A laser cutting apparatus which allows cutting to be automatically restarted or redone without intervention from an operator once a cutting error or fault occurs. In a first embodiment, when the fault occurs the apparatus discontinues processing on the product corresponding to the fault. Thereafter, it moves to, and restarts cutting at, a starting position of the next product to be cut. In a second embodiment, the apparatus corrects a fault and continues cutting on the product corresponding to the fault by restarting cutting at the fault point. It determines whether a restart is possible at the point of the fault based on the type or definition of the fault. If a predetermined number of restarts are attempted at the point of fault without a successful restart, then the apparatus moves to a new start position. In another embodiment, the apparatus uses a profile sensor to prevent machine damage by sensing the position of the cutting head relative to the workpiece.

FIG. 21 illustrates a conventional laser cutting machine, which includes a laser oscillator 1 that radiates a laser beam 2. The beam is reflected from a mirror 3 in a predetermined direction onto a condenser 4, which gathers and focuses the laser beam 2. A workpiece 5 is set in the focusing position of the condenser 4 and is supported by a support 6. A cutting head 7, which includes the condenser 4, also has a nozzle 8 at its front end. A profile sensor 9 detects a distance between the condenser 4 and workpiece 5, while a solenoid 10 raises and lowers the profile sensor 9. An x-axis motor 11 moves the workpiece 5 in an X axis direction, a Y-axis motor 12 moves the workpiece 5 in a Y axis direction and a Z-axis motor 13 moves the cutting head 7 in a Z axis direction. A cutting table 14 is moved in the X and Y directions by the X-axis motor 11 and Y-axis motor 12. A control box 15 controls the cutting table 14, the cutting head 7 and the laser oscillator 1. A numerical controller 16 (hereinafter referred to as the "NC unit"), is contained in the control box 15. This unit comprises a central processing unit (CPU) 17, a ROM 18 for storing a system program that controls the NC unit 16 and a RAM 19 for storing cutting programs, parameters and other various data. The NC unit 16 also includes an interface 20 for transferring analog and digital signals to and from external devices, a graphic control circuit 21 (including servo amplifiers equivalent to the interfaces to the motors) for converting data processed by the CPU 17 into display signals, and display 22, such as a CRT or a liquid crystal display. A key switch unit 23 comprises various key switches, the signals from which are input to the NC unit 16. A relay unit 24 is switched on/off by a signal output from the NC unit 16. A switch 25 performs an automatic power shut-off validation function. An earth leakage circuit breaker 26 with a test lead terminal (hereinafter referred to as the "main breaker") delivers power to the laser cutting machine, and a relay 27 with normally closed contacts is connected to the test lead terminal of the main breaker 26. The test lead terminal is used to check by means of an external signal that the earth leakage circuit breaker is operative when an earth leakage occurs. A tactile sensor is installed in the periphery of the cutting head 7. The contact type sensor, illustrated as the profile sensor 9 (FIG. 21) makes contact with the surface of the workpiece 5 and moves vertically according to the unevenness of the surface of the workpiece 5. Another sensor, such as a capacitance sensor or an optical sensor, may be substituted for the profile sensor 9.
The operation of the laser cutting machine will now be described. By switching on the main breaker 26, the laser cutting machine is fed with electricity and is ready for operation. A command from the control box 15 causes the laser oscillator 1 to radiate the laser beam 2. The laser beam 2 is reflected by the mirror 3 onto the condenser 4. The laser beam 2 is gathered by the condenser 4 into a minute spot diameter (the position where the beam is gathered is referred to as the "focus position").
The distance between the workpiece 5 and condenser 4 is detected by the profile sensor 9, which generates a corresponding electrical signal (hereinafter referred to as the "focus distance detection voltage"). The control box 15 compares a set position voltage and the focus distance detection voltage, and drives the Z-axis motor 13 and moves the cutting head 7 vertically to maintain a set distance between the workpiece and cutting head. This control causes the laser beam 2 to focus the beam on a spot on the workpiece 5, thereby concentrating a large amount of energy on one point and forming a hole in the workpiece 5. This workpiece 5 can be cut into an optional shape by using the X-axis motor 11 and Y-axis motor 12 to move it according to commands from the control box 15.
The laser cutting machine is capable of non-contact cutting, as described above, and does not generate large noise as is produced by a press. The laser is also suited for night-time unmanned automatic operation.
An example of a night-time untended automatic operation procedure for the laser cutting machine will now be described in accordance with FIGS. 22 and 23. Before going home, an operator sets a relatively large work piece 5 on the cutting table 13 to be cut during the night. The operator then calls from the NC unit 16 a cutting program Pr(0) having a multiplicity of product cutting programs Pr(1) to Pr(n) as subprograms (see FIGS. 22(a) and (b)). The operator also validates the automatic power shut-off switch 25 on the control box 14 and sets the automatic operation start switch (not shown) to "ON". After making sure that automatic operation has started, the operator goes home.
The laser cutting machine operates in accordance with commands registered in the cutting program Pr(0) which consists of steps S501 to S562 (FIG. 22(a)) and automatically turns out a multiplicity of products during the night. A program end code M30, registered at the end of the cutting program Pr(0), is executed to stop the automatic operation. When the program end code M30 is executed, the automatic power shut-off function initiates its operation. The automatic power shut-off function automatically performs the operator's procedure of stopping the laser cutting machine in accordance with a program (automatic power shut-off means) stored beforehand in the memory of the NC unit 16. When the relay 27 is finally switched ON by the command from the NC unit 16, the normally closed contacts of the relay 27 open. The normally closed contacts of the relay 27 are connected to the test lead terminal of the main breaker 26. When the normally closed contacts of the relay 27 open, the main breaker 26 operates to shut the power off, stopping the power supply to the laser cutting machine. This reduces the power consumed by the system.
Coming to the job site the next morning, the operator removes the N finished pieces from the cutting table 13, thereby terminating the night unmanned automatic operation. FIG. 22(b) indicates plural products A of rectangular shape and the arrows represent cutting directions. If a fault occurs during the night-time unattended automatic operation, the control box 15 detects the fault and stops the system.
An exemplary cutting operation wherein the cutting program Pr(0) is executed without fault will now be described with reference to FIGS. 22(a) and 22(b). The commands in the cutting program Pr(0) are assumed to be as follows: moving the cutting head from a cutting program starting position P0 to a cutting starting position P1 (step S501); calling and executing the subprogram Pr(1) (step S502); moving to a next cutting starting position P2 (step S503); calling and executing the subprogram Pr(2) (step S504); repeating the calling, executing, and moving operations until the final subprogram Pr(n) is executed (step S550); moving the cutting head to a cutting end position Pend (step S561); executing the program end code M30 (step S562); and terminating the cutting program Pr(0). The above operation results in N finished pieces
An exemplary cutting operation is illustrated in FIG. 23(a) and 23(b), wherein a fault occurs in the subprogram Pr(m) during the execution of the cutting program Pr(0). Although the cutting program Pr(0) is run without fault from the subprogram Pr(1) to subprogram Pr(m-1), cutting is stopped due to a fault somewhere between the subprogram Pr(m) and subprogram Pr(n). For this reason, the number of products turned out equals (M-1) which is less than N. The fault occurs at position Ps in FIG. 23(b).
The conventional laser cutting machine is arranged as described above. If a fault takes place, for example, during night-time unmanned operation, the control box 15 detects the fault and stops the system, terminating cutting in an unfinished state. Hence, the unfinished products must be cut the next day. FIG. 24 illustrates a processing flowchart for resuming the cutting processing procedure at a time when a faulty cutting condition occurs during automatic operation and a cutting stop command is given by the control box 15. However, in FIG. 24, cutting is resumed at a position different from the cutting stop position.
When the laser cutting is stopped due to a fault or the like in step 10, the operator examines a cutting error or the fault factors and takes appropriate corrective action. Next, the operator searches for a block in the NC program where cutting is to be resumed in step 11, moves the cutting head 7 to the resumption position corresponding to the resumption block in step 12, and restarts cutting at that position in step 13. Often the cutting operation is stopped by a signal from the profile sensor 9 due to a fault, in which the tip of the profile sensor 9 is welded to the workpiece 5. This welding effect results from spattering or the like produced during piercing (drilling at a cutting start) or other work. When this welding fault occurs, it is necessary to determine whether the profile sensor 9 is normal or not before restarting the system.
FIG. 25 illustrates a processing flowchart used to judge whether the fault which has occurred is the welding of the profile sensor 9. Referring to FIG. 25, if a profiling fault is detected in the signal from the profile sensor 9 in step 570, the solenoid 10 is switched on in step 571 to attempt to raise the profile sensor 9. Once the solenoid 10 attempts to raise the sensor 9, a detection voltage Vf representing the position of the profile sensor 9 is compared with a judgement reference voltage Vh in step 572. The judgement reference voltage Vh employed is a voltage which should be exceeded by the profile sensor 9 detection voltage when the profile sensor 9 is raised ordinarily. Accordingly, if Vf>Vh, the profile sensor 8 has been raised normally. In this case, processing under a normal condition is performed in step 573. Conversely, if Vf.ltoreq.Vh, the system determines that the profile sensor 9 has not been raised ordinarily for some reason, and fault processing is carried out in step 574.
In the known laser cutting machine, when this processing is carried out, the operator must perform complicated and troublesome operations until cutting is resumed. In addition, if a fault occurs during unmanned automatic operation, e.g., night-time operation, cutting remains stopped until the user arrives the next day upsetting a production schedule.

Machining apparatus with automatic restart function


The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for setting a dynamically adjustable position of an imaging system for providing an optimum view onto a moving object during a medical intervention. A time-resolved at least three-dimensional data record of the moving object is generated. A position of the imaging system for each period of time is determined from the time-resolved data record from which the optimum view onto a structure of interest of the moving object is produced and automatically setting a calculated position of the imaging system in real-time so that the optimum view onto the structure of interest can be shown at any time. Optionally prior to determining the position of the imaging system, a structure of interest of the moving object can be segmented with this structure being segmented for each period of time from the time-resolved data record.

