materials, including non-metallic materials and natural tissues, common examples of metallic materials that may be used to make stents include stainless steel, nitinol, cobalt-chrome alloys, amorphous metals, tantalum, platinum, gold and titanium. Typically, stents are implanted within an artery or other passageway by positioning the stent within the lumen to be treated and then expanding the stent from a compressed diameter to an expanded diameter. The ability of the stent to expand from a compressed diameter makes it possible to thread the stent through narrow, tortuous passageways to the area to be treated while the stent is in a relatively small, compressed diameter. Once the stent has been positioned and expanded at the area to be treated, the tubular support structure of the stent contacts and radially supports the inner wall of the passageway. The implanted stent may be used to mechanically prevent the passageway from closing to keep the passageway open to facilitate fluid flow through the passageway. Stents may also be used to support a graft layer. However, these are only some of the examples of how stents may be used, and stents may be used for other purposes as well.
Stents may also be used in combination with other components to treat a number of medical conditions. For example, stent-graft assemblies are commonly used in the treatment of aneurysms. As those in the art well know, an aneurysm is an abnormal widening or ballooning of a portion of an artery. Generally, this condition is caused by a weakness in the blood vessel wall. High blood pressure and atherosclerotic disease may also contribute to the formation of aneurysms. Common types of aneurysms include aortic aneurysms, cerebral aneurysms, popliteal artery aneurysms, mesenteric artery aneurysms, and splenic artery aneurysms. However, it is also possible for aneurysms to form in blood vessels throughout the vasculature. If not treated, an aneurysm may eventually rupture, resulting in internal hemorrhaging. In many cases, the internal bleeding may be so massive that a patient might die within minutes of an aneurysm rupture. For example, in the case of aortic aneurysms, the survival rate after a rupture can be as low as 20%.
Traditionally, aneurysms have been treated with surgery. For example, in the case of an abdominal aortic aneurysm, the abdomen is surgically opened, and the widened section of the aorta is typically dissected longitudinally. A graft material, such as Dacron, is then inserted into the vessel and sutured at each end to the inner wall of the non-widened portions of the vessel. The dissected edges of the vessel may then be overlapped and sutured to enclose the graft material within the vessel. In smaller vessels where the aneurysm forms a balloon-like bulge with a narrow neck connecting the aneurysm to the vessel, the surgeon may put a clip on the blood vessel wall at the neck of the aneurysm between the aneurysm and the primary passageway of the vessel. The clip then prevents blood flow from the vessel from entering the aneurysm.
An alternative to traditional surgery is endovascular treatment of the blood vessel with a stent-graft. This alternative involves implanting a stent-graft in the blood vessel across the aneurysm using conventional catheter-based placement techniques. The stent-graft treats the aneurysm by sealing the wall of the blood vessel with a generally impermeable graft material. Thus, the aneurysm is sealed off and blood flow is kept within the primary passageway of the blood vessel. Increasingly, treatments using stent-grafts are becoming preferred since the procedure results in less trauma and a faster recuperation.
Particular stent designs and implantation procedures vary widely. For example, stents are often generally characterized as either balloon-expandable or self-expandable. However, the uses for balloon-expandable and self-expandable stents frequently overlap and procedures related to one type of stent are frequently adapted to other types of stents.
Balloon-expandable stents are frequently used to treat stenosis of the coronary arteries. Usually, balloon-expandable stents are made from ductile materials that plastically deform relatively easily. In the case of stents made from metal, 316L stainless steel which has been annealed is a common choice for this type of stent. One procedure for implanting balloon-expandable stents involves mounting the stent circumferentially on the balloon of a balloon-tipped catheter and threading the catheter through a vessel passageway to the area to be treated. Once the balloon is positioned at the narrowed portion of the vessel to be treated, the balloon is expanded by pumping saline through the catheter to the balloon. The balloon then simultaneously dilates the vessel and radially expands the stent within the dilated portion. The balloon is then deflated and the balloon-tipped catheter is retracted from the passageway. This leaves the expanded stent permanently implanted at the desired location. Ductile metal lends itself to this type of stent since the stent may be compressed by plastic deformation to a small diameter when mounted onto the balloon. When the balloon is later expanded in the vessel, the stent once again plastically deforms to a larger diameter to provide the desired radial support structure. Traditionally, balloon-expandable stents have been more commonly used in coronary vessels than in peripheral vessels because of the deformable nature of these stents. One reason for this is that peripheral vessels tend to experience frequent traumas from external sources (e.g., impacts to a person's arms, legs, etc.) which are transmitted through the body's tissues to the vessel. In the case of peripheral vessels, there is an increased risk that an external trauma could cause a balloon-expandable stent to once again plastically deform in unexpected ways with potentially severe and/or catastrophic results. In the case of coronary vessels, however, this risk is minimal since coronary vessels rarely experience traumas transmitted from external sources. In addition, one advantage of balloon-expandable stents is that the expanded diameter of the stent may be precisely controlled during implantation. This is possible because the pressure applied to the balloon may be controlled by the physician to produce a precise amount of radial expansion and plastic deformation of the stent.
Self-expandable stents are increasingly being used by physicians because of their adaptability to a variety of different conditions and procedures. Self-expandable stents are usually made of shape memory materials or other elastic materials that act like a spring. Typical metals used in this type of stent include nitinol and 304 stainless steel. However, other materials may also be used. To facilitate stent implantation, self-expandable stents are normally installed on the end of a catheter in a low profile, compressed state. The stent is typically retained in the compressed state by inserting the stent into a sheath at the end of the catheter. The stent is then guided to the portion of the vessel to be treated. Once the catheter and stent are positioned adjacent the portion to be treated, the stent is released by pulling, or withdrawing, the sheath rearward. Normally, a step or other feature is provided on the catheter to prevent the stent from moving rearward with the sheath. After the stent is released from the retaining sheath, the stent radially springs outward to an expanded diameter until the stent contacts and presses against the vessel wall. Traditionally, self-expandable stents have been used in a number of peripheral arteries in the vascular system due to the shape memory characteristic of these stents. One advantage of self-expandable stents for peripheral arteries is that traumas from external sources do not permanently deform the stent. As a result, the stent may temporarily deform during unusually harsh traumas and spring back to its expanded state once the trauma is relieved. However, self-expandable stents may be used in many other applications as well.
The above-described examples are only some of the applications in which stents are used by physicians. Many other applications for stents are known and/or may be developed in the future.

