A computer-controlled telephone system capable of answering a call to a user telephone associated with the system, notifying a user of the call, and telephoning a previous caller upon command by the user. The system has a sensor capable of determining whether the user telephone is in use, and an outgoing message delivery component activateable by the sensor when the user telephone is in use or is unanswered. The outgoing message requests identity information from a caller, and a recorder component is capable of storing this identity information. The system further includes a notification component in communication with the recorder component and capable of automatically audibly notifying the user of the occurrence of the call and capable of providing the identity information, and a dialer component capable upon command of causing dialing of a telephone number included in the identity information from the caller. Initiation of a return call is accomplished by a command to the dialer which can also be provided with a return-call-completion announcement component providing a pre-recorded outgoing message automatically activated upon connection with the telephone of the caller and a ring signal to the user telephone to announce call completion.

Automated telephone answering devices are employed in many business and home settings. In the latter, a device with minimal features generally is sufficient. Therefore, for home applications, an answering machine that plays a message to a caller of a non-answered telephone and subsequently tape records an audio message from the caller for subsequent playback is usually adequate. In business applications, however, a more sophisticated approach to telecommunications is usually desired. Thus, in addition to having live telephone answering, innovations such as voice mail, remote retrieval of messages, easy customization of out-going automated messages, and the like have become very popular in telephone-response equipment. However, such present equipment continues to require a user to continuously check for messages, to personally attempt telephone connections for call returns, to maintain by memory or written list those callers who must be contacted at another time, and to otherwise attend to various vagaries associated with particular equipment.
In view of the extensive utilization of telephone response equipment, it is apparent that a need is present for a telecommunications system whose features can accomplish a greater efficiency on the part of its user. Accordingly, a primary object of the present invention is to provide a telecommunications system capable of automatically alerting its user with caller information.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a telecommunications system capable of automatically returning an earlier-received call, including an announcement to the recipient.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a telecommunications system capable of continuously reminding its user of non-returned calls.
These and other objects of the present invention will become apparent throughout the description thereof which now follows.


A method and system for multi-port aggregation in a digital return path CATV system digitizes each of a plurality of return path signals, splits each of the plurality of return path signals into a low band and an upper band (41), combines each of the plurality of low band signals to form a combined low band signal (43), downconverts each of the plurality of upper band signals from an original frequency range into a new downconverted frequency range (45) and time division multiplexes the plurality of downconverted upper band signals with the combined low band signal to form an aggregate data stream (46).

Cable Television (CATV) networks have been undergoing rapid upgrading, particularly in North America, in order to provide advanced services, such as digital video, telephony and Internet services. A major part of the upgrade cycle has been the development of the return path network—the path from residential subscribers to the CATV Headend. Previously, this portion of the network was used little, generally only for minor maintenance and billing operations. As interactivity needs grew and CATV technology advanced, this portion of the network became more significant. Now, the return path forms a critical portion of the system for two-way interactivity, such as telephony and data traffic.
The current field implementation of digitized return path solutions for HFC fiber nodes employs a direct digitization and transmission of the entire return path signal spectrum. Some instances of this implementation can provide a means for digitizing two of these signals, and transmitting both using Time Division Multiplexing of the digital signals. Each of these digitized return path signals can typically generate a digital signal rate anywhere in the range of 800 Mbps to 2.25 Gbps depending on the signal band, sampling rate and the number of bits used to sample each signal. When combining two or more of these signals, the aggregate digital signal rate can increase beyond the capabilities of existing low-cost digital and optical transport platforms. This situation perpetuates as technologies evolve, because enhanced services become possible that are enabled with such technology improvements. Furthermore, decreasing the bit rate of optical transport would represent cost saving opportunities.
The present invention is therefore directed to the problem of developing a method and apparatus for transmitting multiple return path signals, from a multi-port optical note for example, using lower data rate components and lasers than would normally be possible to send the information.

Band limited port aggregation in a digital return path CATV system


A lithium secondary battery is provided with a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a non-aqueous electrolyte prepared by dissolving a solute in a non-aqueous solvent wherein a positive electrode active material of said positive electrode is composed of lithium-manganese composite oxide having a spinel structure and lithium-transition metal composite oxide having a layer structure containing at least nickel and lithium salt having oxalato complex as anion is admixed to said non-aqueous electrolyte.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to a lithium secondary battery provided with a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a non-aqueous electrolyte prepared by dissolving a solute in a non-aqueous solvent, and is characterized in that deterioration of a variety of characteristics is suppressed ensuring a sufficient battery capacity and a sufficient battery voltage even under high temperature conditions.
2. Description of the Related Art
Recently, as one of advanced secondary batteries featuring high power and high energy density, lithium secondary batteries of high electromotive force, using a non-aqueous electrolyte prepared by dissolving a solute in a non-aqueous solvent and utilizing oxidation and reduction of lithium have come into practical use.
In such lithium secondary batteries, lithium-manganese composite oxide having a spinel structure, lithium-cobalt composite oxide and lithium-nickel composite oxide having a layer structure and so on are generally used as a positive electrode active material of a positive electrode.
In the lithium secondary battery, when the lithium-manganese composite oxide having the spinel structure is used as the positive electrode active material, battery voltage is higher compared with a case where the lithium-cobalt composit oxide having the layer structure is used, however, there have remained problems that battery capacity is small and preservation characteristics at high temperature conditions are degraded.
On the other hand, in the lithium secondary battery using the lithium-nickel composite oxide having the layer structure as the positive electrode active material, the battery capacity is large, but the battery voltage is low and the preservation characteristics at high temperature are not improved sufficiently.
Therefore, in recent years, there has been proposed to use a mixture of the lithium-manganese composite oxide having the spinel structure and the lithium-nickel composite oxide having the layer structure as the positive electrode active material of the positive electrode, to appropriately set a balance between the battery capacity and the battery voltage and to improve the preservation characteristics at high temperature (see, the script collection of the 43rd battery discussion, pp. 162-163 and the script collection of the 44th battery discussion, pp. 308-309).
Unfortunately, however, the lithium secondary battery using such a mixture of the lithium-manganese composite oxide having the spinel structure and the lithium-nickel composite oxide having the layer structure as the positive electrode active material has not fully suppressed the deterioration of battery characteristics such as charge/discharge characteristics in storage under high temperature conditions.
Further, in such a lithium secondary battery, the non-aqueous electrolyte wherein a lithium salt, such as LiPF6 or LiBF4 is dissolved in the non-aqueous solvent such as ethylene carbonate, propylene carbonate or dimethyl carbonate is used.
Unfortunately, however, such a lithium secondary battery using the non-aqueous electrolyte wherein the lithium salt, such as LiPF6 or LiBF4 is dissolved in the non-aqueous solvent, such as ethylene carbonate, propylene carbonate or dimethyl carbonate has problems that the battery capacity is decreased and a battery internal resistance is increased in the storage under the high temperature conditions.
Therefore, in recent years, for the purpose of suppressing an increase in the battery internal resistance in the storage, there has been proposed to use the non-aqueous electrolyte wherein a main solvent is the ethylene carbonate and vinylene carbonate is admixed in the range of 0.01 to 10.0 wt % based on the ethylene carbonate (see, Japanese Patent No. 3066126).
Unfortunately, however, even using the non-aqueous electrolyte wherein the vinylene carbonate is admixed in the aforesaid range based on the ethylene carbonate, the increase in the battery internal resistance has not been fully suppressed in the storage under the high temperature conditions.
Additionally, in recent years, there has been proposed to use lithium bis(oxalato)borate as the solute in the non-aqueous electrolyte in order to improve cycle performance of the lithium secondary battery under the high temperature conditions (see, Kang Xu, Shengshui Zhang, Bruce A. Poese, and T. Richard Jow; "Lithium Bis(oxalato)borate Stabilizes Graphite Anode in Propylene Carbonate"; Electrochemical and Solid-State Letters, 5(11)A259-A262(2002)).
Unfortunately, however, even in a case where the lithium bis(oxalato)borate is used as the solute in the non-aqueous electrolyte of the lithium secondary battery, there has remained the problems that the battery internal resistance is increased and the battery characteristics such as the charge/discharge characteristics are deteriorated.


A method of manufacturing a piezoelectric transducer including piezoelectric fibers in a polymer matrix is described. The piezoelectric fibers or fiber segments are jacketed with a liquid polymer substance in such a way that a distribution of longitudinal axes of the fibers or fiber segments about a preferential direction occurs. The fibers are compacted among each other and the polymer substance is cured. The resulting composite structure is subsequently so processed that areas of the fibers or fiber segments are exposed along the preferential direction. Then electrical contacts are applied on at least one part of the exposed areas. The method permits the very simple and low-cost manufacture of electro-mechanical transducers made of piezoelectric fibers.