The invention preferably relates to angiography systems, which are used for interventional operations on the heart for instance. Such angiography systems are generally represented by C-arm x-ray devices. It is possible to generate three-dimensional (3D) or even four-dimensional (4D corresponds to 3D plus time) image data using angiography systems, like is known for instance from DE 10 2004 048 209 B3.
One problem with the use of 3D or 4D volume data during the intervention is the introduction of real-time fluoroscopy images in conjunction with the volume data.
A so-called 2D/3D registration is normally used to solve this problem. The real-time fluoroscopy image is shown in a fused state with a view of the volume data which is suited to the current position of the C-arm, as is known for instance in DE 10210646A1.
The function of the real-time tracking of the 3D view during changes to the C-arm position or the adjustment of the C-arm to a manually selected 3D view is particularly useful here. This is realized for instance in the product AXIOM Artis by the company Siemens with the features "Adjust 3D" and "Adjust C-Arm" ("syngo Workplace Operator Manual VB13 and higher", © Siemens AG, Order no.: AX42-010.621.54.02.02, which can be ordered from Siemens AG, Medical Solutions Angiography, Fluoroscopic and Radiographic Systems Siemensstrasse 1, D-91301 Forchheim, Deutschland, http://www.siemens.com/medical).
The said function is essentially restricted in that it only allows the use of a static 3D data record to set the C-arm at a certain point in time. If a moving object, e.g. a heart, is to be examined and/or operated, the optimum C-arm setting can only be performed for a certain heart phase. 4D data could previously not be used for "Adjust C-Arm".
This method is unfavorable particularly with structures which implement the complex movements, like for instance the aorta valve. To assist with procedures, like for instance the interventional aorta valve replacement, it is expedient if a tracked optimum view of the valve plane is achieved in real-time.

Method and apparatus for setting a dynamically adjustable position of an imaging system


Disclosed is a method of controlling an entity displayed on a user interface of a computer device, the method implemented by computer readable code executed by a processor of the computer device, the method comprising: detecting a user input at a first location on the user interface; detecting that the user input continues along a user input trace to a second location; determining a distance along a direct path between the first and second locations; calculating a speed of movement of the entity based on the determined distance; and generating for display a number of graphical indicators to be displayed on the user interface at locations spaced from one another between the first and second locations, wherein the number of displayed indicators represent the speed of movement of the entity.

There exist many types of computer device where the display is controlled by an input. The input may be a cursor or pointer that is controlled by a human interface device such as a mouse, joystick, keyboard etc. Increasingly, the display may comprise a touchscreen which can be controlled by a user's touch. That is, activation of functions or objects are responsive to user input made by way of the user touching the screen.
Touch screens may be provided on smaller devices such a smart phones. Interaction with objects displayed on such touch screens can be difficult in that the size of a user's finger is relatively large with respect to the area of the screen where for example an object is displayed. This may lead to a lack of precision when for example playing a computer implemented game on a smart phone.
A computer implemented game is available in which an entity displayed on a user interface of a computer device is a character whose movement is controlled by a user input wherein a user engages with the interface (e.g. a finger on a touch screen). Movement by the user's input causes corresponding movement of the entity. For example the entity can be a character which is pursuing and attacking, or being pursued.

Controlling movement of an entity displayed on a user interface


A multilayer metal cap over a metal-filled interconnect feature in a dielectric layer for incorporation into a multilayer integrated circuit device, and a method for forming the cap.

This invention relates to integrated circuit manufacture and, in particular, to metal-based capping of interconnect metallization.
In damascene processing metallization is employed to form electrical interconnects in an integrated circuit substrate by metal-filling of interconnect features such as vias and trenches formed in the substrate. If the metal deposited on such a substrate is Cu, it can diffuse rapidly into the Si substrate and dielectric films as, for example, SiO2 or low k dielectrics. Copper can also diffuse into a device layer built on top of a substrate in multilayer device applications. Such diffusion can be detrimental to the device because it can cause electrical leakage in substrates, or form an unintended electrical connection between two interconnects resulting in an electrical short. And the corresponding diffusion out of the interconnect feature can disrupt electrical flow therethrough.
Metal deposited on the substrate also has a tendency to migrate out of the interconnect feature when electrical current passes through the feature in service. Electron bombardment of the metal moves the metal out of the feature. This migration can damage an adjacent interconnect line, cause junction leakage, form unintended electrical connections, and disrupt electrical flow in the feature from which the metal migrates.
Accordingly, among the challenges facing integrated circuit device manufacturers is to minimize diffusion and electromigration of metal out of metal-filled interconnect features. This challenge becomes more acute as the devices further miniaturize, and as the features further miniaturize and densify.
Another challenge in the context of metal interconnect features is to protect them from corrosion. Certain interconnect metals, especially Cu, are more susceptible to corrosion.
Copper is a fairly reactive metal which readily oxidizes under ambient conditions. This reactivity can undermine adhesion to dielectrics and thin films, resulting in voids and delamination. Another challenge is therefore to combat oxidation and enhance adhesion between the cap and the Cu, and between structure layers.
To address these challenges the industry has employed a variety of diffusion barrier films as a cap over Cu and other metal interconnect features. Refractory metals and their alloys have been deposited in thin films by physical vapor deposition (PVD). SiN and SiC have been deposited for this purpose by chemical vapor deposition (CVD). A limitation of SiN and SiC is that they have a relatively high dielectric constant (k value), which tends to increase capacitance of the interconnect. An increase in capacitance can increase power dissipation due to resistance/capacitance coupling (RC delay), thereby limiting the performance.
In general, barrier or capping layer formation by blanket vapor deposition is expensive and time-consuming, as it involves multiple processing steps. The deposited films need to be patterned and etched, followed by resist removal. Some degree of misalignment is expected with lithographic patterning.
Electroless Co and Ni have been discussed as a protective layer over electrical interconnect lines in, for example, U.S. patent publication number 2003/0207560.
Chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) is performed on a substrate prior to capping and following via formation to, for example, remove unwanted Cu overburden deposited during damascene processing and thereby planarize the surface. This CMP can cause traces of copper to be embedded or smeared onto the dielectric material. These traces of copper, if not removed, can contaminate the dielectric. The traces of Cu can have a detrimental effect on the selectivity of a Co-capping process by causing deposition of electroless Co on the dielectric between the Cu traces, which can result in junction leakage. An etchant is therefore employed in a pretreatment composition to either remove these traces of copper, undercut the dielectric on which they reside, or both.
According to conventional wet processing, sequences separate cleaning solutions are employed for cleaning of dielectric, and for cleaning of the metal. Dielectric cleaner lightly etches the dielectric surface in order to undercut metal traces embedded onto the dielectric during CMP. Metal cleaner removes surface oxides on Cu and any remaining traces of Cu embedded in the dielectric that were not removed during the dielectric cleaning step. A cleaner may be necessary to remove residues from Cu inhibitors such as benzotriazole (BTA) compounds used during CMP processing so that such residues do not interfere with effectiveness of activation, uniformity of activation and initiation, smoothness of cap deposition, adhesion of capping deposit, and thermal stability of the cap.

Capping of metal interconnects in integrated circuit electronic devices


A flow measurement having a substantially cylindrical housing with a valve element connected to an inner surface thereof. The valve is movable between an open position and a closed position in the bore. A secondary flow passageway is formed in the housing and extends along the longitudinal axis of the housing. A first end of the secondary flow passageway is in fluid communication with the bore below the valve element. A flow measuring device is located near a second end of the secondary flow passageway for measuring the rate of fluid flow therethrough. The housing is adapted to be connected at each end thereof to well tubing. The present invention provides a flow measurement mandrel that diverts the production flow the secondary flow passageway by closing a hydraulically operated flapper valve and routing the fluid or gas through the a venturi flume in the secondary flow passageway for flow measurement. After monitoring flow rate, the flapper valve is re-opened and full bore production is achieved.

The present invention relates to a device for measuring the flow of fluids through well bore tubing, and more specifically to a flow measurement mandrel that can be connected to a string of tubing and measure the rate of flow therethrough by diverting the flow through a secondary flow passageway without restricting the main bore of the mandrel.
Conventional methods of flow measurement through venturi flumes require a restricted through bore to provide a pressure drop and monitoring flow rate. This restricted bore prevents wireline operations. Thus, there is a need for a flow measurement device that does not require a restricted bore and will permit both full bore flow of fluids and the passage of wireline tools to the bottom of the well.


Methods and apparatuses in a cloud-based database management system are described. Data in a database are stored in a plurality of pages in a page store of the database. A plurality of redo log records are received to be applied to the database. The redo log records within a predefined boundary are parsed to determine, for each given redo log record, a corresponding page to which the given log record is to be applied. The redo log records are reordered by corresponding page. The reordered redo log records are stored to be applied to the page store of the database.

