A method for manufacturing a patterned substrate includes the steps of: ejecting ink to a plurality of ink ejection portions arranged in a row by using a head having a plurality of ink ejecting means corresponding to the plurality of ink ejection portions; and drying the ejected ink. In the ink ejection step, ink is ejected so that a solid content weight of the ink in each ink ejection portion is different between an inner part and an end part of the plurality of ink ejection portions arranged in a row.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a patterned substrate and a method and apparatus for manufacturing the same.
2. Description of the Background Art
Recently, high resolution, high image quality display devices with reduced display unevenness such as reduced luminance unevenness, reduced color unevenness and the like have been increasingly demanded. Such a demand has raised a need for improved accuracy of a patterned substrate such as a color filter substrate and an organic electroluminescent substrate. A color filter substrate is a substrate which is used in display devices such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) and an electroluminescent display using a color filter. An organic electroluminescent substrate (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as "organic EL substrate") is a substrate which is used in an organic electroluminescent display (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as "organic EL display").
Examples of a method for manufacturing a patterned substrate include a dyeing method, a pigment dispersion method, an electrodeposition method, a vacuum deposition method, a spin coating method, a dip method, a roll coating method, a doctor blade method, an ink jet method, and the like.
In the ink jet method, a matrix pattern can be relatively easily formed as compared with other methods for manufacturing a patterned substrate. Moreover, in the ink jet method, a manufacturing process is relatively short and a patterned substrate can be manufactured at low cost. The ink jet method has therefore attracted attention as a method for manufacturing various kinds of patterned substrate (for example, Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 10-12377).
In the ink jet method, a patterned substrate is formed by ejecting ink from an ink ejecting nozzle of an ink jet head to each of a plurality of ink ejection portions arranged in a matrix while scanning a substrate with the ink jet head, and then drying the ejected ink into a solid state.
For improved production efficiency, an ink jet head having a plurality of ink ejecting nozzles is usually used in the ink jet method to eject ink simultaneously to a plurality of ink ejection portions arranged in a row.
In order to improve placement accuracy of ink which is ejected from ink ejecting nozzles and to prevent mixing of ink which has been ejected to adjacent ink ejection portions, there has been proposed a technique for separating a plurality of ink ejection portions from each other by an ink-ejection-portion formation layer having a liquid repelling property (an ink repelling property) (for example, SID Digest 1999, pp. 376-379).
However, when ink is ejected simultaneously to a plurality of ink ejection portions arranged in a row by using an ink jet head having a plurality of ink ejecting nozzles, an ink layer formed in an inner part of the row (hereinafter, sometimes simply referred to as "inner part") and an ink layer formed in end parts of the row (hereinafter, sometimes simply referred to as "end parts") have different thicknesses (MRS BULLETIN/NOVEMBER 2003, pp. 821-827).
Hereinafter, the reason why ink layers in an inner part and end parts of a row have different thicknesses will be described in detail.
FIG. 6 is a schematic plan view illustrating the step of ejecting ink to ink ejection portions 307 on a main substrate 301 (not shown in FIG. 6) by a conventional ink jet method.
FIG. 7 is an enlarged schematic cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI in FIG. 6.
FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the main substrate 301 having ink layers 308 formed thereon by the conventional ink jet method.
FIG. 9 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion surrounded by dotted line VIII in FIG. 8.
For convenience, in FIGS. 8 and 9, the thickness of ink layers 308 relative to a bank 303 is shown to be larger than their actual thickness. Actually, the bank 303 is about 1 μm to about 5 μm high and the ink layers 308 are about 10 nm to about 200 nm thick.
A plurality of ink ejection portions 307 arranged in a matrix are formed on the main substrate 301. The plurality of ink ejection portions 307 are separated from each other by the bank 303. A light shielding layer 302 is formed between the main substrate 301 and the bank 303. A region of each ink ejection portion 307 in which the light shielding layer 302 is not formed is an effective region PD3. Note that an "effective region" is a region which is to be actually used as a device. For example, provided that a patterned substrate is a color filer substrate or an organic EL substrate, an "effective region" refers to a display aperture region.
The ink layers 308 are formed by ejecting ink droplets 304 to the ink ejection portions 307 on the main substrate 301 by using an ink jet head 306 and drying the ink droplets 304 which have been ejected to the ink ejection portions 307 into a solid state. The ink jet head 306 has a plurality of ink ejecting nozzles 305. The plurality of ink ejecting nozzles 305 are provided corresponding to a plurality of ink ejection portions 307 arranged in a row. The plurality of ink ejecting nozzles 305 can thus eject ink droplets 304 simultaneously to a plurality of ink ejection portions 307 arranged in a row. Ink droplets 304 are ejected to a plurality of ink ejection portions 307 arranged in a matrix in a target block B3 while scanning the main substrate 301 in the Y-axis direction with the ink jet head 306. The ink jet head 306 is then moved by one block B3 in the X-axis direction, and ink droplets 304 are similarly ejected to a plurality of ink ejection portions 307 in the next target block B3 while scanning the main substrate 301 in the Y-axis direction with the ink jet head 306.
A patterned substrate is thus produced by ejecting ink droplets 304 to all the ink ejection portions 307 while scanning the main substrate 301 in the Y-axis direction with the ink jet head 306 a plurality of times. Note that a block B3 is a region of the main substrate 301 in which the ink layer 308 can be formed on each ink ejection portion 307 each time the main substrate 301 is scanned in the Y-axis direction with the ink jet head 306.
By using the ink jet head 306, ink droplets 304 are ejected to the ink ejection portions 307 on a block B3 by block B3 basis. In this case, when the ink droplet 304 dries into a solid state, a vapor pressure of a volatile component of ink in the periphery of an ejected ink droplet 304 is different between an inner part S and end parts E of the block B3. In general, the vapor pressure of the volatile component of ink is uniform in the inner part of the block B3. In the end parts of the block B3, however, the vapor pressure of the volatile component of ink becomes lower toward both ends of the block B3. Ink droplets 304 therefore dry at a different rate between the inner part S and the end parts E. As a result, the shape of the ink layer 308 is different between the inner part S and the end parts E.
Conventionally, a solid content weight of ink which is ejected to each ink ejection portion 307 is approximately the same. Therefore, if the shape of the dried ink layer 308 is different, the thickness in the effective region PD3 of the ink layer 308 is also different. Accordingly, the ink layers 308 formed in the inner part S have approximately the same thickness H7, while the ink layers 308 formed in the end parts E become thinner toward the ends of the block B3. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, the thickness H7 of the ink layers 308 in the inner part S and thicknesses H8 and H9 of the ink layers 308 in the end part E become smaller in this order.
In FIGS. 8 and 9, the ink layers 308 in the end parts E have a concave shape. However, the ink layers 308 in the end parts E need not necessarily have a concave shape. The ink layers 308 in the end parts E may have a more convex shape than that of the ink layers 308 in the inner part S depending on manufacturing conditions.
In FIGS. 8 and 9, only two ink layers 308 in each end part E are shown to have a different shape from that of the ink layers 308 in the inner part S. Depending on manufacturing conditions, however, only one ink layer 308 or three or more ink layers 308 in each end part E may have a different shape from that of the ink layers 308 in the inner part S.

Patterned substrate, and method and apparatus for manufacturing the same


A system for developing a patient care plan and executing the patient care plan and assessing the success of the planning and execution of the patient care plan. A coordinated, collaborative approach to the development of a patient care plan at the admission of a patient to a health care facility and may include a plurality of healthcare professionals in the development of the plan. The plan may include a plurality of phases spanning from admission through treatment and discharge of the patient from the health care facility. A system of executing the patient care plan with specific milestones established before transitioning the treatment from one stage of the care plan to the next stage of the care plan. A method of developing, executing and assessing the execution of a patient care plan including a plurality of phases of patient care and milestones to be met before transitioning to the next phase of care.

