An information retrieval system uses phrases to index, retrieve, organize and describe documents. Phrases are identified that predict the presence of other phrases in documents. Documents are the indexed according to their included phrases. Index data for multiple versions or instances of documents is also maintained. Each document instance is associated with a date range and relevance data derived from the document for the date range.

Information retrieval systems, generally called search engines, are now an essential tool for finding information in large scale, diverse, and growing corpuses such as the Internet. Generally, search engines create an index that relates documents (or "pages") to the individual words present in each document. A document is retrieved in response to a query containing a number of query terms, typically based on having some number of query terms present in the document. The retrieved documents are then ranked according to other statistical measures, such as frequency of occurrence of the query terms, host domain, link analysis, and the like. The retrieved documents are then presented to the user, typically in their ranked order, and without any further grouping or imposed hierarchy. In some cases, a selected portion of a text of a document is presented to provide the user with a glimpse of the document's content.
Direct "Boolean" matching of query terms has well known limitations, and in particular does not identify documents that do not have the query terms, but have related words. For example, in a typical Boolean system, a search on "Australian Shepherds" would not return documents about other herding dogs such as Border Collies that do not have the exact query terms. Rather, such a system is likely to also retrieve and highly rank documents that are about Australia (and have nothing to do with dogs), and documents about "shepherds" generally.
The problem here is that conventional systems index documents based on individual terms, rather than on concepts. Concepts are often expressed in phrases, such as "Australian Shepherd," "President of the United States," or "Sundance Film Festival". At best, some prior systems will index documents with respect to a predetermined and very limited set of 'known' phrases, which are typically selected by a human operator. Indexing of phrases is typically avoided because of the perceived computational and memory requirements to identify all possible phrases of say three, four, or five or more words. For example, on the assumption that any five words could constitute a phrase, and a large corpus would have at least 200,000 unique terms, there would approximately 3.2×1026 possible phrases, clearly more than any existing system could store in memory or otherwise programmatically manipulate. A further problem is that phrases continually enter and leave the lexicon in terms of their usage, much more frequently than new individual words are invented. New phrases are always being generated, from sources such technology, arts, world events, and law. Other phrases will decline in usage over time.
Some existing information retrieval systems attempt to provide retrieval of concepts by using co-occurrence patterns of individual words. In these systems a search on one word, such as "President" will also retrieve documents that have other words that frequently appear with "President", such as "White" and "House." While this approach may produce search results having documents that are conceptually related at the level of individual words, it does not typically capture topical relationships that inhere between co-occurring phrases.
Accordingly, there is a need for an information retrieval system and methodology that can comprehensively identify phrases in a large scale corpus, index documents according to phrases, search and rank documents in accordance with their phrases, and provide additional clustering and descriptive information about the documents.
Another problem with conventional information retrieval systems is that they can only index a relatively small portion of the documents available on the Internet. It is currently estimated that there are over 200 billion pages on the Internet today. However, even the best search engines index only 6 to 8 billion pages, thereby missing the majority of available pages. There are several reasons for the limited indexing capability of existing systems. Most significantly, typical systems rely on a variation of an inverted index that maintains for every term (as discussed above) a list of every page on which the term occurs, along with position information identifying the exact position of each occurrence of the term on the page. The combination of indexing individual terms and indexing positional information requires a very large storage system.
A further problem with many information retrieval systems used for searching the Internet is their inability to archive pages that change over time. Conventionally, most Internet search engines only store the relevance information for a current instance (or version) of a given page, and update this information each time the page is re-indexed. As a result, a given search only returns the current versions of pages that satisfy the query. Users are unable as a result to search for prior instances of pages, or pages that were current in a specific date interval. Also, the search engines are likewise do not use version or date related relevance information when evaluating search queries or presenting search results.
Accordingly, it is desirable to provide an information retrieval system that can effectively index tens of billions, and eventually over 100 billion pages of content, without the substantial storage requirements of existing systems. Further, it is desirable to provide an information retrieval system that can index and retrieve both current and prior instances of documents and pages.

Information retrieval system for archiving multiple document versions


A combined bandana and goggles for protecting a portion of a head of a user from exposure to the elements. The combined bandana and goggles includes a goggles assembly being designed for engaging the head of the user for being positioned over the eyes of the user to inhibit exposure of the eyes to the elements. A cover assembly comprises a head member coupled to a band member. The band member is designed for being secured around the head of the user whereby the head member extends over a top of the head. The band member engages the goggles assembly to maintain positioning of the band member of the head of the user. The head member is designed for inhibiting thermal heat loss through the top of the head and inhibiting contact of the top of the head with the elements.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to combined goggles and head bands and more particularly pertains to a new combined bandana and goggles for protecting a portion of a head of a user from exposure to the elements.
2. Description of the Prior Art
The use of combined goggles and head bands is known in the prior art. More specifically, combined goggles and head bands heretofore devised and utilized are known to consist basically of familiar, expected and obvious structural configurations, notwithstanding the myriad of designs encompassed by the crowded prior art which have been developed for the fulfillment of countless objectives and requirements.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,520,510 describes a device for being wrapped around the head of the user as a standard headband or as a pair of sunglasses or sunshields. Another type of combined goggles and head band is U.S. Pat. No. 5,461,727 having a cap with an elastic strap around the lower edge of the cap and is selectively coupled to the bridge of pair of glasses to couple the cap to the glasses. U.S. Pat. No. 5,617,589 has a two sided headband that is selectively clipped to the frame of a pair of goggles that are coupled together behind the head of the user to secure the goggles to the head of the user. U.S. Pat. No. 2,288,423 has an eye protector for rider that is positioned over the eyes of a user and has a strap that extends around the head of the user to secure the eye protector over the eyes of the user. U.S. Pat. No. 4,176,410 has a sport goggle that flexes to conform to the face of the user. U.S. Pat. No. 5,421,037 has a headband assembly that fits over a strap of the goggles to provide additionally covering for the ears of a user. U.S. Pat. No. Des. 144,782 shows a pair of goggles.
In these respects, the combined bandana and goggles according to the present invention substantially departs from the conventional concepts and designs of the prior art, and in so doing provides an apparatus primarily developed for the purpose of protecting a portion of a head of a user from exposure to the elements.