Cloud computing is a form of network-based computing (e.g., Internet-based computing) that enables access to shared pools of configurable computing resources and higher-level services that can be rapidly provisioned with minimal management effort, often over the Internet. Cloud computing is another paradigm shift that follows the shift from mainframe based computing to client-server based computing that is implemented as services. Cloud computing service providers generally deliver three main types of services (referred to hereinafter as cloud computing services), infrastructure as a service (IaaS), platform as a service (PaaS), and software as a service (SaaS), by creating virtual machines on demand for use by customers. IaaS provides a computing infrastructure that can be rented and used by customers. The computing infrastructure comprises physical computing resources (e.g., processors, memory, storage, servers, networking components, etc.) that are virtualized and shared among customers. PaaS provides a platform that allows customers to develop, run, and manage software applications without having to build and maintain the computing infrastructure. SaaS provides software applications running on the computing infrastructure on demand over the Internet on a subscription basis.
Generally, one type of cloud computing service delivered by cloud computing service providers is in a database service. A database service is a PaaS that enables cloud computing service providers to deliver a secure, cost-effective, enterprise-grade databases to customers. In a database service, the database may be modified (e.g., use a write operation to modify data) by multiple different entities (e.g., different master servers). To track the changes made to the database, information describing the changes are typically stored as redo log records in a redo log. Thus, a redo log contains information describing a history of all changes made to the contents of a database, which may be used to reconstruct contents of the database (e.g., in the event of a failure). The redo log records may also be used to ensure that replicas of the database correctly reflect the data contained in the original (or master) database. However, when there is a large number of changes, the memory resources required to maintain the location of redo log records may be significant.
Accordingly, it would be useful to provide a way to generate redo log records, with lower memory requirements.

Methods and apparatuses for generating redo records for cloud-based database

HUAWEI CLOUD COMPUTING TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD.


A honeycomb structure element including an at least partially closed honeycomb structure, which is formed by joining at least two structured layers having honeycomb cells that are open on one side. A method for manufacturing a honeycomb structure element including forming an at least partially closed honeycomb structure by joining at least two structured layers having honeycomb cells that are open on one side.

Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a honeycomb structure element having an at least partially closed honeycomb structure, which is formed by joining at least two structured layers having honeycomb cells that are open on one side. The invention further relates to a method for manufacturing such a honeycomb structure element.
Description of Related Art
Technology has long since already made use of materials having a honeycomb structure, e.g., in the form of panels to which the honeycomb structure imparts stability, among other things. Such panels are used both as load-bearing structures and for insulation purposes. Also known are films, e.g., aircushion films, which are used for insulation and packaging purposes. For example, EP-A-0465719 describes a flat object having a honeycomb structure and a method for its manufacture, in which honeycomb cells are covered on one side (or both sides) by a plate or film softened by heat, which is then cooled again under suction or pressure, thereby forming a honeycomb structure closed on one side (or both sides).
U.S. Pat. No. 5,270,092 describes an insulating panel consisting of a multi-layer polymer material, with essentially closed structural cavities, thereby minimizing heat transport through the panel, in particular by convection. At least part of the panel is further provided with a layer having a low level of emission to minimize heat transport via infrared radiation.
EP-A-0153681 describes a method for manufacturing three-dimensional, translucent honeycomb structures made out of plastics, in which plastic films or plates are thermoformed (hot formed or deep drawn) to fabricate ribbed structures, the mechanical strength of which is then increased by adhesively bonding, welding or hot sealing the ribbed depressions by way of a film or one to the other. In order to protect against external influences, the one or both outer surfaces of the transparent honeycomb structures manufactured in this way can be covered, adhesively bonded or sealed with a transparent plate or film. The heat-insulating property of the three-dimensional honeycomb structure can be enhanced by filling the ribbed depressions or entire translucent honeycomb structure with a gas having a high molecular weight.
DE-A-4114506 describes an aircushion film especially for packagings, which consists of two film webs made out of a weldable or sealable material and joined together in a prescribed pattern by means of welded or sealed seams, forming air- or gas-filled cushions. Structuring the two film webs via deep drawing yields truncated pyramid shapes with a rectangular base, which each end in an inner square with a smaller surface. The two film webs are each joined together with the two sides facing away from the respective deep drawing side in such a way that the film web shapes lie opposite each other, and the sealing surface is the respective side of the film webs facing away from the deep drawing side.
Therefore, the object of the invention is to provide an alternative or improved honeycomb structure with closed honeycomb cells, as well as a method for its manufacture.


A system for performing post processing of GNSS and INS measurement data and image data to provide highly accurate location information for a camera, an INS measurement unit or both performs first processing operations using the GNSS and INS measurement data, to determine position, velocity and attitude solutions. The system then analyzes the solutions to determine which measurement data provide sufficiently reliable solutions from which to determine the precise position, velocity and attitude of the camera, and thus, which measurement data do not provide sufficiently reliable solutions. The system and method then performs more time consuming and processing intensive processing operations using the measurement data and camera image data that are associated with solutions that are not sufficiently reliable.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates generally to navigation mapping systems and, more particularly, to navigation mapping systems that post process GNSS/INS measurement data and camera image data.
2. Background Information
Many navigation mapping systems utilize position, velocity and attitude solutions that correspond to still or video camera images to provide location and other information of interest to users. GIS systems, for example, which provide users with the critical information such as the locations of building entrances, fire hydrants, area trees, and so forth, may rely on photographic or video images of the area and use corresponding GNSS and INS measurement data to determine the locations of the respective features of interest. Route mapping systems, such as systems for providing driving directions, may provide users with images of the end destination, intersections and other points of interest along the route, and so forth, based on the locations of the features as previously calculated using images of the area.
To calculate the locations of the features of interest, vehicles equipped with one or more cameras and a GNSS/INS subsystem travel throughout the area. At designated times, and typically essentially continuously, the one or more cameras take images, e.g., videos, of the area, and the GNSS/INS subsystem saves the GNSS and INS measurement data obtained using a GNSS receiver and the inertial measurement unit (IMU). The images, GNSS measurement data, and the INS measurement data are time tagged, for example, with GNSS time, and the images, and measurement data are saved for later processing, i.e., post processing.
The post processing performed by conventional systems consists of processing the GNSS measurement data and the INS measurement data in a known manner to calculate the position and attitude of the camera for the camera images that correspond in time to the processed measurements. Using the camera position and attitude information, the system determines the locations of features of interest identified in the images in a known manner. For applications in which precise locations are required for the features of interest, high quality, and thus costly, IMUs may be needed in environments in which there is significant signal blockage, such as, for example, certain urban environments. Further, while it is expected that the use of the camera image data in the calculations for position and attitude may help to determine more precise location information in these environments, the calculations become quite time consuming as well as processing intensive.

System for post processing GNSS/INS measurement data and camera image data


One example provides a fluidic die including a semiconductor substrate, and a nozzle layer disposed on the substrate, the nozzle layer having a top surface opposite the substrate and including a nozzle formed therein, the nozzle including a fluid chamber disposed below the top surface and a nozzle orifice extending through the nozzle layer from the top surface to the fluid chamber, the fluid chamber to hold fluid, and the nozzle to eject fluid drops from the fluid chamber via the nozzle orifice. An electrode is disposed in contact with the nozzle layer about a perimeter of the nozzle orifice, the electrode to carry an electrical charge to adjust movement of electrically charged components of the fluid.

Fluidic devices, such as fluidic dies, for example, include a nozzle layer (e.g., an SU8 layer) disposed on a substrate (e.g., silicon). In some cases, the nozzle layer comprises multiple layers such as a chamber layer disposed on the substrate and an orifice layer disposed on the chamber layer. A plurality of nozzles are formed in the nozzle layer. In some examples, each nozzle includes a fluid chamber formed within the chamber layer and a nozzle orifice extending through the orifice layer from an upper surface opposite the substrate to the fluid chamber, and through which fluid drops may be ejected from the fluid chamber. Some example fluid devices may be printheads, where a fluid within the fluid chambers may be ink.
Throughout the drawings, identical reference numbers designate similar, but not necessarily identical, elements. The figures are not necessarily to scale, and the size of some parts may be exaggerated to more clearly illustrate the example shown. Moreover the drawings provide examples and/or implementations consistent with the description; however, the description is not limited to the examples and/or implementations provided in the drawings.

Fluidic die with nozzle layer electrode for fluid control

Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.


A process for determining a remaining life of a part, such as an airfoil in a gas turbine engine, comprising the steps of establishing the boundary conditions that act on the part, determining the material properties of the part, creating a 3D finite element model of the part and determining the residual stresses on the part, observing the actual part for cracks, and comparing the location of the crack to the residual stresses determined on the model at the crack location. If the residual stress at the crack location passes into the wall of the part beyond a predetermined length, then the part is rejected for further use.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a process of determining a remaining life for a part, and more specifically to determining a remaining life for an airfoil used in the gas turbine engine.
2. Description of the Related Art Including Information Disclosed Under 37 CFR 1.97 and 1.98
Industrial gas turbine engines (and even aero gas turbine engines) use several stages of blades and vanes in the turbine section of the engine that are under high temperature loads as well as mechanical loads. The airfoils include cooling air holes opening onto the outer surface of the airfoils for passing cooling air through and over the airfoil for cooling purposes. In an industrial gas turbine engine (IGT), the engine operates for a long period of time, or cycle, typically of around 40,000 hours before the engine is shut down for inspection and maintenance. Any premature shut down due to a problem like a damaged airfoil can be very costly due to the engine not performing its intended function like power generation. Because of the temperature, pressure and mechanical loads applied to the airfoil during operation, stresses occur. Also, residual stresses develop on the airfoil as the airfoil cools down to ambient temperature after shut-down of the engine. The residual stresses cause cracks to develop on the surface, typically starting at the cooling hole and extending outward thereof, when the airfoil cools down from its normal operating temperature. If the residual stresses on the airfoil extend into the wall of the airfoil fare enough, the cause can propagate through the wall of the airfoil, resulting in the airfoil to be non-useful.
The blades and vanes used in the turbine section of an industrial gas turbine engine are numerous and also very expensive. A typical IGT (industrial gas turbine) can have 50-100 blades or vanes in each stage, and have four stages, making the number of blades and vanes in the turbine in the order to 800 airfoils. The cost of a set of airfoils in the first stage can exceed one million dollars. Many times, an inspector would remove an airfoil that shows cracks to prevent a possible catastrophic event from occurring when the IGT is in operation. It is very costly to shut down an IGT prematurely. Therefore, an inspector may remove many airfoils that are still useful, even though many cracks appear on the surface. Thus, many used airfoils can accumulate that are not beyond the useful life in a gas turbine engine.
There is a need in the art of gas turbine engines to determine from cracks that appear in an airfoil if that airfoil is still capable of withstanding the operating conditions in the gas turbine engine for another engine operating cycle, or if the airfoil is at or near its useful lifetime.