In the health care industry, there are a number of professionals who provide services and care to patients who may be admitted to a care facility, such as a hospital. Because each of these professions has a unique set of skills and training, and unique sets of standards regarding care and treatment, crafting a common plan for the overall treatment and care of a patient can sometimes be problematic. The lack of a common and coherent plan for treatment of a patient can result in diminished confidence in the patient and their family in the course of treatment and a lack of efficiency in providing care and treatment.
That lack of efficiency in the treatment plan and the provision of treatment can lead to increased stays in hospital and also to increased costs and disruption of service to other patients.
In conventional medical practice, multiple treatment or care plans may be written for each patient. However, conventionally, these plans are not developed at the same time and based on the information from the patient. It is this lack of commonality and coherence between the different treatment or care plans that the present disclosure seeks to address.
It has been noted in statistical research regarding the quality and efficacy of health care in the U.S. that as many as 98,000 people die in U.S. hospitals each year as a result of errors. Further, it is estimated that as many as sixty-five patients out of every one thousand patients treated may suffer injury or illness as a consequence of their treatment. These statistics point to a need to improve the provision of health care provided in a hospital or health care facility setting.
Improvements to the planning and execution of patient care plans are desirable.

System and method for collaborative patient care


A method for controlling fossil fuel fired heating systems according to an improved adaptive cyclical control method when operating on backup (auxiliary DC) electrical power. Battery life is prolonged when used in conjunction with such improved method. Operating characteristics of the heating equipment and home or building being heated are monitored and stored in electronic memory during normal periods of operation when grid power is available. These characteristics are used to create control algorithms that are in turn specific to the system, as defined by the heating equipment and conditioned space. When the grid power is lost the control algorithms select the optimal heating mode, determine optimal cycle duration, and estimate the time to exhaustion of the remaining backup power.

1. Technical Field
This invention relates to a process or method for controlling fossil fuel (oil or gas) furnaces under conditions of unintentional electrical power outage or situations in which there is a desire to shed electrical load such as periods of peak demand on the electric power grid.
2. Description of Related Art
Occasionally it becomes desirable or necessary to rely on backup electrical power (BUP) systems for the operation of heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment. Most HVAC systems become inoperative without such backup power. Normal fossil fuel furnace control schemes are most often focused on thermal comfort rather than conservation of electrical energy. As a result such furnaces operating under normal control scenarios do not optimize electrical power usage and thereby quickly deplete BUP systems.
A few prior art references describe control schemes for emergency or backup power operation of fossil fuel furnaces. U.S. Pat. No. 4,946,096 by Ballard et al. issued on Aug. 7, 1990 ("U.S. Pat. No. '096") discloses a control scheme for application of backup DC power to fossil fuel powered furnaces of that time period with blower and burner assemblies each having high and low settings. The control scheme restricts the furnace operation from a high heat mode during emergency power operation. As such U.S. Pat. No. '096 relies on switching to low heat mode and low circulating fan settings to reduce electrical power consumption. But, many of today's furnace designs operate more effectively, in terms of heat supplied to the conditioned space relative to the coincident electrical power usage, by remaining in a high heat mode and reducing the number of on and off cycles. As a result there remains a need to control fossil fuel powered furnaces in a manner that optimizes the heat supplied relative to the electrical energy consumed under auxiliary power conditions.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,427,086 by Brownell issued on Jun. 27, 1995 ("U.S. Pat. No. '086") discloses a natural gas powered forced air furnace having a thermoelectric generator for providing continuous operation during an electric power outage. U.S. Pat. No. '086 applies to a self-powered system having unlimited DC power. There are no power conservation measures disclosed in the '086 patent.
Despite the use and availability of BUP systems for HVAC systems, these systems cannot be used for an unlimited amount of time. Therefore, there remains a need to optimize the manner of operation of fossil fuel powered furnaces so as to control the cycle durations in real time during periods of reduced or no electrical power so as to optimize the useful heat supplied over the limited life of BUP systems. There remains a need to improve fossil fuel powered heating systems performance when operating under DC power with limited power availability through the use of intelligent, dwelling-specific control algorithms and by providing a user interface to override such improved control algorithms when desired. The present invention fills these and other needs as detailed more fully below.

Control algorithm for backup power system

Abstract: Operation is divided into sequential modes. When a prolonged low voltage period is detected, the backup power control initiates a short-term preliminary energy conservation mode. As the outage persists, the control transitions to intermediate and long-term energy conservation modes until the backup power is exhausted or grid power is restored.