An accommodating intraocular lens to be implanted within the natural capsular bag of a human eye from which the natural lens matrix has been removed through an anterior capsule opening in the bag circumferentially surrounded by an anterior capsular remnant. During a postoperative healing period following surgery, the anterior capsular remnant fuses to the posterior capsule of the bag by fibrosis about haptics on the implanted lens while the ciliary muscle is maintained in its relaxed state by a cycloplegic to prevent dislocation of the lens, and the lens is deflected rearwardly by the fibrosing anterior capsular remnant to a distant vision position against the elastic posterior capsule of the bag in which the posterior capsule is stretched rearwardly. After fibrosis is complete, natural brain-induced contraction and relaxation of the ciliary muscle relaxes and stretches the fibrosed anterior remnant and increases and reduces vitreous pressure in the eye to effect vision accommodation by the remnant, the posterior capsule, and vitreous pressure. A method of utilizing the intraocular lens to provide a patient with vision accommodation.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to intraocular lenses and more particularly to novel accommodating intraocular lenses for implantation within the capsular bag of a human eye from which the natural lens matrix has been removed by an extraction procedure which leaves intact within the eye the posterior capsule and an anterior capsule remnant of the natural lens. The invention relates also to a novel method of utilizing the intraocular lenses in a human eye to provide the patient with accommodation capability responsive to normal ciliary muscle action.
2. Prior Art
The human eye has an anterior chamber between the cornea and the iris, a posterior chamber behind the iris containing a crystalline lens, a vitreous chamber behind the lens containing vitreous humor, and a retina at the rear of the vitreous chamber. The crystalline lens of a normal human eye has a lens capsule attached about its periphery to the ciliary muscle of the eye by zonules and containing a crystalline lens matrix. This lens capsule has elastic optically clear anterior and posterior membrane-like walls commonly referred by ophtalmologists as anterior and posterior capsules, respectively. Between the iris and ciliary muscle is an annular crevice-like space called the ciliary sulcus.
The human eye possesses natural accommodation capability. Natural accommodation involves relaxation and constriction of the ciliary muscle by the brain to provide the eye with near and distant vision. This ciliary muscle action is automatic and shapes the natural crystalline lens to the appropriate optical configuration for focussing on the retina the light rays entering the eye from the scene being viewed.
The human eye is subject to a variety of disorders which degrade or totally destroy the ability of the eye to function properly. One of the more common of these disorders involves progressive clouding of the natural crystalline lens matrix resulting in the formation of what is referred to as a cataract. It is now common practice to cure a cataract by surgically removing the cataractous human crystalline lens and implanting an artificial intraocular lens in the eye to replace the natural lens. The prior art is replete with a vast assortment of intraocular lenses for this purpose.
Examples of such lenses are described in the following U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,254,509, 4,298,996, 4,842,601, 4,963,148, 4,994,082, 5,047,051.
As is evident from the above patents, intraocular lenses differ widely in their physical appearance and arrangement. This invention is concerned with intraocular lenses of the kind having a central optical region or optic and haptics which extend outward from the optic and engage the interior of the eye in such a way as to support the optic on the axis of the eye. My above-listed U.S. Pat. No. 5,047,051, discloses an intraocular lens having a haptic anchor plate, an optic at the longitudinal center of the plate, and resilient haptic loops staked to the ends of the plate.
Up until the late 1980""s, cataracts were surgically removed by either intracapsular extraction involving removal of the entire human lens including both its outer lens capsule and its inner crystalline lens matrix, or by extracapsular extraction involving removal of the anterior capsule of the lens and the inner crystalline lens matrix but leaving intact the posterior capsule of the lens. Such intracapsular and extracapsular procedures are prone to certain post-operative complications which introduce undesirable risks into their utilization. Among the most serious of these complications are opacification of the posterior capsule following extracapsular lens extraction, intraocular lens decentration, cystoid macular edema, retinal detachment, and astigmatism.
An improved surgical procedure called anterior capsulotomy was developed to alleviate the above and other post-operative complications and risks involved in intracapsular and extra-capsular cataract extraction. Simply stated, anterior capsulotomy involves forming an opening in the anterior capsule of the natural lens, leaving intact within the eye a capsular bag having an elastic posterior capsule, and anterior capsular remnant or rim about the anterior capsule opening, and an annular sulcus, referred to herein as a capsular bag sulcus, between the anterior capsule remnant and the outer circumference of the posterior capsule. This capsular bag remains attached about its periphery to the surrounding ciliary muscle of the eye by the zonules of the eye. The cataractous natural lens matrix is extracted from the capsular bag through the anterior capsule opening by phacoemulsification and aspiration or in some other way after which an intraocular lens is implanted within the bag through the opening.
A relatively recent and improved form of anterior capsulotomy known as capsulorhexis is essentially a continuous tear circular or round capsulotomy. A capsulorhexis is performed by tearing the anterior capsule of the natural lens capsule along a generally circular tear line substantially coaxial with the lens axis and removing the generally circular portion of the anterior capsule surrounded by the tear line. A continuous tear circular capsulotomy or capsulorhexis, if performed properly, provides a generally circular opening through the anterior capsule of the natural lens capsule substantially coaxial with the axis of the eye and surrounded circumferentially by a continuous annular remnant or rim of the anterior capsule having a relatively smooth and continuous inner edge bounding the opening. When performing a continous tear circular capsulorhexis, however, the anterior rim is often accidentally torn or sliced or otherwise ruptured, or the inner rim edge is nicked or sliced in a manner which renders the rim prone to tearing when the rim is stressed, as it is during fibrosis as discussed below.
Another anterior capsulotomy procedure, referred to as an envelope capsulotomy, involves cutting a horizontal incision in the anterior capsule of the natural lens capsule, then cutting two vertical incisions in the anterior capsule intersecting and rising from the horizontal incision, and finally tearing the anterior capsule along a tear line having an upper upwardly arching portion which starts at the upper extremity of the vertical incision and continues in a downward vertical portion parallel to the vertical incision which extends downwardly and then across the second vertical incision. This procedure produces a generally archway-shaped anterior capsule opening centered on the axis of the eye The opening is bounded at its bottom by the horizontal incision, at one vertical side by the vertical incision, at its opposite vertical side by the second vertical incision of the anterior capsule, and at its upper side by the upper arching portion of the capsule tear. The vertical incision and the adjacent end of the horizontal incision form a flexible flap at one side of the opening. The vertical tear edge and the adjacent end of the horizontal incision form a second flap at the opposite side of the opening.
A third capsulotomy procedure, referred to as a beer can or can opener capsulotomy, involves piercing the anterior capsule of the natural lens at a multiplicity of positions along a circular line substantially coaxial with the axis of the eye and then removing the generally circular portion of the capsule circumferentially surrounded by the line. This procedure produces a generally circular anterior capsule opening substantially coaxial with the axis of the eye and bounded circumferentially by an annular remnant or rim of the anterior capsule. The inner edge of this rim has a multiplicity of scallops formed by the edges of the pierced holes in the anterior capsule which render the annular remnant or rim prone to tearing radially when the rim is stressed, as it is during fibrosis as discussed below.
Intraocular lenses also differ with respect to their accommodation capability, and their placement in the eye. Accommodation is the ability of an intraocular lens to accommodate, that is to focus the eye for near and distant vision. My U.S. Pat. No. 5,326,347 and certain of the earlier listed patents describe accommodating intraocular lenses. Others of the listed patents describe non-accommodating intraocular lenses. Most non-accommodating lenses have single focus optics which focus the eye at a certain fixed distance only and require the wearing of eye glasses to change the focus. Other non-accommodating lenses have bifocal optics which image both near and distant objects on the retina of the eye. The brain selects the appropriate image and suppresses the other image, so that a bifocal intraocular lens provides both near vision and distant vision sight without eyeglasses. Bifocal intraocular lenses, however, suffer from the disadvantage that each bifocal image represents only about 40% of the available light and the remaining 20% of the light is lost in scatter.
There are four possible placements of an intraocular lens within the eye. These are (a) in the anterior chamber, (b) in the posterior chamber, (c) in the capsular bag, and (d) in the vitreous chamber.
According to one of its aspects, this invention provides improved accommodating intraocular lenses to be implanted within the capsular bag of a human eye which remains in the eye after removal of the natural matrix from the human lens capsule through an anterior capsule opening created by an anterior capsulotomy and preferably by a capsulorhexis. An improved accommodating intraocular lens according to the invention has a central optic and haptics which extend outward from diametrically opposite sides of the optic and are movable anteriorly and posteriorly relative to the optic. In some described lens embodiments, the haptics are joined at their inner ends to the optic by hinge-like junctions referred to herein as hinges, and the anterior/posterior movement of the haptics involves pivotal movement of the haptics at these hinges. In other described embodiments, the haptics are resiliently flexible, and the anterior/posterior movement of the haptics relative to the optic involves resilient flexing or bending of the haptics. In this regard, it is important to note at the outset that the terms xe2x80x9cflexxe2x80x9d, xe2x80x9cflexingxe2x80x9d, xe2x80x9cflexiblexe2x80x9d, and the like are used herein in a broad sense to cover both hinged and resiliently bendable haptics.
Certain of the lens embodiments described herein are referred to as simple plate haptic lenses. These simple plate haptic lenses are intended for use when the capsulotomy procedure utilized in the eye surgery is properly performed and provides an anterior capsule remnant or rim that is not only completely intact and free of splits, tears, and the like at the time of lens implantation but is also likely to remain intact during subsequent fibrosis. Other described lens embodiments are referred to as a plate haptic spring lens. These latter lenses are intended for use in those situations in which the capsulotomy produces an anterior capsular remnant which is not intact or which is not likely to remain intact during fibrosis. Both types of lenses are designed for implantation within a capsular bag of the eye in a position wherein the lens optic is aligned on the axis of the eye with the anterior capsule opening in the bag, and the lens haptics are situated within the capsular bag sulcus in contact with the sulcus wall. The normally posterior side of the lens then faces the elastic posterior capsule of the bag.