Piezoelectric materials are important for many technological fields of application. Here materials are involved which generate electric charges in response to the effects of a mechanical load or change their shape in response to the effects of an electric field. The first aspect is known by the term "direct piezoelectric effect" whilst the latter case is referred to as "indirect piezoelectric effect".
The piezo ceramics are a special group of piezoelectric materials. For the production of piezo ceramics, the piezoelectric effect must be caused to occur selectively by polarising the ceramic material after vitrification in a strong electric field. In this operation, defined areas of the ceramic material, the domains, are oriented along the lines of the electric field in order to polarise the ceramic material in this direction. After the electric field has been switched off, one part of this polarisation is retained as remanent polarisation in the ceramic material. Hence, this polarising operation turns an isotropic material into an anisotropic material having piezoelectric characteristics. When an electric field is applied to the ceramic material, for example in the polarising direction, this material extends in the direction of the field (d33 effect) whilst it contracts in a direction orthogonal on the field direction (d33 effect). The type of deformation is hence dependent on the direction of the applied field relative to the polarising direction of the ceramic material. The 3-1 effect corresponds approximately to only ⅓ of the 3-3 effect, which is the deformation in the field direction. When piezoelectric ceramic materials are employed as actuators in technology, it is therefore envisaged, as a rule, to utilise the 3-3 effect.
Piezoelectric ceramic materials can also be used, of course, as sensors when the direct piezoelectric effect is utilised. In such a case, a deformation of the ceramic material generates an electric charge whose magnitude depends, inter alia, also on how the deformation takes place relative to the direction of the remanent polarisation of the ceramic material.
Lead zirconate titanate (PZT) is the piezoelectric material that is most frequently used in industry at present. This ceramic material has been used in technology for a long time in many different ways as resonator, actuator or sensor material.
Finely scaled components such as films, tiny rods or fibres are expedient for many fields of application. They entail, however, the problem of low mechanical strength of the piezoelectric ceramic materials to be made available in this form. This applies to both their handling in the manufacture of complex structures made of these ceramic materials and the limited possibility of power transmission by means of the piezoelectric effect into a component.
To overcome these problems, therefore composite materials are frequently used which consist of an organic polymer matrix with a PZT ceramic material embedded therein. On the one hand, the polymer matrix serves the purpose of endowing the thin-walled ceramic elements with a sufficient mechanical stability and, on the other hand, it has the function of transferring the deformations created by the piezo ceramic material into the structure, for instance, when vibrations are attenuated.
For example, an actuator with a composite design has become known from the U.S. Pat. No. 5,687,462, wherein vitrified piezo ceramic films are integrated into an organic matrix. The robust components so created may be used both for sensor and actuator functions in oscillating systems. There, the matrix endows the brittle PZT ceramic material with mechanical strength whilst it serves also to transfer power into a major structure. In these elements, the electric field is usually applied to the PZT film in the direction of the thickness so as to utilise the 3-1 effect. It is also possible to apply inter-digital electrodes on the PZT film for utilisation of the 3-3 effect for actuator applications. In these cases, however, high field gradients occur at the electrode corners in ceramic films, which may result in great strain in the ceramic material and in fracture of the monolithic piezo ceramic material.
More recently, therefore composite elements have also been used in addition to the PZT films, wherein active piezoelectric fibres are embedded in a polymer matrix. These systems can be operated both with utilisation of the 3-1 effect and—by means of inter-digital electrodes—with utilisation of the 3-3 effect.
Compared against composite structures, these composite fibre structures with a monolithic PZT film present several advantages. For example, firstly, an extension in the longitudinal direction of the fibres is mainly induced due to the anisotropy of the fibres, and secondly the fibres can be integrated throughout the structure with a wide extension. An adaptation to a three-dimensionally shaped structure is easier to realise with the fibres than with a monolithic PZT film.
A major problem in the manufacture of composite structures consisting of piezoelectric fibres resides, however, in the high tendency of these fibres to rupture, which requires specific devices for handling them. For example, the U.S. Pat. No. 5,869,189 describes a method of manufacturing composite fibre structures, where this problematic aspect becomes clear. In the method proposed there, several elongate piezoelectric fibres are placed into a mould in parallel and at a defined spacing from each other. To ensure the correct spacing and the parallel orientation of the fibres a comb-like structure may be provided on the bottom of this mould. Subsequently, a liquid polymer material is charged into the mould and allowed to cure together with the fibres. The polymer matrix so created presents substantially the thickness of the single layer of the fibres. Then, the surface of this polymer matrix is slightly grounded. This serves firstly the purpose of roughening the surface and secondly to expose some regions of the fibres. Finally, metallic silver is deposited as electrode layer on the surface of the matrix. Due to the previous roughening, the adherence of this electrode layer is improved and because of the exposure of isolated regions of the fibres, a direct electrical contact with the fibres can be established.
A substantial problem in the manufacture of this composite fibre structure consists, however, in the insertion of the long piezoelectric fibres in a parallel arrangement in the mould envisaged to this end. This involves the high risk of fracture of many fibres. Moreover, the required parallel orientation is linked up with a substantial expenditure in manufacture. The provision of very straight fibres, which is required to this end, is problematic, too, because fibres are often prone to bend in manufacture and can therefore no longer be oriented in parallel. This applies particularly to the case of very thin fibres having a diameter of <50 μm.
Another method of manufacturing composite fibre structures is known from the German Patent DE 198 29 216 A. There, the fibres are directly contacted by the electrodes via their periphery whilst they are enclosed at least partly. This is achieved by fixing the fibres in a conductive adhesive material and by potting them subsequently. This involves the problem, however, that the adjacent fibres must not be too close to each other or else the adhesive substance is drawn into the space between the fibres, due to the capillary effects, before it is cured. As a result, the electric disruptive strength is strongly reduced while the probability of disruptive breakdown by the time of polarisation of the fibres or in application as actuators is very high. Moreover, in this method, too, the difficulties in handling the extremely fragile piezoelectric ceramic fibres continue to exist.

Method for producing a piezoelectric transducer

Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Forderung der Forschung e.V.


A regenerable deep bed filter element and method for making it, the element being provided as a closed system, in the case of which a deep bed filter (21), disposed inside at least one hollow-cylindrical chamber (17), is formed by a bulk material filling of regenerable, filtration-active substances of a particulate and/or fibrous structure. The hollow-cylindrical chamber accommodates radial flow by means of porous inner and outer peripheral walls (18, 19). The deep bed filter can be either washed, or regenerated by flushing back with water, steam or chemical cleansing agents, during which the filtration-active substances remain inside the chamber (17).

This invention relates to a closed filter element for filtering flowable, in particular fluid, media, such as pharmaceutical or chemical preparations, drinks, etc., of which the inner space comprises at least one hollow-cylindrical chamber which is delimited by peripheral walls, through which the medium to be filtered can flow over the entire axial length thereof, and by sealing closure components at the end face, and contains a filter member which can accommodate flow in an essentially radial manner.

Filter element with regenerable bulk material filling and method for making same


An article dispensing machine and article transport storage unit are shown that permit articles slated for inventory to be delivered in secure manner from a centralized inventory supply center to an article dispensing machine forming part of an article distribution system. The article transport storage unit is locked during transport from the supply center to the machine and does not become unlocked until fully installed within the machine.