Intraluminal device with flexible regions


The invention provides a non-aqueous electrolyte battery characterized in that: an active material of the positive electrode includes lithium manganese oxide; the shut-down temperature of the separator is 162° C. or lower; and the area contraction ratio of the separator at 120° C. is 15% or less.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a non-aqueous electrolyte battery.
2. Description of the Related Art
In recent years, the use of non-aqueous electrolyte batteries such as lithium ion batteries which are compact, light, and have high energy density, has been increasing rapidly as power sources for portable electric apparatuses and the like. In such non-aqueous electrolyte batteries, lithium cobalt oxide is generally used as an active material of the positive electrode and an organic solvent is used as the solvent for the electrolyte solution. As a result, there is a possibility of an abnormality occurring in non-aqueous electrolyte batteries, for example, where the temperature inside the battery suddenly increases due to an increase in the temperature of the environment in which the battery is utilized, or due to overcharging of the battery. Accordingly, a variety of techniques have been examined in the conventional non-aqueous electrolyte batteries in order to enhance the safety of the batteries.
For example, a non-aqueous electrolyte battery having a safety mechanism that utilizes a shut-down function of a separator that separates the positive electrode from the negative electrode has been proposed as means for increasing the safety of the non-aqueous electrolyte battery. According to this shut-down function, the separator made of polypropylene or polyethylene, thermally contracts due to the melting point of polypropylene or polyethylene in the case where heat is generated inside the battery as a result of the abnormality. Such a thermal contraction makes microscopic pores, which are created in the separator and enable ion migration, close, so that the current is blocked, preventing it from flowing between the positive and negative electrodes.
It is desirable to block the current as soon as possible in order to enhance the safety of the battery in the case where heat is generated as a result of the abnormality. Thus, it is desirable to set the shut-down temperature of the separator at a temperature as low as possible. Here, in the present specification, the shut-down temperature of the separator indicates the temperature when the current between the positive and negative electrodes is completely blocked after the closure of microscopic pores, which are created in the separator for ion migration. Thus, the separator is formed of a combination of materials, wherein the ratio of polyethylene, having a melting point lower than that of polypropylene, has been increased in order to set the shut-down temperature of the separator at a low level.
However, when heat is applied, polyethylene has a low dimensional stability in comparison with polypropylene and, therefore, the above described separator has a low dimensional stability when heat is applied, and as a result, a large thermal contraction occurs in the case when the temperature of the battery increases, so as to create a gap inside the battery short circuiting the positive and negative electrodes via this gap. Thus, the battery is disadvantaged due to its diminished safety.
In addition, there is a problem when polyethylene has a lower film-breaking temperature than polypropylene. As a result, there is a case where the positive and negative electrodes short circuit when the separator breaks immediately after the operation of the shut-down function of the separator. Thus, the battery is disadvantaged due to its diminished safety. Here, in the present specification, the film-breaking temperature indicates the temperature where the separator contracts and breaks due to heat, causing the positive and negative electrodes to short circuit.
Thus, in order to eliminate the above described disadvantages, a non-aqueous electrolyte battery, having an insulating plate that fuses with the separator inside the battery, has been proposed for the purpose of preventing the short circuiting due to the contact made by the positive and negative electrodes which have been exposed as a result of the contraction of the separator (for example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 5(1993)-74443).
In the non-aqueous electrolyte battery described in the above prior art, however, both ends of the separator are fused with the insulating plate and, therefore, the separator cannot be prevented from breaking due to the contraction of the separator, and in effect, a disadvantage is created when the battery short circuits.


An endotracheal tube cleaning device, including a rod, and a cleaning head coupled to a distal end of the rod, including a low friction-generating surface; and a high friction-generating surface, wherein the low friction-generating surface contacts an inner surface of the endotracheal tube when moved along the tube in a first direction and the high friction-generating surface contacts the inner surface of the endotracheal tube when moved in a second, opposite direction.

An Endotracheal tube is used to provide a clear airway through the mouth, pharynx and trachea or nose, nasopharynx and trachea into the tracheobronchial tree of patients. Endotracheal tubes are used to support life during and after major surgery, trauma, or the development of certain severe tracheal conditions, such as pneumonia and sepsis and most cases of respiratory failure.
Ventilator-associated pneumonia is a common complication in patients receiving mechanical ventilation and is an important cause of increased mortality, length of hospital stay, and cost. After several days of intubation and mechanical ventilation, the lumen of an endotracheal tube becomes heavily colonized by bacteria, which often organizes into a thick, mature biofilm. The formation of endotracheal tube biofilms and subsequent, recurrent transfer of bacteria to the lower respiratory tract may lead to the development of lower respiratory tract infection and ventilator-associated pneumonia.
U.S. Pat. No. 8,601,633, describes a cleaning device that removes the biofilm accumulated on the interior surface of the tube. The device comprises a cleaning element, which can change its geometry to fit the tube by being inflatable or by being collapsible/expandable.
The foregoing examples of the related art and limitations related therewith are intended to be illustrative and not exclusive. Other limitations of the related art will become apparent to those of skill in the art upon a reading of the specification and a study of the figures.

Endotracheal tube cleaning device system and method

TEL HASHOMER MEDICAL RESEARCH INFRASTRUCTURE AND SERVICES LTD.

THE MEDICAL RESEARCH INFRASTRUCTURE AND HEALTH SERVICES FUND OF THE TEL AVIV MEDICAL CENTER


A rapid donning face mask is disclosed. The rapid donning face mask is desirable for emerging situations in which the user is unable to maintain proper social distancing. When needed the user deploys a filter element that is coupled to the fingers of a user's hand via rings. As the user splays their fingers, the filter element deploys, allowing the user to cover their mouth and nasal openings with the filter element.

The present invention relates to protective masks, and more particularly to replaceable face masks for preventing the spread of pathogens.
Currently face masks are cumbersome to use. Adoption of use of face masks is low because it takes time and effort to install a face mask, and they can be uncomfortable. Protective face masks can hurt the wearer, can make breathing difficult, and take time to cover and uncover your face.
With current restrictions, face masks are encouraged when social distancing cannot be maintained. During activities, such as walking, running, and personal grooming such as haircuts, individuals can usually maintain proper social distancing. However, when temporarily encountering another individual, such as passing in the same direction or in opposite directions, proper social distancing is difficult to maintain, particularly on narrow pathways or trails. In these circumstances it can be difficult to quickly don a mask when approaching another person.
As can be seen, there is a need for an improved respiratory air filtration mask that can be rapidly donned when social distancing cannot be maintained.


An apparatus, method, and system for a steerable medical device, configured to be used in conjunction with guide tools and devices in medical procedures, including endoscopes, cameras, cutting tools and catheters.