Process for determining a remaining life for a gas turbine airfoil


An electron beam irradiation device which can irradiate an electron beam uniformly to an entire outer surface of an object of irradiation by using a small-sized low-energy electron accelerator with a narrow irradiation window is provided. The device has electron beam irradiation means forming an electron beam irradiation zone and gripping/moving means gripping a part of an object of irradiation and causing the object of irradiation to pass through the electron beam irradiation zone, and the whole surface of the object of irradiation can uniformly pass through the electron beam irradiation zone by combining re-gripping of the object of irradiation by two gripping mechanisms provided on the gripping/moving means, rotation of the object of irradiation by two rotation mechanisms, and movement of the object of irradiation by two moving mechanisms.

For convenience at medical sites, pre-filled syringes and pre-filled vials filled with pharmaceuticals in advance and the like are manufactured. A work for filling pharmaceuticals in these syringes and vials is performed in a filling work room under an aseptic environment (hereinafter referred to as an aseptic work room). The individual syringes and vials and the like used in this work are small, and the large quantity is needed to be treated. Thus, these syringes and vials and the like are sterilized by γ-ray irradiation, electron beam irradiation, EOG (ethylene oxide gas) and the like in the respective manufacture stages and carried into the aseptic work room in a state collected in a predetermined number and accommodated in a package.
This type of package includes a medical instrument package proposed in the following Patent Literature 1 or described as a prior art (see FIG. 1) and the like. These packages are generally called peel-open packages and are provided with a plastic tab molded in conformity with the shape of an article such as a syringe or a vial to be accommodated therein and an air-permeable upper-surface seal. For this upper-surface seal, an unwoven cloth made of high-density polyethylene extremely thin fibers, Tyvek (registered trademark) is generally used, and air can permeate the inside of the plastic tab through fine holes of this Tyvek (registered trademark), but intrusion of microorganisms is prevented.
The package configured as above is further packed on an outer part thereof with packing paper and distributed/transported. However, during distribution or transportation, or when it is taken out of the packing bag in order to be carried into the aseptic work room, the plastic tab and the outer packaged surface of the upper surface seal are contaminated. Therefore, the package cannot be carried into the aseptic work room unless the contaminated outer packaged surface is sterilized. Thus, the plastic tab and the outer packaged surface of the upper surface seal are sterilized by a sterilizing device provided continuously to the aseptic work room and then, carried into the aseptic work room, the upper surface seal is peeled open from the plastic tab in the aseptic work room, and a filling work is performed into the sterilized syringes and vials therein.
For these sterilizing devices, various methods such as EOG (ethylene oxide gas), hydrogen peroxide low-temperature gas, ozone gas, plasma, γ-ray irradiation, UV-ray irradiation, electron beam irradiation and the like are employed in accordance with the purpose. One of the most widely-used methods among them is the method by using hydrogen peroxide low-temperature gas.
In the method by using hydrogen peroxide low-temperature gas, a sterilization effect at a required level can be obtained, but certain treatment time is needed to sterilize the entire package, and if the hydrogen peroxide low-temperature gas intrudes into the plastic tab through the upper surface seal made of Tyvek (registered trademark), time for removing the hydrogen peroxide coagulated inside is required, which is a problem.
Thus, in the sterilizing device requiring treatment of a large quantity of articles per unit time as manufacture of a pre-filled syringe, a method with high sterilization effect in a short-term treatment is in demand. Thus, in the following Non-Patent Literature 1, a sterilizing device incorporating a low-energy electron accelerator is introduced as a safe device which can obtain a higher sterilization effect and higher productivity with no remaining substance as compared with general devices using hydrogen peroxide low-temperature gas.
This sterilizing device is actually operated for treatment of the package accommodating the prefilled syringes, and the package with the syringe subjected to sterilization treatment in advance therein is sterilized on its outer packaged surface with an electron beam and conveyed to the aseptic work room by a conveyer. This device performs irradiation by three low-energy electron accelerators arranged by an angle of 120 degrees from each other to the whole surface of the package from three directions (see FIG. 9).
In this device, the plastic tab and the upper surface seal can be efficiently sterilized by controlling a dose of the irradiated electron beam. According to the following Non-Patent Literature 1, 3600 syringes per hour can be treated by this device, and high productivity is realized.

Electron beam irradiation device with gripping/moving means


An apparatus for selectively emitting light is provided. The apparatus has at least one light-emitting diode (LED) for emitting light. and a sensor that responds to the presence of a signal, such as infra-red light. The apparatus has a controller that controls the activation of the at least one LED based upon the sensor response.

Storage spaces, such as cabinets, are typically unlit. The spaces may not be wired for lighting or may be too small to install after-market permanent lighting. These spaces could be lit by a portable light strip, capable of being positioned within the space and able to adequately light it. The light strip, once positioned, may be activated by a sensor so that illumination occurs upon a desired "on" condition, such as the cabinet door opening. The sensor may also turn off the light strip when the cabinet door closes, recognizing the "off" condition or after a preselected time interval in order to conserve energy. Sensors using physical contact to sense "on/off" conditions, such as plunger switches currently exist. These types of switches may require specific orientations or locations to allow the physical contact. "Smart" sensors, such as optical sensors, provide more flexibility requiring merely line-of-sight to recognize on/off conditions, such as a cabinet door opening/closing. The use of light-emitting diodes (LED's) for illumination typically provide a more efficient light source than filament or fluorescent based lighting. The increased efficiency may provide a longer life span for a disposable or rechargeable power supply, such as a battery.
In an illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure, an LED array comprises a plurality of LED's attached to a strip and a sensor for activating the LED strip. Activation of the array illuminates the plurality of LED's. In another illustrative embodiment, the strip is selectively fastenable to various surfaces using fasteners, such as adhesives or screws, for example. The fasteners allow the LED array to be positioned within areas that may require lighting, such as cabinets.
In another illustrative embodiment, the sensor, e.g., an optical sensor, recognizes a desired "on" condition for activating the LED strip, such as when a cabinet door opens, for example. The sensor also recognizes a desired "off" condition, such as when the cabinet door closes. The sensor can also illustratively be configured to deactivate the LED strip after a preselected interval of time has elapsed. In another illustrative embodiment, an infra-red (IR) light sensor can be used to detect "on/off" conditions for the LED strip. In another illustrative embodiment, a controller can be used in connection with other circuitry to control an LED array based upon the response provided by a sensor. In another illustrative embodiment, the controller can be used to intermittently power the IR light sensor allowing power consumption to be reduced.
In another illustrative embodiment, the LED array includes an ambient light detection circuit. The ambient light detection circuit is used to detect the situation when the IR sensor is saturated by ambient light, which can cause the LED array to be deactivated even when the IR sensor is not receiving infra-red light from the infra-red light source.
In another illustrative embodiment, the strip may be tethered to the sensor allowing the same to be spaced apart from the strip. This embodiment, for example, may allow the strip to fasten to a cabinet's ceiling, while the sensor is positioned to monitor the opening/closing of the cabinet door. In another illustrative embodiment, the sensor, LED's, and any control circuitry are all contained within a housing. The housing is selectively fastenable to surfaces such as a cabinet ceiling, for example. The LED's are directed at the cabinet interior and the sensor faces the associated cabinet door. The sensor recognizes the cabinet door is opened causing activation of the LED's. In another illustrative embodiment, the sensor is integrally formed with the strip, allowing the strip to be portable and used in a fashion such as a flashlight. In another illustrative embodiment, the LED's are driven by a high-efficiency circuit configured to minimize power consumption from a battery pack, or other power-supplying device.
Additional features and advantages of the sensor-controlled LED array will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the following detailed descriptions exemplifying the best mode of carrying out the sensor-controlled LED array as presently perceived.
Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. The exemplification set out herein illustrates embodiments of the sensor-controlled LED array, and such exemplification is not to be construed as limiting the scope of the sensor-controlled LED array in any manner.

Sensor-controlled LED array apparatus and method


The invention provides compounds of the formula I:

Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) and interleukin-1 (IL-1) have been associated with a wide range of biological processes, including inflammation. Recruitment of immune cells to sites of injury involves the concerted interactions of a large number of soluble mediators, and several cytokines appear to play key roles in these processes, particularly IL-1 and TNF. Both of these cytokines are derived from mononuclear cells and macrophages, along with other cell types. IL-1 and TNF produce many of the same proinflammatory responses, including fever, sleep and anorexia, mobilization and activation of polymorphonuclear leukocytes, induction of cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase enzymes, increase in adhesion molecule expression, activation of B-cells, T-cells and natural killer cells, and stimulation of production of other cytokines. IL-1 and TNF also contribute to the tissue degeneration arising from chronic inflammatory conditions, such as stimulation of fibroblast proliferation and induction of collagenase. These cytokines have also been implicated in the process of bone resorption and adipose tissue regulation. Thus, IL-1 and TNF play key roles in a large number of pathological conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, diabetes, obesity, bone mass loss, cancer, neurological conditions such as ischemic stroke or closed head injuries
NF-κB is a heterodimeric transcription transcription factor regulating the expression of multiple inflammatory genes. The expression of more than 70 known proteins is transcriptionally regulated by the binding of NF-κB to specific sequence elements in the promoter region of these genes (Baeuerle and Baichwal, Advances in Immunology 65:111–137, 1997) NF-κB has been implicated in many pathophysiologic processes including angiogenesis (Koch et al., Nature 376:517–519, 1995), atherosclerosis (Brand et al., J Clin Inv. 97:1715–1722, 1996), endotoxic shock and sepsis (Bohrer et al., J. Clin. Inv. 100: 972–985, 1997), inflammatory bowel disease (Panes et al., Am J. Physiol. 269:H1955–H1964, 1995), ischemia/reperfusion injury (Zwacka et al., Nature Medicine 4: 698–704, 1998), and allergic lung inflammation (Gosset et al., Int Arch Allergy Immunol. 106: 69–77, 1995). Many immune and inflammatory mediators including TNF.alpha., lipopolysaccharide (LPS), IL-1, anti-CD28, CD40L, FasL, viral infection, and oxidative stress have been shown to lead to NF-κB activation. Because of the central role of NF-κB in inflammatory disease, inhibition of NF-κB by targeting regulatory proteins in the NF-κB activation pathway represents an attractive strategy for generating anti-inflammatory therapeutics.
The IκB kinases (IKKs) are key regulatory signaling molecules coordinating the activation of NF-κB. The NFκB heterodimer in its active state is held in the cytoplasm by association with inhibitory IκB proteins (Huxford et al. Cell, 95, 759 (1998); Jacobs et al. Cell, 95, 749 (1998)). Treatment of cells with IL-1 or TNF leads to activation of intracellular signal transduction pathways that in turn lead to phosphorylation of IκB proteins on specific amino acid residues (serines 32 and 36 in IκBα, serines 19 and 23 in IκB β). Mutation of one or both serine residues renders IκB resistant to cytokine-induced phosphorylation. This signal-induced phosphorylation targets IκB for proteosome-mediated degradation, allowing nuclear translocation of NF-κB (Thanos and Maniatis, Cell, 80, 529 (1995)). The only regulated step in the IκB degradation pathway is the phosphorylation of IκB by IκB (IKK) kinases (Yaron et al. EMBO J. 16, 6486 (1997)).
The kinases IKKα and IKKβ have been identified as the most likely mediators of TNF- and IL-1-induced IκB phosphorylation and degradation, which results in NF-κB activation and upregulation of families of genes involved in inflammatory processes (Woronicz et al. Science (1997); Karin, Oncogene 18, 6867 (1999); Karin, J. Biol. Chem. 274, 27339 (1999)). IKKα and IKKβ have very similar primary structures, displaying more than 50% overall sequence identity. In the kinase domain, their sequences are 65% identical.
Because of the important role played by TNF and IL-1 in many pathological conditions, and the involvement of IKKα and IKKβ in the signal transduction of both TNF and IL-1, there is a need for compounds that potently and selectively inhibit either of these IKK kinases, as well as treatments or therapies using such compounds. The present invention satisfies these needs.

Abstract: or pharmaceutically acceptable salts, solvates or prodrugs thereof, wherein: A, Y, Z and R1 are as defined herein. Also provided are compositions comprising, methods of preparing, and methods for using the subject compounds.


Collapsible recumbent exercise bicycle apparatus wherein the seat is pivotably coupled to the base and the seat back is pivotably coupled to the seat. The seat and seat back are therefore convertible between an upright user-supporting configuration and a folded storage configuration. Further, the base is telescopically collapsible to reduce the footprint of the apparatus for storage.

This invention relates to recumbent exercise bicycle apparatus and, more particularly, to such apparatus which are selectively collapsible from a use configuration to a space saving storage configuration.
Recumbent exercise bicycle apparatus are well known wherein the user is seated at substantially the same level as a pedal mechanism which offers resistance, usually variable, to provide a lower body workout for the user. Typically, an apparatus takes up a significant amount of floor space, which is the same whether the apparatus is in use or is being stored during periods of non-use. When an apparatus is in a personal residence, particularly a small apartment, space is at a premium. It would therefore be desirable to provide an exercise apparatus of the type described which can be configured into a storage mode which minimizes the amount of required floor space.
It would also be desirable that the apparatus be convertible between its use and storage configurations without requiring the use of any tools.


The present invention provides a polynucleotide cleavage agent switched on by photo-irradiation and a method of cleaving or decomposing a polynucleotide such as DNA or RNA using this agent switched on in this manner. More specifically, said polynucleotide cleavage agent switched on by photo-irradiation comprises cyclopropane or a 2,2-dihalogeno-cyclopropane ring between “A” unit and “B” unit, wherein said “A” unit is an aromatic group having an electron withdrawing property and is excited by photo-irradiation, and said “B” unit is a hydrophilic functional group. Said polynucleotide cleavage agent may further contain “C” unit which can recognize DNA sequences, and also a spacer molecule, if desired.

Natural restriction enzymes are now essential for gene engineering and many types of restriction enzymes from microbes, plants, or animals are commercially available. Various kinds of these enzymes are known, for example, EcoR I which is isolated from Escherichia coli. They are very expensive, must be handled under conditions of low temperature and require storage in a refrigerator or freezer at below −20° C. In addition, it is impossible to design the cleaving point artificially because they are natural proteins.
So called "tailor-made" polynucleotide cleavage agents which can cleave DNA or RNA selectively at a desired position, and which can be stored at room temperature are therefore required.
Many types of natural DNA cleavage agents are known to work as strong anti-tumor or anti-cancer medicines. Among them, calicheamicin is a well respected potent anti-tumor medication. The origin of its DNA cleavage activity has been proposed as being from a biradical intermediate that is produced by the degradation process from an unstable ene-diyne group to a stable aromatic ring.
Extensive studies have been made to develop an artificial restriction enzyme which can cleave a DNA sequence selectively. Recently, simple anthracene or anthraquinone derivatives have been reported as potent DNA cleavage agents: Schuster and co-workers reported that AQC caused GG selective cleavage of duplex DNA (J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1996, 118, 8747), and Kumar succeeded in cleaving DNA by simple anthracene derivatives (Tetrahedron, 2000, 56, 7027). Toshima developed a novel quinoxaline-carbohydrate hybrid as a GG-selective DNA cleaving agent with DNA cleavage and binding abilities which are dependent on the structure of the sugar moiety (Angew. Chem., Int. Ed. Engl. 1997, 36, 2748; Bioorganic & Medicinal Chem. Lett. 2000, 10, 2163; Chem. Commun., 212 (2002)). Artificial restriction enzymes by photo-irradiation which can be practically used have not been reported.
During the course of the study on the synthesis of optically active gem-difluoro-cyclopropane derivatives, we noted an interesting fact: the preparation of 9-anthracenecarboxylic acid ester of 1,3-bishydroxymethyl-2,2-difluoro-cyclopropane has to be performed under darkened conditions. Also, some papers on gem-difluoro-cyclopropane ring disclosed that an unidentified ring opening product was formed instead of the desired diester when the reaction was carried out under visible light irradiation conditions (Chem. Lett. 1998, 903; Tetrahedron Lett. 1999, 40, 5739), and a gem-difluoro-cyclopropane ring was easily decomposed and caused a ring opening reaction via a radical intermediate (Dolbier, Jr. et al., J. Org. Chem. 1999, 64, 540).
These findings stimulated to investigate the possibility of gem-difluoro-cyclopropane derivatives of 9-anthracene carboxylic acid as novel DNA cleavage agents. It was anticipated that strong DNA cleavage activity could be obtained by the synergetic effect of the difluoro-cyclopropane group with the anthracene carboxylic group. However, it was confirmed that there was no significant DNA cleavage activity for such 9-anthracene carboxylic diester of 1,3-bishydroxymethyl-2,2-difluoro-cyclopropane (The 25th Japanese Symposium on Fluorine Chemistry, Nov. 18, 2001, p. 54–55). Extensive studies have been made to develop strong DNA cleavage agents that can cleave a DNA sequence selectively when switched on by photo-irradiation and such compounds could serve as an anti-tumor medication.

Polynucleotide cleavage agent switched on by photo irradiation


A glycidyl amine epoxy resin(s) and a process for production of glycidyl amine epoxy resin(s) are disclosed. The glycidyl amine epoxy resin(s) is/are free from Bisphenol A (BPA) and Bisphenol F (BPF) and are based on AMES negative amine precursors.

Epoxy resins are a class of reactive prepolymers and polymers which contain more than one epoxide group. Epoxy resins are converted by reaction with suitable curing agents or by polymerization of epoxide groups into thermosets or cured epoxy resins. Epoxy resins are widely used in structural adhesives, casting resins, electrical laminates, coatings, 3D-Printing resins, and powder coating materials.
Epoxy resins also find application in various coating compositions in packaging industry especially in packaging of food and beverages, due to their excellent mechanical and chemical properties, such as high impact strength, high abrasion resistance, chemical resistance, and high electrical insulation capacity. When used in such packaging the general purpose of such coating systems is to protect metal surface from corrosion due to low pH conditions of variety of food products or ingredients such as soft drinks, tomato juice or beer. These protective coatings are also applied to the interior of food and beverage containers to prevent corrosion in the container headspace between the food products fill line and the container lid, which is particularly problematic with high salt content food products.
The majority of the epoxy resins that are used for coating applications are conventionally manufactured by using bisphenol like diglycidyl ether of Bisphenol A (BPA) or Bisphenol F (BPF), or the corresponding oligomers. However, the use of epoxy resins containing trace levels of free BPA or BPF is being considered as a suspected health hazard especially in food contact applications, thermal papers etc. This health concerns are mainly because BPA or BPF containing epoxy resins have are suspected to cause endocrine disruption and therefore fall in the category of substance of very high concern (SVHC). Although the scientific data available to date indicates that small trace amounts of these compounds that may be released from existing coatings do not pose any health risks to humans, these compounds are nevertheless perceived by the global regulatory food safety agencies as being potentially harmful to human health.
In light of these health concerns, manufacturers and food companies have now started showing interest in replacing BPA-based epoxy coatings with alternatives such as acrylic and polyester coatings. However, most of these alternative coatings are either more expensive than epoxy coatings or do not display the same array of characteristics performance properties with respect to their corrosion protection properties, hydrolytic stability to withstand retort conditions and applicability. Some of the alternative coatings also do not show high performance characteristics in terms of odor and leaching properties when compared to the coatings formulated with epoxy resin. As a result, they are not able to serve as functional replacements for the wide variety of products and processes for which epoxy coatings have been developed.
Amines and amine derivatives are the most diverse group of epoxy curing agents. Amine compounds were among the earliest reactants used with epoxy resins to produce useful products. Aromatic diamines are frequently used as coatings on surfaces subject to mechanical wear. These amines are one of the chemical classes in which the structural and molecular basis of carcinogenicity is most clearly understood. The evidence regarding the carcinogenic potential of amines in animals are available. The evidence in experimental animals has been crucial in the classification of some aromatic amines for their carcinogenicity to humans. Benzidine-based compounds and MOCA (4,4′-methylene bis-2-chloroaniline) were classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as probable carcinogens based on strong evidence in animals.
Therefore, there is a need for an epoxy resin, coating compositions containing an epoxy resin which have excellent coating performance, but at the same time is completely free of BPA and BPF and are non-carcinogenic in nature. Such epoxy resins should be particularly useful in the coating containers such as those used in packaging of food and beverages.