In a method for operating a magnetic resonance tomography device having a gradient system, which contains at least one gradient coil arrangement for generating a gradient field in a spatial direction and which also contains an energy supply device that is connected to the gradient coil arrangement, and wherein the gradient coil arrangement has at least one first sub-coil and one second sub-coil, and wherein the energy supply device is fashioned such that currents can be adjusted independently of one another in the sub-coils for the continuous adjustment of at least one property of the gradient field, the current in at least one of the sub-coils is determined and adjusted by solving an optimization task containing a target function and at least one secondary condition so that stimulations of a living examination subject are avoided.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a method for operating a magnetic resonance tomography device with a gradient system having at least one gradient coil arrangement for generating a gradient field in a spatial direction and which contains an energy supply device that is connected to the gradient coil arrangement; the gradient coil arrangement having at least one first sub-coil and one second sub-coil, and wherein the energy supply device is fashioned such that the currents in the sub-coils can be adjusted independently of one another.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Magnetic resonance tomography is a known technique for acquiring images of the inside of the body of a living examination subject. For this purpose, rapidly switched magnetic gradient fields, which have a high amplitude and which are generated by a gradient system, are superimposed on a static basic magnetic field.
The gradient system includes gradient coils, gradient amplifiers and a gradient control. One of the gradient coils, for a specific spatial direction, generates a gradient field having a gradient, which, at least within an imaging volume of the magnetic resonance tomography device, is approximately of the same magnitude in a location-independent manner at any arbitrary point in time. Since the gradient field is a chronologically variable magnetic field, the aforementioned is still valid for any point in time but the magnitude is variable from one point in time to another point in time. Normally, the direction of the gradient is strictly prescribed by the gradient coil design.
The currents are adjusted in the gradient coil for generating the gradient field. The amplitudes of the required currents amount to several 100 A. The current rising and falling rates (xe2x80x9cslew ratexe2x80x9d) amount to several 100 kA/s. The gradient coil is connected to a gradient amplifier for the current supply. Since the gradient coil represents an inductive load, high initial voltages of the gradient amplifier are necessary for generating the aforementioned currents.
In the case of magnetic resonance image pickups in living examination subjects, unwanted stimulations in the examination subject can be triggered due the switching of the gradient fields. The gradient fields thereby have an effect on the examination subject and are characterized by a chronologically changing magnetic flux density, which generates eddy and inductance currents in the examination subject.
Methods are known for predicting these stimulations. One of these methods for monitoring the stimulation is based on the dB/dt model, for example. In this method, the values of the chronological change of the magnetic flux density (dB/dt-values) of gradient fields are controlled and monitored, these values occurring during magnetic resonance tomography. The maximally allowable dB/dt values derive from the result of a stimulation study with the corresponding gradient coil, or from the limiting values that are strictly prescribed by the facility operating the tomography apparatus, for example. Further details are provided by J. Abart et al. xe2x80x9cPeripheral Nerve Stimulation by Time-Varying Magnetic fieldsxe2x80x9d, J. Computer Assisted Tomography (1997) 21 (4), pages 532 to 538.
The initiation of stimulations essentially depends on the type of pulse sequence employed in the imaging. Such sequences are broadly differentiated between conventional sequences and the fast sequences. Normally, conventional sequences require a high linearity of the gradient fields within a specific linearity volume, for example a linearity of approximately 5% in a spherical linearity volume having a diameter of approximately 40 to 50 cm given moderate gradient intensities of 10 to 20 mT/m and switching times of approximately 1 ms. High gradient intensities, e.g. 20 to 40 mT/m, are extremely rapidly switched for the fast sequences (switching times circa 100 to 500 xcexcs). The time-varying magnetic flux density of the gradient fields induces electric currents in the examination subject, and these electric currents can initiate stimulations of the examination subject. As a result of faster time variations, i.e., faster switching times and higher values of the magnetic flux density of gradient fields, the induced currents become larger and the likelihood of stimulations increases. Values that are the largest in terms of magnitude are reached at the edges and outside of the linearity volumes; this is where the maximal field boost occurs. Given the requirements to be met by the gradient intensity and the switching time, the boost is reduced and therefore the risk of stimulation because a gradient coil having a smaller linearity volume is utilized. Therefore, the linearity volume is reduced to a diameter of 20 cm, for example, in fast sequences. Normally, a gradient coil with the aforementioned properties for fast sequences is not suitable for conventional whole body applications, but it is suitable for magnetic resonance imaging techniques, such as the echo planar method and its hybrids.
Published German application OS195 40 746 describes a modular gradient coil system, which has two gradient coils for a spatial direction. One of the two coils or a series connection of both gradient coils is optionally connected to a gradient amplifier. For example, only one of the gradient coils is used for fast sequences and the series connection is used for conventional sequences. The gradient coil system thereby has a small linearity volume for fast sequences and allows the fast switching of gradient fields with large gradient intensities. Given the common operation of both coils, the gradient coil system has a larger linearity volume for conventional sequences with slowly switched gradient fields and with respect to smaller gradient intensities. A disadvantage of the aforementioned gradient coil system is that the size of the linearity volume and the quality of the linearity can be varied only in three steps at a maximum.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a method for operating a magnetic resonance tomography device of the type described above which improves the avoidance of producing stimulations of a living examination subject.
This object is achieved in accordance with the invention in a method for operating a magnetic resonance tomography device having a gradient system, which contains at least one gradient coil arrangement for generating a gradient field in a spatial direction and which contains an energy supply device that is connected to the gradient coil arrangement, wherein the gradient coil arrangement has at least one first sub-coil and one second sub-coil and wherein the energy supply device is fashioned such that currents can be adjusted independently of one another in the sub-coils, and wherein, for the continuous adjustment of at least one property of the gradient field, the current in at least one of the sub-coils is determined and adjusted by solving an optimization task containing a target function and at least one secondary condition, so that stimulations of a living examination subject are avoided.
For example, stimulations are prevented when an extreme value of the magnetic flux density of the gradient field remains below a fixable stimulation limiting value given a fixed slew rate of a sequence. The optimization task is solved by a variation calculation, for example. The target function contains coefficients of a spherical function development of a magnetic flux density of the gradient field, and the target function contains coefficients for each of the sub-coils. The coefficients for one of the sub-coils are multiplied with a factor that corresponds to a ratio of an adjustable current to a nominal current of the sub-coil. For example, a further secondary condition is that at least one of the coefficients multiplied with the factor is larger than a fixed limiting value. For example, it is possible to prescribe a minimally required gradient intensity with this version of the invention.
In addition to a current adjustment for operating the gradient system, a design of the gradient system also can be determined by solving the aforementioned optimization task. In the design of the gradient coil arrangement, coefficients and necessary nominal currents of the sub-coils are determined from properties of the gradient field prescribed in areas, in combination with other design criteria such as rigid body movement of the gradient coil arrangement in the device, eddy current behavior, noise generation etc. On the basis of a fixed gradient coil arrangement with fixed coefficients and nominal currents, the currents to be adjusted are determined dependent on the desired properties of the gradient field by means of the determination of current adjustments.
In an embodiment, at least one of the sequence parameters is prescribed for a selected sequence type in an area, so that the sequence can be executed by means of the gradient system of the device. The sequence parameter thereby co-determines at least one of the properties of the gradient field. For example, the minimally required gradient intensity and the minimally required slew rate is fixed in that a sequence type is selected. Furthermore, the selection of a field of views, for example, directly effects the size of the linearity volume. Since the user can only select parameters that can be executed by means of the gradient system of the device, the prescription of parameters that cannot be executed is avoided.
In another embodiment, the sequence parameter can be varied during the execution of the sequence.
In another embodiment, a current effecting a first linearity and/or a first linearity volume and/or a first gradient intensity of the gradient field is adjusted in the first sub-coil, and the current in the second sub-coil is controlled such that the first linearity and/or the first linearity volume and/or the first gradient intensity can be continuously varied. The current in the second sub-coil can be controlled for the purpose as to size and polarity sign.
In another embodiment, the currents are adjusted in the sub-coils such that stimulations of a living examination subject are prevented. Since the properties of the gradient field can be continuously adjusted at least in most areas, it is possible in an adjustment that avoids stimulations to always remain slightly below a stimulation threshold, so that the gradient system is operated with optimum efficiency.
In another embodiment, the energy supply device contains a first gradient amplifier, which is connected to the first sub-coil, and a second gradient amplifier, which is connected to the second sub-coil. As a result of the utilization of known and proven components of a magnetic resonance tomography device, the energy supply device is fashioned in a simple way such that the currents in the sub-coils can be adjusted independently of one another.
In another embodiment, the first sub-coil is fashioned for a specific linearity volume of the gradient field and/or for a specific linearity of the gradient field, and the second sub-coil is fashioned as a correction coil, so that the specific linearity volume and/or the specific linearity can be varied. As a result, the specific linearity volume can be enlarged and the specific linearity can be improved via the linearity volume for conventional sequences, in particular. The linearity volume, which is spherical for example, is the volume within which the linearity of the gradient field does not exceed a fixed linearity deviation, indicated in percent, for example. Therefore, the linearity of the gradient field characterizes the quality of the gradient field within the linearity volume, whereby the quality is described by the linearity deviation. A linearity deviation of 0% means that the curve of the gradient field is ideally linear within the linearity volume.
In another embodiment, the first sub-coil is fashioned for a specific gradient intensity of the gradient field, with the gradient intensity preferably being the maximum gradient intensity in terms of magnitude for the first sub-coil, and the second sub-coil is fashioned as an amplification coil, so that the specific gradient intensity can be varied, preferably increased. Therefore, the high gradient intensities that are particularly necessary for the fast sequences can be reached.

Method for operating a magnetic resonance tomography device


A reel having an adjustable deployment angle including a frame, a drum mounted in the frame and having a core and end flanges, a level wind assembly having a carriage, a lead screw and an indexing finger or fingers, and a guide frame element or elements coupled to the frame proximate one of the end flanges, wherein the guide frame element includes a groove having a plurality of discrete, preferably linear, segments configured to receive the indexing finger. Additionally, the groove may include a generally radially-inwardly extending notch at an intersection of each of the discrete segments, where each of the notches may be radially spaced a different distance from an axis of rotation of the drum. Adjusting the level wind assembly may include moving the indexing finger out of a notch, along one or more of the discrete segments, and back into a second notch.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to spooling systems for the receiving, storage, and deploying of cables, hoses, umbilical connections, such as bundles of hydraulic lines or hydraulic and electrical lines and the like, i.e., collectively "cables."
Present systems for winding cable onto spools, particularly on off-shore drill rigs, employ spools which are mechanically driven. Offshore drilling systems have reels with various capacities outside diameter cable for controlling of subsea blowout prevention equipment.
2. Description of the Related Art
One such cable spooling system is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,767,073. With this type of system, as the cable is wound onto or off of the spool it is guided by a cable guide or "level wind" assembly mounted for traversing a reversible diamond groove shaft parallel to the axis of the spool. The cable guide assembly is coupled to tracking guide bars. Thus, the cable guide assembly traverses the diamond groove shaft and guide bars from one side to the other, evenly distributing the cable on the hub of the spool. When the cable gets to one end of the diamond groove shaft, it automatically reverses and continues to traverse in the other direction, continuously feeding the cable onto the spool. Many reels have been manufactured with this familiar diamond pattern lead screw mechanism to cause the line being wound onto the drum of the reel to be wrapped in an orderly and compact fashion. Probably the most common of these is the fishing reel.
In some instances, the level wind assembly may be fixed to the frame so that a single, constant deployment angle is available. This configuration may be good for repetitive uses where no change to the angle may be necessary once the system is installed or where the system is installed once and then never moved.
Alternatively, it may be desirable to adjust the level wind assembly about the reel in order to change the deployment angle. One example of an adjustable level wind assembly may be seen in U.S. Pat. No. 5,950,953, in which the level wind assembly includes a carriage traversable on an upper guide bar and a diamond groove shaft that are mounted to plates at each end. The end plates are rotatable about the axis of rotation of the drum, so that they move in a circumferential arc to allow adjustment of the assembly.

Incrementally adjustable level winding mechanism


A method and apparatus for testing a data transfer system. The method comprises the steps of storing a first table, the first table noting at least a time of issuance of at least one command and a time of completion of the command and comparing the time of issuance of the command and the time of completion of the command. A timeout condition is registered if the processor determines that a time longer than a predetermined time elapsed between the time of issuance of the command and the time of completion of the command.