Flexible medical instruments such as endoscopic surgical devices and catheters are broadly used in surgical and probative settings, and continue to gain acceptance in the medical field. The medical devices generally include a flexible tube commonly referred to as a sleeve or sheath, with one or more tool channels extending along (typically inside) the sheath to allow access to end effectors located at a distal end of the sheath.
The device is projected to provide flexible access with at least one curve or more to an intended lesion in a confined space, while retaining torsional and longitudinal rigidity through narrow pathways. Physicians actuate the end effectors located at the distal end of the sheath by maneuvering a proximal end of the device from outside of the patient. Therefore, actuation of the sheath from the distal end plays a key role in ensuring flexible access to the end effectors, while achieving physicians' controllability for the devices, thus aiding the physician in probing and/or operating on the patient.
By way of example, U.S. Pat. No. 8,365,633 ("633 patent"), provides a push-pull actuation surgical device for surgery, having a multi-backbone sheath. Among the multiple backbones, one primary backbone is centrally located and is attached to a base disk and an end disk. The secondary backbones are attached to the end disk and are equidistant from each other. To generate bending moments, the secondary backbones are pushed and pulled against the base disk. The secondary backbones are connected to actuation units that include linear sliders and motors and are actuated by these motors.
However, the existing art suffers from a multitude of drawbacks which limit and hinder the use of flexible medical devices. For instance, the secondary backbones in '633 patent is limited in size reduction, as the secondary backbones need to travel through free space between the sheath and the actuator. Since this free-standing length causes buckling of the second backbones in pushing operation, the diameter of the secondary backbones are limited to maintain enough stiffness to avoid buckling. Accordingly, buckling of the secondary backbones stagnates miniaturization of the sheath.
Furthermore, because of the secondary backbones in the '633 patent, the device cannot extend for a long distance in free-space, hence, the actuators need to be located close to the proximal end of the secondary backbones. This limitation of the actuators causes difficult integration of multiple actuators, and substantially limits the range and usability of the '633 patent device. Additionally, the circular pitch of the secondary backbones cannot be reduced because of the mechanical interference of the adjacent actuators. Therefore, the miniaturization of the sheath is further limited.
Accordingly, it is particularly beneficial to disclose a steerable medical device boasting a reduced overall diameter, while capable of controlled manipulation of the device in three axes.


A miniature image capture lens is disclosed comprising an aperture diaphragm having an aperture through which an image is captured and a wafer-level lens system, including a first surface disposed on a first substrate, a second substrate with a first side bonded to the first substrate, a second surface disposed on a second side of the second substrate, and a third surface disposed on a third substrate, wherein the first surface, the second surface and the third surface are aspherical and the following conditions are satisfied: L/fe i.7,f1˜/fe=0.5−1.5,f2/fe=−1−−1.5; and −2<f3/fe<2, wherein L total track length (TTL) from the first surface to an image plane, fe: effective focal length of whole lens system, f1 effective focal length of the first surface, f2 effective focal length of the second surface and f3 effective focal length of the third surface.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a lens system, and more particularly relates to a wafer-level miniature image capture lens.
2. Description of the Related Art
Mobile phones or personal computers employing imaging devices have become popular due to employment of solid-state image capture elements such as a CCD (a charged coupled device) type image sensors, a CMOS (a complementary metal oxide semiconductor) type image sensors and the like, allowing for higher performance and miniaturization of imaging devices. Additionally, there is demand for further miniaturization of image capture lenses loaded on the imaging devices.
However, despite demands, limits for further miniaturization of image capture lenses are being reached, as for the conventional image capture lenses, because they are true three dimensional (3-D) structures and sensors therein need to also be miniaturized, it is difficult to control accuracy of lateral shift and tilt for each lens surface nor to handle tiny lens during fabrication. Namely, tolerance is less.
FIG. 1 shows an imaging device using a published wafer-level lens module system. Light passes through the wafer-level lens 102 and 104 to the sensing element 106. In this art, the wafer-level lens modules 102 and 104 and the sensing element 106 can be fabricated by VLSI process technologies. Therefore, the image device 100 can have a smaller size suitable for portable electronic devices, such as cell phones or personal digital assistants (PDAs). The wafer-level lens converts the true 3-Dimensional structure into a 2.5-Dimensional structure which stacks each lens plate into a lens cube. Thus, allowing for further miniaturization along with technological advances driven by semiconductor processes such as Moore's law, as tolerance is greater. Moreover, while conventional lenses are fabricated by a discrete process, which assembles the lenses one by one, in contrast, the wafer-level lens is fabricated by a batch process, which can stack thousands of lens on a lens plate into a lens module array, then singulate into a lens cube by die-saw process. However, despite the smaller volume, conventional 3-D lens currently outperform wafer-level lenses. Additionally, it is relatively more difficult to design a optical lens system with small enough aberration, good enough modulation transfer function (MTF), for wafer-level lenses, especially when Nyquist frequency is higher, than for conventional three dimensional (3-D) lenses. While MTF may be increased for wafer-level lenses by increasing the lens surface number, the lens total track would correspondingly increase in length.


Apriori algorithms are popular data mining techniques for extracting association rules from a body of data. The computational complexity of these algorithms is reduced by representing itemset information at cells of a hypercube. The cells encode associations between the items of each transaction. Direct computation of a cell as a lexicographic combination of items accelerates the computation of itemsets, and thereby improves the computational runtime complexity of the apriori algorithm that discovers association rules. Even faster computation is achieved by a user selected cardinality that limits the maximum size of the itemsets.

