Occupant sensing system (12) for detecting the presence of an occupant within an automotive vehicle (10) includes a seat belt sensor (14) for detecting a buckled condition of the seat belt. An ignition sensor (24) generates an ignition-off signal. An indicator (30) is coupled to a controller (20), the seat belt sensor (22), and the ignition sensor (18). The controller controls the indicator in response to the seat belt buckled signal and ignition-off signal.

The present invention relates generally to occupant sensing for automotive vehicles, and more particularly, to signaling the vehicle operator in response to a person being left in the vehicle.
Motor vehicles typically have a seat belt sensor that is used to detect the buckle being buckled or unbuckled. The sensing of the buckled or unbuckled state is performed after the ignition is started. An indicator is used to remind the vehicle operator to fasten the seat belt. Vehicles typically have only a driver seat belt sensor while the remaining seats do not have a seat belt sensor.
When transporting children, instances have been noted where children have been left in a vehicle for prolonged periods. This may happen especially for sleeping infants who make no noise. Thus the vehicle operator may forget about the infant. No means is currently provided for reminding a vehicle operator for the presence of other occupants.
Occupant sensing systems are known in which the temperature is detected and a motion detector is used to sense movement within the vehicle when the temperature is above an extreme temperature or below an extreme temperature. One problem with such a system is that at the time the vehicle operator leaves the vehicle the interior of the vehicle may be at a relatively safe temperature. The system notifies the driver in an extreme condition by sounding the horn. However, if the temperature subsequently rises or falls, the vehicle operator may be too far from the vehicle to hear the horn sounding.
It would therefore be desirable to provide an occupant sensing system that senses the presence of an occupant without the need for temperature sensing.
The present invention provides a system for detecting the presence of an occupant within a vehicle that has a seat belt sensor that generates a seat belt buckled signal and an ignition sensor generating an ignition-off signal. An indicator is also included in the system.
A controller is coupled to the seat belt sensor, the ignition sensor and the indicator. The controller controls the indicator in response to the seat belt buckled signal and the ignition-off signal.
In a further aspect of the invention, a method for detecting the presence of an occupant within an automotive vehicle comprises generating a seat belt buckled signal, generating an ignition-off signal, and activating an indicator in response to the seat belt buckled signal and the ignition-off signal.
One advantage of the present invention is that it is not dependent on the immediate interior or exterior temperature of the vehicle.
Another advantage of the invention is that various types of indicators include indication through a remote keyless device or cellular network.
Other advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent when viewed in light of the detailed description of the preferred embodiment when taken in conjunction with the attached drawings and appended claims.


Embodiments are provided for an integrated semi-inclusive hierarchical metadata predictor. A hit in a second-level structure is determined, the hit being associated with a line of metadata in the second-level structure. Responsive to determining that a victim line of metadata in a first-level structure meets at least one condition, the victim line of metadata is stored in the second-level structure. The line of metadata from the second-level structure is stored in a first-level structure to be utilized to facilitate performance of a processor, the line of metadata from the second-level structure including entries for a plurality of instructions.

The present invention generally relates to computer systems, and more specifically, to computer-implemented methods, computer systems, and computer program products configured and arranged for providing an integrated semi-inclusive hierarchical metadata predictor.
A pipeline microprocessor has a path, channel, or pipeline that is divided into stages that perform specific tasks. Each of the specific tasks is part of an overall operation that is directed by a programmed instruction. Each of the programmed instructions or macro instructions in a software application program is executed in sequence by the microprocessor. As a programmed instruction enters the first stage of the pipeline, certain tasks are accomplished. The instruction is then passed to subsequent stages for accomplishment of subsequent tasks. Following completion of a final task, the instruction completes execution and exits the pipeline. Aspects of execution of programmed instructions by a pipeline microprocessor are analogous to the manufacture of items on an assembly line. One of the aspects of any assembly line is that there are multiple items resident in the line in successive stages of assembly during any given point in time. The same is true for a pipeline microprocessor. During any cycle of a pipeline clock signal, there are multiple instructions present in the various stages, with each of the instructions being at successive levels of completion. Therefore, microprocessors allow overlapping execution of multiple instructions with the same circuitry. The circuitry is usually divided up into stages and each stage processes a specific part of one instruction at a time, passing the partial results to the next stage.
Instructions may be branches, and processors attempt to predict the outcome of the branch to speed up processing. Branch prediction is a type of metadata prediction, predicting information about the behavior or characteristics of instructions and acting on those predictions to improve performance. Although existing processors have been suitable for their intended purposes, what is needed are systems and methods having certain features of embodiments of the present invention.

Integrated semi-inclusive hierarchical metadata predictor

International Business Machines Corporation


A fill level measuring device for measuring a fill level of a container including a fill level measuring circuit that measures a filling level of a container, at least one transmitter/receiver that communicates with data processing circuitry, at least one fastener that fastens the fill level measuring device to a surface of the container, at least one monitoring circuit that monitors a fastening of the fill level measuring device to the container by the at least one fastener, the monitoring circuit further transmits an alarm message to the data processing circuitry via the transmitter/receiver when the monitoring circuit detects a loosening of the fastening of the fill level measuring device from the container.

Fill level measuring devices are well known in the state of the art. Often a distance between the fill level measuring device and a surface of a medium arranged in a container is determined by applying different physical effects and the level of the container is derived. Such fill level measuring devices can be arranged inside or outside a container, whereby in particular acoustic, electromagnetic, inductive, capacitive or also radiometric sensor arrangements are used. The recorded data/measured values are transmitted to a higher-level data processing unit using wired or wireless communication devices. The acquired measured values can be used not only as process parameters, but also for inventory management.
The most common fill level measuring devices are supplied with energy for operation via fixed wire connections. More recent developments, however, also make it possible to provide energy to the various components using self-sufficient energy sources, so that in combination with wireless communication equipment, it is possible to provide self-sufficient units. Such self-sufficient units can be used in a particularly advantageous way for non-stationary containers. One of the container types frequently used as non-stationary is the so-called Intermediate Bulk Container, also known as IBC container. IBC containers have a volume- and weight-optimized design, which enables them to be loaded onto trucks using forklift trucks in particular. In practice, however, it has been found that smaller collisions occur from time to time, particularly during loading and unloading operations, which can lead to mechanical deformation of the container and the fill level measuring device may become detached.
If such a detachment of the fill level measuring device from the container is not detected, this can lead to the fill level measuring device measuring the distance to any object in its vicinity and therefore transmitting faulty measurement values to the higher-level data processing unit, with the consequence that the goods and stock management based on this is faulty.
In the light of this issue, it is an object of the present disclosure to provide a fill level measuring device and a system with such a fill level measuring device in which faulty measurements can be excluded with higher reliability, especially when a fill level measuring device is used as a self-sufficient unit.
These and other objects, which are mentioned when reading the following description or can be identified by the skilled person, are solved by the subject matter of the independent claims. The dependent claims further develop the central idea of the present disclosure in a particularly advantageous way.


At a run-flat tire, given that an average radius of curvature of a case line between an intersection point (0.1SHp) and an intersection point (0.2SHp) when viewed in a cross-section along a tire rotation axis is radius R1, and that an average radius of curvature of the case line between an intersection point (0.4SHp) and an intersection point (0.6SHp) when viewed in the cross-section along the tire rotation axis is radius R2, ratio R2/R1 is set to be greater than 0.3.

As a run-flat tire that makes it possible for a vehicle to travel over a fixed distance even in a state in which the internal pressure of the tire has fallen, there is a side-reinforced-type run-flat tire in which the tire side portions are reinforced by side reinforcing rubbers (see, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open (JP-A) No. 2012-116212).