Developers of large disk arrays may typically perform large and difficult debug processes when bringing a product on line and to completion. After all the components of such an array have been assembled and it has been confirmed that the array can successfully run one command at a time, the developers begin to confirm that the array will properly operate in a more real-world type of environment. Testing in such an environment includes a much more rigorous procedure, including multiple computers issuing multiple simultaneous or closely bunched commands to multiple disk drives in the array. Ultimately, in such a test environment, and also when the system is in use in the real world, there may be hundreds, or even thousands of commands pending for processing at any one time.
During such a test, as well as when in use in a real-world computing environment, often things start off running smoothly and the array is able to handle the large number of issued commands. As the test runs for a time, performance may slow down, resulting in the multiple computers beginning to complain that disk access is taking too long. In extreme cases, the entire array may "lock up", and no computer can do anything with any disk in the array, no matter how long the computer waits for a response.
These types of problems have traditionally been very hard to diagnose and fix, because the actual processing that is causing the problem takes place long before any symptoms are noticed. By the time any of the symptoms described above are noticed, the conditions that caused the problem have likely long passed through the system and have been processed.
Sometimes, such symptoms are caused by a particular command to a particular disk drive taking far longer than it should to complete. In extreme cases, the command may simply hang, and is never completed. Determining the precise one command in a sea of hundreds or thousands of other commands pending at the same time that caused such a problem has always been a difficult task.
It would therefore be beneficial to have some way to detect problems quickly in such a situation, and to provide a picture of what type of processing was being implemented at the time of the problem.


A method of manufacturing a flash memory device. An etch process for controlling the effective field height of isolation layers is performed using a dry etch process on condition that an excessive amount of polymer is generated, thus forming first spacers on sidewalls of a floating gate pattern. The first spacers serve as an etch barrier layer when the isolation layers of regions exposed when a control gate and a floating gate are formed subsequently are etched, so that a second spacer is formed on sidewalls of the semiconductor substrate of an active region. Accordingly, exposure and damage of the sidewalls of the semiconductor substrate can be prevented and the reliability of devices can be improved.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates in general to a method of manufacturing a flash memory device and, more particularly, to a method of manufacturing a flash memory device, wherein damage to the sidewalls of a semiconductor substrate of a region exposed when a control gate and a floating gate are formed can be prevented.
2. Discussion of Related Art
A NAND flash memory device performs data program by injecting electrons into the floating gate by Fowler-Nordheim tunneling (FN). The NAND flash memory device provides a large capacity and a high level of integration.
The NAND flash memory device includes a number of cell blocks. Each cell block includes a number of cell strings in which a number of cells for storing data are connected in series to form one string, and a drain select transistor and a source select transistor formed between the cell string and the drain, and the cell string and the source, respectively.
The cell of the NAND flash memory device is formed by forming an isolation layers on a predetermined region of a semiconductor substrate, forming a gate in which a tunnel oxide layer, a floating gate, a dielectric layer, and a control gate are laminated on a predetermined region of the semiconductor substrate, and forming a junction at both sides of the gate.
In a NAND flash memory device of 60 nm or less, however, a method of forming high a conductive layer for a floating gate and performing a trench etch process for forming an isolation layers simultaneously with an etch process of the conductive layer is used in order to secure the overlap margin of the floating gate and the active region at the same time and to prevent a thinning phenomenon of the tunnel oxide layer.
In the case where the method is used, a process of controlling the EFH (effective field oxide height) by etching the isolation layers to a predetermined depth using a wet etch process must be implemented subsequently in order to increase the junction area of the dielectric layer and the floating gate. However, as the conductive layer for the floating gate of a region exposed at the time of the formation of the control gate and the floating gate subsequently is etched, the isolation layers is further etched.
Accordingly, the isolation layers is formed lower in depth than a surface of the semiconductor substrate. If the isolation layers is formed lower in depth than the surface of the semiconductor substrate as described above, the sidewalls of the semiconductor substrate are exposed. As a result, the exposed portions of the semiconductor substrate are damaged in a subsequent process, leading to fatal damage to the device.

Method of manufacturing flash memory device


A social media network is monitored for postings of a control group. The control group is a group of one or more individuals that posts on a particular topic. The postings of the control group may cover all the postings of each member of the control group for a period of time. A first relative social media score is calculated for the postings of the control group on the social media network. A social media score is calculated for a social media posting of a user or entity on the social media network. The relative social media score for the control group is compared to the social media score for the user or entity to see if there is a significant difference. If there is a significant difference, an agent in a contact center to is identified respond to the social media posting of the user or entity.

Customer behavior on social media networks is continuing to draw the attention of businesses. In particular, businesses are increasingly interested in monitoring social media posts both to the business' social media networks as well as monitoring social media posts by known customers, regardless of whether such posts are on the business' social media network. As social media continues to evolve, so too must a business' strategy for dealing with social media interactions.
Existing methods of monitoring and responding to social media interactions are primarily concerned with detecting a posting, classifying whether the posting requires a response from the business, and, if so, preparing an appropriate response. Unfortunately, the classification process for identifying whether to respond to a particular posting still has significant problems. Current solutions attempt to classify a posting primarily based on the content of the posting. This can result in unnecessary contact center resources being deployed for certain posts that do not necessarily require a response or, more problematically, may result in the failure to deploy resources for certain posts that should warrant a response. For example, a user may make a neutral post about a product. Using current classification processes, a response would likely not be generated. However, if the user's previous responses have been always highly favorable, failure to respond could result in decreased customer loyalty or even in the loss of a loyal customer.

Mechanism for computing and using contextualized social media scores


The subject matter described herein includes methods, systems, and computer readable media for enabling real-time guarantees in publish-subscribe middleware with dynamically reconfigurable networks. One exemplary method includes providing a publish-subscribe middleware interface usable by publishers and subscribers to request quality of service guarantees for data delivery across a network. The method also includes providing a global resource manager for receiving quality of service requests from the subscribers, for evaluating the requests, and for dynamically reconfiguring network resources to provide the requested quality of service guarantees.

In real-time and open systems, such as monitoring systems in a hospital or a power grid, modules are plugged into the system and moved at run time. One goal when a new module is plugged into a system is that the module may need to be able to deliver data in a fixed amount of time. Some middleware standards allow applications to request quality of service. However, there is no mechanism in the middleware to guarantee such quality of service.
Another example of message based quality of service is differentiated service in IP networks where quality of service parameters can be inserted by applications in IP headers. However, there is no guarantee how routers in the network will treat packets marked with such quality of service parameters.
Another issue that exists with open networks where an application can specify its own quality of service is that bad actors can disrupt network quality of service provided to other actors. For example, an application infected with a virus could specify high quality of service for all of its packets, which may result in service degradation for other applications in the network.
In light of these difficulties, there exists a need for improved enabling of real time guarantees in publish-subscribe middleware using dynamically reconfigurable networks.

Methods, systems, and computer readable media for enabling real-time guarantees in publish-subscribe middleware using dynamically reconfigurable networks

THE TRUSTEES OF THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA


The object of the present invention is to provide a novel primer for use in the detection of Mycobacterium avium (M. avium), and a method for detection of M. avium conveniently, rapidly and with high precision by using the primer. More specifically, disclosed are an oligonucleotide which comprises a part or an entire of the nucleotide sequence selected from SEQ ID NO:1, SEQ ID NO:2, SEQ ID NO:3, SEQ ID NO:4, SEQ ID NO:5, SEQ ID NO:37, SEQ ID NO:38, SEQ ID NO:39, SEQ ID NO:40, SEQ ID NO:41, SEQ ID NO:42, SEQ ID NO:130, SEQ ID NO:131, SEQ ID NO:132, SEQ ID NO:133, SEQ ID NO:134, SEQ ID NO:135 and SEQ ID NO:136, or a part or an entire of the sequence complementary to the nucleotide sequence, and which is capable of hybridizing with the nucleotide sequence for a Mycobacterium avium gene; a primer and a probe for use in the detection of M. avium, which comprises the oligonucleotide; and a method for detection of M. avium using the primer and/or probe.