The presently preferred lens embodiments of the invention have round optics and haptics joined at their inner ends to opposite edges of the optic by relatively narrow junctions. These junctions occupy only relatively small diametrically opposite edge portions of the optics and leave unobstructed the remaining major circular edge portions of the optic between the junctions. In the preferred lenses described herein, these junctions are hinge junctions about which the haptics are movable anteriorly and posteriorly relative to the optic. These flexible or hinged junctions form a bridge between the optic and the plate haptic which is fixed in position within the anterior and posterior capsules by fibrosis. The bridges are tapered, the widest end being adjacent to the optic. This allows the bridge to slide in and out of the pocket formed by the fibrosed anterior capsular rim and the posterior capsule,and enables the optic to move anteriorly when the plate haptics are subjected to end to end compression.
During a post operative healing period on the order of three weeks, active endodermal cells on the posterior side of the anterior capsular rim cause fusion of the rim to the elastic posterior capsule by fibrosis. Fibrosis occurs about the haptics in such a way that the haptics are effectively xe2x80x9cshrink-wrappedxe2x80x9d by the capsular bag and form radial pockets between the anterior rim and the posterior capsule. These pockets contain the haptics and act to position and center the lens in the eye. The anterior capsular rim shrinks during fibrosis. This shrinkage combined with shrink-wrapping of the haptics causes endwise compression of the lens in a manner which tends to deflect the center of the lens along the axis of the eye relative to the fixated outer haptic ends. The intact fibrosed capsular rim prevents forward deflection of the lens, so that fibrosis-induced deflection of the lens occurs rearwardly to a position in which the lens presses against the elastic posterior capsule and stretches this capsule rearwardly.
Relaxation of the ciliary muscle during normal use of the eye after completion of fibrosis stretches the capsular bag and the fibrosed anterior capsular rim. The rim is stretched to a taut trampoline-like condition in which the rim deflects the lens rearwardly to and holds the lens in a posterior position. In this position of the lens, which is its distant vision position, the lens optic presses rear-wardly against And stretches the elastic posterior capsule. The stretched posterior capsule then exerts a forward bias force on the lens.
The accommodating lenses of the invention are uniquely constructed and arranged to utilize the fibrosed anterior capsular rim, the elastic posterior capsule, the vitreous cavity pressure, and the natural brain-controlled ciliary muscle action of the eye to provide postoperative accommodation for near vision. Thus, when looking at a near object, the brain constricts the ciliary muscle. This relaxes the fibrosed anterior rim, increases vitreous cavity pressure, and compresses the lens endwise in such a way as to effect forward deflection, i.e. accommodation movement, of the lens optic along the axis of the eye to a near vision position. Depending upon the amount of accommodation, accommodation deflection of the lens is produced initially by the increase in vitreous pressure and the forward bias force of the stretched posterior capsule and finally by forward buckling of the lens in response to endwise compression of the lens. Subsequent brain-activated relaxation of the ciliary muscle stretches the capsular bag and the fibrosed anterior capsular rim to return the lens rearwardly toward its distant vision position.
The preferred lens embodiments of the invention have round optics which are sized in diameter to pass through the anterior capsule opening. These preferred lenses are constructed and arranged for anterior accommodation movement of their optics to positions wherein the optics project through the anterior capsule opening to maximize the accommodation range of the lenses.
According to another important aspect of the invention, the ciliary muscle is paralyzed in its relaxed state at the start of surgery and is maintained in this relaxed state during both surgery and post-operative fusion of the anterior capsular remnant or rim to the posterior capsule by fibrosis. The ciliary muscle is thus relaxed by introducing a ciliary muscle relaxant (i.e. a cycloplegic) into the eye. While various cycloplegics may be used, the preferred cycloplegic is atropine because of its relatively long effective period compared to other cycloplegics. The cycloplegic is initially introduced into the eye at the start of surgery to dilate the pupil and paralyze the ciliary muscle in its relaxed state. After surgery, cycloplegic drops are periodically introduced into the eye by the patient during a postoperative healing period of sufficient duration (normally about two to three weeks) to maintain the ciliary muscle in its relaxed state until fibrosis is complete. This drug-induced relaxation of the ciliary muscle prevents contraction of the muscle and immobilizes the capsular bag during fibrosis. By this means, the lens is fixed in position within the eye relative to the retina for distance vision. When the cycloplegic effect wears off and the ciliary muscle can contract again, the contraction causes end to end compression on the plates thus moving the optic anteriorly for near vision. If the ciliary muscle was not maintained in its relaxed state, the muscle would undergo essentially normal brain-induced vision accommodation contraction and relaxation during fibrosis. This ciliary muscle action during fibrosis would not only result in improper formation of the haptic pickets in the fibrose tissue, but also ciliary muscle contraction during fibrosis would compress the capsular bag radially and the lens endwise in such a way as to very likely dislocate the lens from its proper position in the bag.
An accommodating lens according to the invention may have a normal unstressed configuration, such that when deflected from its normal unstressed configuration, the lens develops internal elastic strain energy forces which bias the lens toward its normal unstressed configuration in a manner which aids accommodation. The lens may be generally flat, anteriorly arched, or posteriorly arched in this normal unstressed configuration. One disclosed embodiment of the lens includes auxiliary springs for aiding lens accommodation. Some disclosed lens embodiments have integral fixation means at the haptic ends around which fibrosis of the anterior rim of the capsular bag occurs to fix the lens against dislocation in the eye. Other disclosed embodiments have fixation elements from which the lens proper is separable to permit later removal of the lens for repair or correction and replacement of the lens in its exact original position within the eye.
As noted earlier, the simple plate haptic lens of the invention is designed for use when the anterior capsulotomy performed on the eye provides an anterior capsular remnant or rim that remains intact and circumferentially continuous throughout fibrosis. The plate haptic spring lenses are designed for use when the anterior capsular remnant or rim of the capsular bag is ruptured, that is cut or torn, or is liable to become so during fibrosis. A ruptured capsular rim may be produced in different ways. For example, improper performance of a continuous tear circular capsulotomy, or capsulorhexis, may result in accidental cutting or tearing of the anterior rim. A beer can or can opener capsulotomy, on the other hand, produces an anterior capsular rim which is not intact and has an inner scalloped edge having stress-inducing regions that render the rim very prone to tearing during surgery or subsequent fibrosis. An envelope capsulotomy inherently produces an anterior capsular remnant which is ruptured and not intact.
A ruptured anterior capsular remnant or rim may preclude utilization of a simple plate haptic lens of the invention for the following reasons. A ruptured rim may not firmly retain the lens haptics in the sulcus of the capsular bag during fibrosis, thereby rendering the lens prone to decentration and/or posterior or anterior dislocation. A ruptured capsular rim may be incapable of assuming the taut trampoline-like condition of a non-ruptured rim. If so, a ruptured capsular rim is incapable of effecting full posterior deflection of a plate haptic lens to a distant viewing position against the posterior capsule during and after fibrosis. In fact, a ruptured capsular rim may permit anterior deflection of the lens. In either case, since the power of the lens is selected for each individual patient and is dependent upon their spectacle power, and since good vision without glasses requires the lens optic to be at precisely the correct distance from the retina, a simple plate haptic lens of the invention may not be acceptable for use with a ruptured anterior capsular remnant or rim.
The accommodating plate haptic spring lenses of the invention are designed for use when the anterior capsular remnant or rim of the capsular bag is ruptured. These plate haptic spring lenses are similar to the simple plate haptic lenses but have resilient springs, such as spring loops, at the ends of the plate haptics. When a plate haptic spring lens is implanted in a capsular bag, the haptic springs press outward against the wall of the capsular bag sulcus to fixate the lens in the bag during fibrosis. Fibrosis occurs about the springs in such a way as to effect fusion of the ruptured anterior remnant to the posterior capsule, firm fixation of the springs and hence the haptics in the bag, and posterior deflection of the lenses against the elastic posterior capsule during fibrosis. Brain-induced constriction and relaxation of the ciliary muscle after fibrosis with a ruptured capsular rim effects accommodation of the plate haptic spring lens in much the same way as occurs with the simple plate haptic lens and an intact non-ruptured capsular rim.
While the plate haptic spring lenses of the invention are designed for use with a ruptured anterior capsular remnant or rim, these lenses can also be utilized with an intact rim. A plate haptic spring lens also compensates for improper lens placement in the eye with one end of the lens situated in the capsular bag and the other end of the lens situated in the ciliary sulcus of the eye. In this regard, an advantage of the plate haptic spring lenses of the invention over the simple plate haptic lenses resides in the fact that the spring lenses eliminate the need to have on hand in the operating room both a simple plate haptic lens for use with an intact capsular rim and a plate haptic spring lens as a substitute for the plate haptic lens in the event the rim is ruptured during surgery.
Another advantage of the plate haptic spring lenses over the simple plate haptic lenses of the invention resides in the fact that the haptic spring lenses permit an optic of larger diameter than those of simple plate haptic lenses whose optic diameters will normally be restricted to the range of 4-7 mm. Thus, the haptic spring lenses rely on the haptic springs rather than the capsular remnant or rim to retain the lenses in position during fibrosis. As a consequence, these lenses may be used with a capsular remnant or rim of reduced radial width or a capsular rim which is slit or torn, both of which rim types provide an anterior capsule opening of larger effective size than those possible with a simple plate haptic lens. A larger anterior capsule opening, in turn, permits a larger optic diameter which offers certain opthalmological benefits. According to one aspect of this invention, such a large opening is provided after fibrosis is complete by using a laser to slit the anterior capsular rim radially or cut the rim circumferentially to enlarge the opening.
A further aspect of the invention concerns a novel method of utilizing an accommodating lens of the invention to provide accommodation in a human eye whose natural lens matrix has been removed from the lens capsule by a procedure involving anterior capsulotomy of the natural lens. The method may be utilized to replace a natural lens from which a cataract has been removed and to correct a refractive error in the eye of a patient who previously wore glasses in order to enable the patient to see well without glasses. For example, the invention can can be utilized to correct refractive errors and restore accommodation to persons in their mid-40""s who require reading glasses or bifocals for near vision by replacing the clear non-cataractous crystalline lens matrix of their eyes with an accomodating intraocular lens according to the invention. According to the method of utilizing a plate haptic spring lens of the invention, the anterior capsular remnant or rim of the capsular bag is slit radially or cut to enlarge the anterior capsule opening after fibrosis is complete to permit the use of a lens with a relatively large diameter optic larger than 6 or 7 mm.