Microbicidal compositions are described. The compositions contain (a) propiconazole and (b) dodecylamine or a dodecylamine salt. The propiconazole and dodecylamine or dodecylamine salt are present in a synergistically effective amount to control the growth of at least one microorganism. Methods for controlling the growth of microorganisms on various substrates or in aqueous systems are also described. Also described is the industrial application of the microbicidal composition in the leather industry, the lumber industry, the papermaking industry, the textile industry, the agricultural industry, and the coating industry, as well as in aqueous systems.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to compositions for controlling the growth of microorganisms on a variety of substrates and in aqueous systems. More particularly, the invention relates to combinations of propiconazole, also known as (RS)-1-2-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-2-propyl-1,3-dioxalan-2-ylmethyl!-1H-1,2,4- triazole, with dodecylamine or a dodecylamine salt. The invention also relates to the use of such combinations as microbicides.
2. Background of the Invention
A large variety of commercial, industrial, agricultural, and wood materials or products are subject to microbiological attack or degradation which reduces or destroys their economic value. Examples of such materials or products include surface coatings, lumber, seeds, plants, leather and plastics. The various temperatures at which such materials or products are manufactured, stored, or used as well as their intrinsic characteristics make them susceptible to growth, attack, and degradation by common microorganisms such as algae, fungi, yeasts, and bacteria. These microorganisms may be introduced during a manufacturing or other industrial process, by exposure to air, tanks, pipes, equipment, and humans. They can also be introduced while using a material or product, for example, by multiple openings and reclosures of packages or from stirring or removing material with contaminated objects.
Aqueous systems are also highly subject to microbiological growth, attack, and degradation. The aqueous system may be a fresh, brackish or saltwater system. Exemplary aqueous systems include, but are not limited to, latexes, surfactants, dispersants, stabilizers, thickeners, adhesives, starches, waxes, proteins, emulsifying agents, cellulose products, metal worlking fluids, cooling water, waste water, aqueous emulsions, aqueous detergents, coating compositions, paint compositions, and resins formulated in aqueous solutions, emulsions or suspensions. These systems frequently contain relatively large amounts of water and organic material causing them to be environments well-suited for microbiologic growth and thus attack and degradation.
Microbiological degradation of aqueous systems may manifest itself as a variety of problems, such as loss of viscosity, gas formation, objectionable odors, decreased pH, emulsion breaking, color change, and gelling. Additionally, microbiological deterioration of aqueous systems can cause fouling of the related water-handling system, which may include cooling towers, pumps, heat exchangers, and pipelines, heating systems, scrubbing systems, and other similar systems.
Microbiological degradation can have a direct adverse economic impact when it occurs in industrial process waters, for example in cooling waters, metal working fluids, or other recirculating water systems such as those used in papermaking or textile manufacture. If not controlled, microbiological degradation of industrial process waters can interfere with process operations, lower process efficiency, waste energy, plug the water-handling system, and even degrade product quality.
For example, cooling water systems used in power plants, refineries, chemical plants, air-conditioning systems, and other industrial operations frequently encounter microbiological degradation problems. Airborne organisms entrained from cooling towers as well as waterborne organisms from the system's water supply commonly contaminate these aqueous systems. The water in such systems generally provides an excellent growth medium for these organisms. Aerobic and heliotropic organisms flourish in the towers. Other organisms grow in and colonize such areas as the tower sump, pipelines, heat exchangers, etc. If not controlled, the resulting microbiological degradation can plug the towers, block pipelines, and coat heat-transfer surfaces with layers of slime and other biologic mats. This prevents proper operation, reduces cooling efficiency and, perhaps more importantly, increases the costs of the overall process.
Industrial processes subject to microbiological degradation also include papermaking, the manufacture of pulp, paper, paperboard, etc. and textile manufacture, particularly water-laid non-woven textiles. These industrial processes generally recirculate large amounts of water under conditions which favor the growth of microbiological degradation organisms.
Paper machines, for example, handle very large volumes of water in recirculating systems called "white water systems." The furnish to a paper machine typically contains only about 0.5% of fibrous and non-fibrous papermaking solids, which means that for each ton of paper almost 200 tons of water pass through the headbox. Most of this water recirculates in the white water system. White water systems provide excellent growth media for microbiological degradation organisms. That growth can result in the fromation of slime and other deposits in headboxes, waterlines, and papermaking equipment. Such microbiological degradation not only can interfere with water and stock flows, but when loose, can cause spots, holes, and bad odors in the paper as well as web breaks, all of which translate into costly disruptions in paper machine operations.
Slime formation can occur in other aqueous systems including fresh, brackish or salt water systems. Slime consists of matted deposits of microorganisms, fibers and debris. It may be stringy, pasty, rubbery, tapioca-like, or hard, and may have a characteristic undesirable odor that is different from that of the aqueous system in which it formed. The microorganisms involved in its formation are primarily different species of spore-forming and nonspore-forming bacteria, particularly capsulated forms of bacteria which secrete gelatinous substances that envelop or encase the cells. Slime microorganisms also include filamentous bacteria, filamentous fungi of the mold type, yeast, and yeast-like organisms. Slime reduces yields in production and causes plugging, bulking, and other problems in industrial water systems.
Various chemicals known as industrial microbicides have been used to prevent microbiological deterioration or degradation of industrial systems, raw materials, and products. Some of these biocides, however, are of questionable practical utility because they have undesirable odors, are high in cost, show low degree of effectiveness or create hazards with respect to storage, use, or handling. For instance, the use of such popular industrial microbicides as organomercurial compounds, organotin compounds and chlorinated phenols have come under great regulatory pressure in recent times because of their high toxicity and concern about their adverse effects on the environment.
Propiconazole, also known as (RS)-1-2-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-2-propyl-1,3-dioxalan-2ylmethyl!1H-1,2,4-tr iazole, is one commercial biocide which has been shown to have a reasonably good toxicological profile and biocidal activity. However, at low concentrations, propiconazole may have a relatively narrow antimicrobial spectrum and may not completely prevent the growth of microorganisms.
Despite the existence of current microbicides, workers in the trade have continued to seek improved biocides which possess low toxicity while exhibiting a prolonged biocidal effect at normal use levels. The improved microbicide should also preferably be more economical and cost-effective offering equal or better protection at lower cost and lower concentration. The concentration of conventional microbicides and the corresponding treatment costs for such use, can be relatively high. Thus, important factors in the search for improved microbicides include the duration of microbicidal effect, the ease of use, and the effectiveness of the microbicide per unit weight.

Microbicidal compositions and methods using combinations of propiconazole with dodecylamine or a dodecylamine salt


A chemical mechanical polishing apparatus prevents scratches caused by a direct friction between a polishing pad and a wafer. The apparatus includes a polishing pad, in which grooves are regularly formed, for generating a dynamic pressure by rotation; a polishing table to which the polishing pad is adhered; a wafer provided at a predetermined interval from the polishing pad; a polishing head, on which the wafer is mounted, for driving the wafer; and a slurry supplier for providing slurry to a surface of the polishing pad.