The present invention relates to improvements in article dispensing systems and components and methods related to same. More particularly, the present invention relates to a digital video disc (DVD) distribution system.
While the present invention is often described herein with reference to a digital video disc distribution system, an application to which the present invention is advantageously suited, it will be readily apparent that the present invention is not limited to that application and can be employed in article dispensing systems used to distribute a wide variety of dispensable articles.
The digital video disc (DVD) player has been the most successful consumer electronics product launch in history. The market for DVD movie video and video game rentals is enormous and growing. Millions of households have acquired DVDs since they were introduced in 1997. In the first quarter of 2003 alone, it was estimated that well over three million DVD players were shipped to U.S. retailers.
Shipments of movies and music videos on DVD totaled approximately one hundred twenty million discs in the first quarter of 2002. In addition to the foregoing, one of the largest grocery store chains in the United States has reported that DVD movie video and video game rentals are growing at rapid rates in the grocery chain channel of distribution.
It has been estimated that, by 2005, more than thirty-nine million U.S. households will have DVD players, over twenty million households will have DVD video game machines, and over nineteen million will have DVD read only memory (DVD-ROM) players. According to surveys, it has been determined that twenty-five percent of the people who shop at retail stores on weekends have plans to either rent a movie or go to the movies and thirty percent of those people either owned or planned on purchasing a DVD player within the survey year.
Currently, brick-and-mortar stores dominate the movie video and video game rental landscape in the U.S. Statistics show that two brick-and-mortar companies control nearly sixty-five percent of the home video rental business. One element repeatedly cited for success of certain brick-and-mortar store video rental franchises is perceived high availability of new video releases. Consumers want their entertainment on demand, and through stocking multiple units of each new release, successful brick-and-mortar companies deliver as promised.
Pay-per-view video services and Internet-based video rental services are also known. Internet based video rental services have been plagued by their inability to meet the demands of consumers for new video releases during peak viewing times, leading to increased customer dissatisfaction. Pay-per-view video services offer only limited selections to viewers during any time period, resulting in significantly less rentals per any given period of time.
The foregoing indicates that there is a tremendous market potential for aligning regular routines of consumers (e.g., shopping, getting coffee or gas or going to a convenience store) with their DVD movie video and video game rental activities.
DVD dispensing machines are known, but have been operated as stand-alone kiosk units positioned at conventional brick-and-mortar video rental stores to extend the hours of such stores.
The present invention can function as a DVD dispensing machine-based distribution system that recognizes the consumer demand recognized by traditional video rental stores by having multiple units of each new release per video dispensing machine. The dispensing machines can stock up to two thousand DVDs (movies and/or games), making them competitive with existing brick-and-mortar video rental superstores.
The present invention distinguishes itself from such stores by offering major benefits not conventionally offered by such stores, including additional cross-marketing programs (e.g., promotional rentals for a certain amount of dollars spent at the hosting store) and convenience (e.g., open always).
The present invention yields a competitive advantage in the DVD rental marketplace by offering consumers cross-marketing/promotional programs, convenience of selection (e.g., computer-based searches for movies and recommendations based on consumer profiles), and extended hours. The present invention employs a more cost-effective, convenient platform than brick-and-mortar stores. In addition, with the present invention, DVD dispensing machines can be situated in hosting locations having high foot traffic, such as at a popular hosting location and/or a high foot traffic area at a hosting location.
The present invention can be operated at a substantial savings over the costs associated with traditional brick-and-mortar video rental stores. For example, the present invention does not require hourly employees manning the dispensing machines or restocking them with inventories, due to the ability of the article transport storage units to be delivered to/picked up from host locations by third-party delivery services, such as overnight courier services.
Unlike brick-and-mortar stores, the present invention does not require an on-site store manager because all operational decisions can be made at a centralized location by a management team officed remote from the hosting locations. Unlike brick-and-mortar stores, the present invention does not require a great deal of physical space. Unlike brick-and-mortar stores, the present invention has low operating costs because no heating or air conditioning is required for the dispensing machines and they consume a relatively low level of electrical energy. In addition, the present invention has low maintenance costs and downtime.
The present invention addresses all of these shortcomings of traditional brick-and-mortar stores in a convenient and cost-effective delivery vehicle having the added bonus of serving as an effective promotional platform that drives incremental sales to hosting locations. In addition, the present invention overcomes these disadvantages by offering more new releases and older selections for any given time period, lower cost per viewing, and more convenience than internet-based and pay-per-view services.
Dispensing machines are known. Dispensing machines have been traditionally used to distribute a wide variety of goods, including, among other things, snack foods. Conventional dispensing machines used in article dispensing systems must be restocked with inventory manually. In the conventional machines, the inventory articles are uploaded to the machines and offloaded from the machines by dedicated route servicemen, who are provided access to the storage space. Route servicemen conventionally are employed to control inventory of a plurality of dispensing machines situated at a plurality of hosting locations. In order to stock the machines with inventory, a serviceman typically first removes the articles of inventory designated for offloading one by one prior to uploading new articles of inventory one by one. An alternative manner of removing inventory designated for offloading from a dispensing machine is by removal of all inventory in the machine by removing a drawer containing all articles of inventory. This latter approach of removing inventory articles is particularly suitable for dispensing machines that are either directly connected or in close proximity to manned dispensing locations.
Most dispensing machines must be serviced by a serviceman to upload new dispensable articles of inventory into the machines in multiple quantities. Conventional drawers used to stock dispensing machines with inventory and remove articles designated for offloading from dispensing machines require a dedicated service man for carrying out the stocking and removal tasks. In addition, conventional drawers do not permit automated access to the article dispensing machines. Such conventional drawers allow the servicemen to have access to the articles of inventory being stocked into the dispensing machine and the articles of inventory being removed from the dispensing machine.
An important aspect of the present invention is that it overcomes the aforementioned disadvantages of conventional drawers employed to remove articles of inventory designated for offloading from dispensing machines and stock articles of inventory into dispensing machines. The present invention provides a removable article transport storage unit for the handling of flat-pack type articles of inventory. The unit has a particularly simple, yet reliable, construction for use in article dispensing machines. This aspect of the present invention makes it particularly suitable for use in association with DVD dispensing machines.
Preferably, each unit is configured to receive a plurality of articles of inventory to be stocked into and/or removed from an article dispensing machine. In that regard, each unit is configured to have an interior with a volume sufficiently large enough to receive and store an appropriate quantity of the particular kind of inventory to be dispensed. The articles of inventory are preferably stored within the unit in an aligned relationship, and most preferably in racks contained within the unit.
Each unit can be received within a receptacle associated with a dispensing machine and preferably is opened automatically once the unit is received into the receptacle to permit rapid stocking of inventory articles into the dispensing machine. In that regard, a robotic arm preferably positioned in the dispensing machine is actuated and upon opening of the inventory transport and stocking unit, the robotic arm causes uploading and/or offloading of inventory articles, as desired. In one embodiment, the unit may be quickly received on and/or removed from a drawer at the dispensing machine for stocking of the machine or replenishment of inventory into the unit for subsequent stocking of an article dispensing machine with inventory.
The flow of inventory can be controlled at a centralized inventory control or supply center. In addition, the removal of offloaded articles of inventory from a received article transport and storage unit can be carried out at the inventory control or supply office. Furthermore, the replenishment of articles of inventory into the units can be carried out at the inventory control or supply office, translating into increased quality control and security associated with the articles dispensable at dispensing machines.
The article transport storage unit is tamper and theft proof and easy to handle. The article transport storage units reduce theft and personnel costs and ensure a steady supply of new releases suitable for each dispensing machine.
Following installation into a dispensing machine, the article transport storage unit can be unlocked and opened automatically to release the DVDs. The article transport storage units cannot be opened prior to installation, thus deterring and preventing theft that typically plagues video rental stores. The resident article transport storage unit is closed and locked automatically and then removed from the machine and returned to a system inventory control or supply office via the third party delivery service. Only authorized personnel at the system inventory control or supply office are able to unlock and open the returned article transport storage unit and remove the individual DVDs, preferably stored within racks within the interior of the unit.
The present invention provides a system for distributing DVD movie videos and video games for home entertainment or other use. The present invention links the regular routines of consumers to renting and/or purchasing movie videos and/or video games from a dispensing machine.
The dispensing machines can include a user-friendly control interface resembling the interface conventionally used in association with an automated teller machine. The dispensing machines also preferably have a graphical user interface with touch screen interface control capability. In addition, if desired, multiple control interfaces can be incorporated in dispensing machines situated at high traffic locations, such as by being positioned on each side panel of such machines.
The dispensing machines also preferably include plasma video display monitors to run video trailers of movies and other promotional or paid advertising, and also incorporate known technology making them capable of broadcasting focused audio that can be directed to relatively small (e.g., three square feet) locations in front of the machines and/or in other designated locations at a hosting site. The highly focused sound will draw the attention of potential customers to the article dispensing machines without annoying in-store personnel with the repeated playing of the same trailers and/or advertisements.
The dispensing machines used in the present invention preferably incorporated a slot loading DVD drive associated therewith that permits video related to a desired advertisement or trailer to be read from DVD media at the machine location. The video content read from the DVD media will preferably be stored in a storage unit (e.g., hard drive) associated with the dispensing machine and can be accessed, played and presented on the associated video display monitor, as desired.