A sealing sleeve (11) of the rolling boot type having a first larger, substantially cylindrical collar (12), a second smaller, substantially cylindrical collar (13), as a well as a wall portion (14) which is positioned between the collars (12, 13) and which forms at least one axially open annular fold (15) with circumferentially distributed indentations (18) in the convex curvature of the axially open annular fold (15), or with radial ribs (21) in the concave inner curvature of the axially open annular fold.

From U.S. Pat. No. 4,456,269, there is known a sealing sleeve of the foregoing type wherein a radial disc portion and cylindrical portion are arranged between a first collar secured to an outer joint part and an axially open annular fold. The two portions are reinforced relative to one another by circumferentially distributed radial ribs. Inside the cylindrical portion, there are positioned circumferentially distributed projections which serve as stops relative to the outer joint part.
EP 1 048 864 A2 describes a sealing sleeve wherein a first collar which is to be beaded into an annular plate metal cap is provided with circumferentially distributed notches for increasing its resilience.
Such prior art rolling boots have disadvantages when used in high speed applications. High speeds can result in the boot being expanded or the boot bursting under the influence of the centrifugal forces acting on the grease filling in the rolling boot. Thus, there exists a need for an improved rolling boot suitable for use in high speed applications.


An interface system for controlling data transmission from a first information processing unit to a second information processing unit includes a handshaking type data transmission path. The handshaking type data transmission path includes a first interface circuit and a second interface circuit. A transmission signal output from the first information processing unit passes the first interface circuit, is then waveform-shaped by the second interface circuit and applied to the second information processing unit. A transmission acknowledging signal output from the second information processing unit passes the first interface circuit and is applied to the first information processing unit. Thus, the timing skews of the signals in the data transmission paths between the first and second information processing units can autonomously be adjusted, thereby preventing further transmission of a transmission signal.

1. Cross-Reference to Related, Copending Application
Related, copending application of particular interest to the instant application is U.S. Ser. No. 497,221, entitled "Data Transmission Apparatus", filed Mar. 22, 1990 and assigned to the same assignee of the instant application.
2. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to interface apparatuses, and more specifically, to an interface apparatus controlling data transmission from a first apparatus to one or a plurality of second apparatuses.
3. Description of the Background Art
Handshaking type data transfer is conventionally known as data transfer in an information processing unit or the like. Data transfer from a first data transmission path to a second data transmission path by means of such handshaking type data transmission is, for example, conducted as follows.
Transmission signals are supplied from the first data transmission path to the second data transmission path, and transmission acknowledging signals are supplied from the second data transmission path to the first data transmission path. Data is supplied from the first data transmission path to the second data transmission path together with the transmission signals. The second transmission line, in response to the transmission signals, causes the transmission acknowledging signals to be inhibited in order to inhibit sending of further data for a fixed time period. After the elapse of the fixed time period, when the transmission acknowledging signals return to the authorized state data transmission from the first data transmission path to the second data transmission path is once again authorized. In this manner, the handshaking type data transmission is performed within an information processing unit or a plurality of information processing units.
When data transmission is conducted between a plurality of apparatuses, long signal lines for connecting these apparatuses to each other result in delay in signal transmission. As a result, some time period is required after data is supplied from the first apparatus to the second apparatus together with the transmission signals until the first apparatus receives a signal inhibiting sending of further data. Further data is therefore sent from the first apparatus to the second apparatus before reception of the data by the second apparatus is complete.
Furthermore, in data transmission from one apparatus to a plurality of apparatuses, if interconnection paths connected between these apparatuses are different in length every interconnection path will have a different signal delay time. Consequently, a delay circuit including a gate element or a delay circuit including a resistor or a capacitance element should be additionally provided in each path, in order to adjust timing skews of signals in the plurality of interconnection paths. The interconnection paths between the apparatuses usually change depending upon the placements of the apparatuses upon their actual installation, and, therefore, skew adjustment as described above will be necessary depending upon actual conditions for installing such a plurality of apparatuses.
Furthermore, when the transmission signals are transmitted in a form of pulse wave, depending upon the input load of the second apparatus which is subject to interface, a decrease in pulse width or a loss of pulse is effected due to lack of driving capability in the final stage of the first apparatus, or external noise comes in. This can cause the second apparatus to operate erroneously in data transmission.

Adaptive interface that automatically adjusts for timing skews caused by signal delays


A garment assembly that includes a first sleeve member, a first vibration assembly associated with the first sleeve member, and a control module. The first vibration assembly includes a plurality of vibration devices that are arranged in a circle about a center point. The angular distance between each vibration device in the plurality of vibration devices is approximately the same. The control module is associated with the first sleeve member, and includes a battery. The first vibration assembly is in electrical communication with the control module.

Massage and therapeutic devices for recovery after working out and the like are known. However, garments, straps or sleeves that include vibration therapy directed to specific body parts or muscles are needed.
The background description disclosed anywhere in this patent application includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.


A package for a pharmaceutical product comprising a bottom member (12) having a base (20) and at least one wall (18) extending upwardly therefrom, a cover member (22) a first locking arrangement (38) on both said cover member (22) and said bottom member (12), the locking arrangement being located on respective adjoining walls (14, 28) on the cover member (22) and the bottom member (12), a second locking arrangement (56) between the bottom member (12) and cover member (22) permitting limited movement between the cover member (22) and bottom member (12) while mainlining a locking relationship such that the first locking arrangement (38) may be moved from a locked to an unlocked position while the second locking arrangement (56) remains locked, a tether (68) mounted within the container (10) and a plurality of medicant containing packages (78) mounted on the tether (68) in a non removable manner. The package permits one to package otherwise non child resistant packages in a child resistant and senior friendly container.

The use of child resistant packaging is well known in the art and is utilized for many different types of products. Primarily, this package is used for those products which represent a potential hazard in the hands of children—i.e. medicaments and the like. The approach adopted for the child proofing of the packaging primarily depends upon the product—i.e. its size, format, etc. Thus, for example, in the field of pharmaceuticals many different types of pill containers which have locking tops are well known and are widely used commercially. Similarly, individually packaged medicaments are often sealed in different types of blister packages which are designed to prevent easy access by children.
Although very effective child packages can be designed, it is also important that the package is capable of being opened without undue difficulty by the average consumer for whom the product is intended. Thus, this is frequently a problem in that one of the major groups of medicament users are the elderly and packaging which relies on a certain amount of strength to open is often self defeating in that the end users find it difficult or impossible to open such packaging.
A related problem occurs when medication is sent from the pharmacy or other dispensing operation to the end user. This frequently occurs in more remote locations and one must choose suitable packaging again balancing the requirements set forth above with respect to the package being child resistant but senior friendly.


A reception device includes a low noise amplifier that amplifies a radio signal by a first gain, a variable gain amplifier that amplifies an output of the low noise amplifier by a second gain, an analog-to-digital converter that converts an output of the variable gain amplifier into a digital signal, a gain controller, and a saturation detection unit. The gain controller, when an amplitude of the radio signal exceeds a predetermined value, controls the first and second gains according to the amplitude of the radio signal, and completes the control within a predetermined period. The saturation detection unit detects saturation of the analog-to-digital converter based on the output of the low noise amplifier or the digital signal. The gain controller, after controlling the first and second gains a first time and the saturation is detected by the saturation detection unit, controls the first and second gains a second time.

In general, a reception device which receives a radio signal performs signal processing by amplifying a received radio signal at an appropriate gain. In such a reception device, a gain corresponding to an amplitude of a radio signal is controlled when the amplitude of the radio signal exceeds a threshold value. The controlling is usually completed within a period of a preamble contained in the radio signal. In such a reception device, when an interference wave is received before the radio signal is received, the reception performance for the desired wave (i.e., the received radio signal) deteriorates.


A penile catheter system for urine collection or catheterization where an external catheter secures over the penis and connects to a collection bag through a two-way urine valve, whereby urine can be passed to the collection bag through the two-way urine valve, or whereby catheterization can be accomplished through the two-way urine valve by a catheter with a unique shield that protects the catheter from bacteria laden interior walls of an external catheter. A two-way urine valve can be positioned for urine collection or catheterization as desired.

1. Field of the Invention--
The present invention pertains to urinary medical devices, and more particularly, relates to a penile catheter system where urine collection or catheterization can be accomplished without removal of any accompanying devices.
2. Description of the Prior Art--
U.S. Pat. No. 4,759,753 discloses an external male urinary catheter having an elastic sheath section which is removably connected to a urine-receiving section. When the device is used as an external catheter, the elastic sheath section (which is adhesively attached to the penile shaft) is coupled to the urine-receiving section in close proximity to the urethral meatus. In the event internal catherization is required, the urine-receiving section is detached from the elastic sheath section, thereby exposing the meatus. The sheath section remains on the penile shaft whether external or internal catherization is employed. Following internal catherization, the urine-receiving section may be reconnected to the sheath section to return the device to the external catheter mode.


A process for the preparation of composite filler particles, comprising: (a) coating a particulate filler having a median particle size (D50) of from 1 to 1200 nm; (b) agglomerating the coated particulate filler, for providing a granulation of the coated particulate filler wherein the granulation contains the coated particulate filler particles whereby the at least one coating layer may be crosslinked by crosslinking groups obtained by reacting the reactive groups and optionally a further crosslinking agent.