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to a chemical mechanical polishing apparatus, and more particularly, to a chemical mechanical polishing apparatus to prevent scratches caused by a direct friction between a polishing pad and a wafer.
2. Discussion of the Related Art
Recently, the number of devices integrated into one fingernail-sized semiconductor chip has approached, and in some cases exceeded, 1×109. Furthermore, the number of devices integrated into one semiconductor chip is increasing by geometrical progression. To obtain both high integration and a high speed in such devices, it is necessary to improve the development of the semiconductor chip in both structural and material aspects. The improvement in the structure of the semiconductor chip involves the increase in the number of metal layers. Also, a shallow trench isolation (STI) method is used for isolation between the devices. In such devices, the semiconductor chip is formed of materials including copper (Cu) and low-dielectric material (Low-k).
A CMP (Chemical Mechanical Polishing) process becomes increasingly important as the number of metal layers increases. Generally, a semiconductor device is formed by selectively and repeatedly performing processes of photo etching, diffusion, and metal deposition on a wafer. For formation of the semiconductor device, it is necessary to repeatedly perform the CMP process for planarization and etch-back on the wafer, that is, to obtain the easiness when forming predetermined circuit patterns on the surface of the wafer.
When performing the CMP process, in a state that the surface of the wafer is in contact with a surface of a polishing pad, a slurry in which abrasives are scattered is provided thereto, thereby generating a chemical reaction. In addition, a carrier which holds a polishing table and the wafer is relatively moved, whereby the desired layer is polished mechanically, thereby planarizing the entire surface of the semiconductor device.
Hereinafter, a chemical mechanical polishing apparatus according to the related art will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 is a schematic view of showing a chemical mechanical polishing apparatus according to the related art. As shown in FIG. 1, a chemical mechanical polishing apparatus according to the related art is provided with a polishing table 21, a polishing head 30, a slurry supplier 50, and a pad conditioner 40.
At this time, a polishing pad 20 is adhered to an upper side of the polishing table 21. The polishing head 30 is mounted on a wafer 10 including an insulating layer or a metal layer. Then, the slurry supplier 50 is provided to supply slurry to the surface of the polishing pad 20. Also, the pad conditioner 40 grinds the polishing pad 20 in the different parts from a wafer rotation part during the polishing process.
That is, after the wafer 10 is closely adhered to the polishing table 21, the wafer 10 is rotated, and the polishing table 21 is rotated, at the same time. Thus, it is possible to perform the mechanical polishing between the wafer and the polishing pad. Then, the slurry is supplied between the wafer 10 and the polishing pad 20 through the slurry supplier 50. As a result, the slurry reacts with the insulating or metal layer of the wafer, thereby performing the chemical polishing.
For improvement of the preciseness in planarization of the device by the CMP process, it is necessary to maintain the appropriate roughness in the surface of the polishing pad 20 being in contact with the wafer, and the entire elasticity. For this, the pad conditioner 40 controls the surface state of the polishing pad 20.
In more detail, the polishing head 30 is provided with a manifold 34, a carrier 33, a retainer ring 31, and a porous plate (not shown). At this time, air supplied from the exterior through an air hole of the manifold 34 is dispersed inside the polishing head 30. The carrier 33 corresponds to a body of the polishing head 30, wherein the carrier 33 serves as the center for connection with other parts. Also, the retainer ring 31 prevents the separation of the wafer during the process. The porous plate (not shown) includes a plurality of holes, through which the air supplied from the air holes of the manifold is applied to a membrane 32 with pressure. The membrane 32 is an elastic body for covering a portion to which the wafer is fixed. As the air is supplied through the holes of the porous plate, the wafer is pressed by the air. Thus, during the chemical mechanical polishing process, the wafer is in contact with the polishing pad under the uniform pressure.
In the chemical mechanical polishing apparatus, when the polishing table 21, on which the polishing pad 20 is adhered, is rotated at a high speed, the slurry supplier 50 uniformly provides the slurry to the surface of the polishing pad. In this state, when the wafer 10 is oscillated from one side of the polishing table 21 to the other side of the polishing table 21 by the polishing head, and is also rotated at a high speed. Accordingly, the surface of the wafer is planarized with both the chemical reaction using the slurry and the mechanical reaction using the high speed rotation. After that, the slurry, which reacts with the wafer, is discharged to the outside of the polishing pad.
In the meantime, the surface roughness of the polishing pad is changed according to the mechanical friction between the polishing pad and the wafer. Therefore, a conditioning process for grinding the surface of the polishing pad with the polishing conditioner 40 is performed at fixed periods.
During the conditioning process, the polishing pad 20, adhered on the polishing table 20, is rotated at a high speed, and the polishing conditioner 40 having a grinding means such as diamond is positioned adjacent to the polishing table 20. In this state, the polishing conditioner 40 is oscillated and is rotated at a high speed.
The polishing pad is formed of a high molecular material, for example, polyurethane. With the relative movement of the wafer and the supply of slurry, it is possible to polish the surface of wafer.
Accordingly, the characteristics of slurry and polishing pad have great effects on the CMP process. Especially, the polishing pad is in direct contact with the wafer, so the surface state of the CMP polishing pad has great effects on polishing ratio, uniformity and defective ratio.
In the meantime, the CMP process is performed to planarize an over-filled insulating layer or metal layer. For example, when forming a plug for connection between a lower line layer and an upper line layer, the metal layer is gap-filled inside a contact hole on the lower line layer exposed throughout the contact hole, and then the over-filled metal layer is removed, thereby realizing the planarization in surface of the wafer.
However, the chemical mechanical polishing apparatus according to the related art has the following disadvantages.
The CMP process is useful for the planarization of device. However, in a state that the polishing pad is in direct contact with the wafer, the mechanical polishing is performed with oscillating movement and high-speed rotation. Thus, many scratches may be formed on the surface of the wafer.
Especially, in a high-integration semiconductor device, an RC delay of lines, which are related with the minuteness of semiconductor device, is relatively larger than RC delay of transistor devices. Also, as the line resistance increases, the lines are desirably formed of copper which has great conductivity and low resistance. However, copper is softer than aluminum, which may be scratched more readily during a CMP process.

Method and apparatus for chemical mechanical polishing


A diagnostic technique for an x-ray source. A system monitors existing conditions (e.g., tube current Y) in the source to track degradation of certain components to anticipate failure. Storage of past characteristics and reference characteristics is also provided for predicting failure and other operating conditions of the source. Communication techniques are provided for the monitoring and warning functions.

X-ray tubes provide a way of producing x-rays electrically and have seen widespread adaption for x-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction crystallographic analyses, and medical and dental applications. Due to the physical nature of the components of an x-ray tube, the operating conditions and properties change over time causing the components to age and eventually fail. When failure occurs (e.g., high voltage discharge or burn out of a filament), the x-ray tube and related instruments and components may be significantly damaged.
Currently, while an x-ray tube is in operation, there is no way to monitor the operating conditions of its components to anticipate failure. Thus, there is no pre-warning of this failure or of the degradation of the components of an x-ray tube.

Diagnosing system for an x-ray source assembly


A portable device for the complete destruction of hypodermic needles includes a contact mechanism comprising two parts, a recess being formed in the two parts to receive an inserted needle. Behind the contact mechanism is a plate that contacts the inserted needle. A current source, such as a battery, is connected to the contact mechanism and to the plate so that a short circuit between the contact mechanism and the plate causes the inserted needle to melt.

The present invention relates to a device which completely destroys hypodermic needles by means of a short circuit which determines fusion of the metallic portion of the needle. Complete destruction is assured by a mechanical mechanism, the "lever-controlled mobile contact", which maintains a constant electrical contact and accompanies the movement of the needle until the latter is completely destroyed.
It is known how used hypodermic needles constitute a danger, since they can easily become vehicles for infection either through reuse of the needle itself or following involuntary puncture of the health worker charged with disposing of and destroying infected needles.
In order to obviate these difficulties, devices suitable for destroying the needles through use of a short cicuit which causes them to melt are used. In particular, the Patent Application no. GB-A-2211420 describes a device which uses a movable, V-shaped contact.
The devices currently in use present a number of disadvantages, due either to their large size, which makes portable use impossible (such use is particularly important in the case of needles to be destroyed in hospital wards or in out-of-doors sites in which infected needles are collected, after they have been left etc.); or, above all, to the fact that said devices do not totally destroy the needle but leave instead a residual part of the point which, however small, may nonetheless represent a danger to the user; or to the fact that said devices require that the user subject the needle to continuous, specific movements in order to maintain the contact which causes the short circuit and thus destruction of the needle.

Device for destroying hypodermic needles


The invention generally relates to compounds having structure I:

There are known in the art various MEK1/2 inhibitors, such as but not limited to diphenyl anilines. In some instances, these compounds were discovered for use in developing new anticancer agents.
The Mitogen-Activated Protein-Kinase (MAPK) signaling cascade is a complex web of kinases that connects external and internal stimuli to effect modification of cell energy levels and movement involving the cytoskeleton. Consequently the MAPK signaling cascade was previously known as the microtubule-associated protein kinase signaling cascade.
Since the majority of prior art addresses the development of MEK1/2 inhibitors, there is a need in the art to develop compounds that address MEK5 inhibition and, compounds that address MEK1/2 inhibition and MEK5 inhibition are particularly advantageous.

Carboxylic acid ester prodrug inhibitors of MEK

Abstract: wherein x represents alkyl, aryl or het-aryl, each of y independently represents hydrogen or halogen and z represents hydrogen or alkyl. Further, said compounds are inhibitors of MEK 1, 2 and 5. Furthermore, the invention includes methods of making said compounds, compositions including said compounds and uses for inhibiting MEK 1, 2 and 5.