The dispensing machines used in the present invention are fully automated, integrated DVD movie video and video game rental and/or purchase systems. The present invention preferably incorporates robust, secure, scalable software that provides a fully personalized user experience and real-time feedback to hosting locations and advertisers, scalable hardware that leverages existing technologies such as touch screen, focused audio speakers and plasma video monitors, technology utilizing the Internet through a system website, and an article transport storage unit that facilitates the exchange of new DVDs for old DVDs in each machine with virtually no need for human intervention. These technologies and others fill long-felt needs in the art and give advantages over conventional video distribution options. The present invention functions as much as a promotional platform as it does a rental kiosk.
By situating the dispensing machines at hosting locations where there is both high repeat foot traffic and the opportunity to utilize cross-marketing/promotional programs to leverage the synergies between hosting locations, such as grocery stores, consumers are enticed to use the dispensing machines. For example, a grocery store hosting a machine could offer its preferred cardholders reduced price DVD rentals or even free rentals for a specified dollar amount of groceries purchased by linking certain aspects of its preferred cardholder promotional program with the promotional software used by the present invention. This and other types of creative promotions can be implemented to ensure that the dispensing machines are valuable to the hosting locations and their patrons alike.
Renting DVDs from the dispensing machines is seen as more rewarding because of such promotional programs. The rental experience is more convenient for the consumer versus renting from traditional brick-and-mortar video stores as the rental experience is closely tied to the shopping routines of the consumer and the hours of hosting locations. The present invention fosters enhanced customer loyalty, satisfaction and goodwill for the hosting locations, as well as the opportunity to share revenues generated by the dispensing machines at their hosting site.
By utilizing the dispensing machines and the fully-interactive, real-time, linked Internet website, consumers can rent one or more DVD movie videos and/or video games directly from dispensing machines as well as indirectly by making a rental reservation through the website for later pickup at a conveniently located machine. The dispensing machines will preferably be fully networked with each other, with the inventory control or supply office and with the system website via satellite links at each hosting location. Through this linked network, the rental experience for each consumer can be customized based on a profile for each consumer, such as via personalized home pages and rental screens.
In addition, the rental experience can be customized for each hosting location. For example, a large number of Spanish language films can form the basis for the inventory in dispensing machines situated at a hosting location with predominately Spanish speaking patrons. Furthermore, by leveraging the real-time satellite network, the present invention is able to run customized promotional programs tailored to the unique needs of each hosting location and provide feedback as to the success of such promotion in real time via network links to the hosting location computers.
The present invention has the advantage of generating revenue from the following sources: movie and video game rentals, cross-marketing promotional programs whereby preferred customer or other targeted customer segments at a hosting location are encouraged to patronize the store and repeatedly rent from the dispensing machines, advertising revenues resulting from video advertisements displayed on plasma video display monitors incorporated as part of the dispensing machines, advertisements presented on DVD jacket case covers dispensed from the dispensing machines, and banner ads displayed on the system website. The present invention can also generate revenues from sales of new and pre-viewed movie videos and new and used video games via the system website and dispensing machines, and recurring revenue generated through membership-based rentals (e.g., monthly fees paid by a consumer in exchange for a fixed number of rentals over a specified period of time on a discounted basis).
Through use of the present invention, new customers are drawn to the hosting locations to take advantage of the added service and convenience of renting DVD media from within the locations and the cross-marketing promotions, such as reduced DVD rental rates that are offered to preferred customers and/or those spending a specified amount of money on the products and services offered by the host locations. The host locations can also share in the revenue generated by the dispensing machines at its location.
In its most preferred form, the present invention offers substantial benefits to three distinct consumer segments. First, the present invention benefits those DVD consumers who go to the grocery store on a regular basis. Next, the present invention benefits the one hundred million preferred grocery chain cardholders. Preferred grocery chain cardholders can purchase and/or rent media from the dispensing machines employed with the present invention to take advantage of the cross-marketing/promotional programs available through the rental and/or purchase experience. Finally, the present invention will benefit consumers who have access to the Internet and a dedicated website for easy selection and reservation. The rental and/or purchase experience can then be concluded by picking up and dropping off articles at a system dispensing machine.
Several aspects of the present invention distinguish it from conventional options. The present invention utilizes software designed to provide real-time monitoring of the inventory at each dispensing machine, customer history and demographic information, and inventory management, among other things. The interactive system website will be linked to the dispensing machines and provide customers with the ability to query machine locations and select and reserve DVDs for rental.
The present invention also incorporates a unique article transport storage unit that provides the ability to exchange the inventory of the dispensing machines with little need for human intervention. The present invention also is designed to provide for automatic query of rental patterns. Furthermore, on a per machine basis, the present invention also provides for automatic survey of the system inventory of existing movies/games and new releases. By comparing these two sources of information, the present invention provides for automatic selection of the DVDs in each dispensing machine that are experiencing a low rental rate and therefore should be automatically pulled by the robotic arm for offloading and loaded into the article transport storage unit residing inside the machine.
The present invention includes a user-friendly website to facilitate the consumer experience. The website permits a consumer to browse new releases and older titles, query titles in stock for viewing or purchase, read reviews and recommendations from critics and other users, locate a machine based on inputting a preferred geographical area such as a particular zip code, enroll as a member, and view movie trailers and promotions. Members are able to do all of the foregoing tasks, and are able to modify their preferences, alter or cancel their membership, and view special members-only promotions. Additionally, existing members are greeted by a customized homepage which is personalized for each member based on their inputted preferences and viewing habits (e.g., preferred genres, already viewed movies, etc.). The website is preferably accessible from a variety of hardware units and in a variety of formats. For example, the website may be accessed from personal digital assistants, cell phones and personal computers.
Each dispensing machine is a "smart" machine such that each machine has a satellite Internet uplink that networks all of the machines together through the Internet, coordinates the user experience via the system website, and permits the system administrator to manage all of its operations at a centralized location. The present invention permits coordinated roll-out of promotional programs across all or select dispensing machines, real-time feedback from each machine as to its use and functionality, and coordinates distribution of movie trailers and promotional programs across all or select machines.
The present invention can generate revenue by selling time slots to movie studios, food manufacturers and other select parties to play their trailers and/or promotions on the plasma video display monitors. The trailers and/or promotions can be loaded into the dispensing machines and stored in a storage unit associated with the machine through the use of a DVD drive. These promotional efforts can be complemented by selling ad space on the DVD rental jacket covers and selling banner ads on the system website and/or ad space on the panels of the dispensing machines.
When desired, the existing/resident article transport storage unit will be swapped out for a new article transport and storage unit containing new releases and popular existing titles, which can delivered by a third party overnight courier service. The foregoing process is entirely automated, and the only need for human intervention occurs when authorized personnel from the third party delivery service approaches a designated unit with the new article transport storage unit. Each article transport storage unit contains a radio frequency identification transmitter that triggers a proximity sensor positioned at each dispensing machine. As the delivery person approaches a specified unit, the transmitter communicates with the proximity sensor in known manner to cause the dispensing machine to release the resident article transport storage unit, which the delivery person will swap for the new article transport storage unit being delivered. The entire process takes just a few minutes and can be done without causing any dispensing machine downtime.
One benefit of the present invention is that it can provide a unique means for automatic inventory control and restocking of flat-pack type products such as DVD jewel cases and the like from an article dispensing machine.
Another benefit of the present invention is that it can permit unmanned loading and offloading of DVD cases in large quantity through remote networking of dispensing machines to an inventory control or supply office.
Another benefit of the present invention is that it can provide an article transport and storage unit that is readily removable from a dispensing machine by authorized personnel from a third party delivery company without requiring the use of a dedicated serviceman.
Another benefit of the present invention is that it can provide for efficient, automated stocking of inventory articles into a dispensing machine and removal of inventory articles from a dispensing machine.
A further benefit of the present invention is that it can provide an improved method of initiating the steps of stocking articles of inventory into a dispensing machine and removing articles of inventory from a dispensing machine.
Another benefit of the present invention is that it can provide a unique coupling and actuating mechanism carried by a dispensing mechanism for causing the dispensing and restocking of articles from a removable article transport storage unit.
Another benefit of the present invention is that it can be adapted to receive a pair of trays or racks contained within an article transport and storage unit to allow distribution of either two different types of articles or a double quantity of the same type of article, with articles being removed selectively from each tray or rack to stock dispensing machines with inventory, as desired.
Another benefit of the present invention is that it can provide a method for automated inventory control so that electronic data records can be kept related to inventory control for each dispensing machine within a network of such machines.
Another benefit of the present invention is that it can provide for a linked network of dispensing machines all in communication with each other and with an inventory control office, preferably via the internet, such that the inventory of each dispensing machine on the network can be reviewed so that inventory decision-making functions can be centralized and carried out at the inventory control or supply office.
Further benefits of the present invention are to substantially reduce the time and expense involved in the stocking and maintenance of article dispensing machines situated at a plurality of hosting locations over a given period, and to reduce any losses due to pilferage of articles.