Dental restorative materials for use in the preparation of crowns, veneers, direct fillings, inlays, onlays and splints are known. Dental restorative materials such as dental composites contain a curable resin and particulate filler. However, resin shrinkage upon polymerization in the curing process tends to cause gap formation between the restorative composite and the tooth. As a consequence micro leakage, secondary caries and decreased longevity of the repair represents a problem with prior dental restorative materials. In order to alleviate the shrinking problem and to reinforce dental restorative materials, particulate fillers are commonly used, whereby a high filler load is preferred.
EP 1 396 254 discloses a particulate prepolymerized filler prepared by mixing an inorganic filler with an organic polymerizable resin and curing the mixture. Specifically, fumed silica and a barium aluminoborosilicate glass are mixed with polymerizable resin to prepare a paste and the paste is then heat polymerized and the resultant polymerized mass is ground to the desired particle size, for example, using a ceramic ball mill. The prepolymerized filler disclosed by EP 1 396 254 has an inorganic load of about 55 percent by volume and is used to enable higher filler loading of a dental restorative composition while maintaining acceptable handling properties of the paste.
However, the prepolymerized filler of EP 1 396 254 is problematic regarding the mechanical and chemical resistance compared to the properties of the particulate glass which is used for preparing the prepolymerized filler.
Moreover, since the prepolymerized filler must be ground and classified before incorporation into a dental restorative composition, the prepolymerized filler of EP 1 396 254 requires additional time and energy consuming process steps.
WO 0130304 discloses filler particles for use in a dental restorative composition, which comprise clusters of nano-sized metal oxide particles and further non-agglomerated nano-sized particles. The clusters are made using a process that includes heat treatment of a spray dried sol of metal oxide particles. The filler particles are silanated and incorporated into a dental restorative composition in an amount of about 78 parts by weight. WO 0130304 suggests that the clusters provide strength, while the nano-sized particles provide aesthetic quality, polishability, and wear resistance. However, the filler is problematic in that spray-drying and calcining metal oxide sol particles provide a product which requires milling in a ball mill for 160 hours in order to achieve an average cluster size of 1 μm.
The particulate filler materials of the prior art are not satisfactory when used in a dental restorative material having high filler loading for reduced shrinkage while being mechanically strong. A high filler loading results in a viscosity problem, which may usually be addressed by using large filler particles. Large filler particles generally provide a lower viscosity as compared to smaller filler particles. However, a cured product of a composition containing large filler particles is unsatisfactory regarding the polishability since a smooth surface may hardly be obtained due to large filler particles being removed from the surface of the cured product leaving cavities impairing the aesthetic properties.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,020,395 discloses a homogeneous microfilled dental composite material comprised of a mixture of polymerizable monomers and an inorganic filler, wherein said filler is comprised of silane treated fused silica aggregates having a size ranging from submicron to about 160 μm. The aggregates are comprised of agglomerates of fumed silica having an average agglomerate size in the range of approximately 0.5 to 50 μm, and the agglomerates are comprised of primary particles of fumed silica having an average particle size in the range of approximately 1 to 100 nm. The primary particles are interconnected by siloxane bridges formed by burning an organosilane coating on the fumed silica. According to Example 1, raw OX-50 was coated with 20% by weight A-174 organosilane in a V-blender using an aqueous solution spray, dried in a forced air oven at 100° C. for 24 hours, and hammermilled to a 10 μm average particle size. The silane-coated OX-50 was oxidized at 1050° C. for 4 hours, resulting in bridged silica particles (fused silica). The fused silica was then surface treated with 7% by weight A-174 organosilane in a V-blender using an aqueous solution spray. The silane-treated fused silica was dried at 110° C. for 3 hours and at 55° C. for 16 hours, then sieved through 95 mesh. The resulting filler consisted of agglomerates of Si—O bridged 0.04 μm fumed silica with aggregates of 10 μm mean size and a range of from submicron to 160 μm.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,781,940 discloses a process for the production of a filler for use in a microfilled dental composite formulation, which process comprises the steps of: (a) coating colloidal silica with a polymerizable monomer by mixing said silica with an organic solvent solution of said monomer and an effective amount of a polymerization catalyst, and then evaporating said solvent; (b) individualizing the coated silica by screening to product particles having a maximum size of about 90 microns; (c) polymerizing said monomer; and (d) individualizing the coated silica particles comprising the product of step (c) by screening. The filler of U.S. Pat. No. 4,781,940 consists of particles having an irregular shape thereby causing undesireably high viscosity increases when used in a dental composition.

Composite filler particles and process for the preparation thereof


A method and apparatus for saving power during punctured transmission in a CDMA mobile communication system. The apparatus comprises a baseband device, a mixed signal portion, a radio frequency (RF) frontend and a power supply. The baseband device comprises a variable rate voice coder (vocoder) which reduces the rate of voice data transmission to the mixed signal portion when voice activity by a user is low during a two-way conversation. When the rate of voice data transmission is reduced, there are one or more periods in which no voice data is transmitted. The system provides a signal from the baseband device to power OFF certain portions of the mixed signal portion during the periods of transmission with no voice data. This reduces the amount of power consumed by the mixed signal portion and enhances the life of the power supply.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to electrical devices. Specifically, the present invention relates to a method and apparatus for saving power during punctured transmission in a mobile communication system.
2. Brief Description of the Related Art
The three major types of multiple access networks are frequency division multiple access (FDMA), time division multiple access (TDMA) and code division multiple access (CDMA). In a CDMA system, various users share the same frequency and the same time slot. The users are distinguished (channelized) from each other by assigned code sequences, such as orthogonal codes or pseudorandom noise (PN) codes. Each receiver in a CDMA system separates the transmitted signals from a base station by using a correlator that accepts only signal energy designated to a particular user. Undesired signals constitute noise. A receiver in a CDMA system must filter out these undesired signals.
By transmitting at the same time and sharing the same frequency, the users constitute mutual interference to each other. A CDMA transmitter of one user may substantially reduce the interference generated by the transmitter by reducing the transmission rate when the user""s voice activity is low. When the transmission rate is reduced, there are intermittent bursts (periods or groups) when no voice data is transmitted.
An important factor in designing new mobile communication handsets is saving power, which directly affects the battery life and the xe2x80x98talk timexe2x80x99 of the handset. As smaller form factors limit the size and type of components used, including battery cells, power savings is becoming more critical in current wireless communication devices.
IS-95 is a digital standard or protocol for CDMA cellular system operation. IS-98 is a test standard derived from the IS-95 standard for CDMA mobile stations. IS-95 CDMA mobile communication systems enhance the capacity of the network and save power in the handset by taking advantage of the nature of human speech. In CDMA systems, voice or speech activity is not always present during a two-way conversation. Statistically, in a two-way conversation, the voice activity from one side (voice activity factor) in a full duplex, CDMA system commonly only comprises 40% or less of the total speech time. For the remainder of the speech time, there is no voice activity from one side and no information being transmitted from that side.
In general, a mobile communication handset commonly comprises a radio frequency (RF) frontend portion, a mixed signal portion or interface, a baseband device, a microphone and a speaker. In existing CDMA handsets, a voice coder (vocoder) reduces the rate of voice data transmission when there are pauses in a user""s speech. The reduction in the transmission rate creates intermittent bursts in the baseband device when no voice data is transmitted.
To save power on a mobile handset, it is desirable to momentarily and selectively power OFF certain portions of the handset during an intermittent burst in the baseband device when no voice data is transmitted. In existing IS-95 CDMA systems, the handset powers OFF certain components of the RF frontend portion, such as a power amplifier (PA) and other drivers, during an intermittent burst in the baseband device when no voice data is transmitted. The handset powers the components back ON when there is a burst with voice data to be transmitted. But the remainder of the RF frontend portion, such as a mixer and variable gain amplifiers (VGAs), and the mixed signal portion are always ON in existing systems.
The present invention uses a signal or command to selectively power (gate) OFF and ON certain components of the mixed signal portion during intermittent bursts in the baseband device with no transmitted voice data. In one embodiment, these components include a digital-to-analog converter (DAC), one or more switched capacitor filters, and one or more continuous time smoothing filters. In one embodiment, a burst in the baseband device is 1.25 milliseconds long in a 20 msec frame. In one embodiment, the signal is based on a command from a modem inside the baseband device. In another embodiment, the signal is generated by a voice coder (vocoder) inside the baseband device. In another embodiment, the signal is generated by a vocoder outside the baseband device. In one embodiment, the signal is generated by a processor inside the baseband device.
The present invention saves significant amounts of power and thereby increases talk time. Because the voice activity factor is typically 0.40 or 40% or less, the present invention can save approximately 60% of the power consumed by certain components in the mixed signal portion.

Method and apparatus for saving power during punctured transmission of mobile communications


Disclosed is an inkjet recording yellow ink containing a water-soluble azo dye (yn1) selected from the group consisting of a compound represented by the following Formula (Y) in which n is 1, and a salt thereof, and a water-soluble azo dye (yn2) selected from the group consisting of a compound represented by the following Formula (Y) in which n is 2, and a salt thereof:

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an inkjet recording yellow ink suitable for recording an image by ejecting an ink according to an inkjet recording method. Further, it relates to an inkjet recording ink set and an inkjet recording method each using the same.
2. Description of the Related Art
As an inkjet recording ink, a water-based ink, an oil-based ink, or a solid (fusion type) ink is used.
A dye used in the inkjet recording inkjet is typically required to have the following properties: good solubility with respect to a solvent such as water; good hue; fastness with respect to light, heat and active gas in the atmosphere (for example, oxidizing gas such as NOx or ozone, as well as SOx and so on); excellent resistance to water or chemicals; good fixing property with respect to an image-receiving material, and resultantly less bleeding; excellent storage stability in an ink; and high color purity.
It is especially important that the dye has fastness with respect to light, moisture, and heat. In consideration of properties of the material for recording, for example, it is desired that when an image is recorded on an image-receiving material having an ink-receiving layer containing white inorganic porous particles, the recorded image has fastness with respect to oxidizing gas such as ozone in the atmosphere.
Generally, when a color image is recorded using colors such as yellow, magenta and cyan, an image with an excellent coloration is obtained by regulating a color balance at the time of recording. However, if the degrees of fading of the respective colors are different from each other under the same environmental conditions over time after recording, imbalance in color gradually arises over time, which leads to a seriously deteriorated color tone of an entire image.
With respect to fastness of the color, as an ink that allows recording of an image having fastness, an ink composition having fastness with respect to light, heat, moisture and active gas in the atmosphere has been disclosed (see, for example, JP-A-No. 2007-197491).
However, in the aforementioned previous ink compositions, because the yellow dye is especially excellent in fastness compared to cyan dye or magenta dye, sometimes color imbalance in the image tends to occur over time after recording, and the color tone of the image at the time of recording cannot be stably maintained for the long term.