A communication apparatus including (A) a data obtaining device which obtains a plurality of sets of own-call-number data each set of which identifies a corresponding one of a plurality of different own call numbers allotted to the communication apparatus according to a common numbering rule, each of the different own call numbers identifying the communication apparatus from other communication apparatuses to which other call numbers different from the own call numbers are allotted according to the common numbering rule; and (B) one or both of (b1) an information receiver which can receive information from the other communication apparatuses and (b2) an information transmitter which can transmit information to the other communication apparatuses, the information receiver and/or the information transmitter being operable in a plurality of different manners corresponding to the different own call numbers, respectively, such that the information receiver and/or transmitter operate in one of the different manners which corresponds to one of the different own call numbers identified by each set of own-call-number data obtained by the data obtaining device.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a communication apparatus which responds to a plurality of different call signals supplied thereto via a single communication line or channel.
2. Related Art Statement
A call signal is used when one of a plurality of communication apparatuses calls another of the communication apparatuses. For example, in the case where a first telephone set requests an exchange of a telephone company to call a second telephone set, the exchange supplies a call signal to the second telephone set to place the second telephone set in an operational state thereof in which a user of the second telephone set can talk with a user of the first telephone set. More specifically, the second telephone set produces a calling sound in response to the call signal supplied thereto, so that when the user of the second telephone set picks up a handset, he or she can talk with the user of the first telephone set.
In the case where a single communication apparatus is used with a single communication line, for example, a single telephone set is used with a single telephone line, the exchange of the telephone company supplies a single sort of call signal. However, in the case where a plurality of communication apparatuses are used with a single communication line, for example, a telephone set and a facsimile machine are used with a single telephone line, the exchange of the telephone company is required to supply different sorts of call signals to the telephone set and the facsimile machine, respectively, via the single telephone line.
Different sorts of call signals are also needed in the case where wire communication is carried out between or among two or more communication apparatuses which are connected with each other such that they are always communicatable with each other, or in the case where wireless communication is carried out between or among two or more wireless communication apparatuses.
There is known a telephone company which offers the service of allotting a plurality of different call numbers to a single communication line according to a common numbering rule employed by the company.
Subscribers of the telephone company can enjoy this service by using a facsimile machine or a telephone set in relation with each of the different own call numbers. In this case, a greater number of facsimile machines or telephone sets may be used with a smaller number of communication lines. Otherwise, the subscribers can enjoy the service by using a telephone and facsimile (T/F) apparatus which possesses both the telephone and facsimile functions and has means for automatically switching the T/F apparatus between those two functions. In the latter case, one of the different own call numbers may exclusively be used in relation with the facsimile function and another of the own call numbers, or the other own call number, may exclusively be used in relation with the telephone function. An example of the T/F apparatus is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application laid open under Publication No. 4-48855.
The identification of each one of the different call numbers allotted to the single communication line, from the other call numbers, is carried out by supplying, to the communication line, different call signals corresponding to the different call numbers, respectively. For example, a basic call signal and a modified call signal obtained by adding a different signal to the basic call signal may be employed to this end. Otherwise, different call signals having different signal patterns may be used.
There is known the "distinctive ringing" service or "dial-in" service wherein different call numbers are identified by different call signals having different signal patterns, respectively. In the distinctive ringing service, the signal pattern of each call signal supplied via a single communication line to a facsimile machine is directly utilized by the called facsimile machine to ring, i.e., produce a calling sound. That is, the ringing device of the called facsimile machine produces a calling sound having a sound pattern corresponding to the signal pattern of the call signal supplied thereto. Thus, different calling sounds having different sound patterns are produced by a single facsimile machine in response to different call signals, respectively. The user of the facsimile machine can identify which call number is being used to call the facsimile machine, by hearing the sound pattern of the calling sound being produced by the ringing device. Owing to the distinctive ringing service, the user can easily judge whether his or her necessary information is being received by the facsimile machine.
Even though different call signals are supplied to call a single facsimile machine in relation with different call numbers allotted thereto and different calling sounds having different sound patterns are produced by the facsimile machine according to the different signal patterns of the call signals, each of various proper functions of the facsimile machine responds in the only and same manner, irrespective of whichever call number is being used to call the facsimile machine. For example, the facsimile machine transmits the only and same transmitter-identifying information to a calling facsimile machine, whichever call number may be used by the calling facsimile machine. In those events, therefore, the facsimile machine functions as if the machine had the only and same call number in spite of actually having two or more own call numbers allotted thereto by the telephone company. Thus, the user cannot effectively utilize the different own call numbers given to the facsimile machine.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,200,992 discloses a facsimile machine which has an outside-line call number allotted thereto according to a first or "public" numbering rule employed by a telephone company, and an extension-line call number allotted thereto according to a second or "private" numbering rule employed by the user of that facsimile machine and other facsimile machines to which the first facsimile machine in question is connected via the extension lines. When the facsimile machine is called using the outside-line call number by an outside facsimile machine, the called machine sends back or transmits the outside-line call number to the calling machine so as to inform that the called machine is receiving image information from the calling machine. Similarly, when the facsimile machine is called using the extension-line call number by another facsimile machine of the user, the called machine transmits the extension-line call number to the calling machine for the same purpose.
However, the above-identified facsimile machine cannot function as if the machine had two or more outside-line call numbers, or two or more extension-line call numbers. When the prior machine is called through the outside lines, the only and same outside-line call number can be used to call the machine. Similarly, when the prior machine is called through the extension lines, the only and same extension-line call number can be used to call the machine.


A system for decoding data based on a hybrid approach includes a processor and a memory storing instructions that are executable by the processor. The operations include determining a first output based on a magnitude in difference between an initial sample and a previous sample, where the first output includes a first number of bits. The operations also include determining a second output based on a magnitude in difference between the initial sample and a predicted sample, where the second output includes a second number of bits. The operations also include comparing the first output with the second output to determine if the first number of bits is greater than the second number of bits. Finally, the operations include selecting one of the first output and the second output as the final output, wherein selection is based on the final output being expressed in the least number of bits.

Differential pulse code modulation (DPCM) converts an analog signal into a digital signal. Specifically, the analog signal is sampled, and a difference between the actual sampled value and its predicted sample is quantized and then encoded to create a digital value. The predicted sample of the sampled value may be determined based on previous samples of the analog signal. Alternatively, instead of utilizing a predicted sample, the difference may be determined based on the actual sampled value and a previously sampled value. The analog signal may be, for example, data recorded by a sensor. Specifically, data may be collected from various sensors in a system by translating physical data, such as temperature or pressure, into electrical analog signals that represent the physical data.
DPCM is a relatively efficient approach for transmitting data in terms of bandwidth utilization, as only the quantized differences in signal values are encoded and transmitted. DPCM compares two successive analog amplitude values, quantizes and encodes the difference between the analog amplitude values, and transmits the differential value. As it can be assumed that the change, or differential, in the analog signal (i.e., the change in temperature or pressure monitored by the sensor) occurs relatively gradually, sometimes only a few bits may be required to represent each sample. DPCM will work with various numbers of bits such as, for example, a 4-bit approach, an 8-bit approach, or even a 10-bit approach.

Lossless compression of data based on a modified differential pulse code modulation (DPCM) scheme


A thin film electronic display device having electrically conductive transmission lines disposed therein has embedded repair lines positioned to be electrically coupleable to the transmission lines internally to the display device so that an open circuit on a transmission line can be bypassed by a repair line electrically coupled to the defective transmission line. A method of repairing a defective transmission line in this electronic display device includes identifying the defective transmission line, electrically isolating the defective portion of the transmission line, and electrically connecting the transmission line to its associated repair line.