Nontuberculous mycobacterium is a gram positive bacillus having acid-fast characteristics classified into genus Mycobacterium (hereinafter, optionally abbreviated simply as M.), and is a kind of acid-fast bacterium other than tuberculosis complex and Mycobacterium leprae. Fifteen to 20% of cases showing positive for sputum smear examination for acid-fast bacterium have been diagnosed to be nontuberculous mycobacterium by subsequent examinations for identification of bacterial strain.
Among nontuberculous mycobacteria, clinically problematic known bacterial strain includes M. avium, Mycobacterium intracellulare (hereinafter, abbreviated as "M. intracellulare"), Mycobacterium kansasii, Mycobacterium marinum, Mycobacterium gordonae, Mycobacterium szulgai, Mycobacterium xenopi, Mycobacterium fortuitum, Mycobacterium chelonei, Mycobacterium abscessus, and so on.
Above all, the commonly noted strains are M. avium and M. intracellulare. Since M. avium and M. intracellulare are closely resemble each other and difficult to distinguish between them, M. intracellulare and M. avium have been referred to collectively as Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC). About 70% of patients with nontuberculous mycobacteria disease are MAC infection, and the second large population is M. kansasii infection accounting 20%. And the rest of 10% are the infection by other bacterial strains.
In general, the nontuberculous mycobacteria have weak toxicity, and they are believed to be harmless to a healthy subject. However, on rare occasions, they may exert infectivity to human. Among them, the MAC is known to cause sometimes aftereffects of tuberculosis (lung infectious disease), or to cause opportunistic infections to a compromised patient such as AIDS patient. Therefore, it is particularly important in the therapy to detect the nontuberculous mycobacteria with rapidity and preciseness.
In addition, in recent years, the incidence of nontuberculous mycobacterium infection demonstrates upward trend, and therefore, development of a method for discriminating tuberculosis bacterium from nontuberculous mycobacteria in a short period of time has been desired strongly. Moreover, from the viewpoint of the fact that the method of detecting/diagnosing M. avium and M. intracellulare by nucleic acid amplification technology has been included in health insurance coverage, its diagnostic significance is obviously great.
In addition, most of the nontuberculous mycobacteria demonstrate resistance against antituberucular agents. Therefore, when a patient is suspected of acid-fast bacterium infection, differential diagnosis whether the disease is tuberculosis or nontuberculous mycobacterium disease is quite important to decide a course of treatment. Further, as a method for treatment of the diseases caused by nontuberculous mycobacteria may vary depending on the individual species of bacterium, the identification of bacterial strain is also quite important. However, nontuberculous mycobacterium diseases do not show any specific clinical symptom. Therefore, it is quite difficult to differentiate tuberculosis from nontuberculous mycobacterium disease by clinical observation and histopathological manifestation, and to specify the species of the nontuberculous mycobacterium. Consequently, the diagnosis whether the disease is tuberculosis or nontuberculous mycobacterium disease has to be determined by bacterial identification of the infected bacterium.
A typical method for identification of bacterium to be carried out for the diagnosis of nontuberculous mycobacterium disease is sputum smear examination. However, by this test, what can be figured out is only whether the pathogenic bacterium is "positive for acid-fast bacterium" or not and whether the pathogenic bacterium is tuberculosis bacterium or nontuberculous mycobacterium cannot be differentiated. Therefore, when the result of the sputum smear examination is positive, bacterial culture examination by isolation culture on a culture medium such as Ogawa's medium has to be carried out to differentiate between tuberculosis bacterium and nontuberculous mycobacterium. And further, by performing additional biochemical examinations, bacterial species of the infected bacterium is identified. However, in general, growth of bacterium belonging to genus Mycobacterium is slow; for example, it takes 3 to 4 weeks only for its isolation culture. And further, it requires additional 2 to 3 weeks to obtain the results of various biochemical tests for the identification of bacterial species. Accordingly, the conventional basic method, in which a diagnostic outcome on whether the disease is tuberculosis or not is obtained by conducting the above described smear examination and a cell culture examination, is a considerably time-consuming method.
On the other hand, in recent years, a technology of detecting bacteria on a genetic level has been developed. For example, a diagnostic technique utilizing the nucleic acid amplification technology such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and the like has been studied as a useful means for detecting bacteria. Because of high sensitivity of this method, even if there are only several cells of the bacteria in a sample, the bacteria can be detected. In addition, this method has an advantage that the detection (identification of bacterial species) can be completed in a short time (in 4 days at the longest). However, in the usual PCR method, the number of bacterial count cannot be determined. In addition, in this method, cells are detected regardless of live cells or dead cells. Further, if some bacteria exist in the sample, the determination is made positive regardless of size of the bacterial count. Therefore, by the PCR method, diagnosis on whether the bacteria detected in a patient are infectious or not will be uncertain. Furthermore, the method has a problem such as providing a frequent false positive judgment due to its too high sensitivity.
With respect to the method for detection of M. avium using the PCR method, there is a method for detection of MAC nucleic acid using a multiple primer set of oligonucleotide primers specific for 2 or more of gene regions comprising, for example, MacSequevar gene region, 19 kD protein (MAV 19k) gene region of M. avium, and ribosomal protein s1 gene region of M. intracellulare (Patent Literature 1). However, by this method, discrimination between M. avium and M. intracellulare cannot be achieved. In addition, the Patent Literature 1 has also disclosed an Msqv-Av probe which is a primer capable of detecting only M. avium, and an MAV 19K primer specific for nucleic acid from M. avium. However, even by the detection method using these probe and primer, there also disclosed some cases where M. avium can not be identified clearly as M. avium depending on the type of strain. That is, the specificity of these probe and primer for M. avium is far from satisfactory.
In addition, a method in which PCR is carried out by using a primer capable of amplifying a DNA nucleotide sequence nipping insertion site of the gene insertion sequence IS901, and by determining whether it is avian tuberculosis bacterium (M. avium) or M. intracellulare based on the chain length of obtained primer extension product (Patent Literature 2) has also been known. However, in the PCR using aforementioned primer, the primer extension product can be obtained in either the case where the sample is avian tuberculosis bacterium (M. avium) and the case of M. intracellulare, and therefore, this determination method can not be said as a specific method for M. avium. In addition, the method, whereby the discrimination between both bacterial strains is carried out based on the chain length of the primer extension product is cumbersome; and it is conceivable that different determination may be made by different judge; and in consequence, it cannot be said that the method is a reliable determination method.
Other than the PCR method, there is a determination method through the use of Strand Displacement Amplification Method (SDA method). For example, JP-A-H10-4984 (Patent Literature 3) discloses a method in which 63 nucleotide segment of BCG85-B gene coding a part of α-antigen of mycobacterium is targeted. In this method, using a primer which is capable of amplifying the target sequence in the BCG85-B gene owned by both M. avium and M. intracellulare, nucleic acid amplification reaction is carried out by the SDA method. And then, MAC is detected based on the results. That is, the primer used in aforementioned method is a primer capable of amplifying both M. avium and M. intracellulare. However, in this method, as a matter of course, a primer extension product will be obtained in both cases where either of M. avium or M. intracellulare exists in a sample. Because of that, MAC can be detected by this method; however, it is impossible to detect M. avium specifically. In addition, even when MAC is detected, there can be an instance where false-positive result is provided.
In JP-A-2001-103986 (Patent Literature 4), primers to be used for the detection of MAC, oligonucleotides to be used as a capture probe and a detection probe have been disclosed. However, aforementioned primer can amplify a 48 bp target sequence of dnaJ gene which is owned commonly by both avian tuberculosis bacteria (M. avium) and M. intracellulare. Namely, amplification reaction will take place in both cases where either of M. avium or M. intracellulare is present in a sample. Therefore, if the SDA method is practiced using aforementioned primer, the primer extension product will be detected using the capture probe and detection probe, and based on the results, detection of MAC can be achieved. However, specific detection of M. avium is impossible to achieve without detection of M. intracellulare.
Beyond that, there is a method of amplification of nucleic acid from M. avium through the use of LAMP (Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification) method, and the like. However, in the LAMP method, there are some problems, for example, the nucleotide sequence of amplified DNA cannot be determined; efficient length of DNA to be amplified is limited; and the method provides false-positive result occasionally.
In addition, there exist plural numbers of serotypes such as, for example, serotypes 4 to 6, 8 to 11 and 21 for M. avium, and serotypes 7, 12 to 20 and 25 for M. intracellulare. Therefore, it is difficult to find out a consensus sequence between strains. In consequence, it is difficult to detect all the M. avium having various serotypes by PCR using single primer set. This is the present situation in this field.
As described above, in such the situation, it has been desired to establish a method which enables to detect M. avium specifically and rapidly.
Patent Literature 1: JP-A-H11-69999
Patent Literature 2: JP-B-3111213
Patent Literature 3: JP-A-H10-4984
Patent Literature 4: JP-A-2001-103986
Patent Literature 5: JP-A-2005-204582
Non-Patent Literature 1: F. Poly et al., J. Bacteriology, 2004, 186(14), p. 4781-4795.