Article dispensing system and method for same


A data center information retrieval system includes a computer-executed device information retrieval application in communication with first and second devices configured in a data center. Each device includes one or more elements that provide a service for the data center. The application obtains and stores one or more first element records associated with one or more of the elements of the first device in a database, and communicates with a modular software component to obtain information associated with the corresponding one or more second elements of the second device, the modular software component translating information obtained about the second elements to a format similar to that of the first element records.

Data centers typically include facilities, such as buildings, that are used to house computer systems that can be collectively referred to as cloud computing environments. Cloud computing environments have been developed to provide services over a network, such as the Internet, in a manner that does not necessarily require intimate knowledge of logistical concerns as to how those services are provided. That is, due to resources being remote and remotely managed, often in a dedicated computing environment, users of the resources of a cloud computing environment may be alleviated from many logistical concerns, such as access to electrical power, failover events, reliability, availability, and the like. Additionally, resources provided by cloud computing environments may be relatively efficient due to their ability to share computing resources across multiple users (e.g., tenants), while delegating software development and maintenance costs to administrators of the cloud computing environment.

Data center information retrieval system and method of operating the same


A wireless cardiogram signal diagnostic instrument includes a band, a signal transmitting device, two sets of connecting pieces, and a conductive assembly. The band has two opposite mounting portions separated by a distance. The two mounting portions are provided with the conductive assembly having a first conductive piece and a second conductive piece. The signal transmitting device is provided with a third conductive piece. The two sets of connecting pieces each have a first connecting piece that is conductive provided on the mounting portion of the band and a second connecting piece that is conductive provided on the signal transmitting device. The first connecting piece is correspondingly assembled with the second connecting piece, so that the signal transmitting device can be detachably assembled on the band. Via the above arrangement, the instrument can be worn on a user's chest to collect and measure the variation values of cardiogram voltages.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a physiological signal diagnostic instrument, and in particular to a wireless cardiogram signal diagnostic instrument for detecting variation values of cardiogram voltages.
2. Description of Related Art
Since the cardiogram signals generated by a human body have a close relation relationship with his/her health conditions, the function of one's body can be understood by means of detecting his/her cardiogram signals. Therefore, various kinds of instruments for measuring cardiogram signals have been developed, whereby the cardiogram signals of one's body can be detected so as to monitor his/her health conditions.
For example, a medical cardiogram device is provided with a plurality of electrode patches and leads. A user attaches the electrode patches to a human body, and then connects the leads between the electrode patches and a computer device. Via this arrangement, the cardiogram signals detected by the electrode patches are transmitted to the computer device. Subsequently, the computer device stores, analyzes and displays the received cardiogram signals.
If there is a problem in one's heart, he/she may have to go to the hospital merely to perform a cardiogram examination, which leads to significant expense; furthermore, it is impossible for one to measure and monitor his/her cardiogram conveniently at a more continuous basis since the equipment is stationed at the hospital. However, portable medical instruments are currently available on the market, such as wireless heartbeat transmitter transmitters for measuring one's pulse, and are usually provided with a sensing band on both sides. Conductive material on the sensing band is used for sensing signals of a human body. Yet, the signals of a human body may be collected insufficiently and some signals may even be lost. As a result, the accuracy in measuring signals of a human body is not enough.
Consequently, because of the above limitation resulting from the technical design of prior art, the inventor strives via real world experience and academic research to develop the present invention, which can effectively improve the limitations described above.

Wireless cardiogram signal diagnostic instrument


A method for optimizing a scan chain ordering in circuit designs in an electronic computer-aided design system is provided. The method comprising: creating a schematic representative of a circuit design having a first cell and a second cell, the first cell and the second cell each having latches therein; creating a scan input pin and a scan output pin for each of the latches in the first cell and the second cell on the schematic; generating a first label on the schematic to provide a first wiring arrangement for the latches in the circuit design, the first wiring arrangement identifies a first order to which the scan input of each of the latches is wired to the scan output of another one of the latches; creating a layout representative of the circuit design; generating a first scan chain having a first length on the layout based on the first wiring arrangement; creating a second scan chain from the first scan chain on the layout, the second scan chain having a second length less than the first length of the first scan chain; and generating a second label on the schematic based on the second scan chain, the second label provides a second wiring arrangement for the latches in the circuit design, the second wiring arrangement identifies a second order to which the scan input of each of the latches is wired to the scan output of another one of the latches.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to an electronic computer-aided system, and particularly to a method of optimizing a scan chain ordering in circuit designs involving latches therein.
2. Description of Background
When designers design custom macros or circuit designs involving latches or flip-flops they must also implement a scan chain. A scan chain is a technique used to test various circuit designs involving latches, where each latch is wired together to form the scan chain in which each latch is tested and observed by the designer using design automation software where the designer can graphically build the circuit design through a schematic and layout representation.
When designing integrated circuits involving latches, levels and sublevels of hierarchy are formed, where each level and sublevel include a number of latches grouped in one or more cells in the hierarchy. Each cell is designed to include a cell scan input pin and a cell scan output pin, where every cell scan input pin of one cell is wired to a cell scan output pin of another cell, thereby forming a scan chain. Of the cells in the scan chain, one cell scan input pin of a cell in the scan chain is wired to a primary circuit scan input pin and one cell scan output pin of another cell in the scan chain is wired to a primary circuit scan output pin. Within each cell, the latch scan input pin of each latch is wired to a latch scan output pin of another latch within the cell. The primary circuit scan input pin is where the scan chain begins and the primary circuit scan output pin is where the scan chain ends. In general terms, during scan testing, designers send a predetermined pattern through the cells in the order of the scan chain at the primary circuit scan output pin and out the primary circuit scan output pin where the designer can obtain the status of the latches in the scan chain. As such, the designer can determine the state of each latch within the integrated circuit.
During the schematic build process, the designer usually follows the convention of a hardware description language, such as Verilog or VHDL to hook up the scan chain. This is usually done for correspondence purposes for logic checking. However, the scan chain is usually not an optimal hook-up because it is not placement driven. Once the placement is made in the layout process, the designer must go back to the schematic and make the scan chain location driven to minimize wires and resources. However, this usually involves messy pin additions, wire namings, and a messy style. Updating the schematic to reflect the location driven scan chain may also be timely.

Scheme to optimize scan chain ordering in designs

International Business Machines Corporation


A method for producing a polyoxyalkylene derivative including: step (A) in which a polyoxyalkylene derivative having hydroxyl group(s) is reacted with a phthalimide derivative in the presence of an azo reagent and a phosphine reagent; step (B) in which the phthalimide groups of the compound obtained in step (A) are deprotected using a compound having a primary amino group; and step (C) in which impurities derived from the phthalimide derivative and the deprotection reagent are removed by adsorption or extraction.

As a result of innovations in genetic engineering, medicines employing bio-related substances such as intercellular messengers, e.g., hormones and cytokines, antibodies, and enzymes have been developed and investigated actively in recent years. After having been administered to a living body, these bio-related substances usually disappear from the living body due to glomerular filtration within the kidneys and the uptake of macrophages within the liver, spleen, etc. The bio-related substances hence have a short half-life period in the blood, and it is difficult to obtain a sufficient pharmacological effect. In order to overcome this problem, attempts to improve the behavior in living body have been made by encapsulating a bio-related substance in liposomes or polymer micelles or increasing the molecular weight or forming a hydration layer through chemical modification with an amphipathic polymer such as a sugar chain or polyethylene glycol, or albumin. Modification with a polyoxyalkylene has brought about effects such as a reduction in toxicity or antigenicity and an improvement in the solubility of sparingly water-soluble drugs.
In recent years, techniques have been actively investigated in which when a bio-related substance is modified with a polyoxyalkylene, a target site on the bio-related substance is selectively modified with a desired number of polyoxyalkylene segments without deactivating the active sites of the bio-related substance. Furthermore, there is a trend toward increases in the molecular weights of polyoxyalkylene derivatives in order to obtain a larger hydration layer with a smaller number of polyoxyalkylene chains. In particular, there is a desire for a high-molecular polyoxyalkylene derivative having an oxyamino group which selectively reacts with an aldehyde or ketone group to form a relatively stable oxime bond.
JP-A-7-196925 includes a statement concerning reagents for forming PEG hydrazone and PEG oxime bonds and protein derivatives of these. International Publication No. 96/041813 includes a statement concerning a polyoxyalkylene derivative having an oxyamino group for use in site-selective reactions. Moreover, JP-T-2007-501811 (the term "JP-T" as used herein means a published Japanese translation of a PCT patent application) includes a statement concerning a technique in which trans-glutaminase is introduced into a peptide and this glutaminase is used as a medium for bonding to a polyoxyalkylene derivative having an oxyamino group.
In the methods for producing a polyoxyalkylene derivative having an oxyamino group which are described in JP-A-7-196925, International Publication No. 96/041813, and JP-T-2007-501811, in a first stage, it is necessary to convert the terminal hydroxyl group of the polyoxyalkylene obtained by polymerization of oxyalkylene to a functional group such as an activated ester or an amine and so on. In a second stage, the functionalized polyoxyalkylene is reacted and thereby attached with a low-molecular compound having a protected oxyamino group. In a third stage, the protected oxyamino group is deprotected to thereby obtain the desired product. The conventional production methods thus necessitate steps consisting of at least three stages, and purification by column chromatography, gel filtration, dialysis, etc. is performed in each stage, resulting in a considerably reduced yield and a prolonged production time. Because of this, those conventional methods are unsuitable for industrial production.
The polyoxyalkylene derivative described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,825,331 is obtained by a production method including introducing oxyphthalimide into the terminal hydroxyl group of a polyoxyalkylene using the Mitsunobu reaction, purifying the product by column chromatography, and then performing deprotection using a large amount of hydrazine. This production method results in a reduced yield due to purification by column chromatography, as stated above, and necessitates the use of a large amount of hydrazine, which is an inorganic base having poor handleability. It is therefore difficult to use this method for industrial production. It has also been ascertained that use of a polyoxyalkylene having a high molecular weight results in a decrease in purity.
As stated above, when the conventional production methods are used for producing a polyoxyalkylene having an oxyamino group, the number of production steps is large and there have been problems concerning, for example, a decrease in yield due to purification by column chromatography, etc. Furthermore, a high-molecular polyoxyalkylene having an oxyamino group is difficult to obtain as a high-purity product, and a product suitable for use as a modifying agent for bio-related substances has not been efficiently obtained so far.
As described above, there is a desire for a high-purity polyoxyalkylene derivative which has an oxyamino group and a high molecular weight and which can be effectively used in the modification of bio-related substances and can be industrially produced with ease.