Useful and previously unknown information can be discovered by mining databases. This new information can aid in critical analysis and decision making process. However, due to extensive computation that is often performed during the data mining process, the temporal complexity of data mining algorithms has been the key research issue. In the past several years, researchers have extensively focused on the development of new algorithms that yield faster and better performance.
An important application of data mining is market-basket analysis. For instance, online stores analyze their customers' online behavior and buying patterns data to offer and market other products and goods that the customers would likely be interested in. The stream of clicks through the store ("clickstream") is logged into a data warehouse and analyzed to discover information that can be used to target marketing to the customer.
For example, a hypothetical online bookseller may wish to analyze which of its books are popular, which books correlate better with which category, and which books are often bought with what other items. To illustrate this scenario, let us suppose that a user has bought several different books within a particular time period, including "Object-Oriented Data Warehouse Design," "Tools for statistical inference," "Bayesian methods, Bayes, and Empirical Bayes: Methods for Data Analysis," "A joke book on Windows," "Indian cooking," "Data mining in Java," and "The Art of Japanese prints."
In this example, the bookstore finds from the buying pattern of purchasing two books on data analysis and a data warehouse related book, that that the books "Tools for statistical inference" and "Bayesian methods, Bayes, and Empirical Bayes: Methods for Data Analysis" are closely related from the perspective of data mining. On the other hand, the "Object-Oriented Data Warehouse Design" is also related to data mining. Thus, the topic of data mining is an important aspect of the user's previous transactions. Therefore, next time when the user visits the online bookseller, a personalized web page can be displayed to recommend more books to the user.
One way to determine these recommendations is to use association rules to identify a combination of items that occur together with greater frequency than might be expected if the items were independent of one another. In this example, if the topics of "data mining" and "clustering" co-occur relatively more frequently, the following association rules may be in effect: Data MiningClustering and ClusteringData Mining. In the illustrative scenario, since the user purchased books related to data mining and since the Data MiningClustering association rule has been discovered for the online bookseller's system, the online bookseller can generate recommendations relating to clustering (e.g., "Clustering Algorithms", "Clustering of Large Data Sets") for the user. Similarly, other topics related to data mining can be discovered to generate new profitability opportunities.
As used herein, an "itemset" refers to a particular combination of items or attributes that co-occur in a database over a given time period. For example, if a user purchased the following books over the past year: "Object-Oriented Data Warehouse Design," "Tools for statistical inference," "Bayesian methods, Bayes, and Empirical Bayes: Methods for Data Analysis," "A joke book on Windows," "Indian cooking," "Data mining in Java," and "The Art of Japanese prints," then every combination of these books would constitute a respective itemset. The "cardinality" of an itemset is the number of items in the itemset.
An association rule is typically denoted by XY, where X and Y are itemsets. Association rules are not logical implications or actual rules but an encoding of information about associations within itemsets. In other words, association rules indicate the presence and strength of coupling of items within the itemsets, and how itemset correlate among themselves, for a given set of transactions. From a statistical perspective, association rules locate the groups of itemsets that occur quite frequently. The co-occurrence of any particular itemset intuitively suggests that there may be some type (or form) of association or binding that holds a relationship between these items and itemsets together. For market-based analysis, the core idea is not to discover what type of relationship does the transaction database encodes but to figure out those frequent associations among itemsets that may inherently exist within them.
Apriori algorithms are popular data association rule mining techniques. Apriori algorithms use a "downward closure" property, which means so that any subset of frequent itemsets is also considered frequent. For example, if an itemset ABC, which consists of A, B, and Cm is found to be frequent, then all subsets of {A, B, C}, such as {A, B} for itemset AB and {B, C} for itemset BC are also considered frequent. However, apriori algorithms are very computationally expensive.
One example of an apriori algorithm for building association rules from transactional databases, to mine all association rules from a given database with respect to a set of minimal threshold measures, is disclosed in R. Agrawal, H. Mannila, R. Srikant, H. Toivonen, and A. I. Verkamo, "Fast discovery of association rules", Advances in Knowledge Discovery and Data Mining, U. Fayyad, G. Piatetsky-Shapiro, P. Smyth, R. Uthurusamy (Eds.), AAAI Press, Melo Park, Calif., 1996. Since the original proposal of association rules almost ten years ago, the fundamental process of deriving these rules has remained more-or-less the same, with much emphasis placed on finding better performing algorithms. In most of these algorithms, the construction of association rules follows two distinct steps, which are: (1) extraction of frequent itemsets, to find out how many itemsets dominate or influence the data; and (2) generation of association rules from the set of extracted frequent itemsets.
In this approach, the set of minimal threshold measures are called support and confidence. The support measure indicates the frequency of itemsets throughout the database. For example, if an itemset AB had a frequency of occurrence of twenty (20) within fifty (50) transactions, then the support of itemset AB or "Supp(AB)" is computed as 20/50 or 0.40 in frequency-based term. On the other hand, the confidence measure indicates the weight of an association rule as a quotient of the support of the itemset that comprises all the components in the association rule and the support of a subset of the itemset. For example, the confidence of a rule (ABC) is equal to Supp(ABC)/Supp(AB). These support (Supp) and confidence (Conf) measurements are used in most of the algorithms that extract frequent itemsets and generate association rules
There is a long felt need for improving the computational complexity of these algorithms. More specifically, a substantial amount of research has been directed to the efficient extraction of frequent itemsets. FIG. 9 illustrates one approach for extracting frequent itemsets from a database of transaction. This approach involves a number of pass, in which frequent itemsets are identified, first starting at a cardinality of 1 (i.e. one-item itemsets) and increasing the cardinality until no more frequent itemsets can be extracted. This approach concludes by taking the union of all the frequent itemsets found for each level of cardinality.
Specifically, at step 901, the first set of frequent itemsets L(1) is initialized to include all the single items that are adequately supported, e.g. those which exceed a predetermined support value. Step 901 constitutes the first pass, and subsequent passes are controlled by block 903, in which the cardinality parameter K is increased as long as there are frequent itemsets at the previous cardinality.
In each pass, starting at step 905, a set of candidate itemsets C(K) of cardinality K is generated based on the frequent itemsets of the previous cardinality L(K−1). One way to generate the candidate itemsets is to perform a union of two of the frequent itemsets and ignoring any duplicates or any results that have a cardinality larger than the current cardinality K. These candidate itemset are pruned by removing any itemset that has an infrequent subset.
Block 907 controls a loop for scanning the database of transactions. Each transaction T is fetched from the database and each subset S of cardinality K of the items in the transaction T are proceed in a loop controlled by block 909. If the subset S is among the candidates C(K), then the support count for the member S in candidates C(K) is incremented (step 911). To facilitate the lookup of S in candidate C(K), a hash tree or hash set data structure may be employed. After each of the subsets S have been processed, execution loops back to block 907 where another transaction T is fetched from the database and processed in steps 909 and 911.
After all the transactions T in the database have been processed, execution proceeds to step 3, where the frequent members of C(K) are added to L(K), e.g. those which exceed a predetermined support value. Execution then returns back to block 903 where the cardinality is increased for another pass. If none of the members of C(K) are frequent enough (e.g. exceed the predetermined support value), then the loop controlled by block 903 terminates. The result is the union of the frequent itemsets L(K) for all the cardinalities that are processed.
The main shortcoming of this approach is performance. In particular, this approach requires multiple scans over all the transactions in the database. Scanning transactions in the database can be very slow because the database is often too large to be held in memory at one time. Even if the database is partitioned horizontally so that each partition can fit in memory, multiple scans over the transactions in the database are still needed. Sampling techniques such as the Dynamic Itemset Count (DIC) have been proposed to find itemsets using only a few passes over the database.
Therefore, there is a crucial need for improving the performance of determining which sets of items are frequent enough to be used in generating association rules.

Method for extracting association rules from transactions in a database


A towing device for connecting an automatic guided vehicle to a carriage is disclosed. When connecting an automatic guided vehicle to a carriage, a swing arm is moved toward a connecting member by a moving device, whereby the swing arm is engaged with the connecting member to thereby regulate the swiveling (swinging) of the connecting member with respect to the automatic guided vehicle. Furthermore, after the automatic guided vehicle is connected to the carriage, the swing arm is moved in a direction away from the connecting member by the moving device, whereby the engagement between the swing arm and the connecting member is released, thereby allowing the connecting member to swivel (swing) with respect to the automatic guided vehicle.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2003-11813 (Patent Document 1) discloses a towing device for an automatic guided vehicle comprising an elongated connecting member having one end connected to a rear side in the traveling direction of an automatic guided vehicle as a towing vehicle and a hook disposed at the other end of the connecting member and engageable with a frame of a carriage.
An inclined guide surface is provided on the rear end surface of the hook in the towing device for the automatic guided vehicle described in the above-mentioned publication. The automatic guided vehicle is caused to run backward to bring the inclined guide surface of the hook into contact with the frame of the carriage, whereby the connecting member is rotated in the counterclockwise direction to engage the hook to the frame of the carriage. With this configuration, it is possible to automatically connect the carriage to the automatic guided vehicle without making any improvements to the carriage.