Disclosed is a single passenger aircraft configured to vertically take-off and land. An airframe is configured to support the passenger in an upright position during take-off and landing and during flight. The aircraft includes a pair of propulsion devices that are mounted on an airframe above the level of the pilot. A set of hand operated control devices are mechanically linked to the propulsion devices for varying the orientation of the propulsion devices during flight.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to the field of aircraft. More particularly, the present invention relates to a vertical take-off and landing aircraft that transports a passenger in an upright position during flight.
2. Description of the Related Art
There have been numerous efforts to design a reliable personal or single passenger aircraft that transports a passenger easily and safely from one location to another. Unfortunately, past single-passenger aircraft designs are impractical for everyday type use by the average person. Past designs also suffer from other drawbacks, such as the use of hazardous fuel, the consumption of a great amount of storage space, or they suffer from unstable and unsafe flight characteristics.
For example, one type of design comprises a conventional type of aircraft having a propulsion device, such as a fan unit, and a plurality of flight surfaces, such as wings, extending outwardly therefrom. Such aircraft are large and bulky and are generally not suitable for quick transportation from one location to another. These types of aircraft generally require long landing and take off strips that consume large amounts of land space. Additionally, such aircraft are generally difficult to control during flight, requiring the pilot to become well-versed in the flight mechanics of the aircraft. This makes these aircraft unsuitable for the quick traversing of great distances and, therefore, impractical for day-to-day travel.
Another type of design consists of a xe2x80x9cflightpackxe2x80x9d comprised of a small structure that fits on or around the torso of the pilot. The flight pack designs typically include propulsion devices, such as propellers, jets, or rockets, that are supported by the pilot""s torso. While these flightpacks are small and require little take-off and landing space, they are unfortunately generally unstable and dangerous during flight and therefore unsafe for the general population. The high likelihood of the passenger losing control of such aircraft is a strong drawback. One additional drawback of current flightpacks is that the passenger is typically required to support the heavy airframe on his or her back, which is highly uncomfortable. Alternatively, the passenger may be required to orient himself in awkward positions during flight which makes the use of such aircraft uncomfortable and impractical.
Another drawback of current personal aircraft designs is that they are generally powered using complex, aircraft-type engine structures which require expensive and highly volatile aircraft fuel for operation. These engines are also loud which makes use of these aircraft in populated areas very inefficient.
There is therefore a need for a single passenger aircraft that is more practical in use than past designs.
The aforementioned needs are satisfied by the present invention which relates to an aircraft which is configured to accommodate a single passenger. The aircraft is comprised of an airframe that supports the passenger in an upright position. The airframe advantageously maintains the pilot in the same upright orientation during both take-off and landing and during flight. This increases the comfort level of the pilot during operation of the aircraft and provides an advantageously unobstructed field of vision. The single passenger aircraft is stable during flight and relatively compact in size to reduce the amount of required storage space when the aircraft is not in use. Additionally, because the aircraft is a vertical take-off and landing craft, it does not require large amounts of take-off and landing space.
In a preferred embodiment, a pair of propulsion devices, such as high-powered fan units, are attached to the airframe above the level of the pilot for providing lift and propulsion to the aircraft. The propulsion devices are desirably configured to be tilted to vary the direction of thrust to thereby control the aircraft during flight. Preferably, a single engine is mounted on the airframe for driving the propulsion devices via a powertrain system comprised of a drive shaft that extends along the body line of the pilot. The engine is desirably disposed on the airframe behind and slightly below the level of the pilot for facilitating a centered and relatively low center of gravity position.
The aircraft also includes a control and stability system preferably comprised of a set of hand-operated control devices that allow the pilot to vary the orientation and power of the propulsion devices. In one embodiment, the control device comprises a main control bar that may raised or lowered to collectively tilt the propulsion devices. A pair of small hand controls are mounted on the main control bar for providing additional control over the propulsion devices. One of the hand controls is preferably used for both collectively and differentially tilting the fan units to thereby vary the direction of thrust and control the direction of flight. The other hand grip desirably controls the engine throttle. Desirably, the pilot may shift his or her weight port or starboard to induce moments on the aircraft and thereby provide additional control over the aircraft.
The aircraft takes-off and lands vertically to eliminate the need for landing strips. Additionally, the airframe has a relatively small footprint so that ground storage space is minimized. The aforementioned features combine to make the aircraft practical for everyday use.
In one aspect of the invention, there is disclosed a single passenger, vertical take-off and landing aircraft, comprising an airframe configured to support a pilot in an upright position, the airframe being symmetric about a medial plane; a pair of propulsion devices mounted on an upper end of the airframe above the pilot, the propulsion devices each being rotatable about a common axis of rotation; an engine mounted on the airframe adjacent the pilot, the engine being drivingly coupled to each of the propulsion devices; and a movable control arm on the airframe, the control arm being mechanically coupled to the propulsion devices so that the propulsion devices rotate about the common axis in response to movement of the control arm.
The aircraft is a convenient and safe means of transporting a single passenger between locations. The single passenger aircraft is stable during flight and extremely compact in size so that the aircraft footprint and the necessary amount of ground storage space is minimal. The natural, upright position of the pilot during flight and small level of take-off and landing space make the aircraft ideal for day-to-day use.


A water heater security system includes a woven, flexible strap disposed around a water heater to maintain the water heater in a fixed relationship with an adjacent wall. The system includes a pair of wall brackets and may include a buckle assembly. The strap may be formed with two or four ends at least one of which is adjustably attachable to one of the wall brackets or buckle. The buckle can be stamped from metal and bent back on itself to form a slide channel with two sidebars and a crossbar. A slide is disposed within the channel. Side flanges can be formed on the buckle portions or the slide.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to water heater security systems and more specifically to systems including straps for maintaining the water heater in a fixed relationship with an adjacent wall.
2. Discussion of Related Art
Water heaters are commonly used to provide water at an elevated temperature such as 140° F. This hot water is then distributed throughout a facility for use in various processes such as cooking and cleaning. These facilities may be commercial buildings, but even more commonly will be residential buildings.
From a safety standpoint, the high temperature of water does not present a problem as long as it remains in the water heater. However, if the water heater is upset, for example by an earthquake, the large volume of water and the high temperature of the water can result in considerable destruction to the facility and a safety risk to any people in the vicinity. Broken gas lines and water lines often accompany such a catastrophe. Accordingly, it has been desirable to provide water heaters with strap systems that can hold the water heater in a fixed relationship with an adjacent wall. These strap systems have commonly included wall brackets and metal straps providing sufficient strength to support the weight of a fully loaded water heater.
In order to maintain the cost of these strap systems as minimal as possible, the metal straps have not been highly machined. As a result the metal straps have retained very sharp edges that are particularly detrimental to installers. The metal straps have been fairly rigid, making them even more difficult to install. Wherever the straps have been punched cut bent back on themselves, for example at the wall brackets, points of weakness have been created substantially degrading the integrity of the strap system.

Buckle for strapping used in a water heater security system


A hybrid fusion cell comprising:. a) a malignant B cell which expresses an idiotypic antibody; and PA1 b) a hybridoma which expresses an antibody which is capable of being internalized on a professional antigen presenting cell.

(i) Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a hybrid cell and to the use thereof for the induction of tumor immunity by injection into a patient suffering from B cell neoplasia.
(ii) Description of Related Art
Despite the progress in chemotherapy and radiotherapy made in the last years, malignant disorders of B cells in man (B cell neoplasias), such as B cell lymphomas, still have an extraordinarily unfavorable prognosis. It is impossible to cure these diseases. Therefore, it is neccessary to develop new treatment strategies. In this respect, great hopes are placed in immunotherapeutical approaches, which shall induce rejection of the tumor by the immune system of the patient.
It is known that tumor-associated antigens are present on tumor cells and that in principle the immune system is able to recognize these antigens and attack the malignant cells. Tumors have, however, developed certain strategies which enable them to escape the immune reaction. For example, this is possible by insufficient presentation of tumor associated antigens and/or insufficient activation of the tumor-specific T cells which are generally present.
Malignant B cells, such as B cell lymphomas, are unique because they bear an absolutely tumor-specific antigen, namely the idiotype of the immunoglobulin expressed by them. This, however, represents a very weak immunogen.