This invention relates generally to thin film electronic display or imager devices and more particularly to repair lines contained in devices such as liquid crystal displays or solid state imagers having a matrix of electrically conductive transmission lines for controlling the active components of the device.
Transmission lines for transmitting electrical signals to and from active components in a display or imager device are formed as integral parts of the structure of liquid crystal displays (LCDs) and solid state imagers. Such lines are also sometimes referred to as address lines. For ease of discussion, "display device" is used herein to refer to active cells of all types, including both LCDs and photosensors such as are used in imagers. These transmission lines usually form a matrix, with lines running in one direction designated as scan lines and lines running in a substantially perpendicular direction designated as data lines. The combination of the electrical signals (e.g. the voltage) on a scan line and a data line control a switching device, such as a field effect transistor (FET). The FET in turn controls the application of voltages to an active cell (pixel). In an LCD, for example, pixels contain liquid crystals disposed between transparent electrodes; the voltage applied to the electrodes governs the orientation of the liquid crystals which in turn determines the amount of light transmitted through the cell. Alternatively, the active component may be a photosensor, such as a photodiode, which generates an electrical output in response to incident optical photons. Application of the appropriate control signals to selected FETs in the array of photosensors allows the charge accumulated on corresponding photosensors from incident light to be read and directed to the processing circuitry. The resultant signals on the scan and data lines may then be used to electronically reproduce an image of the light detected by the array of photosensors.
A defect on a scan or data line can adversely affect overall performance of the thin film display device. For example, an open circuit condition can disable active components connected to the line beyond the point where the open circuit exists. A short circuit between a data and a scan line can also lead to inaccurate signals being applied to all switching transistors connected to either of the shorted data or scan lines. In either case, multiple pixels in the device can be affected, thereby significantly diminishing its resolution. A device having defective transmission lines may have to be discarded, depending upon the degradation of the resolution of the display device resulting from the inoperative pixels resulting.
Given the expense of fabricating thin film electronic display devices, it is desirable to have devices that are repairable after they have been assembled. In one common approach, a thin film display device has several auxiliary conductive lines disposed across the transmission lines on the sides of the device, usually outside the active areas of the device. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 4,688,896, assigned to the assignee of the present invention, and which is incorporated herein by reference. In the display device described in that patent and in similar prior art devices, bypassing an open circuit in a defective line requires that one auxiliary line be connected to the defective line at one side of the device and that a second auxiliary line be connected to the defective line on the other side of the device. The auxiliary lines are electrically connected by a jumper or the like, allowing the signal to be applied to the defective line on both sides of the open circuit condition. Such display devices typically can have only a few auxiliary lines compared with the number of data and scan lines in the device. For example, a six inch by six inch imager might commonly have 1,536 data lines and 1,536 scan lines, but only sixteen auxiliary repair lines on a side. Further, repair of one transmission line typically requires use of two auxiliary lines, one on either side of the defective transmission line, and the use of an external jumper to connect the two auxiliary lines together. Once an auxiliary line is used to repair a given line, however, it cannot be used for repair of any other transmission line. Additionally, such a structure cannot be used to repair a transmission line having two or more open circuits along its length.
A second approach to producing repairable liquid crystal display devices has incorporated redundant or backup switching transistors coupled to the active components in the device. For example, the pending U.S. patent application of N. R. Whetten, Ser. No. 07/373,433, filed Jun. 30, 1989, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,062,690 which is assigned to the assignee of the present invention and is incorporated herein by reference, discloses built-in redundant FETs connected by laser-fusible links to the liquid crystal cells in the display device. In such a device, a redundant FET can be connected to a liquid crystal cell if a defect develops which disables the primary FET. Such an approach further provides for use of individually fusible crossover bypass links to be welded together at each crossover point as needed. Other approaches have included use of a complete second set address lines and switching transistors which are electrically connected to opposing sides of the liquid crystal cell at the time of fabrication and thus are in continuous operation, regardless of whether a defect exists on a given address line. Such an arrangement of duplicate lines reduces the amount of space in the display available for the active display devices.
A structure providing a high yield of conductive address lines is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,804,953, assigned to the assignee of the present invention and incorporated herein by reference. As described in that patent, multilayer repair and/or scan lines can be fabricated having two layers of metal in contact along substantially their entire length. An insulating layer having a width narrower than that of the conducting lines is disposed between them; the upper conducting line overlaps the insulating layer to make contact with the lower conducting line along substantially 90% of its length. Such multilayer lines provide a level of redundancy in the event an open circuit develops in a segment of the upper or lower conducting lines. Such an arrangement, however, does not provide for selective use of the redundant lines as both are in service at all times during operation of the device, and further with such an arrangement it is not possible to isolate a portion of one line to correct a short circuit in the device.
As display devices become larger, with increased numbers of scan and data lines, and as higher resolution is required of the device as a whole, fewer inoperative pixels can be tolerated. Larger devices having multiple switching transistors and associated electrical connections for each liquid crystal cell also involve greater cost and complexity of fabrication. Additionally, in some uses, thin film electronic display devices must be fabricated having connections for drivers on only two sides of the device, i.e., each data and scan line is structured so that it can receive an electrical input signal on only one end. In such devices a conventional auxiliary line arrangement with jumper connections cannot be used to repair a defective transmission line, as the scan and data lines extend outside of the active area of the display on only one side of the device.
It is accordingly an object of this invention to provide a thin film electronic display device structure having repair lines useable in display devices adapted to be driven from only two sides of the array.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a thin film electronic display device structure that does not require redundant or back-up switching transistors to repair a defect in a transmission or address line in a device.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a thin film electronic device structure that readily provides for repair of the device after it has been fabricated.
It is a further object of this invention to provide a novel method for repairing defects in scan or data lines in a thin film display device containing separate repair lines for each structure of the scan and data lines in the device.
These and other objects of the invention, together with the features and advantages thereof, will become apparent from the following detailed specification when read together with the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals refer to like elements.

Embedded repair lines for thin film electronic display or imager devices


In an illumination system the radiation from one or more laser arrays is directed into a light pipe. The light pipe mixes the individual radiation contributions from the laser arrays and forms a uniform illumination line. The pointing direction of each of the laser arrays is monitored and controlled to preserve the brightness of the composite illumination line.

Diode lasers are used in many imaging applications as a convenient and low-cost radiation source. Material processing applications may make use of suitably coupled diode laser radiation to change the nature or character of a workpiece. Image recording and display systems may use laser diodes to provide illumination for an optical system.
In one particular imaging application, a monolithic array of laser diode emitters may be used to illuminate a multi-channel light valve. A light valve generally has a plurality of individually addressable modulator sites; each site producing a beam or channel of imagewise modulated light. An image is formed by selectively activating the channels while scanning them over an image receiver. For high quality imaging it is usually necessary that channels be uniform in their imaging characteristics, a requirement that presents a difficult challenge for system designers since the illumination from a laser diode is highly astigmatic with poor overall beam quality. Consequently optical systems for gathering and formatting the light output seek to overcome the inherent limitations of the diode laser output in order to produce useable illumination.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,517,359 to Gelbart describes a method for imaging the radiation from a laser diode array having multiple emitters onto a linear light valve. The optical system superimposes the radiation line from each emitter at the plane of the light valve, thus forming a single combined illumination line. The superimposition provides some immunity from emitter failures (either partial of full). In the event of such a failure, while the output power is reduced, the uniformity of the line is not severely impacted.
Even with superimposed emitters, the uniformity of the individual emitter radiation profiles still has an impact on the overall uniformity of the line. A good laser diode array can have emitters that are more than 20% non-uniform in the slow axis. When the radiation from a plurality of emitters is combined, some of the non-uniformities may offset each other but commonly 10–15% non-uniformity remains. Some light valves can accommodate this non-uniformity by balancing the output from each channel by attenuating output from channels that are more strongly illuminated. This however represents wastage of up to 15% of the useful light output since it is not possible to amplify weak channels.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,137,631 to Moulin describes a means for mixing the radiant energy from a plurality of emitters on a laser diode array. The mixing means comprises a plurality of reflecting surfaces placed at or downstream from a point where the laser radiation has been focused. The radiant energy entering the mixing means is subjected to multiple reflections, which makes the output distribution of the emerging radiant energy more uniform.
Laser diode arrays having nineteen or more 150 μm emitters are now available with total power output of around 50 W at a wavelength of 830 nm. While efforts are constantly underway to provide higher power, material and fabrication techniques still limit the power that can be achieved for any given configuration. In order to provide illumination lines with total power in the region of 100 W, an optical system designer may only be left with the option of combining the radiation from a plurality of laser diode arrays. Dual laser array combinations are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,900,981 to Oren et. al. and U.S. Pat. No. 6,064,528 to Simpson.

Apparatus and method for illumination of light valves


A target surface in an eye is located using a dual aiming beam apparatus that transmits a first aiming beam of light and a second aiming beam of light. An optics subsystem receives a laser beam from a laser source, the first aiming beam of light, and the second aiming beam of light, and directs the beams of light to be incident with the target surface and aligns the beams of light such that they intersect at a point corresponding to a focus of the laser beam. An imaging apparatus captures an image of the target surface including a first spot corresponding to the first aiming beam of light and a second spot corresponding to a second aiming beam of light. A separation between the spots indicates that the focus is away from the target surface, while overlapping spots indicate the focus is at or on the target surface.