Towing device for automatic guided vehicle, and automatic guided vehicle provided with the same


When a controller determines based on state information that the article handling device is in a normal condition, the controller is configured to transmit to the managing device as the notifying information, normal condition notifying information which includes normal condition determination information which indicates that the article handling device is in a normal condition or normal condition notifying information which includes the normal condition determination information and normal-time information generated based on the state information. When the controller determines that the article handling device is in an abnormal condition based on the state information, the controller is configured to transmit to the managing device abnormal condition notifying information which includes abnormal condition determination information which indicates that the article handling device is in an abnormal condition and abnormal-time information which is generated based on the state information and which has at least one of a greater amount of data and a greater number of data items than the normal-time information.

JP Publication of Application No. 2001-325994 discloses a use of a managing device to monitor whether an article handling device is working normally. In such an article handling facility, by detecting any abnormal condition that has occurred in the article handling device, it is possible to take necessary measures, such as causing the managing device to command the article handling device to perform an operation in response to the abnormal condition, in order for the facility that includes such article handling device to return to the normal operations.
In order to keep track of the state of article handling devices at any time with a managing device, notifying information is transmitted from article handling devices to the managing device and is accumulated therein. Notifying information may, for example, be detailed information related to the operations of the article handing devices, and may, for example, be information generated based on state information, obtained at set time intervals, related to the state of the article handling devices. And the managing device determines whether an abnormal condition has occurred in an article handing device by analyzing the accumulated notifying information. By using the accumulated notifying information, the managing device can learn (i.e., be informed) not only the fact that the abnormal condition occurred in the article handing device but also the state of the article handling device at the time of the occurrence of the abnormal condition. Therefore, the managing device can learn of the nature of the abnormality by analyzing the circumstances under which the abnormal condition occurred in the article handing device. On the other hand, when the managing device analyzes the accumulated notifying information to detect presence of an abnormal condition and to learn of the nature of the abnormality, there may be a time lag between the time of the actual occurrence of the abnormal condition in an article handing device and the time at which the managing device learns of the nature of the abnormality.
In addition, since it is not possible to predict when an abnormal condition may occur in an article handing device, the article handling device must continue to send notifying information to the managing device while in operation. Therefore, there tends to be a large volume of communication traffic between an article handling device and the managing device, which may lead to congestion in the communication lines. Such condition becomes more prominent in a facility having a number of article handling devices. If the time intervals at which the notifying information is transmitted from the article handling devices to the managing device are made longer to reduce the frequency of communication, although this would reduce the communication traffic, the time lag before the managing device learns of the occurrence, and of the nature of, the abnormality would become even longer.


A microwave susceptor having projections such as linear ridges which define circulation channels such as linear grooves. The susceptor may include apertures at the ridge apexes and the groove nadirs for allowing food secretions such as grease and steam, to pass through the susceptor. A strut may be releasably coupled to the susceptor for increasing the structural integrity of the susceptor.

Microwave ovens operate on the principle that foods respond directly to microwave energy by converting the microwave to thermal energy. Microwave ovens are based upon this simple principle and, in their most basic operational form, are nothing more than a magnetron for converting electrical energy to microwave energy and a means for directing and distributing the microwave energy to an oven cavity. Microwave ovens have become a common, nearly standard appliance in most residential homes as well as most commercial and institutional businesses. The popularity of microwave cooking is attributable mainly to the high speed with which cooking occurs and its ability to reheat foods without causing additional browning/crispen of the food.
A microwave accessory, known as a microwave susceptor, is commonly employed when microwaving foods which need to reach a surface temperature in excess of the surface temperature attainable by unassisted microwaving. A microwave susceptor assists in the microwave cooking of foods by absorbing microwave energy, converting the absorbed microwave energy to thermal energy, and then transferring the thermal energy to the food by means of conduction and/or convection. Susceptors permit microwave ovens to cook many foods once thought to require a conventional oven such as popcorn and pizza, However, one group of foods where susceptors did not perform well was with respect to those foods requiring browning and crisping, such as potatoes, meats and breaded foods. It was believed that microwave energy was able to cook such foods so rapidly by direct absorption that the susceptor did not have an opportunity to brown and/or crispen the food before cooking was complete.
Attempts to increase the amount of heat generated by a susceptor which is available to brown/crispen a food item have met with limited success. With respect to the typical vapor deposited microwave heater film, increasing the useful heat generating capacity of a susceptor by increasing the thickness of the heat generating layer is generally limited by the phenomena that absorptive layers of greater than a specified thickness, based upon the particular material involved as well as various other factors, tend to cause arcing. Likewise, increasing the useful heat generating capacity of a susceptor by increasing the surface area of the susceptor is limited by the requirement that a susceptor must be in direct contact with or directly underneath the food item to be effective.
To compensate for the differences in cooking rates between direct absorption, of microwave energy and transfer of thermal energy by conduction and/or convection, typical microwave packages which employ a susceptor often include a microwave shield, such as a layer of aluminum foil, to control the amount of microwave energy directly reaching the food within the package. By slowing down cooking of the food from the absorption of microwave energy, the susceptor is given sufficient time to brown/crispen the food. In addition, since conduction transfers heat quicker than convection, microwave packages typically configure the susceptor to maximize direct contact between food and susceptor to speed heat transfer from the susceptor to the food.
The use of microwave shielding, while beneficial in many respects, does have its drawbacks. Two major drawbacks associated with the utilization of microwave shielding are that (i) it slows down microwave heating and can significantly increase cooking time, and (ii) can damage the oven and/or cause burning due to arcing.
Likewise the use of direct contact between food and susceptor to maximize conductive heat transfer is beneficial in many respects, but also has drawbacks. One major drawback associated with direct contact between food and susceptor is that typical susceptors are nonporous and will trap food secretions such as grease and steam between the food and the susceptor and thereby saturate the food with such secretions and reduce conductive heat transfer.
Accordingly, a need exists for a microwave susceptor which is constructed, configured and arranged to (i) increase the speed with which the outer surface of food can be browned/crisped by conduction and/or convection, and (ii) provide for the release of exudate from between food and susceptor so as to prevent the food from becoming saturated with such exudate and prevent the accompanying reduction in conductive heat transfer.

Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company


A drive system for a drive wheel of a vehicle having a hub. The drive system includes a frame, a sun gear including toothing on an outer surface, a motor arranged to rotate the sun gear via an output shaft, a revolving circular, a peripheral gear including toothing on an inner surface, and planetary gears interposed between the sun gear and the peripheral gear and engaging with the toothing of the sun gear and the toothing of the peripheral gear. Each planetary gear has a shaft connecting to the hub of the vehicle. A rotatable sleeve shaft surrounds at least a part of the output shaft and has a toothing on an outer surface. The peripheral gear is arranged relative to the sleeve shaft such that the toothing of the peripheral gear engages with the toothing of the sleeve shaft. A clutch/brake element is arranged between the sleeve shaft and the frame for controlling rotation of the sleeve shaft. The clutch/brake element has a first engaged position in which it is engaged such that the sleeve shaft is not rotatable and thus locked so that when the motor is in operation, motive force is passed to the wheel and when the motor is not in operation, the wheel is being braked, and a second position in which it is not engaged such that the sleeve shaft is rotatable so that when the motor is not in operation, the wheel is in a freely revolving state.