Induction of tumour immunity by injection of hybrid cells

GSF Forschungszentrum fur Umwelt und Gesundheit GmbH


A movement detection device includes a self-sustaining movement detection unit which is attached to an operator's body and detects a movement or a posture of an attached part of the operator's body. An image pickup section picks up a projected image from an optical system which simultaneously inputs a peripheral image. An image conversion section converts an all azimuth image picked up by the image pickup section into a cylindrical panorama image. An image recognition section includes cylindrical panorama images at different times. A camera posture estimation section acquires movement information of the image pickup section based on a comparison result of the image recognition section. A space sensor posture estimation section acquires a position/posture of the attached part in a space based on information of the self-sustaining movement detection unit and the camera posture estimation section.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a movement detection device which measures action of a person, movement of a part of a body or the like, and a communication apparatus for mutual communication of information between the movement detection device and another control device.
2. Description of the Related Art
Techniques have heretofore been known in which sensors are attached to operators' hands, and shapes or movements of the hands are detected by the sensors to produce commands or statuses based on the detection results. For example, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,097,252, a technique has been proposed in which a plurality of sensors each constituted by connecting a light source to a photo sensor via a light guiding path such as an optical fiber are attached to hand joints to detect bending of the joints. In recognizing a spatial position of the hand, there has been an example in which an ultrasonic sensor is disposed in a corner of a monitor, a signal from an ultrasonic transmitter attached to the hand is measured, and a signal from the ultrasonic transmitter attached to the hand is measured to thereby measure the spatial position of the hand with respect to the monitor.
Moreover, in another example, a reference magnetic field is applied beforehand to the vicinity of a plate to be measured using an alternating magnetic field generator which generates a static magnetic field in an XYZ direction, and a magnetic sensor which detects the magnetic field of the XYZ direction is attached to a measuring object. A device which measures a position and a posture from the reference magnetic field of the measuring object from a relation between a signal intensity measured by the magnetic sensor and a distance in this state has also been utilized.
Further in other examples, many systems have been proposed in which a light source (LED, lamp, laser light, etc.) constituting a reference position is used, a light receiving element (PD), a position detection element (PSD, CCD), an optical system and the like are combined, and the position or the posture is measured utilizing a principle of trigonometrical measurement. For example, in Jpn. Pat. Appln. KOKAI Publication No. 10-148640, a hand gesture detection device has been proposed in which four light emitting elements are combined with one light receiving element, and movement direction or movement speed of the hand is detected in accordance with a sum of received amounts of reflected light. In Jpn. Pat. Appln. KOKAI Publication No. 10-171591, a movement detection device has been proposed which detects a movement position of a pointing device by a global positioning system (GPS) measuring system.
Furthermore, in Jpn. Pat. Appln. KOKAI Publication No. 2000-132305 by the present applicant, an operation input device has been proposed in which inertial sensors (triaxial angular velocity sensor and triaxial acceleration sensor) to detect positions and postures are disposed in positions of the back of the hand, the position/posture of the back of the hand is obtained by strap-down calculation, uniaxial angular velocity sensors to detect the bending of fingers are disposed on an end portion of an index finger, an end portion of a middle finger, and end and middle portions of a thumb to estimate shapes of hand/fingers from the posture of the back of the hand and the postures of the fingers, and command signals are generated based on the estimated shapes or gestures such as movements of the hand/fingers.

Movement detection device and communication apparatus


A ground bounce compensating output buffer for an integrated circuit is disclosed. The circuit includes a pull-up transistor, the gate of the pull-up transistor is coupled to an input line, the output of the pull-up transistor is coupled to an output line. The pull-up transistor discharges current to ground during a state transition. The discharge of current to ground creates ground bounce due to the resistance and inductance of the package lead. A pull-down transistor is also provided. The gate of the pull-down transistor is also coupled to the input line, the output of the pull-down transistor is also coupled to the output line. The pull-down transistor also discharges current to ground during a state transition and thereby produces ground bounce. To reduce the ground bounce, the disclosed circuit includes compensating devices positioned between the input line and the gate of the pull-down transistor. The first compensating device includes a mechanism for regulating drive current to the pull-down transistor in the presence of ground bounce. A second compensating device limits voltage to the first compensating device in the presence of ground bounce. As a result, the second compensating device further regulates drive current to the pull-down transistor during ground bounce. A third compensating device generates a constant drive current to the pull-down transistor in the presence of ground bounce. The design of the circuit provides optimal signal delays to minimize totem pole current which would otherwise produce additional ground bounce.

The leads of an integrated circuit package possess inductance and resistance. Typically, a number of outputs on an integrated circuit are tied to a common ground lead. Indeed, it is common to have a single ground lead for an entire circuit. In these circumstances, when one or more outputs switch from high to low, ground bounce is produced as the discharged current experiences the resistance and inductance of the ground lead. As a result, excess current in the form of noise spikes may be experienced on the outputs of the other circuit elements. This phenomenon is especially problematic for delicate circuits such as sense amplifiers.
One prior art solution for addressing the problem of ground bounce is to use multiple ground leads on the package. This reduces, but does not eliminate the noise spikes and transients. Moreover, this approach reduces the number of pins available for logic inputs and outputs.
The ground bounce problem can be readily controlled if the speed of the output buffer turn-on is not an issue. That is, the output buffer can be designed so that it is sufficiently slow to produce a constant slew rate. This solution is not available when designing high speed circuits, where the output buffers cannot be slowed down.
The ground bounce problem is more fully appreciated with reference to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 depicts a conventional output buffer 20 which includes pull-up transistor Q.sub.1 (22) and pull-down transistors Q.sub.2 (24) and Q.sub.3 (26). Pull-down transistor Q.sub.2 (24) is relatively small while pull-down transistor Q.sub.3 (26) is relatively large and therefore serves as the main pull-down device. Pull-down transistors Q.sub.2 and Q.sub.3, along with a plurality of other transistors in the circuit, are coupled to a ground plane which is coupled to the ground lead of the package (not shown). Relying upon the circuit of FIG. 1, the ground bounce problem may be demonstrated with a simple example.
The data to this output buffer has three gate delays from D.sub.in (28) to the gate of the pull-up transistor Q.sub.1 (22). In particular, the input signal must propagate through G.sub.1 (30), G.sub.2 (32), and G.sub.3 (34) prior to reaching Q.sub.1 (22). On the other hand, only two gate delays are required for the path from D.sub.in (22) to the gates of the pull-down transistors Q.sub.2 (24) and Q.sub.3 (26). Namely, the input signal must propagate through gates G.sub.4 (36) and G.sub.5 (38). Because of the additional gate delay, when D.sub.in goes from low to high, the gates of Q.sub.2 and Q.sub.3 will begin going high while the gate of Q.sub.1 is still in the process of going low. Therefore, in addition to the ground bounce generated due to the large current that is being discharged from the output load to ground, there is additional ground bounce produced by the totem-pole current flowing into ground while Q.sub.1, Q.sub.2, and Q.sub.3 are simultaneously on during the cross-over point of their gate potential.
Ground bounce is thus associated with high to low voltage transitions on output nodes. Typically, ground bounce is worst when several output nodes simultaneously switch from high to low voltage. FIG. 1A depicts a series of output buffers 21 with output nodes 62. The inputs 28 to the output buffers 21 are coupled to system logic 23. The series of output buffers 21 and system logic form a portion of package 25 with a number of output leads 29. The output buffers 21 are coupled to output ground 31. Output ground 31 is coupled to a ground lead of package 25, which is also coupled to logical ground V.sub.ss.
FIG. 2 provides a simplified representation of the prior art output buffer depicted in FIG. 1. The block representations of the circuit elements correspond to the blocks drawn in phantom in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 will be used to discuss the remaining aspects of the prior art output buffer 20 and to highlight the distinctions between the prior art and the present invention.
The simplified circuit 20A includes an inverting driver A (50) which is coupled to a pull-up driver with tri-state circuitry (52). Pull-up driver with tri-state circuitry (52) drives inverting driver B (64), which drives transistor Q.sub.1 (22). Tri-state circuitry also forms a portion of pull-down driver 54, which drives inverting driver A (66) and inverting driver B (68), which respectively drive transistor Q.sub.2 (24) and transistor Q.sub.3 (26). Tri-state reset is established through tri-state reset circuitry 56. A high input value on reset line 58 turns on each transistor within the reset block, thereby turning off transistors Q.sub.1 (22), Q.sub.2 (24), and Q.sub.3 (26). These transistors are therefore in a high impedance state, causing output node 62 to be isolated or "tri-stated". A low input value on tri-state input line 60 maintains the tri-state while a high input value enables output to the buffer output line 62.