Glycidyl amine epoxy resins based on AMES negative amines

Aditya Birla Chemicals (Thailand) Limited


The new Heuchera plant named ‘Grateful Gathering’ has medium-sized, shallowly-dissected, palmate leaves with cordate bases. The leaves are chartreuse when young and develop to light gold to chartreuse in color. The small campanulate flowers have white reflexed petals displayed on stiff, erect, tightly branched stems. The new plant has a vigorous growth and sturdy plant habit and is useful in the garden landscape or in containers.

The present invention relates to a new and distinct cultivar of Coral Bells plant of hybrid origin, botanically known as Heuchera 'Grateful Gathering' and is hereinafter referred to by its cultivar name 'Grateful Gathering'.
The new cultivar was discovered as a chance uninduced sport of Heuchera 'Caramel' U.S. Plant Pat. No. 16,560 in a nursery garden by the Inventor in Lowell, Ind. in the late spring of 2006. The sport was observed for many years, propagated and tested for uniformity and observed for several more years. The new plant has not been sold anywhere in the world nor disclosed to the public in any way.
Asexual propagation of the new cultivar was first accomplished under the direction of the Inventor by crown division initiated in the fall of 2006 in Lowell, Ind. Examination of asexually propagated plants of 'Grateful Gathering' has determined that the characteristics of the new cultivar are stable and are reproduced true to type in successive generations.


A test key formed on a semiconductor substrate has a plurality of electronic components, a plurality of conductors, a plurality of vias for connecting the electronic components and the conductors, a first pad, a second pad, a third pad, and a fourth pad. The first pad, the electronic components, the vias, the conductors, and the second pad connects in series to form a chain circuit, and the first pad and the second pad are positioned at two ends of the chain circuit. A Kelvin structure is composed of the third pad, the fourth pad, one of the conductors, one of the vias, and one of the electronic components.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a test key in a semiconductor substrate, and more particularly, to a test key having a chain circuit and a Kelvin structure.
2. Description of the Prior Art
In semiconductor fabrication, a semiconductor device or an integrated circuit (IC) is continuously tested in every step so as to maintain device quality. Normally a testing circuit is simultaneously fabricated with an actual device so that the quality of the actual device is judged by the performance of the testing circuit. The quality of the actual device therefore is well controlled. Moreover, because of the advanced semiconductor technology, the number of transistors in a single chip is grown so that the amount of the vias for interconnecting the transistors is increased rapidly. In order to handle the yield of the semiconductor products, how to accurately measure the resistances of the vias has been an important issue.
Please refer to FIG. 1, which is a schematic diagram of a test key 10 according to the prior art. The test key 10 has a Kelvin structure that is used to measure the resistance of a via 12. The test key is formed on a semiconductor substrate and comprises a first pad 14, a second pad 16, a third pad 18, a fourth pad 20, and two wires 22, 24. The via 12 is connected with the four pad 14–20 via the two wires. When measuring the resistance of the via 12, four probes of a probe card are used to contact the four pads 14–20 respectively. The probe card provides a test current I to the test key 10 via the first pad 14 and the second pad 16. The test current I flows through the via 12. Meanwhile, the probe card measures the voltage gap between the two ends of the via 12 by contacting the third pad 18 and the fourth pad 20. Then, the resistance of the via 12 is calculated according to the test current I and the measured voltage gap between the two ends of the via 12. However, because of the single via 12, the test key 10 has etching loading effect.
Please refer to FIGS. 2–3. FIG. 2 is a layout diagram of another test key 30 according to the prior art, and FIG. 3 is sectional diagram of the test key 30. The test key 30 is formed on a semiconductor substrate and has a chain structure. The test key 30 comprises a first pad 32, a second pad 34, a plurality of electronic components 36, a plurality of conductors 38, and a plurality of vias 40. The conductors 38 are metal wires, and the electronic components 36 are diffusion areas or metal wires under the conductors 38. The vias 40 connect the first pad 32, the second pad 34, the electronic components 36, and the conductors 38 together. Therefore, the first pad 32, the electronic components 36, the conductors 38, the vias 40, and the second pad 34 are connected in series as a chain circuit. And, the first pad 32 and the second pad 34 are respectively positioned at the two ends of the chain circuit. When testing the test key 30, two probes of a probe card contact the first pad 32 and the second pad 34 to supply a test voltage to the first pad 32. Normally, as shown in FIG. 3, a test current I flows through the electronic components 36, the vias 40, and the conductors 38. The probe card measures the test current I so as to calculate the equivalent resistance between the first pad 32 and the second pad 34. And then, the probe card estimates the resistance of each via 40 according to the equivalent resistance between the first pad 32 and the second pad 34. Even the test key 30 has no etching loading effect, but the estimated resistance of each via 40 is not very accurate. The application of the estimated resistance of each via 40 is not very practical.

Test key having a chain circuit and a kelvin structure


A field effect transistor formed by a sacrificial gate process has a simplified process and improved yield by using a tunable resistant anti-reflective coating (TERA) as the cap layer over the sacrificial gate layer. The TERA layer serves as a tunable anti-reflection layer for photolithography patterning, a hardmask for etching the sacrificial gate, a polish stopping layer for planarization, and a blocking layer for preventing silicide formation over the sacrificial gate. The TERA is stripped by a two-step process that is highly selective to the nitride spacers, so that the spacers are not damaged in the process of stripping the sacrificial gate.

Current integrated circuit fabrication sometimes uses a process that defines and constructs a FET using a replacement gate (sometimes referred to as a dummy gate or sacrificial gate), in which the gate stack is defined with a temporary gate, that remains in place while the halo and extension implants are made, the S/D are implanted and the first level interlevel dielectric (ILD) is formed, after which the temporary gate is removed and a replacement gate and gate dielectric having superior electrical properties, but inferior durability replace the temporary gate in a manner that fits the replacement components into the space left by the sacrificial gate.
This method conventionally uses nitride spacers and also a nitride cap layer over the sacrificial gate. When the cap layer is stripped, in order to remove the sacrificial gate and gate dielectric, the nitride spacer is damaged. This damaged spacer complicates the process and can cause the degradation or even failure of the device. U.S. Pat. No. 6,607,950 discloses a SiC cap layer over the sacrificial gate to prevent the damage of the nitride spacer. The disadvantage of using a SiC cap is that the properties of SiC are not tunable to accommodate the various requirements of the lithography process. Furthermore, it is difficult to use SiC as a hardmask to etch the sacrificial gate due to the low selectivity between SiC and polysilicon.
The art could benefit from a replacement gate process that provides the benefits of superior electrical performance from the replacement gate and avoids the damage caused in the process of replacing the sacrificial gate. It is also desired to have a simplified and cost-effective replacement gate process with a cap layer that serves multiple functions including a tunable anti-reflection layer for photolithography patterning, a hardmask to etch the sacrificial gate, a polish stopping layer for planarization, and a protection layer prevent silicide formation over the sacrificial gate. It is further desired that the cap layer can be removed highly selectively to other materials.

International Business Machines Corporation


Provided in embodiments of the present application are a data transmission method, a terminal device and a network device, through which uplink data transmission can be performed when the channel detection bandwidth is inconsistent with the carrier bandwidth or the data transmission bandwidth of the system, thereby improving utilization efficiency for frequency spectrum resources of an unlicensed frequency spectrum. The method includes: receiving, by a terminal device, scheduling information transmitted by a network device; performing, by the terminal device, rate matching on the first transport block to obtain first data; determining, by the terminal device, an uplink transmission mode; and performing, by the terminal device, channel detection on the first carrier, and transmitting, according to a detection result and the uplink transmission mode, the first data to the network device through the first time-frequency resources.

In applying the New Radio (NR) technology to unlicensed carriers, since the carrier bandwidth supported by NR may be up to 400 MHz, there may be a case that the channel detection bandwidth is inconsistent with the carrier bandwidth/data transmission bandwidth. For example, there may be a case where the channel detection bandwidth is 20 MHz while the data transmission bandwidth through which the terminal device is scheduled is 40 MHz, and only a 20 MHz channel can be used in the 40 MHz bandwidth through which the terminal device is scheduled. In this case, how to perform uplink data transmission is a problem worth studying.

Data transmission method, terminal device and network device

GUANGDONG OPPO MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP., LTD.