Method for producing polyoxalkylene derivative


A structural analysis method that saves analysis time without lowering the prediction accuracy is provided. The structural analysis method has dividing up the analysis target into a plurality of finite elements; defining a plurality of meshes that divide up the analysis target into units larger than the finite elements and calculating, for each mesh, the proportion of one material among the plurality of materials that occupy the finite element contained in the mesh; specifying a mesh in which the calculated proportion of the one material exceeds a predetermined threshold value and generating mesh data by substituting material information specifying materials other than the one material with material information of the materials of the finite elements contained in the specified mesh; and calculating the physical amount yielded in the analysis target on the basis of the generated mesh data.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a structural analysis method employing the finite element method and, more particularly, to a structural analysis method to analyze a structural characteristic of a printed wiring substrate (strain characteristic, stress characteristic, thermal conduction characteristic, for example) by means of a numerical value simulation that employs a computer and refers to an associated program and structural analysis device.
2. Description of the Related Art
A printed wiring substrate on which an integrated circuit pattern is formed by using the mask technology shown in Japanese Patent Application Laid Open No. H9-218032 is employed as the motherboard of an electronic device. Warpage is produced in the printed wiring substrate in accordance with the temperature conditions of the reflow process for mounting the electronic part (LSI: Large Scale Integration, for example). The warpage that occurs as a result of the conditions of the fabrication process causes non-arrival or a shortage of the bump join portions or the like of an electronic part that is mounted on the surface of the printed wiring substrate, whereby the product yield is reduced.
Therefore, the combination of CAD (Computer Aided Design) and the finite element method to structurally analyze the printed wiring substrate and predict the warpage that is produced in the printed wiring substrate as a result of the conditions of the fabrication process is known (Japanese Patent Application Nos. 2004-13437 and 2000-231579, and U.S. Pat. No. 3,329,667). As a result of this prediction, design modifications can be implemented to produce a printed wiring substrate with minimal warpage in the mounting process.

Structural analysis method employing finite element method


An inspection method for inspecting a semiconductor device which is an object to be inspected includes a step of inputting an input signal to the semiconductor device, a step of irradiating the semiconductor device with light, a step of outputting a result signal indicating a change in a state of the semiconductor device based on an output signal which is output from the semiconductor device to which the input signal is input while the semiconductor device is irradiated with the light, and a step of deriving time information relating to a time from the input of the input signal to the semiconductor device to the output of the result signal.

Patent Literature 1 discloses a device that inspects a semiconductor device using irradiation with a laser beam. In this device, a semiconductor device is irradiated with a laser beam of less than 1064 nm having energy larger than the bandgap of silicon. Pass/Fail information of a semiconductor device changing due to a photo-electromotive current caused by this irradiation is measured. The Pass/Fail information indicates a change in the operating state of a semiconductor device which is caused by irradiation with a laser beam. Therefore, it is possible to specify defective points of a semiconductor device on the basis of the Pass/Fail information.

Semiconductor device inspection method and semiconductor device inspection device


The present invention relates to the identification of novel metallo-proteases (MP) in Gram-positive microorganisms. The present invention provides the nucleic acid and amino acid sequences for Bacillus (MP). The present invention also provides host cells having mutation or deletion of part or all of the gene encoding MP. The present invention also provides host cells further comprising nucleic acid encoding desired heterologous proteins such as enzymes. The present invention also provides cleaning compositions comprising an MP of the present invention.

Gram-positive microorganisms such as members of the group Bacillus, have been used for large-scale industrial fermentation due, in part, to their ability to secrete their fermentation products into the culture media. In gram-positive bacteria, secreted proteins are exported across a cell membrane and a cell wall, and then are subsequently released into the external media usually maintaining their native conformation.
Various gram-positive microorganisms are known to secrete extracellular and/or intracellular protease at some stage in their life cycles. Many proteases are produced in large quantities for industrial purposes. A negative aspect of the presence of proteases in gram-positive organisms is their contribution to the overall degradation of secreted heterologous or foreign proteins.
The classification of proteases found in microorganisms is based on their catalytic mechanism which results in four groups: the serine proteases; metallo-proteases; cysteine proteases; and aspartic proteases. These categories, in general, can be distinguished by their sensitivity to various inhibitors. For example, the serine proteases are inhibited by phenylmethylsulfonylfluoride (PMSF) and diisopropylfluorophosphate (DIFP); the metallo-proteases by chelating agents; the cysteine enzymes by iodoacetamide and heavy metals and the aspartic proteases by pepstatin. The serine proteases have alkaline pH optima, the metalloproteases are optimally active around neutrality, and the cysteine and aspartic enzymes have acidic pH optima (Biotechnology Handbooks, Bacillus. vol. 2, edited by Harwood, 1989 Plenum Press, New York).
Metallo-proteases form the most diverse of the catalytic types of proteases. Family M23 contains bacterial enzymes such as the β-lytic endopeptidases of Lysobacter and Achromobacter and the Pseudomonas LasA protein and have specificity for Gly bonds, especially in Gly-Gly+Xaa-sequences (Methods in Enzymology, vol. 248, Academic Press, Inc. 1994). The enzymes of the M23 family contain zinc and a conserved His-Xaa-His motif


A method of sealing a polymeric lining of a manhole and the sewer lines communicating with the manhole which comprises forming insitu an integral substantially continuous monolithic polymeric coating or lining on the interior surface of the manhole adhered to the interior surface and substantially simultaneously forming a generally tube-shaped polymeric sealing member coaxially aligned with the manhole opening having an interior diameter generally equal to the interior surface of the manhole opening which is integral and continuous with the polymeric lining of the manhole preferably by spraying the interior surface of the manhole with a polymeric material having an isocyanate-terminated compound, most preferably a polyurea, then substantially simultaneously forming the tube-shaped polymeric sealing member of the same material as the manhole lining. Following curing of the polymeric manhole coating and the sealing member, the method includes inserting a tubular liner through the line communicating with the manhole into the tube-shaped sealing member having an uncured polymer on its exterior surface which is chemically compatible with the polymeric sealing member. The tubular sealing member is preferably formed by inserting a generally cylindrical form into the manhole opening which extends into the manhole, then applying the polymeric coating material sprayed on the interior surface onto the cylindrical form, thereby forming a generally tube-shaped member which is integral and continuous with the manhole lining.

The sewer collection system is among the most valued assets of a community's infrastructure. As these systems age, problems associated with infiltration and structural deterioration significantly increase. With much of America's underground infrastructure well beyond fifty years in age, improved methods of rehabilitating and sealing sewer collections systems will be critical for this vital network. Current problems of system overload and bypass are largely attributed to the deteriorating conditions of the miles of collection and transmission pipelines. The most common method of rehabilitating and reconstructing sewer systems has been simply to replace aging sewer lines and replace the manholes. This method required digging out the sewer lines, which is a time consuming and expensive procedure. In populated areas, this procedure also results in substantial disruption of traffic and personal inconvenience. More recently, attention has begun to shift to reconstructing the sewer system. Two primary factors that created this shift were the introduction and acceptance of trenchless technology for pipeline reconstruction and the development and refinement of pipe inspection systems. Trenchless technology has provided a feasible and politically sound alternative for addressing problems in the sewer system. The most common trenchless technology includes lining the sewer lines with a cured in place pipe (CIPP) having a thermoset resin which is bonded to the sewer line and an interior impermeable preferably reduced friction film, such as polyurethane, on the interior surface. Improvements in lining manholes with a polyurea or polyurethane lining have also been introduced. These improved systems have not, however, been integrated in a way which prevents infiltration and inflow of groundwater into the manholes particularly along the exterior of the cured in place pipe.
The trenchless cured in place pipe technology generally includes inserting and inflatable tubular liner into the sewer line from one end. The liner includes an outer layer of felt of synthetic fibers, such as polyester, nylon or acrylic fibers, saturated with a thermoset resin and an inner layer bonded to the fibrous layer, such as a film of polyurethane, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, Neoprene, polyester or the like. In one method developed by Insituform International N.V. of the Netherlands, the tubular liner of the cured in place pipe is formed with the impermeable film on the exterior surface and the felt on the interior surface. When the flexible lining tube is inserted in the pipeline or passageway, one end is anchored and then the remainder of the tube is everted through the anchored ends so that the tube everts into the pipeline or passageway and onto the surface to be lined. The everting medium is usually liquid and when the inversion process is completed, the liquid remains inside the inverted tube to keep the pipeline or passageway surface shape while the resin in the felt layer cures. The resin may include a catalyst and may be cured by any conventional means, including heated water, air or even radiant heating. Examples of this technology are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,009,063, 4,439,469 and 4,581,247. Upon curing, the resin impregnated felt liner becomes rigid and is permanently bonded to the interior surface of the sewer line and the interior impermeable film reduces friction.
Improved methods of lining or relining manholes has also been more recently introduced. The preferred method includes spraying the internal surfaces of the manhole with a fast curing elastomeric material, preferably polyurea, whereby a homogeneous, non-porous and monolithic coating or lining is formed on the interior surfaces of the manhole. The surfaces of the manhole to be lined or relined will generally require preparation by cleaning the brick, tile, concrete block or mortar or foreign material, as required. In the most preferred method of lining or relining a manhole, a primer such as an aqueous solution of silane is sprayed on the prepared surface to improve adhesion of the elastomeric material to the interior surfaces of the manhole. Although the manhole lining is preferably a polyurea elastomeric material prepared by rapidly mixing and initiating the reaction of an isocyanate-terminated compound with an amine-terminated compound, it is also possible to line manholes using a polyurethane coating if the manhole is thoroughly dried before coating. U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,405,218 and 5,415,499 of Foamseal of Oxford, Mich. disclose an improved method of lining or relining manholes using a polyurea coating or lining.
As set forth above, however, the problem of infiltration and inflow of groundwater entering the sewer system remains even with the improved technology described above. Where a cured in place pipe is used in the sewer lines, groundwater will continue to flow along the exterior surface of the sewer lines into the manholes. Hydraulic capacity is thereby reduced due to excess flow which can impede future growth and development and when the sewer system becomes hydraulically overloaded, diluted untreated sewage may be bypassed directly into surface water. Thus, there remains a need to develop a method of integrating the lining of sewer lines and manholes to form a sealed system which prevents infiltration and inflow of groundwater around the cured in place pipe and the original sewer line into the manholes.