Output buffer with ground bounce compensation


The present invention relates to an active scanning method and apparatus. The method of performing scanning in a wireless local area network (WLAN) includes: a step of a scanning station generating scan request information so as to order active scanning; a step of the scanning station receiving a scanning frame from the station; and a step of the scanning station transmitting a probe request frame in order to perform the active scanning in case the received scanning frame does not include any of the elements that are ordered in the scan request information. Accordingly, scanning procedures can be performed quickly.

Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a scanning method and apparatus of an STA, and more specifically, to a method and apparatus of an STA performing active scanning.
Related Art
Wireless LAN techniques are nowadays evolving largely in three directions. In line with the existing wireless LAN evolution, an effort to further accelerate transmission rate includes IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers) 802.11ac and IEEE 802.11ad. IEEE 802.11ad is a wireless LAN technique that adopts a 60 GHz band. Further, a broadband wireless LAN technique is highlighted to allow for a wider area of transmission as compared with the existing WLAN technology, and this technique employs a frequency band of 1 GHz or less, which includes IEEE 802.11af using the TVWS (TV white space) band and IEEE 802.11ah using a 900 MHz band. These technologies are primarily oriented towards expansion of extended range Wi-Fi services as well as smart grid and wide area sensor networks. Moreover, the conventional WLNA MAC (medium access control) techniques sometimes suffer from a delayed initial link setup time. In order to address such issue to enable quick access of an STA to an AP, brisk activities to standardize IEEE 802.11ai are recently underway.
IEEE 802.11ai is an MAC technology to treat a quick authentication procedure for remarkably saving the initial setup and association time of WLAN, and its standardization dates back to January, 2011 with a regular task group. In order for a quick access procedure, IEEE 802.11ai is in discussion for simplification of processes in light of AP discovery, network discovery, TSF sync (time synchronization function synchronization), authentication & association, and merge with higher layers in process. Among others, process merge utilizing piggyback of DHCP (dynamic host configuration protocol), optimization of full EAP (extensible authentication protocol) using concurrent IP, and efficient selective AP (access point) scanning or other ideas are in vigorous discussion.


A solar central receiver system employing common positioning mechanism for heliostats relates to a system of concentrating and harvesting solar energy. The heliostats of said system are positioned like facets of a Fresnel type of reflector. The heliostats are placed in arrays, wherein each array has a common positioning mechanism. The common positioning mechanism synchronously maneuvers the arrays of heliostats in altitudinal and/or azimuthal axis for tracking an apparent movement of the sun. The common positioning mechanism is employed for synchronously orienting said heliostats with respect to a stationary object and the sun such that incident solar radiation upon said heliostats is focused upon said stationary object from dawn to dusk. Subsequent to each said orientation of said heliostats, collective disposition of said heliostats always forms an arrangement that is capable of reflecting and thereby focusing incident solar radiation upon said stationary object.

Field of the Invention
A solar central receiver system employing common positioning mechanism for heliostats relates to a system of concentrating and harvesting solar energy. The solar central receiver system utilizes arrays of heliostats, wherein each array has a common positioning mechanism for tracking the apparent diurnal movement of the sun for both altitude and azimuth axes. The common positioning mechanism periodically brings about synchronized orientation of heliostats such that the incident solar radiation is continually focused onto a stationary object from dawn to dusk.
Description of the Related Art
Solar energy has received attention as a clean and environment friendly energy. However, the maximum solar energy density is only about 1000 watts/m2 even when the sun irradiates vertically in a fine day. Therefore, for utilization of solar energy, its efficient concentration is required. The popular solar radiation collection and utilization devices are reflector types. A solar central receiver system (solar furnace) is a dependable efficient producer of large commercial quantities of power. Such a system includes reflectors, tracking system for reflectors, an absorber, and a thermal harvesting system.
Generally, a solar furnace has a tower-mounted central receiver for collection of sunlight and conversion thereof into electricity. The solar radiation is concentrated on to the central receiver by reflection from heliostats spaced about the tower. A solar tracking system aims the heliostats by continually predicting the location of the sun in the sky. Predictions are based on the date, time, longitude and latitude. Using the predicted location of the sun and the position of the central receiver with respect to each heliostat (optical element), azimuth and/or elevation angles are periodically calculated for each heliostat and each heliostat is positioned accordingly. Configuring each heliostat to be individually movable typically requires a large amount of expensive motorized equipment. Each heliostat requires dedicated motors for azimuthal and altitudinal tracking. Besides, each heliostat has to be independently supported by a sturdy pedestal for providing the structural strength. While rotating each heliostat for solar tracking, there is usually a mechanical error in precision that cannot be overcome. Even negligible mechanical errors add up and result in inaccurate aiming. Inaccurate aiming may result in spillage and thermal damage to structures and appliances near the central receiver. Increasing the accuracy and efficiency of heliostats by employing expensive aiming devices significantly increases the plant cost.
A need therefore exists to have a low cost and simple but efficient common positioning mechanism for providing altitudinal as well as azimuthal orientation of arrays of heliostats in a solar central receiver system. An objective of the present invention is to install arrays of heliostats that are synchronously rotatable about altitudinal as well as azimuthal axis by a common positioning mechanism such that the heliostats continue to reflect the sunlight towards a stationary object from dawn to dusk. An objective of the present invention is to employ a common positioning mechanism for arrays of heliostats for both altitude and azimuth axis orientation. Consequently, expensive motorized equipments for configuring individual precise positioning of each heliostat for solar tracking would not be needed.
In conventional heliostats, it is essential to individually control rotation of mirror of each heliostat in accordance with the diurnal movement of the sun. This necessitates individual sensing and alignment devices for heliostats, a state of the art computer for predicting and controlling the required altitudinal and azimuthal rotation of each heliostat, and protecting said computer from heat and dust. This results in an increased cost. A need therefore exists to reduce these extensive sensing, alignment and computing operations. Therefore the objective of the present invention is to have a common positioning mechanism, wherein prediction of altitudinal and/or azimuthal rotation of any heliostat would suffice to predict the altitudinal and or azimuthal rotation of the entire respective array of heliostats or all the heliostats of the heliostat field. In the present invention, arrays of heliostats track the sun synchronously, which largely simplifies the control system compared to the conventional multi-dimension tracking equipment. Furthermore, expensive alignment equipment for each optical element (heliostat) and obligatory sturdy pedestal for each optical element could be avoided.
In addition, reflector mirror of a heliostat assembled on a conventional pedestal is like a sail ready to fly off when the wind gets underneath it. The force exerted on reflecting surfaces of heliostats by a gust of wind is large and will be dozens of times larger on the bearing points of the supporting pedestals. Hence it is an objective of the present invention to utilize arrays of heliostats on rotatable shafts and to eliminate the need of individual sturdy pedestals. Being low-level arrays, the heliostats of the present invention are not significantly exposed to wind loads and consequently the structural problems are greatly reduced. The position of heliostats close to the ground has an advantage of reduced wind velocity. Furthermore, packing the heliostats in horizontal plane helps to attenuate the wind force from row to row.
The present invention either eliminates or reduces the required number of motors, gearboxes, hydraulic pistons, hoses, other activators, computing systems and massive supports for the heliostats as is essential for the operation of conventional solar central receiver systems. This advantageously reduces the cost and complexity. Thus, the rationale of the present invention is to provide many advantages and novel features that are not anticipated or implied by any of the prior art.

Solar central receiver system employing common positioning mechanism for heliostats