From the EP Patent Application 0,562,122, a drive system for a wheel of a vehicle is known in which a motor is fitted to rotate planetary gears through its output shaft and which system comprises a stationary peripheral gear. A braking element is fitted between a stationary frame and the frame of the wheel hub which is fitted to revolve. The construction of this solution is rather complex, because the positioning of the brake element requires space. Also, it is a drawback of the drive system that in the free run position the shaft of the hydraulic motor is still rotated, and said rotation can be disengaged exclusively if a separate coupling is provided between the output shaft of the motor and the shaft that operates the central sun gear.


A vibration damper having a sensitive response behavior at very low amplitudes comprises a separating piston being disposed inside a bypass so as to move axially freely. The separating piston divides the bypass into two chambers mutually sealed from one another. Two valves are disposed in the bypass. The first valve acts in a compression stage as a pressure limiting valve and as a non return valve in an extension stage. The second valve acts as a pressure limiting valve in the extension stage and as a non return valve in the compression stage.

The invention relates to a vibration damper having an amplitude-selective damping device according to the preamble of claim 1.
A vibration damper of this type is known from U.S. Pat. No. 5,248,014. A disadvantage of this known vibration damper is that the amplitude-selective damping device is structurally complex in design. Therefore, the separating piston comprises an annular circumferential groove and radially inwardly directed through-flow channels (shutter passages) which cooperate with through-flow bores (guide passages) in the housing wall defining the space which accommodates the separating piston. Furthermore, in the case of the known vibration damper, the separating piston is supported in both axial displacement directions via springs, so that it is disposed in such a manner as to be non-freely displaceable within the space accommodating it. Therefore, a minimum force which acts hydraulically upon the separating piston is required and this force must be at least greater than the resilient force, acting against it, of the spring which supports the separating piston, in order for the separating piston to be displaced in an axial manner. If the separating piston is displaced in an axial manner, then the periphery of the separating piston cooperates with the through-flow bore which is provided in the wall defining the space which accommodates the separating piston. The bypass volume flow is divided into two partial volume flows, so that not all of the bypass volume is available for the axial displacement of the separating piston. Therefore, in the event of low-amplitude vibration excitations, the pressure acting upon the separating piston can be so low that it is not sufficient for an axial displacement of the separating piston, so that the effect of the amplitude-selective damping device does not arise. In the case of all of the embodiments of an amplitude-selective damping device, in which the separating piston is held in a centred manner by means of springs, the position of the separating piston is dependent upon the differential pressure at the separating piston and not exclusively upon the quantity of damping medium which has flowed in. In such a case, the amplitude-selective function of the damping system is dependent upon speed by reason of the volume flow-pressure interrelationship at the working piston valve.

Vibration damper having an amplitude-selective damping device


A method and media-isolated absolute pressure sensor apparatus includes a first sensor (101) to measure a pressure difference between an isolated media (P1) and a second media (Pa). A second sensor (103) measures an absolute (relative to vacuum) pressure of the second media (Pa). Each sensor (101, 103) has its own offset and slope response. An equalizer (217, 219) matches the slopes of the sensors (101, 103), wherein a summing circuit (225) can add the substantially same slope outputs to provide an output signal (227) indicative of an absolute pressure measurement of the isolated media (P1). Offset and temperature compensation of each sensor can also be provided.

In contemporary automotive systems it is often desirable to measure an absolute pressure at a location. For instance, it is desirable to measure a pressure across a sharp edge orifice in an EGR (exhaust gas reflow) system in order to determine flow. Often, as in this case, the media can be very harsh. Because of this adverse environment, isolation from the medium, here exhaust gas, is desirable to ensure that the sensor, typically semiconductor based, survives and functions properly over a long period of time.
Absolute pressure sensors are normally built with the vacuum inside a sensor's cavity, and have a sensed pressure applied to their top side. This side can be identified as the one that contains things for interconnection (metal wire bonding pads, wire bonds etc). As can be imagined the top side is sensitive to the chemical/physical contamination which can adversely affect operation of the sensor, causing severe degradation in sensors accuracy or even catastrophic failures.
One prior art solution to protect the sensor's top side is to use special semiconductor films (for example, nitride passivation) and outside films or gels. This kind of protection has its limitations. For example, extreme media, such as vehicle's exhaust gas, can still harm the sensing element despite being protected.
Another prior art approach to isolate the media from the sensor is using stainless steel diaphragms for sensing a pressure coupled by oil to a conventional semiconductor based pressure sensor. The stainless steel diaphragm provides the necessary isolation between the harsh media and the pressure sensor, and the oil provides the transfer of pressure to the pressure sensor. The oil medium used in this approach adds error to a pressure measurement because in the manufacturing process is difficult if not impractical to eliminate all air pockets. These air pockets add error to the pressure transfer between the stainless steel diaphragm sensing the media harsh pressure and the actual pressure sensor. Also, the oil pressure transfer performance is degraded with increasing temperature and time because of changes in oil viscosity and leakage of oil. Furthermore, using the oil filled approach is difficult to manufacture because the oil needs to be hermetically sealed between the stainless steel diaphragm and the pressure sensor.
Another prior art approach isolated the media isolated by enclosing a differential pressure sensor in the hermetically sealed vacuum can. This way a reference pressure is kept at zero whereas sensed pressure is applied from sensors back side. The back side of the sensing element, composed of the sealed silicon is not affected by the sensed media. However, this kind of solution is expensive, leak prone and not well suited for mass production.
What is needed is an improved media-isolated absolute pressure sensor, that is more accurate, easier to manufacture, low cost, and has an improved field performance over time and temperature variations.


Provided is a method of surveillance for hazardous materials, e.g., chemical, biological and radiological agents. The method comprises assaying a sample derived from materials collected from a sample domain for the presence of a chemical, biological, or radiological agent. The sample domain comprises at least one collection point from which the materials are collected in a pre-existing operation unrelated to surveillance.