Before describing the different types of glaucoma and current diagnosis and treatments options, a brief overview of the anatomy of the eye is provided.
Anatomy of the Eye
With reference to FIGS. 1-3, the outer tissue layer of the eye 1 includes a sclera 2 that provides the structure of the eye's shape. In front of the sclera 2 is a cornea 3 that is comprised of transparent layers of tissue that allow light to enter the interior of the eye. Inside the eye 1 is a crystalline lens 4 that is connected to the eye by fiber zonules 5, which are connected to the ciliary body 6. Between the crystalline lens 4 and the cornea 3 is an anterior chamber 7 that contains a flowing clear liquid called aqueous humor 8. Encircling the perimeter of the crystalline lens 4 is an iris 9 which forms a pupil around the approximate center of the crystalline lens. A posterior chamber 23 is an annular volume behind the iris 9 and bounded by the ciliary body 6, fiber zonules 5, and the crystalline lens 4. The vitreous humor 10 is located between the crystalline lens 4 and the retina 11. Light entering the eye is optically focused through the cornea 3 and crystalline lens.
With reference to FIG. 2, the corneoscleral junction of the eye is the portion of the anterior chamber 7 at the intersection of the iris 9, the sclera 2, and the cornea 3. The anatomy of the eye 1 at the corneoscleral junction includes a trabecular meshwork 12. The trabecular meshwork 12 is a fibrous network of tissue that encircles the iris 9 within the eye 1. In simplified, general terms the tissues of the corneoscleral junction are arranged as follows: the iris 9 meets the ciliary body 6, the ciliary body meets with the underside of the scleral spur 14, the top of the scleral spur serves as an attachment point for the bottom of the trabecular meshwork 12. The ciliary body is present mainly in the posterior chamber, but also extends into the very corner of the anterior chamber 7. The network of tissue layers that make up the trabecular meshwork 12 are porous and thus present a pathway for the egress of aqueous humor 8 flowing from the anterior chamber 7. This pathway may be referred to herein as an aqueous humor outflow pathway, an aqueous outflow pathway, or simply an outflow pathway.
Referring to FIG. 3, the pathway formed by the pores in the trabecular meshwork 12 connect to a set of thin porous tissue layers called the uveal meshwork 15, the corneoscleral meshwork 16, and the juxtacanalicular tissue 17. The juxtacanalicular tissue 17, in turn, abuts a structure called Schlemm's canal 18. The Schlemm's canal 18 carries a mixture of aqueous humor 8 and blood from the surrounding tissue to drain into the venous system though a system of collector channels 19. As shown in FIG. 2, the vascular layer of the eye, referred to as the choroid 20, is next to the sclera 2. A space, called the suprachoroidal space 21, may be present between the choroid 20 and the sclera 2. The general region near the periphery of the wedge between the cornea 3 and the iris 9, running circumferentially is called the irido-corneal angle 13. The irido-corneal angle 13 may also be referred to as the corneal angle of the eye or simply the angle of the eye. The ocular tissues illustrated in FIG. 3 are all considered to be within the irido-corneal angle 13.
With reference to FIG. 4, two possible outflow pathways for the movement of aqueous humor 8 include a trabecular outflow pathway 40 and a uveoscleral outflow pathway 42. Aqueous humor 8, which is produced by the ciliary body 6, flows from the posterior chamber 23 through the pupil into the anterior chamber 7, and then exits the eye through one or more of the two different outflow pathways 40, 42. Approximately 90% of the aqueous humor 8 leaves via the trabecular outflow pathway 40 by passing through the trabecular meshwork 12, into the Schlemm's canal 18 and through one or more plexus of collector channels 19 before draining through a drain path 41 into the venous system. Any remaining aqueous humor 8 leaves primarily through the uveoscleral outflow pathway 42. The uveoscleral outflow pathway 42 passes through the ciliary body 6 face and iris root into the suprachoroidal space 21 (shown in FIG. 2). Aqueous humor 8 drains from the suprachoroidal space 21, from which it can be drained through the sclera 2.
The intra-ocular pressure of the eye depends on the aqueous humor 8 outflow through the trabecular outflow pathway 40 and the resistance to outflow of aqueous humor through the trabecular outflow pathway. The intra-ocular pressure of the eye is largely independent of the aqueous humor 8 outflow through the uveoscleral outflow pathway 42. Resistance to the outflow of aqueous humor 8 through the trabecular outflow pathway 40 may lead to elevated intra-ocular pressure of the eye, which is a widely recognized risk factor for glaucoma. Resistance through the trabecular outflow pathway 40 may increase due a collapsed or malfunctioning Schlemm's canal 18 and trabecular meshwork 12.
Referring to FIG. 5, as an optical system, the eye 1 is represented by an optical model described by idealized centered and rotationally symmetrical surfaces, entrance and exit pupils, and six cardinal points: object and image space focal points, first and second principal planes, and first and second nodal points. Angular directions relative to the human eye are often defined with respect to an optical axis 24, a visual axis 26, a pupillary axis 28 and a line of sight 29 of the eye. The optical axis 24 is the symmetry axis, the line connecting the vertices of the idealized surfaces of the eye. The visual axis 26 connects the foveal center 22 with the first and second nodal points to the object. The line of sight 29 connects the fovea through the exit and entrance pupils to the object. The pupillary axis 28 is normal to the anterior surface of the cornea 3 and directed to the center of the entrance pupil. These axes of the eye differ from one another only by a few degrees and fall within a range of what is generally referred to as the direction of view.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a group of diseases that can harm the optic nerve and cause vision loss or blindness. It is the leading cause of irreversible blindness. Approximately 80 million people are estimated to have glaucoma worldwide and of these, approximately 6.7 million are bilaterally blind. More than 2.7 million Americans over age 40 have glaucoma. Symptoms start with loss of peripheral vision and can progress to blindness.
There are two forms of glaucoma, one is referred to as closed-angle glaucoma, the other as open-angled glaucoma. With reference to FIGS. 1-4, in closed-angle glaucoma, the iris 9 in a collapsed anterior chamber 7 may obstruct and close off the flow of aqueous humor 8. In open-angle glaucoma, which is the more common form of glaucoma, the permeability of ocular tissue may be affected by irregularities in the juxtacanalicular tissue 17 and inner wall of Schlemm's canal 18a, blockage of tissue in the irido-corneal angle 13 along the trabecular outflow pathway 40.
As previously stated, elevated intra-ocular pressure (TOP) of the eye, which damages the optic nerve, is a widely recognized risk factor for glaucoma. However, not every person with increased eye pressure will develop glaucoma, and glaucoma can develop without increased eye pressure. Nonetheless, it is desirable to reduce elevated IOP of the eye to reduce the risk of glaucoma.
Methods of diagnosing conditions of the eye of a patient with glaucoma include visual acuity tests and visual field tests, dilated eye exams, tonometry, i.e. measuring the intra-ocular pressure of the eye, and pachymetry, i.e. measuring the thickness of the cornea. Deterioration of vision starts with the narrowing of the visual field and progresses to total blindness. Imaging methods include slit lamp examination, observation of the irido-corneal angle with a gonioscopic lens and optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging of the anterior chamber and the retina
Once diagnosed, some clinically proven treatments are available to control or lower the intra-ocular pressure of the eye to slow or stop the progress of glaucoma. The most common treatments include: 1) medications, such as eye drops or pills, 2) laser surgery, and 3) traditional surgery. Treatment usually begins with medication. However, the efficacy of medication is often hindered by patient non-compliance. When medication does not work for a patient, laser surgery is typically the next treatment to be tried. Traditional surgery is invasive, more high risk than medication and laser surgery, and has a limited time window of effectiveness. Traditional surgery is thus usually reserved as a last option for patients whose eye pressure cannot be controlled with medication or laser surgery.
Laser Surgery
With reference to FIG. 2, laser surgery for glaucoma targets the trabecular meshwork 12 to decrease aqueous humor 8 flow resistance. Common laser treatments include Argon Laser Trabeculoplasty (ALT), Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) and Excimer Laser Trabeculostomy (ELT).
ALT was the first laser trabeculoplasty procedure. During the procedure, an argon laser of 514 nm wavelength is applied to the trabecular meshwork 12 around 180 degrees of the circumference of the irido-corneal angle 13. The argon laser induces a thermal interaction with the ocular tissue that produces openings in the trabecular meshwork 12. ALT, however, causes scarring of the ocular tissue, followed by inflammatory responses and tissue healing that may ultimately close the opening through the trabecular meshwork 12 formed by the ALT treatment, thus reducing the efficacy of the treatment. Furthermore, because of this scarring, ALT therapy is typically not repeatable.
SLT is designed to lower the scarring effect by selectively targeting pigments in the trabecular meshwork 12 and reducing the amount of heat delivered to surrounding ocular tissue. During the procedure, a solid-state laser of 532 nm wavelength is applied to the trabecular meshwork 12 between 180 to 360 degrees around the circumference of the irido-corneal angle 13 to remove the pigmented cells lining the trabeculae which comprise the trabecular meshwork. The collagen ultrastructure of the trabecular meshwork is preserved during SLT. 12. SLT treatment can be repeated, but subsequent treatments have lower effects on IOP reduction.
ELT uses a 308 nm wavelength ultraviolet (UV) excimer laser and non-thermal interaction with ocular tissue to treat the trabecular meshwork 12 and inner wall of Schlemm's canal in a manner that does not invoke a healing response. Therefore, the IOP lowering effect lasts longer. However, because the UV light of the laser cannot penetrate deep into the eye, the laser light is delivered to the trabecular meshwork 12 via an optical fiber inserted into the eye 1 through an opening and the fiber is brought into contact with the trabecular meshwork. The procedure is highly invasive and is generally practiced simultaneously with cataract procedures when the eye is already surgically open. Like ALT and SLT, ELT also lacks control over the amount of IOP reduction.
None of these existing laser treatments represents an ideal treatment for glaucoma. Accordingly, what is needed are systems, apparatuses, and method for laser surgery treatment of glaucoma that effectively reduce IOP non-invasively without significant scarring of tissue, so the treatment may be completed in a single procedure and repeated at a later time if necessary. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/036,883, entitled Integrated Surgical System and Method for Treatment in the Irido-Corneal Angle of the Eye, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/125,588, entitled Non-Invasive and Minimally Invasive Laser Surgery for the Reduction Of Intraocular Pressure in the Eye Systems, each of which is assigned to the assignee of the present application and is hereby incorporated by reference, disclose laser treatment systems that reduce IOP non-invasively through photodisruption by, for example, a femtosecond laser that provides highly localized, non-thermal photo-disruptive laser-tissue interaction with minimal collateral damage to surrounding ocular tissue.
Such photo-disruptive laser treatment requires the locating of specific structures of ocular tissue in the irido-corneal angle for laser focus placement. For example, during glaucoma surgery with a femtosecond laser, apertures or canals may be created in the trabecular meshwork by placing the focus of femtosecond laser on the surface of the trabecular meshwork facing the anterior chamber and photodisrupting the ocular tissue between the surface and the inner wall of Schlemm's canal. However, accurately locating the surface of the trabecular meshwork and placing the femtosecond laser focus onto that surface is difficult. In some known glaucoma laser treatments, a surgical device may incorporate a single aiming beam that is co-linear with a treatment surgical laser beam. The single aiming beam may mark the location of the surgical laser beam that is incident on a target surface. This technique, however, is ineffective for laser treatments that require a focused beam placed onto the surface of target tissue, such as required by photo-disruptive laser treatments. U.S. Pat. No. 6,033,396 discloses a system that uses two aiming lasers to center a laser projection pattern on a pupil aperture of an eye during laser thermal keratoplasty. This system, however, does not place the focus of the treatment laser on the cornea based on the two aiming lasers. Accordingly, what is needed in the field of laser treatment of glaucoma are systems and methods that enable the detection of a surface of ocular tissue. What is further needed and desired, are systems and methods that enable placement of a focus of a femtosecond laser on the surface of ocular tissue based on, e.g., simultaneous with, the detection of such surface.