A gallium nitride-based light emitting device, and a method for manufacturing the same are disclosed. The light emitting device comprises an n-type GaN-based clad layer, an active layer, a p-type GaN-based clad layer and a p-side electrode sequentially stacked on a substrate. The device further comprises an n-side electrode formed on one region of the n-type GaN-based clad layer, and two or more MIM type tunnel junctions formed on the other regions of the n-type GaN-based clad layer. Each of the MIM type tunnel junctions comprises a lower metal layer formed on the GaN-based clad layer so as to contact the n-type GaN-based clad layer, an insulating film formed on the lower metal layer, and an upper metal layer formed on the insulating film. The device is protected from reverse ESD voltage, so that tolerance to reverse ESD voltage can be enhanced, thereby improving reliability of the device.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to a gallium nitride-based light emitting device and a method for manufacturing the same, and, more particularly, to a gallium nitride-based light emitting device, designed to have enhanced tolerance to reverse electrostatic discharge (ESD), and a method for manufacturing the same.
2. Description of the Related Art
Generally, a conventional gallium nitride-based light emitting device comprises a buffer layer, an n-type GaN-based clad layer, an active layer, and a p-type GaN-based clad layer sequentially stacked on a dielectric sapphire substrate in this order. Additionally, a transparent electrode and a p-side electrode are sequentially formed on the p-type GaN-based clad layer, and an n-side electrode is formed on a portion of the n-type GaN-based clad layer exposed by mesa etching. In such a conventional gallium nitride-based light emitting device, holes from the p-side electrode and electrons from the n-side electrode are coupled to emit light corresponding to energy band gap of a composition of the active layer.
Although the gallium nitride-based light emitting device has a significantly large energy band gap, it is vulnerable to electrostatic discharge due to its negative crystallinity. In particular, as the amount of crystal defects is increased, the light emitting device is more vulnerable to the electrostatic discharge. Specifically, the gallium nitride-based light emitting device based on a material having the formula AlxGayIn1-x-yN (0≦x≦1, 0≦y≦1) has a tolerance voltage of about 1 to 3 kV against forward ESD, and a tolerance voltage of about 100 V to 1 kV against reverse ESD. As such, the gallium nitride-based light emitting device is more vulnerable to the reverse ESD rather than the forward ESD. Thus, when a large reverse ESD voltage is applied in a pulse shape to the gallium nitride-based light emitting device, the light emitting device is deteriorated or damaged. For example, when the light emitting device is brought into contact with a person's body, or inserted into or drawn from a socket, a reverse ESD voltage of 10 kV or more is applied to the gallium nitride-based light emitting device. As a result, such a reverse ESD phenomenon damages reliability of the gallium nitride-based light emitting device as well as causing a sharp reduction in life span thereof.
In order to solve the above mentioned problem, several approaches for enhancing the tolerance voltage of the gallium nitride-based light emitting device against ESD have been proposed. For example, there is a method of enhancing the tolerance voltage of the light emitting device to ESD by optimizing the structure of the light emitting device, and process of manufacturing the same. However, with this method, there is a limitation in achieving desired tolerance to ESD. As another method, a light emitting diode (which will be referred to hereinafter as "LED") of flip-chip structure is connected in parallel to a Si-based Zener diode so as to protect the light emitting device from ESD. However, in this method, an additional Zener diode must be purchased, and then assembled thereto by bonding, thereby significantly increasing material costs and manufacturing costs as well as restricting miniaturization of the device. As yet another method, U.S. Pat. No. 6,593,597 discloses technology for protecting the light emitting device from ESD by integrating an LED and a Schottky diode on an identical substrate and connecting them in parallel.
FIG. 1a is a cross-sectional view illustrating a conventional gallium nitride-based light emitting device having a Schottky diode connected in parallel as described above, and FIG. 1b is an equivalent circuit diagram of FIG. 1a. Referring to FIG. 1a, an LED structure of the conventional light emitting device comprises a first nucleus generation layer 102a, a first conductive buffer layer 104a, a lower confinement layer 106, an active layer 108, an upper confinement layer 110, a contact layer 112, a transparent electrode 114, and an n-side electrode 116 on a transparent substrate 100. Independent of the LED structure, a Schottky diode of the light emitting device comprises a second nucleus generation layer 102b and a second conductive buffer layer 104b formed on the transparent substrate 100, and a Schottky contact electrode 118 and an ohmic contact electrode 120 formed on the second conductive buffer layer 104b.
The transparent electrode 114 of the LED structure is connected to the ohmic contact electrode 120, and the n-side electrode 116 of the LED structure is connected to the Schottky contact electrode 118. As a result, as shown in FIG. 1b, the light emitting device has a structure wherein the LED is connected to the Schottky diode in parallel. In the light emitting device constructed as described above, when a high reverse voltage, for example, a reverse ESD voltage is instantaneously applied thereto, the high voltage can be discharged through the Schottky diode. Accordingly, most currents flow through the Schottky diode rather than the LED, thereby reducing damage of the light emitting device.
However, the method of protecting the light emitting device from ESD using the Schottky diode has a drawback of complicated manufacturing process. In other words, not only a region for LED must be divided from a region for the Schottky diode, but also it is necessary to deposit an additional electrode material in ohmic contact with an electrode material constituting the Schottky diode on the second conductive buffer layer 104b comprising n-type GaN-based materials. In particular, there are problems of limitation in selection of the metallic material forming Schottky contact between the n-type GaN-based materials, and of possibility of change in contact properties of semiconductor-metal in following processes, such as heat treatment.

Gallium nitride-based light emitting device having ESD protection capacity and method for manufacturing the same


A camera with a processing device for reading information recorded on an information recording medium corresponding to each frame of film, and for writing information into the information recording medium, includes a control circuit for substantially erasing a subset of a plurality of data items pre-recorded on the recording medium for each frame, by writing information on the recording medium for each frame with the processing device, and a judgment circuit for (i) counting a number of non-erased data items on the recording medium for each frame, (ii) comparing the counted number with a threshold value, the threshold value being less than a number of the plurality of pre-recorded data items, and (iii) judging that the writing of information has not been performed by the processing means when the counted number is greater than or equal to the threshold value.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a camera using film with a magnetic memorizing portion and provided with writing instruction means for driving a magnetic head during the feeding of the film by film feeding means after the termination of photographing, and causing camera information to be overwritten on film information pre-written in the magnetic memorizing portion of an exposed frame.
2. Description of the Related Art
A camera using a film cartridge containing the leading end portion of film therein and rewinding film that has not been completely exposed (halfway removal) and the reloading and use of the film cartridge is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,878,075.
In this patent, there are disclosed the technical substance that the film is provided with a magnetic memorizing portion comprising a transparent magnetic layer, that the camera has a magnetic head for writing information into the magnetic memorizing portion or reading out information pre-recorded in the magnetic memorizing portion, and that in order to discriminate between exposed and unexposed frames when the film in the cartridge has been rewound without completely exposing all of the film frames is again reloaded,
1) particular information is recorded on an exposed frame and this is used as an exposed flag (hereinafter referred to as DEP flag (Double Exposure Prevention encodement)) and whether there is this DEP flag during reloading is read out by the magnetic head, and a frame having this DEP flag is judged to be an "exposed" frame, and
2) film information is pre-recorded on the film and the camera makes or generates the DEP flag by overwriting particular information on an exposed frame or simply erasing the film information, and whether the DEP flag 1 is present during reloading is read out by the magnetic head, and a frame having this DEP flag is judged to be an "exposed" frame.
In the above-mentioned patent, there is further disclosed the sequence of film winding.fwdarw.exposed frame detection.fwdarw.unexposed frame positioning during reloading.
Further, in W090/04204, film information pre-recorded on film by a film maker and camera information recorded on each frame by a camera are prescribed as being comprised of an information block called "N bits of ID sentinels+data characters", and different ID sentinels are prescribed for the purpose of distinguishing between the camera information and the film information and the purpose of detecting a start sentinel. Also, it is disclosed that the ID sentinel of the camera information differing from the film information is used as DEP flag.
However, both of the above-described examples of the related art are designed such that "exposed" frames are discriminated by the presence of DEP flag, and this has led to the following serious problems:
1) Since there is only a single DEP flag in each photographing frame, a very low reproduction error rate is required in order to detect this DEP flag; and
2) When one fails in detecting the DEP flag, due to a reproduction error, an "exposed" frame is discriminated as unexposed, and double exposure takes place.