In order to improve utilization efficiency of communication resources in a case of acquiring a reception status at a user equipment of a radio signal upon providing LCS, an E-SMLC (40) forming a mobile communication system requests an eNB (10) to notify a result of measurement on a reception status at a UE (20) of a radio signal at least from the eNB (10) for a predetermined number of times. The E-SMLC (40) calculates a location of the UE (20) using the result of the measurement when the notification is performed for the number of times, and provides a service corresponding to the location. In response to the request, the eNB (10) instructs the UE (20) to perform the measurement for the number of times and sequentially notifies the E-SMLC (40) of the result of the measurement reported from the UE (20) for the number of times. The UE (20) performs measurement on the reception status for the number of times and sequentially notifies the eNB (10) of the result of the measurement for the number of times.

In recent years, 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project) is under consideration of introducing LTE (Long Term Evolution) as a next generation mobile communication system and the standardization thereof is in progress (see NPTL 1, for example).
As shown in FIG. 15, in LTE, an E-UTRAN (Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network) is formed by using a plurality of radio base stations (eNB: enhanced Node B) 10_1 to 10—i. A user equipment (UE) 20 attaches to one of cells formed by the eNBs 10_1 to 10—i to perform desired communication. Moreover, each of the eNBs 10_1 to 10—i is connected to an MME (Mobility Management Entity) 30. The MME 30 has functions corresponding to a core network in the existing mobile communication system and performs various control on the eNBs 10_1 to 10—i. Note that in the following explanation, the eNBs 10_1 to 10—i may be collectively referred to by a numeral 10.
An interface between the eNB and the MME is defined as an S1 interface, an interface between the eNBs is defined as an X2 interface, and a wireless interface between the eNB and the UE is defined as a Uu interface, respectively.
Further, introduction of the LCS is also taken into consideration for the standardization by 3GPP (see NPTL 2 to 4, for example). Typically, in the LCS, a geographical location of the UE is detected, and a service intended for a subscriber corresponding to the location and the like are provided.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 16, a mobile communication system realizing the LCS includes the above eNB 10, UE 20, MME 30, and an E-SMLC (Evolved Serving Mobile Location Centre) 40 which is a service provider. An interface between the E-SMLC and the MME is defined as an SLs interface.
The function of the E-UTRAN in the LCS is to acquire information regarding a reception status at the UE of a radio signal (RSRP (Reference Signal Received Power) and RSRQ (Reference Signal Received Quality) etc.) in order to calculate the geographical location and direction, and to notify the E-SMLC of the acquired information. This function is referred to as a UE Positioning function.
One of the UE Positioning functions is an Uplink E-CID (Enhanced Cell ID) Positioning Procedure.
Hereinafter, an operation of the mobile communication system regarding this procedure will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 17, 18, 19A to 19C, and 20.
As shown in FIG. 17, the eNB 10 firstly receives, from the E-SMLC 40 through the MME 30, an E-CID MEASUREMENT INITIATION REQUEST which is a kind of LLPa (LTE Positioning Protocol Annex) messages (step S101). Note that the LLPa message may be referred to as "LLPa:XXX (arbitrary message type)" in the following explanation upon mentioning the LLPa message.
The E-CID MEASUREMENT INITIATION REQUEST message is typically a request to acquire necessary information for calculating the geographical location and direction. In the example shown in FIG. 17, both RSRP and RSRQ are requested as the necessary information (however, either RSRP or RSRQ may be requested as well). Moreover, "On Demand" indicating only one notification of the necessary information or "Periodic" indicating periodic notification of the necessary information is also designated in the E-CID MEASUREMENT INITIATION REQUEST message.
Then, the eNB 10 transmits to the UE 20 RRCConnectionReconfiguration which is a kind of RRC (Radio Resource Control) messages, thereby instructing the UE 20 to report the necessary information (step S102). Note that the RRC message may be referred to as "RRC:YYY (arbitrary message type)" in the following explanation upon mentioning the RRC message.
Measurement Object, Reporting Configuration, Measurement Identity, s-Measure, Measurement Gap (MeasGap) and the like are set to the RRCConnectionReconfiguration message.
Among them, the Measurement Object includes information concerning a frequency which the UE 20 should measure and a neighbouring cell (a cell formed by another radio base station disposed adjacent to the eNB 10).
FIG. 18 shows some arrangement examples of neighbouring cells. Among them, an Intra-Freq neighbouring cell 51 operates in the same frequency as a serving cell (a cell formed by the eNB 10) 50 and a part of coverage of the intra-Freq neighbouring cell 51 overlaps coverage of the serving cell 50. Both Inter-Freq neighbouring cells 52A and 52B (hereinafter may be collectively referred to by a numeral 52) operate in a difference frequency from the serving cell 50. Meanwhile, coverage of the cell 52A includes the coverage of the serving cell 50 (substantially equivalent to the coverage of the serving cell 50 or larger than the coverage of the serving cell 50). On the other hand, a part of coverage of the cell 52B overlaps the coverage of the serving cell 50. Further, both Inter-RAT neighbouring cells 53A and 53B (hereinafter may be collectively referred to by a numeral 53) are formed by radio base stations to which Radio Access Technology (RAT) different from the eNB 10 is applied. Meanwhile, coverage of the cell 53A includes the coverage of the serving cell 50. On the other hand, a part of coverage of the cell 53B overlaps the coverage of the serving cell 50. All of these neighbouring cells 51 to 53 could be designated objects to be measured by the UE 20.
Next, in the Reporting Configuration, an event type for the UE 20 to use in a report of a measurement result and reporting condition thereof are designated. Additionally, the abovementioned "On Demand" or "Periodic" is also designated in the Reporting Configuration.
Next, the Measurement Identity is composed of measId, measObjectId, and reportConfigId. The measObjectId is defined in one-to-one association with the above Measurement Object. That is, the UE 20 can comprehend the information concerning the frequency to be measured and the information concerning the neighbouring cell from the measObjectId. Moreover, the reportConfigId is defined in one-to-one association with the abovementioned Reporting Configuration. That is, the UE 20 can comprehend the event type to be used in the report of the measurement result and the reporting condition thereof from the reportConfigId. Further, the measId is an identifier for associating the measObjectId with the reportConfigId. In the example shown in FIG. 17, the eNB includes in the RRCConnectionReconfiguration message certain measObjectId#2 and reportConfigId#2, and measId#2 for associating them.
Next, to the s-Measure, a threshold is set as a measurement condition for the neighbouring cell with the matching measId. The UE 20 compares this threshold with RSRP of the serving cell, and performs measurement of the neighbouring cell when the RSRP of the serving cell is less than or equal to the threshold. That is, when the RSRP of the serving cell is less than or equal to the threshold, the UE 20 performs measurement of both the serving cell and the neighbouring cell. On the contrary, when RSRP of the serving cell exceeds the threshold, the UE 20 performs measurement of only the serving cell and not the neighbouring cell. Moreover, as shown in FIG. 17, when the threshold is not set to the s-Measure, the UE 20 immediately measures both the serving cell and the neighbouring cell.
A benefit of not setting the threshold to the s-Measure typically lies in the point that the E-SMLC 40 can calculate the geographical location and direction of the UE 20 with high accuracy.
Specifically, in a case where the threshold is set to the s-Measure and the RSRP of the serving cell exceeds the threshold, the UE 20 reports RSRP and RSRQ of only the serving cell. The RSRP and RSRQ are used by the E-SMLC 40 to estimate the distance between the eNB 10 and the UE 20, and the like. Under an environment providing favorable wireless transmissions between the eNB 10 and the UE 20, the E-SMLC 40 can accurately calculate the geographical location of the UE 20 only from the RSRP and RSRQ of the serving cell.
However, under an environment with poor wireless transmissions (an environment where buildings are built up, for example), even when the RSRP of the serving cell exceeds the threshold, the E-SMLC 40 may not be able to accurately calculate the geographical location of the UE 20 only from the RSRP and RSRQ of the serving cell.
For example, when RSRP and RSRQ of any one of the neighbouring cells 51 to 53 shown in FIG. 18 are acquired, the E-SMLC 40 can calculate the geographical location of the UE 20 more accurately. In particular, each of the Inter-Freq neighbouring cell 52A and the Inter-RAT neighbouring cell 53A has substantially equivalent coverage to that of the serving cell 50, thus RSRP and RSRQ of these neighbouring cells 52A and 53A are useful for calculation in the E-SMLC 40.
Therefore, the eNB 10 is assumed to transmit to the UE 20 the RRCConnectionReconfiguration message without setting the threshold to the e-Measure.
Lastly, in the MeasGap, a measurement timing (subframe, to be specific) is designated in a case of measuring the Inter-Freq neighbouring cell or the Inter-RAT neighbouring cell.
Then, the UE 20 updates its own configuration in accordance with contents of the received RRCConnectionReconfiguration message (step S103). Assume that configuration information as shown in FIG. 19A is stored to a memory in the UE 20 before the above step S102. In FIG. 19A, s-Measure (50) indicates that the above threshold is set to "50 dB". Moreover, MeasGap (Release) indicates that the above measurement timing is not set. In this case, as shown in FIG. 19B, the UE 20 adds measId#2, measObjectId#2 and reportConfigId#2 to the memory, and updates the e-Measure to "Not-setup" and the MeasGap to "Setup".
After that, the UE 20 transmits to the eNB 10 an RRC:RRCConnectionReconfigurationComplete message (step S104).
Moreover, the UE 20 starts measurement of both the serving cell and the neighbouring cell in accordance with the configuration information updated at the above step S103. Then, the UE 20 sets the measurement result to an RRC:MeasurementReport message to be reported to the eNB 10 (step S105_1). Note that when the measurement of the neighbouring cell is not started (in other words, in a case where the threshold is set to the s-Measure and RSRP of the serving cell is less than or equal to the threshold), the UE 20 sets the measurement result of only the serving cell to the MeasurementReport message.
Subsequently, the eNB 10 sets the measurement result reported from the UE 20 to an LPPa:E-CID MEASUREMENT INITIATION RESPONSE message, and notifies it to the E-SMLC 40 through the MME 30 (step S106_1).
In addition, if the abovementioned "Periodic" is designated, the UE 20 repeats measurement in a predetermined cycle, and sets measurement results to MeasurementReport messages to be sequentially reported to the eNB 10 (steps S105_2 to S105—j).
On the other hand, the eNB 10 sets the measurement results from the UE 20 to LPPa:E-CID MEASUREMENT REPORT messages and sequentially notifies them to the E-SMLC 40 through the MME 30 until the eNB 10 receives, at the step S107 described later, an LPPa:E-CID MEASUREMENT TERMINATION COMMAND message from the E-SMLC 40 (steps S106_2 to S106—j).
Then, the eNB 10 stops notifying the E-SMLC 40 of the E-CID MEASUREMENT REPORT message triggered by the reception of the E-CID MEASUREMENT TERMINATION COMMAND message (step S107).
After that, as shown in FIG. 20, the eNB 10 transmits again to the UE 20 an RRCConnectionReconfiguration message in order to return the configuration of the UE 20 to the state before update (step S201). Specifically, the eNB 10 sets the measId#2, s-Measure (50) and MeasGap (Release) in the RRCConnectionReconfiguration message.
Subsequently, the UE 20 updates its own configuration in accordance with contents of the received RRCConnectionReconfiguration message (step S202). Note that in the following explanation, returning the configuration information of the UE 20 to the state before update may be referred to as "configuration removal". Specifically, as shown in FIG. 19C, the UE 20 removes the measId#2 (together with the measObjectId#2 and the reportConfigId#2 that are stored in association with the measId#2) from the memory, and updates the e-Measure to "50 dB" and the MeasGap to "Release".
Note that if "On Demand" is designated at the above step S101, the eNB 10 does not need to set the measId#2 in the RRCConnectionReconfiguration message at the above step S201. When "On Demand" is designated, the UE 20 autonomously removes the measId#2 from the memory after transmitting the MeasurementReport message at the above step S105_1.
After that, the UE 20 transmits to the eNB 10 an RRC:RRCConnectionReconfigurationComplete message again (step S203). Thus, the UE 20 operates in a similar manner as before starting the Uplink E-CID Positioning Procedure.