Early detection and pre-symptom detection of hazardous materials from a terrorist attack on an area can profoundly alter the outcome of such an attack in terms of morbidity and mortality. This is especially true in cases of high population density. Central to early detection is devising a method to routinely sample spaces in which large numbers of people gather or traverse. For example, in a city such as New York, these spaces include the streets, parks, subways, airports, places of work, and landmarks associated with tourism. During these uncertain times, there is a need for periodic, sensitive and specific surveillance with a high predictive value, which is capable of localizing the epicenter of a biological, chemical, or nuclear attack.
Various sampling methods are known, including wet swabs, wipes, and vacuum and forced air sampling methods. See, e.g., Teshale, E. H. et al., Emergency Sampling for Spores of Bacillus anthracis, Emer. Infec. Dis., Vol. 8, No. 10. During the 1991 Gulf War, the U.S. and allied armies tested several different methods for detecting biological, chemical, and radiological agents. These tests are generally not publicly available. Until now, no "macro" method has been proposed for surveillance of streets, walkways, and other public areas where people gather.
U.S. Published Patent Application 2002/0193967 ('967) discloses a method that collects information relating to self-diagnosis and self-medication. In contrast, the present invention monitors the underlying agent(s) that cause the illnesses relied upon by the '967 method, providing a more proactive approach.
U.S. Published Patent Application 2002/0169386 discloses dual monitoring/measurement devices equipped with behavioral chronopharmacological transdermal delivery system. The present invention offers a less intrusive surveillance system for metropolitan areas.
As discussed below, there are many references teaching equipment and methods of assaying for targeted agents, i.e., biological, chemical, and/or radiological agents. For example, U.S. Published Patent Application 2002/0197631 discloses a multi-chambered device for processing biological samples. U.S. Published Patent Application 2002/0168657 discloses a rare event detection system, wherein samples are exposed to or labeled with fluorophores emitting photons at certain wavelengths. U.S. Published Patent Application 2002/0081569 discloses methods and reagents for rapid identification of particles in a liquid sample. The person skilled in the art will quickly realize various combinations, like the inventions mentioned above, references mentioned below, and analogous art, that can be used in accordance with the present invention. However, there remains a need for a cost-effective, systematic approach for detecting the presence of hazardous materials that are being prepared for release or that have been released. Such a method could also provide an early warning of an accidental release, e.g., of radioactive materials from a nuclear energy plant.

Method for the surveillance for biological, chemical and radiological agents


A high-bandwidth deformable fast steering mirror (“HDFSM”) system, including an electromechanical fast steering mirror (“FSM”) apparatus, and a deformable mirror (“DM”) apparatus mounted on the electromechanical FSM apparatus. The DM apparatus further includes a DM substrate, a backplane assembly, a plurality of electrostrictive actuators in physical communication with and between the DM substrate and the backplane assembly, for deforming the DM substrate, and a plurality of strain gauges, each strain gauge mounted on one of the plurality of electrostrictive actuators, the plurality of strain gauges measuring individual positions of the plurality of electrostrictive actuators and transmitting the positions as actuator position signals. The high-bandwidth deformable FSM also includes a closed-loop control system, the control system controlling the electromechanical FSM apparatus and the DM apparatus based upon a command input and the actuator position signals.

Modern high performance optical systems often require actively controlled optical components to provide beam pointing and line-of-sight stabilization. In high-energy laser applications, it is commonplace to use a DM to improve laser beam quality, and correct for atmospheric disturbances.
FIG. 1 illustrates a conventional DM, which is a thin, flexible mirror used to reflect light rays at measured angles, for performing high-order distortion correction. Conventional DM 100 includes deformable face sheet 101 having mirror surface 102 coated thereon. A plurality of electrostrictive actuators 104 are in physical contact with a reverse surface of deformable face sheet 101, at various locations. Conventional DM 100 also includes backplane assembly 105, upon which electrostrictive actuators 104 are affixed. Using a control system to adjust the voltage applied to individual electrostrictive actuators, conventional DM 100 displaces deformable face sheet 101 by a controlled amount, on the order of a few microns, deforming mirror surface 102 into a desired shape.
In complex modern optical systems used for observational purposes, such as the Hubble Space Telescope ("HST"), James Webb Space Telescope ("JWST") or other space-borne telescopes, conventional DMs are used to correct for residual optical imperfections caused during the manufacturing, assembly, and alignment processes. In addition to conventional DMs, however, these modern optical systems often include additional mirrors, such as steering and stabilization mirrors, which perform additional functions. As the number of electromechanical devices and reflective surfaces are increased, system weight and complexity increase, resulting in an overall decrease in mission capability.
A second problem inherent to conventional DMs is their extremely limited range of motion, owing to the practical considerations of the actuation systems that are employed to "bend" the mirror surface. In this regard, conventional DMs must be installed and aligned with great precision so that they can operate within normal limitations and specified operating parameters. Conventional DMs must therefore also be used in conjunction with other controllable mirrors to accommodate the alignment, steering and stabilization functions.
Conventional DMs are often used in directed energy systems which can take advantage of the large number of photons available in a beam path to permit sensing of the wavefront error at high bandwidth and correct it with the DM. With conventional DMs, even if plurality of electrostrictive actuators 104 are somewhat non-linear, the wavefront error sensing can be done at such a high bandwidth that the mirror can be driven to accurately correct the wavefront. Because a subsequent wavefront error measurement may not occur immediately, in low-light applications, once a wavefront error is detected and the mirror is commanded to deform in a precise manner, a conventional mirror may not be able to achieve the commanded shape through actuator response alone.
To actively control beam steering, high performance optical systems often use conventional FSMs, which effectuate line-of-sight beam stabilization, in conjunction with a separate DM. FIGS. 2 and 3 depict side and top views, respectively, of a conventional FSM, such as a LOCKHEED MARTIN® Kinematic Drive Design FSM. As illustrated, conventional FSM 200 typically includes mirror substrate 201, including mirror surface 202 coated thereon. Conventional FSM 200 also includes base plate 205, upon which mirror substrate 201 is affixed. A plurality of fast steering actuators, including fast steering actuators 206, 307, and 309, are positioned equidistantly around the periphery of base plate 205.
A plurality of two-axis flexures, including two-axis flexure 210, are in physical communication with and between each fast steering actuator and base plate 205, for steering the conventional FSM. Conventional FSM 200 further includes a plurality of U-shaped flexures, including U-shaped flexures 211, 312 and 314, positioned equidistantly from each other around the periphery of backplane assembly 205, for supporting mirror substrate 201, where each U-shaped flexure is positioned directly across backplane assembly 205 from fast steering actuators 206, 307 and 309.
One problem associated with high bandwidth FSMs used for beam stabilization is that extraordinary care and design innovation are required in order to achieve bandwidths approaching 1 kHz. Even with the most advanced engineering techniques, FSMs must be installed very accurately to approach the 1 kHz practical bandwidth limit for large (i.e. aperture size greater than 20 cm) beam stabilization (or de-jitter) mirrors.
When conventional FSMs are built with a high bandwidth capability, they have a very limited angular range. Therefore, conventional FSMs typically have to be used with a lower bandwidth, wider angle range companion mirror so that the line of sight of the optical system may be steered over an appreciable angle.
Since conventional adaptive optical systems typically use separate, heavy, large and complex mirrors for large angle motion, high bandwidth tip/tilt and phase correction, it is considered highly desirable to provide an adaptive optical system which overcomes the deficiencies of conventional FSMs and DMs. In particular, it is desirable to provide a hybrid adaptive optical system capable of both providing high-bandwidth beam stabilization and wide angle steering capabilities like an FSM, with the ability to correct optical aberrations like a DM.