Camera having a magnetic head and capable of detecting exposed frames by counting data items in a magnetic recording track


A nonstop program system includes program sides each including programs accomplishing the required function of the system and a dedicated variable area storing variables used for executing the program. Those programs are independent of each other and have the same contents. When the operational state of one program side is set to an ACT state, while using the one program side as the active side for executing the program in the one program side, the operational state of another program side is set to a HOT_SBY state, and a variable area of the other program side is synchronized with the variable area of the active side, thereby alternately and periodically switching the operational states of the program sides. When switching the active side, the operational state of the other program side is switched to the ACT state to cause the other program side as the active side to continuously execute the program.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a nonstop program system and a method of continuously running predetermined programs while defragmenting memory in such a system.
2. Description of the Background Art
Conventionally, nonstop program systems can run nonstop to execute programs. Japanese patent laid-open publication No. 2002-259142 discloses a manner of switching applications and controlling the switching, which can solve memory leak caused at the time of execution of the application program as a new process to take over the old process without interruption of the process.
In the manner disclosed, software for controlling program start sets, in a software manager, index information and information identifying the generation of software and totally manages the start control of a plurality of the application programs in such a fashion that the software periodically switches from an old or current program to new one in response to a notice from time monitoring software to thereby automatically compensate for memory leak which might have been involved in the old program without interrupting the service provided by the application programs.
In the conventional system, however, it is impossible to solve the problem of memory fragmentation caused by repeating memory hunt and memory free at the time of executing the program.
Generally, the program dynamically hunts a memory area when required for effectively storing data to thereby secure the memory area and releases, or frees, the memory area when becoming unnecessary, thereby effectively utilizing the memory. when the memory hunt and free are repeated, continuous memory areas may not be secured, i.e. intermittent areas may be used. When such intermittent memory areas are used for executing a program so as to cause memory leak, the available memory areas are positioned fragmentarily, thus sometimes making it difficult to continuously run the program.
The memory fragmentation can occur everywhere of the memory. Such fragmented memory areas are minor portions on the whole memory, indeed. However, they tend to cause the unavailable memory areas to increase. In this case, the areas unavailable for memory hunt decrease and the areas available for memory hunt become fragmentary. Thus, the conventional nonstop program systems bring bad influence, e.g. the system interruption or slowdown of processing.

Nonstop program system and a method of continuously running programs by switching between program sides


A method is provided for creating a patterned monolayer on a substrate. First, organic molecules are prepared that have self-assembling properties. These molecules are applied to an aligning substrate. Then, the aligning surface is applied to the substrate, then separated from the substrate, leaving ordered patterns of the organic molecules on the substrate.

In recent years, innovation in the area of silicon integrated circuits has proved to be a major factor in the growth of the electronics industry. Current devices are of a scale on the order of tenths of micrometers. One goal of circuit designers is to further reduce the size of the chip space required for circuit components. Reducing the utilized chip space may reduce the amount of power required to operate the chip, may reduce the temperature of the circuit, and may allow the circuit to operate faster and more efficiently. Some solutions have been proposed to create silicon integrated circuits on the nanometer scale, but they all have limitations.
An extension of silicon processing has enabled microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) development. By incorporating deposition, etch and photo lithography processing, micron scale mechanical structures can be combined with electronic devices.
On the nanometer scale, there is much interest in creating structures to enable chemical and biological sensors, nanoelectronics and photonic devices. Some approaches to constructing nanometer scale structures include fine scale lithography, nanoimprint lithography, direct writing of device components, and the direct chemical synthesis and linking of components with covalent bonds. Each of these conventional approaches has their own drawbacks.
Fine scale lithography utilizes X-rays, electrons, ions, scanning probes, or stamping to define device components on a silicon integrated circuit. Device alignment is a major problem with fine scale lithography. The wafer on which the devices are built must be aligned to within a fraction of a nanometer in two or more dimensions. This level of control is extremely expensive to implement. E-beam lithography, a type of fine scale lithography, is capable of producing lines on small scale, but is limited in the size and range over which the lines can be written. The E-beam lithographic method also requires a high vacuum, which precludes the use of most organic materials in producing nanoscaled components. Additionally, E-beam lithography is slow and expensive, making it commercially impractical.
Another conventional method for producing lines is Nano Imprint Lithography ("NIL"). This method requires the use of molds. These molds are typically created by E-beam lithographic methods and require high pressure. Limitations exist with respect to mold release and defect replication.
The direct writing of the device components by electrons, ions, or scanning probes also has drawbacks. This is a serial process. Therefore, the direct writing of a wafer full of complex devices, each containing trillions of components, requires an extraordinary amount of time. This makes direct writing impractical to implement in large-scale commercial applications.
Another method is direct chemical synthesis and linking of components with covalent bonds. The problem with this method is that the only known chemical analogues of high information content circuits used have been proteins and DNA. Both of these chemical analogues have extremely complex and, to date, unpredictable secondary and tertiary structures that cause them to twist into helices, fold into sheets, and form other complex three-dimensional structures. The resulting topography is not useful for making nanoscale structures.
Therefore, a need exists for a method and system that can create well ordered nanoscale structures using commercially feasible processes.

Method of creating a patterned monolayer on a surface


An image forming apparatus includes: a sensor section, an oscillation mechanism, a control section, and an object determination section. The sensor section has a pyroelectric infrared sensor detecting presence of an object based on an infrared ray change. The oscillation mechanism turns the sensor section. The control section, upon the detection of the object by the sensor section, makes the oscillation mechanism start the turning operation. The object determination section, after the turning operation of the sensor section starts from a predefined initial position, determines that the object exists in a case where a state in which the object is detected by the sensor section continues for a predefined first period of time, and determines that the object does not exist in a case where the state in which the object is detected does not continue for the first period of time.

This disclosure relates to an electronic device and an image forming apparatus, and more specifically to a technology of detecting an object by a pyroelectric infrared sensor.
An electronic device loaded with a human body detecting sensor is suggested. As such an electronic device, there is, for example, an image forming apparatus which, by starting heating of a fixing section after human body detection by the human body detecting sensor, can heat the fixing section by use of time from the human body detection to approach of an operator to an operation section to thereby set a standby fixing temperature lower than that of a device not loaded with a human body detecting sensor. Moreover, when the human body detecting sensor does not detect a human body, the image forming apparatus can be shifted from a normal mode in which immediate image formation is possible to a sleep mode in a power-saving state to thereby stop driving of a heater heating the fixing section at the right time and then reduce power.

Electronic device with pyroelectric infrared sensor for detecting object


A method for detecting particle agglomeration in CMP slurries. In accordance with an implementation of the invention, a CMP slurry is tested for abrasive particle agglomeration by applying an ultra high shearing force to the slurry and analyzing its rheological behavior. Through the comparison of slurry rheological behavior, implementations of the invention make it possible to detect particle agglomeration in a slurry and to distinguish between fresh and aged slurries.

Chemical mechanical polishing (also known as chemical mechanical planarization or CMP) is a semiconductor manufacturing process that uses an abrasive, corrosive slurry in conjunction with a polishing pad to planarize the microscopic topographic features on a partly processed wafer so that subsequent processes can begin from a flat surface. CMP is also used in damascene processes to define features, such as interconnects and vias. The planarization process relies on both physical grinding as well as chemical reactions that often occur between the material being polished and components of the slurry.
The abrasive particles within a CMP slurry tend to agglomerate over time, even during storage at room temperatures. The quality of a CMP slurry therefore deteriorates as it ages. This agglomeration of abrasive particles diminishes the quality of the resulting polish by affecting the polish uniformity and increasing the wafer defect rate. Furthermore, a CMP slurry is subjected to high shearing during a CMP process due to the rotation of the polishing pad and wafers and due to the small gap between the pad and the wafer. This shearing can irreversibly change slurry properties and also affect CMP performance.
It would be advantageous to develop a process by which the age of a CMP slurry can be determined, thereby allowing aged slurries to be discarded before they affect the quality of a wafer polishing process. The current state of the art viscosity metrology does not detect particle agglomeration.

Detecting particle agglomeration in chemical mechanical polishing slurries