System and method for locating a surface of ocular tissue for glaucoma surgery based on dual aiming beams


A user device receives a user input that causes an electronic publication to have a modified state. The user device generates data that, when used to render the electronic publication, causes the electronic publication to have the modified state. The user device transmits the data to a server.

There are multiple system architectures for delivering electronic publications to user devices. Some of these system architectures synchronize a last page read between multiple different user devices for a user. Additionally, some system architectures synchronize bookmarks and annotations between user devices for a user. However, the last page read, bookmarks and annotations do not represent a state of an electronic publication.

Synchronizing electronic publications between user devices


There is provided an electrical junction box including: a bolt holding portion that includes a stud bolt and a bolt holding portion body configured to hold the stud bolt; a first holding portion that includes a first busbar provided with a first connection terminal and a first holding portion body configured to hold the first busbar and a first electronic component; and a second holding portion that includes a second busbar provided with a second connection terminal and a second holding portion body configured to hold the second busbar and a second electronic component. The bolt holding portion, the first holding portion, and the second holding portion are assembled with a nut in a connection state in that the stud bolt is passed through the first connection terminal and the second connection terminal, and in that the first busbar and the second busbar are overlapped with each other.

The electrical junction box described above includes an FL holder that holds a fuse that is an electronic component, and a case that accommodates the FL holder. Further, in order to supply power to the FL holder, a bolt block provided with a stud bolt is detachably provided on the FL holder. In addition, the FL holder may be fastened to the stud bolt by a nut through a busbar held by the FL holder and a terminal provided at an end portion of an electric wire connected to a power supply (JP2013-150517A and JP2013-255347A).
In addition, a plurality of FL holders provided separately from each other may be housed in a case. In order to supply power to the electronic components held by the respective holders, it is considered to connect the FL holders by electric wires (JP2013-034340A).
However, in JP2013-034340A described above, there is a problem that a space is increased because the number of electric wires is increased as the number of FL holders to be connected is increased, or a connector to be connected to the electric wires is required to be provided in the FL holder.


The disclosed embodiments combine an energy balance (e.g., averaged energy profiles) with original time series data having smaller time steps to establish an energy balance (e.g., averaged profiles) and a power balance (e.g., smaller time step with original time series data) for a Distributed Energy Resources (DER), microgrid, or other energy system. In an embodiment, a method comprises: solving, with at least one processor, a first optimization problem on time series data related to energy system planning, the first optimization including applying a power balancing framework to the time series data that captures intra-hour variability; and selecting, with the at least one processor, technology assets and sizing for the energy system based on an average hourly and sub-hourly datasets.

Planning methodologies (e.g., simulation tools, mixed integer optimization methodologies) for DER projects rely on data reduction methods to reduce computer runtimes for practical engineering and design processes. The process of data reduction for time series data, such as solar radiation or load profile data (e.g., electricity usage or heating), typically delivers averaged data in 60, 30, or 15 min time steps. The original time series data, however, is typically provided at smaller time steps (e.g., 5 min, 1 min, or even smaller). The averaging of the original time series data into a 60 min, 30 min or 15 min time steps eliminates spikes (e.g., power spikes) and creates a smoother profile at the expense of a loss of information (e.g., missed power spikes) and time granularity. The averaged profile can be used for sizing of energy system technologies regarding their energy output (e.g., averaged output over a 60 min period), but fail to deliver reliable sizing numbers for volatile energy systems involving, e.g., photovoltaic (PV), wind, or isolated conditions without any utility connection.
Accordingly, there is a need for a robust, reliable, and fast (from a computational stand-point) methodology to capture the smaller time steps of the original data in planning the design of DER, microgrid and other energy systems.

Robust and fast design of energy systems considering intra-hour variability


An apparatus for segregating and positioning work-pieces and other objects at different desired positions includes a main body, a segregating system, and a plurality of dispensing channels defined in the main body. The segregating system has a receiving chamber and a plurality of gas inlets both defined in the main body. The receiving chamber is configured to house the work-pieces. The gas inlets are configured to allow a high-pressure gas fed therethrough into the receiving chamber. Each dispensing channel has a connecting end communicating with the receiving chamber and a positioning end opposite to the connecting end. The work-pieces are able to be driven by the high-pressure gas to move to the positioning ends through the connecting end.

During assembly of an electronic device, multiple identical components (such as screws) are often required to be fitted in the electronic device. To reduce assembling processes, the multiple identical components can be manually fixed to different positions of a fixing tool before assembled to the electronic device. The fixing tool is then engaged with the electronic device, enabling each of the multiple identical components to be aligned with a correct position of the electronic device. As such, all of the multiple identical components then can be fitted to the electronic device at the same time.

Segregating apparatus for objects and materials

SHENZHEN FUTAIHONG PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.


System and method for supervisory signal modulation on Wavelength Division Multiplex (WDM) channels wherein variable optical attenuators (VOAs) are used for amplitude modulation of the supervisory signal. Alternatively, at least two spectral bands of the supervisory signal are amplitude modulated by means of VOAs at a same frequency but in phase difference, preferably in anti-phase such that the signal resulting from the combination of the two spectral bands is maintained at a predetermined value, preferably at a minimum value and more preferably at zero value.

A known way of performing modulation of the supervisory signal on WDM channels is by using Raman gain. However as Raman amplification is not flat over C band (1520-1570 nm) or L band (1570-1610 nm), it is difficult to achieve uniform modulation over all WDM channels.
When Raman gain is used, a relatively high power pump laser emitting at a wavelength of about 1455 nm, two 1455/1550 WDM couplers and about 4 km of NDSF (Non-Dispersion-Shifted Fiber) are needed, making the supervisory modulator expensive, bulky and lossy with insertion loss in the range of for example 3 to 4 dB.
On the other hand, in cases where a WDM branching unit is present in the submerged plant, optical Erbium-doped fiber amplifiers (EDFA) are conventionally used for overcoming losses in the branching unit caused by passive optical components and for balancing the relative optical power values between the straight-through channels and the channels added in the trunk line. Furthermore, optical amplifiers provide the capability of supervisory return signaling necessary for sending management information from the branching unit to a terminal station.
However, optical amplifiers add cost, noise, complexity and volume, while worsening the reliability of the operation and creating manufacturability problems for the branching unit.
It is therefore desired to obtain an efficient and cost effective scheme of supervisory modulation without the need for using Raman modulation or optical amplifiers thus avoiding the drawbacks mentioned above.

System and method for a supervisory signal modulation scheme using variable optical attenuators


A low-dropout voltage (LDO) regulator that creates a zero in the open loop gain using a relatively small-sized current control element to divert part of the supplied load current through a “zero” resistor before adding it to the output load. The main part of the output load is passed through a relatively large second current control element. A control signal generated by an error amplifier (e.g., an op-amp) is used to control the small current control element, but is passed through a boost zero compensating resistor before being applied to the large current control element. The voltage signal developed across the “zero” resistor mimics the magnitude and phase of a zero in the loop. This voltage signal is added to the loop gain by, for instance, using a bypass capacitor, and the resulting feedback signal is supplied to the error amplifier.