Base station, service providing device, user equipment, mobile communication system, and communication control method therefor


In a cable-based external knee ligament system, tensioned cables are disposed in a zig-zag pattern on each side of the femoral, patellar and tibial areas, and the load on selected ligaments can be varied by laterally moving cable guides above and below the knee which form the zig-zag pattern.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,599,288 issued 04 Feb. 1997 to Shirley et al. and entitled "External Ligament System" discloses a lightweight flexible knee brace in which a pair of cables secured at the back of the wearer's leg extend in criss-cross fashion across the front of the thigh and calf just above and below the knee. A significant part of the brace's action in supporting the knee and its ligaments is the pressure exerted on the front of the thigh and calf by pressure pads that are pressed against the thigh and calf by the cables at the laterally centered points where the cables cross.
It has now been found that the laterally central location of the pressure pads is not necessarily the ideal therapeutic location. The pain associated with osteoarthritis can in many cases be reduced or eliminated by providing a lateral force on the bone of the leg. For some individuals, pressure is best applied somewhat to the right of center, for others somewhat to the left. The brace of U.S. Pat. No. 5,599,288 does not, however, lend itself to lateral load adjustments.


Apparatus for milling the casing of an oil or gas well comprises a downhole assembly which is run into the well on a rotatable drill string. The assembly comprises a motor (6) the body of which is connected to the drill string and the output shaft of which is connected to a casing mill (9). In use, the drill string is rotated in one rotational direction and the motor (6) is operated to rotate the output shaft thereof in the same rotational direction whereby the speed of rotation of the mill (9) is faster than the rotational speed of the drill string. Because the rotational speed of the milling tool (9) cannot be less than the rotational speed of the output shaft of the motor (6) relative to the body thereof extreme variations in the rotational speed of the milling tool due to winding up of the drill string are avoided. The downhole assembly may incorporate a taper mill (11), stabilizers (10, 8 and 5) and a jet sub (4). The assembly may also incorporate a constant thrust device for producing a substantially constant thrust loading on the milling tool and one or more cement removing tools.

It is well known in the drilling industry, and in particular in the oil and gas drilling industry, to protect boreholes with a steel liner which is known as a "casing". From time to time, it is necessary to replace all or part of such casings. Whilst, on occasions, it may be possible to remove large sections of casing intact it is recognized that under certain circumstances casing can only be removed by milling. Milling is carried out by running a tool having appropriate milling formations into the casing on a tubing string, and rotating the string to rotate the tool and thereby mill away the material of the casing.
Typical milling tools are shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,717,290; EP-A-231989, EP-A-266484 and EP-A-385673.
A well recognized problem which occurs during milling operations of this type is that the swarf formed by the milled casing material includes long strands which cannot easily be cleared from the milling tool by a conventional mud flushing techniques. These long strands tend to form "birdsnests" which can impair operation of the milling tool and, in extreme cases, cause jamming of the milling tool and the remainder of the milling assembly.
With a view to reducing as far as possible the undesirable birdsnesting effect referred to above, it is recognized to be a desirable characteristic during milling operations for the swarf formed to be in the form of short strands or chips. To promote formation of short strands and chips considerable effort has been expended in designing milling formations which have an inherent tendency to produce short strands or chips of swarf. Additionally, it is recognized that as a general rule the size of swarf produced tends to be reduced as the speed of rotation of the milling tool increases for a given load (weight) on the tool. Thus, with a view to keeping swarf size to a minimum it is recognized that the milling tool should be designed to produce small swarf at an optimum high operating speed and that the tool should be rotated at that high operating speed.
Unfortunately, rotating the top end of a long tubing string at a constant and relatively high speed does not guarantee that a milling tool, which may be located several thousand feet from the rotary table which rotates the tubing, will rotate at a uniform high rotational rate. In particular, variations in the feed rate and characteristics of the casing being milled will produce a variable drag on the milling tool. If, for example, the milling tool is subject to a sudden increase in feed loading or suddenly encounters a discontinuity in the casing material the milling blades may tend to dig in and produce a sudden increase in the resistance of the milling tool to rotation. This will slow the rate of rotation of the milling tool and the continued rotation of the rotary table will thereafter tend to twist the drill string until the resultant increased torque applied to the mill tool enables the tool to overcome the increased resistance. The drill string will then tend to unwind rapidly to relieve the built-up twist resulting in a sudden increase in the rotational speed of the milling tool. The situation is made worse by the fact that the milling tool will, in general, be made up with stabilizers and other components which tend to drag on the casing and will thus contribute to a variable resistance to rotation. The situation is made even worse by the fact that an attempt to rotate the tubing string at a high speed to produce the required high operating speed for the milling tool will increase the frictional drag induced by the engagement of the tubing and the downhole assembly with the casing and thereby further contribute to variations in actual milling tool rotational speed.
Thus, even if a drill string has been rotated at a nominally constant rate by the rotary table of a drilling rig, the rotational speed of a milling tool connected to the string may vary from nothing up to a speed several times faster than the nominal rotational speed of the string. As a result, even if a milling tool is effective to produce small swarf when operating at an optimum speed, the same tool may intermittently produce long swarf in use as a result of the unavoidable variations in actual milling speed.

Apparatus and method for milling a well casing


A combination chair is provided which includes a top chair stacked on a base chair and releasably coupled thereto by respective male and female fasteners. A first back chair and a second back chair, releasably coupled together are respectively fastened to the top chair and the base chair through sleeve joints. Therefore, the top chair, the base chair, the first back chair and the second back chair may be disconnected from one another for use separately, or connected together, to form a single chair, thereby reducing storage space requirements.

The present invention relates to chairs. More particularly, the present invention is directed to a combination chair which combines four chair units into a single chair assembly, so that such can be arranged into any of a variety of combinations according to the number of persons who are to be seated.
A chair is simply designed for an individual to sit on, and in order to accommodate more people, more chairs are required. However, much space is required if the number of chairs required to accommodate a maximum number of guests is maintained.


A flame retardant resin composition containing from 30 to 300 parts by mass of a boehmite and an aluminum hydroxide as a total with respect to 100 parts by mass of the resin, wherein a content ratio of the boehmite and the aluminum hydroxide [content of boehmite:content of aluminum hydroxide] is from 85:15 to 15:85; a formed part; and a wiring material each using the same.

In the past, wiring materials used in an internal wiring or an external wiring of the electronic instrument (for example, an insulated wire, a cable, a (electric) cord, an optical fiber core wire, an optical fiber cord or cable, a vehicular (automobile or railway vehicle) wire or cable, a communication wire or cable, or a power wire or cable), or formed parts used for an automotive vehicle a railway vehicle, a marine vessel, an aircraft, an industrial hardware, an electronic instrument, or an electronic part have been required to have various kinds of properties such as flame retardancy and mechanical properties (for example, tensile property and elongation).
As a resin composition used for these formed parts, a polyolefin compound blended with a halogen-based flame retardant containing a halogen atom (bromine atom or chlorine atom) in the molecule has been used mainly. However, if the formed part using the above-described resin composition is burned, a corrosive gas such as a halogen gas from the halogen-based flame retardant is generated. In recent years, this problem has been discussed and a material containing a non-halogen flame retardant without risk of generation of a corrosive gas has been investigated. Examples of such resin composition include a resin composition containing a variety of resins, for example a polyolefin-based resin, a nylon-based resin, or a polyester-based resin, and a metal hydrate such as aluminum hydroxide or magnesium hydroxide as a non-halogen flame retardant. Further, examples of the non-halogen flame retardant used in the above-described resin composition also include a magnesium hydroxide subjected to a surface treatment with a phosphoric acid ester, or a heat-resistant aluminum hydroxide (Patent Literature 1) and the like.

Flame retardant resin composition, and formed part and wiring material each using the same