Inkjet recording yellow ink, inkjet recording ink set and inkjet recording method

Abstract: wherein, in Formula (Y), G represents a heterocyclic group; R, X, Y, Z, and Q each independently represent a monovalent or divalent group; n represents 1 or 2; when n is 1, R, X, Y, Z, Q and G each independently represent a monovalent group; and when n is 2, R, X, Y, Z, Q and G each independently represent a monovalent or divalent group, and at least one of R, X, Y, Z, Q and G represents a divalent substituent.


A system and method of balancing state of charge among plural series connected electrical energy storage unit is provided. Individual storage units are selectively coupled by semiconductor switches for monitoring and balancing state of charge. When the state of charge of a selected unit is greater than a target state of charge, energy is transferred from the selected unit to the string of storage units, such that the state of charge of the selected unit converges toward the target state of charge. Conversely, when the state of charge of a selected unit is less than a target state of charge, energy is transferred from the string of storage units to the selected unit, such that the state of charge of the selected unit converges toward the target state of charge.

Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) combine the internal combustion engine of a conventional vehicle with the battery and electric motor of an electric vehicle. This combination offers the driving range and rapid refueling features to which consumers are accustomed with conventional vehicles, while achieving improved fuel economy and lower emissions.
Typical HEV designs such as those already on the market and those which will be introduced shortly, are so-called "parallel" configurations. In the parallel HEV, the battery powered motor is principally used to boost engine torque for hill climbing and high acceleration demands. When boost torque is not required, the engine drives the electric motor as a generator to recharge the battery. The motor is also driven as a generator during braking events, thus, relieving thermal loading of the conventional friction brakes and enabling recovery of vehicle kinetic and potential energy which is returned to the battery.
The battery "pack" of a typical HEV consists of one or more "modules" of series-connected "cells." Nickel cadmium (NiCad) and nickel metal hydride (NiMH) cells have been successfully employed in recently introduced HEVs while higher performance lithium ion (Li-ion) cells are envisioned for future generation designs.
Desirable attributes of battery cells for HEV applications are high-peak specific power, high specific energy at pulse power, fast charge acceptance to maximize regenerative braking utilization, and long calendar and cycle life. Achieving a favorable HEV battery pack lifetime requires some means to monitor cell state of charge (SOC) and control of cell charging and discharging to assure that all cells in the pack are well "balanced" or "equalized," for example, at a nominally uniform state of charge. The development of means to achieve affordable and reliable balanced cell operation, especially for newer Li-ion cells, has presented significant technical challenges
Lithium ion batteries are now widely used in laptop computer and cell-phone products because of their high specific energy. They also have high specific power, high energy efficiency, good high-temperature performance, and low self-discharge. Components of lithium ion batteries could also be recycled. These characteristics make lithium ion batteries desirable for HEV applications. However, to make them commercially viable for HEVs, further development is needed to improve calendar and cycle life and cost.

System and method for balancing state of charge among series-connected electrical energy storage units


In a method and system for testing a test sample (190), a simulation program (130) is used to augment test results provided by a legacy test system (101). The legacy test system (101) includes a measuring device (110) providing a test input (112) to the test sample (190) and receiving a test output (116) from the test sample (190) in response to the test input (112). The simulation program (130) simulates the test sample (190) by predicting a simulated output (134) of the test sample (190) in response to receiving a simulated input (132). A plurality of simulated failures is simulated in the simulation program (130), with each simulated failure generating a corresponding simulated output. The simulation program (130) includes a model (140) for the measuring device (110), the model (140) providing the simulated input (132). A comparator (160) compares the test output (134) with the simulated output (134) to determine a match. The simulated failure providing the match is used to predict a predicted failure location within the test sample (190).

The present disclosure relates generally to the testing of integrated circuits (ICs), and more particularly to an improved failure analysis (FA) technique for evaluating interconnect system failures in semiconductor devices and/or packaged assemblies.
Time Domain Reflectometry (TDR) is a well known technique of characterizing an electrical path by sending a pulse of energy such as a voltage step signal into the electrical path and monitoring reflections that are returned or reflected back from an endpoint of the electrical path. The TDR based instrument essentially works on the same principle as radar and uses a stimulus/echo technique to determine the length of the electrical path. The TDR instrument measures the time it takes for the input signal to travel down the electrical path, encounter an end point, and reflect back. The TDR instrument then converts this time to distance and typically displays the information as a waveform and/or distance reading. TDR has traditionally been used to evaluate and test the integrity of all types of interconnect systems such as transmission lines, power lines, telephone, cable TV, optical fibers, and the like.
The TDR concept is presently being used for analyzing and testing interconnections and signal paths on all types of electronic circuitry including semiconductor circuitry, semiconductor devices and integrated circuit (IC) chips. The electronic circuitry being tested, e.g., test samples, may include partially and/or fully assembled semiconductor devices. The use of the TDR technique as a FA tool is described in further detail in the following United States patent and technical paper, which are hereby incorporated herein by reference into this specification: 1) U.S. Pat. No. 6,798,212, entitled "Time Domain Reflectometer Probe Having A Built-In Reference Ground Point", Stierman, et al., and 2) "Comparative Time Domain Reflectometry (TDR) Analysis As A Packaging FA Tool", Charles Odegard and Craig Lambert, ISTFA '99, The 25th International Symposium for Testing and Failure Analysis, 14–18 Nov. 1999, Santa Clara, Calif., (Copyrighted Paper). However, analyzing and interpreting waveforms and/or test results obtained from traditional and/or legacy TDR test systems for locating a point of failure may be difficult, subjective and time consuming since the traditional TDR technique typically lacks the high resolution and may show a broadened reflection pattern around the failure point such as an open or short circuit. Thus, many FA tools used in interconnect testing are often unable to identify an exact position where the failure has occurred.


Photothermographic materials are coated with thermally developable imaging layers on both sides of the support. Such materials can be arranged in association with one or more phosphor intensifying screens capable of providing emission at a predetermined wavelength in imaging assemblies. These imaging assemblies can be exposed to X-radiation and thereby form a latent image in the photothermographic material that can eventually be heat developed and used for medical diagnosis. The photothermographic materials contain an opaque material that acts as a crossover control agent that absorbs radiation at the predetermined wavelength, for example at 300 to 450 nm, and has limited absorption at higher wavelengths. When the photothermographic material is heated, the opaque material loses its opacity. Additional crossover control agents, such as UV-absorbing compounds, can also be added to the support or to an antihalation layer.