Hybrid high-bandwidth deformable fast steering mirror


The fossil fuel supplied into the engine and combustion device passes through the fuel-enhancing unit of the enhancing device of the present invention with the burned object generating far-infrared radiation and negative ion. Therefore, it can be attained complete combustion; it can improve fuel consumption; and emission gas including nitrogen oxide, particulate, carbon monoxide, hydrocarbon and carbon dioxide and black smoke can be reduced.

In the conventional way, as the method for enhancing the fuel of the engine of the automobile, the fuel-reforming material, which is harden the tourmaline powder, hillite powder and metal powder by plastic, is input into the fuel tank; the fuel-reforming material is stored into the box, and it is provided at the fuel-supply hose; and the magnet is attached to the fuel-supply hose.
However, the liquid fuel supplied into the engine is not improved enough in the above-mentioned ways, and it cannot attain complete combustion.

Device for enhancing combustion efficiency


The present application describes linear chain substituted monocyclic and bicyclic compounds and derivatives thereof of Formula I:P4-P-M-M4Ior pharmaceutically acceptable salt forms thereof, P-M are rings substituted by a linear group. Compounds of the present invention are useful as inhibitors of trypsin-like serine proteases, specifically factor Xa.

WO02/057236 describes factor Xa inhibitors of the following formula:

wherein R1 is selected from a small number of nitrogen containing groups, W—X form a linear core with at least one O or N, Y can be a ring, and T can be a heterocycle. WO02/057236 does not suggest or exemplify compounds like those of the present invention.
Activated factor Xa, whose major practical role is the generation of thrombin by the limited proteolysis of prothrombin, holds a central position that links the intrinsic and extrinsic activation mechanisms in the final common pathway of blood coagulation. The generation of thrombin, the final serine protease in the pathway to generate a fibrin clot, from its precursor is amplified by formation of prothrombinase complex (factor Xa, factor V, Ca2+ and phospholipid). Since it is calculated that one molecule of factor Xa can generate 138 molecules of thrombin (Elodi, S., Varadi, K.: Optimization of conditions for the catalytic effect of the factor IXa-factor VIII Complex: Probable role of the complex in the amplification of blood coagulation. Thromb. Res. 1979, 15, 617–629), inhibition of factor Xa may be more efficient than inactivation of thrombin in interrupting the blood coagulation system.
Therefore, efficacious and specific inhibitors of factor Xa are needed as potentially valuable therapeutic agents for the treatment of thromboembolic disorders. It is thus desirable to discover new factor Xa inhibitors. In addition, it is also desirable to find new compounds with improved pharmacological characteristics compared with known factor Xa inhibitors. For example, it is preferred to find new compounds with improved factor Xa inhibitory activity and selectivity for factor Xa versus other serine proteases (i.e., trypsin). It is also desirable and preferable to find compounds with advantageous and improved characteristics in one or more of the following categories, but are not limited to: (a) pharmaceutical properties; (b) dosage requirements; (c) factors which decrease blood concentration peak-to-trough characteristics (d) factors that increase the concentration of active drug at the receptor; (e) factors that decrease the liability for clinical drug-drug interactions; (f) factors that decrease the potential for adverse side-effects; and (g) factors that improve manufacturing costs or feasibility.

Linear chain substituted monocyclic and bicyclic derivatives as factor Xa inhibitors


A rotation preventing structure adapted to regulate the excessive rotation of a movable connector 31 is disclosed. During connection, the position of the connector may shift so as to align with a mating connector. A structure is disclosed which limits such a shift. The structure comprises: a rectangular mounting hole 43 formed in a mounting member 41; a supporting board 35 coupled to a connector housing 33; a locking member 37 protruded from one surface of the supporting board 35, the locking member being inserted into the mounting hole 43 and locked to the mounting hole 43; and rotation regulating means 47 and 49 provided on the mounting member and the supporting board 35 to regulate the rotation of the movable connector about the inserting central axis c of the locking member 37. The rotation regulating means may include protrusions 47 locatable on either the support board 35 or on the mounting member 41.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a rotation preventing structure for limiting the rotation of a movable connector (hereinafter referred to as "a movable-connector rotation preventing structure", when applicable).
2. Description of Relevant Art
A variety of electrical devices are mounted on vehicles, such as automobiles, which require the supply of electric power. For instance, an interior lamp is generally mounted as shown in FIG. 5. That is, a vehicle-body-side connector 3 connected to an electrical wire 1 is mounted on a roof board 5, while the lamp 9 has a lamp-side connector 7 to be engaged with the vehicle-body-side connector 3. Hence, simultaneously to when the lamp 9 is installed, the lamp-side connector 7 is electrically connected to the vehicle-body-side connector 3. With the above-described structure, in engaging the two connectors 3 and 7 to each other, it is necessary to move the vehicle-body side connector 3 so as to be aligned with the position of the lamp-side connector 7.
Hence, a so-called "movable connector" has been proposed in the art which is movable to overcome the relative positional shift of the two connectors during the installation of the lamp. As shown in FIG. 6, the movable connector has four elastic locking pieces 13, provided respectively on four sides of a rectangular-box-shaped connector housing. The elastic locking pieces 13 have locking protrusions 13a at the outer ends thereof, respectively. The locking protrusions 13a are locked to the edge of a rectangular mounting hole 15, to mount the movable connector on the roof board 5.
As is apparent from the above description, the movable connector 11 is secured to the mounting hole 15 with the aid of the elastic locking pieces 13. Hence, the elastic deformation of the elastic locking pieces 13 allows the movable connector 11 to slightly rotate, thus correcting any positional shift of the movable connector with respect to the mating connector (not shown).
In the case of the above-described movable connector 11, the four locking protrusions 13a are locked to the four edges of the rectangular mounting hole 15 by the elastic forces of the four elastic locking pieces provided on the four sides of the connector housing. Hence, when an external force acts on the movable connector 11 to turn the latter about the inserting central axis c of the connector 11, the pairs of elastic locking pieces 13 which are confronted with each other are bent inwardly (towards each other), so that the movable connector 11 is turned with ease. If the movable connector 11 is turned excessively in this manner, then it is difficult to correct the positional shift of the movable connector with respect to the mating connector, and it is impossible to engage the two connectors with each other.
On the other hand, a movable connector 23 as shown in FIG. 8 has been developed by the present inventors, in which the inserting central axis c of a locking section 19 is not the same as the fitting central axis e of a connector 21. If the locking section 19 is turned about the inserting central axis c, the connector 21 is moved circularly with the locking section 19 as the center, thus being greatly shifted. In this case, a difficulty is involved that, although the electrical device is mounted, the connector 21 is not fitted to the locking section 19.
If the locking section 19 is turned excessively, then the elastic locking pieces 13 are twisted, so that the locking pieces 13 and the connector 21 may be damaged.
In view of the foregoing, an object of the invention is to provide a rotation preventing structure for a movable connector which prevents the movable connector from being turned beyond a predetermined range of angles, to thereby enhance the function of correcting the positional shift of the movable connector, and to prevent the connector housing from damage.

Movable connector with rotation limiting structure