Silver-containing photothermographic imaging materials (that is, thermally developable photosensitive imaging materials) that are imaged with actinic radiation and then developed using heat and without liquid processing have been known in the art for many years. Such materials are used in a recording process wherein an image is formed by imagewise exposure of the photothermographic material to specific electromagnetic radiation (for example, X-radiation, or ultraviolet, visible, or infrared radiation) and developed by the use of thermal energy. These materials, also known as "dry silver" materials, generally comprise a support having coated thereon: (a) a photocatalyst (that is, a photosensitive compound such as silver halide) that upon such exposure provides a latent image in exposed grains that are capable of acting as a catalyst for the subsequent formation of a silver image in a development step, (b) a relatively or completely non-photosensitive source of reducible silver ions, (c) a reducing composition (usually including a developer) for the reducible silver ions, and (d) a hydrophilic or hydrophobic binder. The latent image is then developed by application of thermal energy.
In photothermographic materials, exposure of the photographic silver halide to light produces small clusters containing silver atoms (Ag0)n. The imagewise distribution of these clusters, known in the art as a latent image, is generally not visible by ordinary means. Thus, the photosensitive material must be further developed to produce a visible image. This is accomplished by the reduction of silver ions that are in catalytic proximity to silver halide grains bearing the silver-containing clusters of the latent image. This produces a black-and-white image. The non-photosensitive silver source is catalytically reduced to form the visible black-and-white negative image while much of the silver halide, generally, remains as silver halide and is not reduced.
In photothermographic materials, the reducing agent for the reducible silver ions, often referred to as a "developer," may be any compound that, in the presence of the latent image, can reduce silver ion to metallic silver and is preferably of relatively low activity until it is heated to a temperature sufficient to cause the reaction. A wide variety of classes of compounds have been disclosed in the literature that function as developers for photothermographic materials. At elevated temperatures, the reducible silver ions are reduced by the reducing agent. In photothermographic materials, upon heating, this reaction occurs preferentially in the regions surrounding the latent image. This reaction produces a negative image of metallic silver having a color that ranges from yellow to deep black depending upon the presence of toning agents and other components in the imaging layer(s).
Differences Between Photothermography and Photography
The imaging arts have long recognized that the field of photothermography is clearly distinct from that of photography. Photothermographic materials differ significantly from conventional silver halide photographic materials that require processing with aqueous processing solutions.
In photothermographic imaging materials, a visible image is created by heat as a result of the reaction of a developer incorporated within the material. Heating at 50° C. or more is essential for this dry development. In contrast, conventional photographic imaging materials require processing in aqueous processing baths at more moderate temperatures (from 30° C. to 50° C.) to provide a visible image.
In photothermographic materials, only a small amount of silver halide is used to capture light and a non-photosensitive source of reducible silver ions (for example a silver carboxylate or a silver benzotriazole) is used to generate the visible image using thermal development. Thus, the imaged photosensitive silver halide serves as a catalyst for the physical development process involving the non-photosensitive source of reducible silver ions and the incorporated reducing agent. In contrast, conventional wet-processed, black-and-white photographic materials use only one form of silver (that is, silver halide) that, upon chemical development, is itself at least partially converted into the silver image, or that upon physical development requires addition of an external silver source (or other reducible metal ions that form black images upon reduction to the corresponding metal). Thus, photothermographic materials require an amount of silver halide per unit area that is only a fraction of that used in conventional wet-processed photographic materials.
In photothermographic materials, all of the "chemistry" for imaging is incorporated within the material itself. For example, such materials include a developer (that is, a reducing agent for the reducible silver ions) while conventional photographic materials usually do not. Even in so-called "instant photography," the developer chemistry is physically separated from the photosensitive silver halide until development is desired. The incorporation of the developer into photothermographic materials can lead to increased formation of various types of "fog" or other undesirable sensitometric side effects. Therefore, much effort has gone into the preparation and manufacture of photothermographic materials to minimize these problems.
Moreover, in photothermographic materials, the unexposed silver halide generally remains intact after development and the material must be stabilized against further imaging and development. In contrast, silver halide is removed from conventional photographic materials after solution development to prevent further imaging (that is in the aqueous fixing step).
Because photothermographic materials require dry thermal processing, they present distinctly different problems and require different materials in manufacture and use, compared to conventional, wet-processed silver halide photographic materials. Additives that have one effect in conventional silver halide photographic materials may behave quite differently when incorporated in photothermographic materials where the chemistry is significantly more complex. The incorporation of such additives as, for example, stabilizers, antifoggants, speed enhancers, supersensitizers, and spectral and chemical sensitizers in conventional photographic materials is not predictive of whether such additives will prove beneficial or detrimental in photothermographic materials. For example, it is not uncommon for a photographic antifoggant useful in conventional photographic materials to cause various types of fog when incorporated into photothermographic materials, or for supersensitizers that are effective in photographic materials to be inactive in photothermographic materials.
These and other distinctions between photothermographic and photographic materials are described in Unconventional Imaging Processes, E. Brinckman et al. (Eds.), The Focal Press, London and New York, 1978, pp. 74–75, in D. H. Klosterboer, Imaging Processes and Materials, (Neblette's Eighth Edition), J. Sturge, V. Walworth, and A. Shepp, Eds., Van Nostrand-Reinhold, New York, 1989, Chapter 9, pp. 279–291, in Zou et al., J. Imaging Sci. Technol. 1996, 40, pp. 94–103, and in M. R. V. Sahyun, J. Imaging Sci. Technol. 1998, 42, 23.
Problem to be Solved
As pointed out above, there are considerable differences between conventional silver halide-containing photographic materials and silver halide-containing photothermographic materials. One critical difference is the relatively lower amounts of silver halide in the photothermographic materials. As a result, such materials are very transparent to imaging radiation, and may have poor resolution and edge sharpness due to low absorbance.
Photothernographic materials have becn developed and commercialized by Eastman Kodak Company, which materials are sensitive to infrared or near-infrared radiation. While these materials have found considerable commercial success, there is an interest in providing photothermographic materials that are sensitive in the visible or UV regions of the electromagnetic spectrum.
Photothermographic materials having thermally developable layers disposed on both sides of the support often suffer from "crossover." Crossover results when radiation used to image one side of the photothermographic material is transmitted through the support and images the photothermographic layers on the opposite side of the support. Such radiation causes a lowering of image quality (especially sharpness). As crossover is reduced, the image becomes sharper. Various methods are available for reducing crossover. Such "anti-crossover" compositions can be materials specifically designed and included for reducing crossover.
Conventional "wet"-processed photographic materials are spectrally sensitized to provide absorption of imaging radiation including visible light emitted from phosphor intensifying screens. In addition, absorbing dyes can be used in various layers to reduce light transmittance or crossover as described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,803,150 (Dickerson et al.). These dyes, however, can be removed or decolorized during conventional "wet" photographic processing, thus reducing dye stain, Dmin, and haze.
In photothermographic materials, however, light-absorbing components cannot be removed during thermal processing and may cause "stain" or residual color in the resulting image. The addition of such components can also result in a loss in photospeed and/or image contrast.
There is a need in the art for a way to reduce crossover in photothermographic materials without an unacceptable loss in photospeed and image contrast and without causing dye stain, high Dmin, or haze.

Photothermographic materials with opaque crossover control means


A non-aqueous cleansing formulation having cleansing, moisturizing and/or exfoliating properties includes an oil phase and a natural surfactant derived from legumes and/or grains. The oil phase can include an oil component and a thickening agent. The natural surfactant can be in the form of a particulate flour product derived from Vigna radiata, Vigna mungo, Glycine max, Cicer aerientinum, Vigna unguicalata, Pisum sativum, Phaseolus vulgaris, or combinations thereof, which is dispersed in the oil phase. The flour product suitably includes a high protein flour to emulsify the oil phase and provide improved cleansing action. Such non-aqueous cleansing formulation can be used as skin care products, hand cleansers, hair cleaners or general use cleansers. Advantageously, the cleansing formulations are free of synthetic soaps and/or synthetic surfactants.

Synthetic as well as natural agents have been used for cleansing purposes. Soaps, surfactants and synthetic detergents have been used for decades for skin and hair cleansing. The objective of cleansing is to remove surface dirt, makeup, the top layer of dead skin cells and potentially harmful microorganisms.
Soaps are made by reacting oils with alkali and are very efficient in removing dirt by emulsification. Unfortunately, there are two problems with soaps: drying; and irritation of the skin due to excessive cleansing action and increased pH of the skin. Surfactants are typically synthetic compounds or materials which are good emulsifiers, but may be harsh to the skin. Synthetic detergents generally offer a better choice because their pH may be adjusted to that of skin, but again they may dry the skin too much and cause irritation. Both soap and the surfactants may be irritating to the eyes and may cause allergic reactions in some people. In addition formulations containing soap or surfactants typically provide little or no exfoliating or moisturizing effect, thus requiring the use of a separate exfoliant formulation and a moisturizing lotion or cream.
Natural agents used for cleansing include, for example, Shikakai (Acacia concinna), Soapwort (Saponaria officinalis) and/or Ritha (Sapindus mukorossi). These plant products have powerful saponins and are good cleansers, but they suffer from the same disadvantages of soap and synthetic surfactants, namely, skin and eye irritation. They may also be poisonous. For example, when ingested in excess, Soapwort destroys red blood cells and causes paralysis of the vasomotor center.
Another traditional method of cleansing, without the use of soap or a synthetic surfactant, involves rubbing the body with a vegetable oil, such as, for example, sesame oil, coconut oil or the like, followed by rubbing with a paste made from a grain flour. Such grain flours may, for example, be derived from Black Gram (Vigna mungo), Green Gram (Vigna radiata), Soy (Glycine max), Basan and/or Chickpea (Cicer aerientinum) and are typically or commonly combined with water and/or milk to form the paste. However, this method suffers from many disadvantages: (1) the paste of flour with water is susceptible to microbial growth and is physically unstable, requiring preparation of the paste just before use; (2) by making an aqueous paste of the grain flour, the exfoliant properties will be lost because the grain flour loses its grain structure and strength in aqueous media; (3) the flour paste requires a preservative system because it is an aqueous system, however, such preservatives can cause allergies; and (4) it is not possible to control the proportion of cleansing, exfoliating and moisturizing actions with such a method.
Thus, there is a need for stable personal care formulations containing no soap or a synthetic surfactant, providing simultaneous exfoliant, cleansing and moisturizing actions, requiring no preservative system, lending themselves to balancing the proportion of cleansing, exfoliant and moisturizing actions and not being irritating to the eyes.

Personal care formulations with simultaneous exfoliant, cleansing and moisturizing properties


A method is provided for testing an electrical characteristic of a rotor. In one embodiment, the method may include applying current to the rotor, measuring voltage drop between first and second positions on the rotor, and evaluating the electrical characteristic of the rotor based at least on the voltage drop and the current. In another embodiment, the method may include coupling a first set of leads to a first end portion of the rotor at a first set of angular positions about an axis of the rotor. The method also may include coupling a second set of leads to a second end portion of the rotor at a second set of angular positions about the axis of the rotor. In addition, the method may include coupling the first and second sets of leads to a current source to provide a current flow through the rotor from the first end portion to the second end portion. Furthermore, the method may include engaging a first probe to the first end portion and a second probe to the second end portion to measure voltage drop.

The present invention relates generally to the field of electrical rotating machines, such as motors, generators, or the like. More particularly, the present techniques concern the electrical/electromechanical performance of rotor assemblies of such rotating machines.
Electrical rotating machines, such as electric motors, generators, and other similar devices, are quite common and may be found in diverse industrial, commercial, and consumer settings. These machines are produced in a variety of mechanical and electrical configurations. The configuration of these devices may depend upon the intended application, the operating environment, the available power source, or other similar factors. In general, these devices include a rotor surrounded at least partially by a stator.
For instance, one common design of electrical rotating machine is the induction motor, which is used in numerous and diverse applications. In industry, such motors are employed to drive various kinds of machinery, such as pumps, conveyors, compressors, fans and so forth, to mention only a few. Conventional alternating current (AC) electric induction motors may be constructed for single-phase or multiple-phase power.
Induction motors typically employ a rotor assembly positioned within a stator assembly that includes a slotted core in which groups of coil windings are installed. More particularly, the rotor assemblies of such motors often include a core formed of a series of magnetically conductive laminations arranged to form a lamination stack capped at each end by electrically conductive end rings. Additionally, typical rotors include a series of conductors that are formed of a nonmagnetic, electrically conductive material and that extend through the rotor core. These conductors are electrically connected to one another via the end rings, thereby forming one or more closed electrical pathways. For example, the conductors may include a plurality of rotor bars extending axially through the series of magnetically conductive laminations and arranged at different angular positions around the axis of the rotor.
In squirrel cage induction motors, the rotor bars and end rings are typically formed by a casting process in which the rotor is placed in a mold and a molten metal is poured into the rotor slots to form the rotor bars and end rings. Flaws in the rotor can result in undesirable reduction in the electrical/electromechanical performance, e.g., reduced efficiency, excessive slip under load, unexpected torque pulsations, and higher than expected operating temperatures. It is not possible to visually inspect the quality of the resultant casting because the resultant rotor bars are embedded within the rotor. To check for the presence of voids and contaminants in the casting, it has typically been necessary to cut open a representative or suspect rotor, essentially destroying the rotor. Similarly, the electrical characteristics of rotors formed by other manufacturing techniques generally cannot be tested without destroying the rotor.

System and method for non-destructive testing of rotors


A wade fishing gaiter is made of a neoprene foam material which is approximately 0.25 to 0.375 inches thick. The material is cut and stitched to form a gaiter which is dimensioned lengthwise to cover the front of the leg from above the knee to the ankle and the back of the leg from below the knee joint to the ankle. The gaiter is dimensioned widthwise to fit snugly over the bare leg thereby providing muscle support. The gaiters according to the invention are intended to be worn over bare legs and used in conjunction with diving boots for foot protection. The dimensions and materials used to construct the gaiters provide for comfort and muscle support as well as good protection against underwater hazards such as oysters, coral and stinging fish. The gaiters are also light weight and do not inhibit movement of the angler's legs. In cold weather, the gaiters are advantageously used in conjunction with waders and protect the legs from blisters normally caused by waders. According to a presently preferred embodiment, each gaiter is made from two pieces of material which are attached to each other at longitudinal edges which are glued and sewn together with a cross-over stitch. The upper and lower edges or hems are preferably roll lapped and sewn.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to fishing gaiters. More particularly, the invention relates to wade fishing gaiters which protect the angler's legs and also provides muscle support for the lower legs.
2. State of the Art
Wade fishing is a sport in which the angler stands approximately knee deep in a body of water while fishing. Various articles of clothing are available to keep the angler's legs warm and dry while wade fishing. These include articles of clothing called "waders" which are relatively large, bulky waterproof trousers having integral boots. While waders are effective in keeping the angler's legs warm and dry, they inhibit movement of the legs and make it difficult for the angler to walk, especially in water. In addition, the waders are typically made of a rough fabric which can cause blisters on the angler's ankles and calves.
In warm weather, keeping the angler's legs warm is less important and waders may actually make the angler uncomfortably warm. Bare legged wade fishing can be hazardous because of underwater obstacles and stinging fish. For example, when wade fishing on a coral reef, the angler's legs can be seriously cut by unseen sharp coral. Oyster beds are primary sites for wade fishing throughout the Gulf of Mexico. The sharp edged oyster shells present a serious hazard to unprotected legs. Fish such as sting rays and jelly fish also present a hazard for a bare legged angler. In these situations, an angler may choose to wear "gaiters" rather than waders. Gaiters are articles of clothing which cover the lower leg from the knee to the ankle or instep. Gaiters are generally worn in conjunction with boots to provide protection for the feet. Most known gaiters are designed to keep the lower legs and/or feet dry and do not offer substantial protection against underwater hazards. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,856,207 to Datson discloses a shoe and gaiter which are attached to each other by a waterproof seal. The upper part of the gaiter has a draw string for making the gaiter tight around the leg. The gaiter is made of relatively thin foldable material so that it can be rolled down to the shoe when not needed. The Datson gaiter is probably effective for what it is intended to do, keep water out. However, it is likely to be uncomfortable when tightened around the upper part. In addition, the gaiter is not likely to provide much protection against underwater hazards such as coral and stinging fish.
It is not uncommon for a wading angler to slip or trip, resulting in lacerations of the knee and/or lower leg caused by oyster shells or other bottom debris.
In addition to the above-mentioned hazards of wade fishing, standing for long periods of time in water can be tiring because of the strain placed on the muscles of the lower leg.


A disclosed probe assembly includes a sensor member and an outer holder including a main bore for the sensor member, the outer holder including a first coefficient of thermal expansion. The sensor member is held within a sensor bore of an inner holder. The inner holder is held within the main bore of the outer holder by an interference fit. The inner holder includes a second coefficient of thermal expansion greater than the first coefficient of thermal expansion. Expansion of the inner holder is constrained by the outer holder to maintain the sensor member within the probe bore of the inner holder at elevated temperatures.

This disclosure relates generally to the assembly of an optical probe and, more particularly, to a mounting assembly for retaining optical components in a high temperature environment of a gas turbine engine.
A gas turbine engine typically includes a fan section, a compressor section, a combustor section and a turbine section. Air entering the compressor section is compressed and delivered into the combustion section where it is mixed with fuel and ignited to generate a high-speed exhaust gas flow. The high-speed exhaust gas flow expands through the turbine section to drive the compressor and the fan section.
Measurement and observation of components during operation of a gas turbine engine can be useful in improving overall operational efficiency. Probes are utilized in tip-timing systems that observe and measure arrival times of rotor, compressor or fan blades. One type of probe utilizes an optical fiber mounted within a static structure proximate the rotating blade. Such mounting locations expose the optical fiber to extreme temperature environment within the engine. Optical fibers are typically adhered by an epoxy to probe housings which are held within apertures of the case structure. Epoxy is susceptible to failure due to exposure to extreme temperatures encountered during operation. It is therefore desirable to design and develop simplified mounting structures for probes and or other optical components that are compatible at high temperature and extreme environments.

Thermally constrained high temperature optical fiber holder


A method for ascertaining a biting point of a friction clutch device of a motor vehicle that is actuatable between a disengaged and an engaged position, the friction clutch device having a hydrostatic actuator device with at least one position sensor and at least one pressure force sensor, the friction clutch device being actuated in the disengagement and/or engagement direction, and data are obtained with the help of the at least one position sensor and the at least one pressure force sensor, while based on the obtained data a position force characteristic curve having a first section and a second section is obtained, the first section being approximated with the help of a linear equation and the second section being approximated with the help of a parabolic equation.

German Patent Application No. DE 10 2011 014 572 A1 (Eich et al.) describes a method for controlling an automated clutch, which comprises a hydraulic clutch actuating system with a hydrostatic actuator whose pressure is detected, where the pressure of the hydrostatic actuator is used to adapt the clutch characteristic curve, in order to improve the clutch characteristic curve adaptation for clutches, in particular, for directly operable dual clutches.
German Patent Application No. DE 10 2012 204 940 (Reibold et al.) describes a method for adapting parameters of a clutch of a dual-clutch transmission system which has a hydrostatic clutch actuator with a pressure sensor, in a motor vehicle, in which the following steps are carried out: engaging and/or disengaging the clutch, detecting a pressure pattern by means of the pressure sensor and the position of the clutch during engagement and/or disengagement of the clutch, adaptation of the parameters for the clutch from the pressure pattern and use of the adapted parameters in the subsequent operation of the clutch. A method for adapting clutch parameters of a dual-clutch transmission is thereby specified which is economical to use, and preferably gets by without a transmission test stand or roller test stand.
For more detailed information about the features of the present invention, we refer explicitly to German Patent Application No. DE 10 2011 014 572 A1 and German Patent Application No. 10 2012 204 940, which are incorporated herein by reference. The teachings of these references are to be regarded as a component of the present document. Features of these references are features of the present document.

Method for ascertaining a biting point of a friction clutch device