Low dropout voltage (LDO) regulators are utilized to generate stable direct current (dc) voltages, for example, in portable, battery-operated devices such as cellular phones, cordless phones, pagers, personal digital assistants, portable personal computers, camcorders, and digital cameras. The demand for low dropout voltage (LDO) regulators has increased in direct proportion to the increased demand for such portable devices.
LDO regulators are characterized by low dropout voltages (i.e., a minimal difference between an unregulated input voltage, such as a voltage received from a battery or transformer, and the regulated (stable) output voltage). An LDO regulator fails to maintain its regulated voltage level (i.e., drops out of regulation) when the unregulated input voltage falls below the regulated output voltage plus the dropout voltage. Thus, by minimizing the dropout voltage, an LDO regulator allows a portable device to operate longer from a single battery charge. That is, the low dropout voltage of the LDO regulator effectively extends the life of the battery by providing a regulated voltage even if the battery is discharged to a value that is within (typically) 100-500 millivolts of the regulated voltage.
FIG. 4 shows a conventional LDO regulator 10 that is connected to a load 50. LDO 10 includes an operational-amplifier (op-amp) 11, a PMOS transistor M, feedback resistors R11 and R12, and a reference voltage supply REF. Load 50 is represented by a resistive load RL and a capacitive load CL. In operation, a voltage supply (not shown) applies an input voltage VIN to one terminal of PMOS transistor M, and a portion of the output signal VOUT supplied to load 50 through PMOS transistor M is fed back by way of the feedback resistor R11 and R12 to the non-inverting input terminal of op-amp 11, which receives a stable reference signal from reference voltage supply REF on its inverting input terminal. In response to the feedback signal and the reference signal, op-amp 11 generates an output signal that controls PMOS transistor M to regulate the output signal VOUT.
A very serious problem associated with conventional LDO regulator 10 is that it is not stable for all capacitive loads CL. Known solutions can stabilize this circuit for values of CL larger than approximately 1 uF. Another restriction associated with this circuit is that capacitive load CL must have a low and very well-defined equivalent series resistance.
A conventional voltage control loop of an LDO regulator has two dominant poles. The first pole is created at the output by the load equivalent resistor and the load capacitor. The second pole is located in the control error amplifier (e.g., op-amp 11). Due to the large loop gain of the system, the closed loop response will become quite under-damped. A way to improve and stabilize the control loop is by adding a zero in the loop gain. One traditional effective method to create such a zero is to insert a resistor in series with the load capacitor. This approach has the drawback that higher frequency disturbances (for instance due to load variations or ripple on the power line) are not effectively reduced. Also, the parasitic series impedance of the load capacitor is usually not very well controlled, unless expensive capacitors are used. Sometimes the zero is created in the control error amplifier, but this usually requires large resistor values, which is counterproductive on silicon real estate.
What is needed is an improved negative feedback amplifier system, such as a low-dropout voltage regulator, that is stable over a large load range, does not degrade the ripple rejection at higher frequencies, and minimizes stability dependence on the parasitic resistor of the output capacitor.

Creating additional phase margin in the open loop gain of a negative feedback amplifier system using a boost zero compensating resistor


An integrated heat sink module includes a sinuously channeled base and a bonded top surface electrode that is dielectrically isolated from the base. The top surface electrode acts as a common modular electrode capable of conducting heat to an ultimate cooling medium with no intervening thermal barrier. Constrained copper technology (CCT) is employed to ensure that the relatively low effective temperature coefficient of expansion of the channel base is acquired by the channel cover, which is the dielectrically (but not thermally) insulated top surface, and that the common electrode is integrated with, by forming a part of, the fluid channel in the base. The heat sink weight is reduced significantly by the channeling, while use of the CCT technology ensures high reliability and integrity of the module.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to a semiconductor circuit component heat sink and, more particularly, to an integrated heat sink which provides a common electrode for a plurality of semiconductor devices. The invention also relates to direct bonding processes in which metal-to-metal compound eutectic bonds join a metal to a ceramic element or to another metal.
2. Background Information
Semiconductor power modules mounted on heat sinks (i.e., devices used to dissipate heat) have heretofore been bolted thereto, and employ thermal grease to improve the transfer of heat from module chips to the heat sink proper. In addition to adding weight, the mounting apparatus configuration adds thermal resistance to the cooling path. The increased weight results from the necessity of using a heavy copper base plate, and the added thermal resistance in the cooling path is attributable to the additional interface (the base plate) between the chip or module bases and the ultimate heat exchange medium (generally the environment).
A module that eliminates the aforementioned heavy copper base plate has recently been constructed in accordance with the invention. Essentially, electronic circuit components such as IGBTs (Integrated Gate Bipolar Transistors), diodes or MCTs (MOS Controlled Thyristors) are soldered directly to the heat sink. Thus a portion of the heat sink serves as a common electrode for the devices that are soldered directly thereto. To assure that the mounting structure truly achieves the lowered thermal resistance that results from direct soldering of an electronic circuit component to a heat sink or element thereof, heat sink means are provided for immediate transfer of acquired heat to the environment. Therefore, the portion of the heat sink acting as the common electrode is situated in direct contact with an environmental heat removal mechanism--in this case, a cooling fluid. Both the cooling fluid source and the heat removal means for the heat sink are electrically isolated from the electronic circuit component packages.
To construct the integrated heat sink of the instant invention, a certain reliance is necessary on previously patented technology. A discussion of such technology follows.
In Burgess and Neugebauer U.S. Pat. No. 3,744,120, "DIRECT BONDING WITH METALS WITH A METAL-GAS EUTECTIC", issued Jul. 10, 1973, a metal member, such as copper, is placed in contact with another metal member, such as nickel, and the metal members are heated to a temperature slightly below the melting point of the lower melting point metal. The heating is performed in a reactive atmosphere, such as a slightly oxidizing atmosphere, for sufficient time to create a metal-gas eutectic melt which, upon cooling, bonds the metal members together. The patent describes various metals (e.g., copper and stainless steel) and reactive gases (i.e., oxygen) that are useful for such bonding. In Burgess and Neugebauer U.S. Pat. No. 3,911,553, "METHOD FOR BONDING METAL TO CERAMIC", issued Oct. 14, 1975, the patentees disclose methods for bonding a metal to a ceramic and, in particular, an improved method for bonding a metal to a ceramic employing a eutectic melt of the metal. A copper sheet, for example, is first surface-treated to produce a layer with which the copper forms a eutectic, notably copper oxide. Thereafter, the bond is acquired similar to the fashion disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,744,120.
Jochym U.S. Pat. No. 4,409,278, issued Oct. 11, 1983 for "BLISTER-FREE DIRECT BONDING OF METALS TO CERAMICS AND METALS", teaches a method for obtaining large-area, blister-free assemblies of direct-bonded metal to a ceramic or metal substrate by providing venting channels in the metal-substrate interface and is therefore worthy of mention in discussions of the direct-bonded metal-to-ceramic substrate or metal-to-metal substrate art. Kuneman et al.,in U.S. Pat. No. 4,563,383, issued Jun. 7, 1986, teach bonding of ceramic (alumina)-to-metal by establishing a copper oxygen eutectic between the layers of ceramic. (The laminated or sandwich structure is noted here for the techniques employed to acquire bending stress equalization). Kuneman et al., as well as Jochym and the two Burgess et al. patents, are hereby incorporated by reference. The aforementioned Webster et al. application Ser. No. 454,547 relates even more directly to the field of metal bonding, particularly direct bonding, than the patents discussed above. The art most relevant to the present invention, as detailed in the foregoing discussion, is thus believed to be mostly metal-on-metal cladding and ceramic substrate sandwiching, along with the considerations which must be given to dealing with stress factors within the clad or sandwiched articles caused by uneven or unconstrained thermal expansion. For this reason, thermal expansion, a causative factor in the delamination of laminates in which the various strata or lamina have disparate temperature coefficients of expansion (TCE), shall be seen to be of paramount consideration in the remainder of this disclosure.

Integrated heat sink having a sinuous fluid channel for the thermal dissipation of semiconductor modules


A method for remotely monitoring a first location. The method includes providing surveillance equipment at the first location. Data is transmitted from the security equipment via IP connectivity to a second location that is remote from the first location. The data is monitored in real-time from the second location.

In traditional surveillance systems, the surveillance either takes place on-site or off-site. On-site surveillance often involves hiring security personnel to monitor hard-wired video feeds from around the site. Usually, the surveillance only involves monitoring the site for security reasons and does not perform any business-auditing. Also, having an on-site security staff can cost-prohibitive for many businesses.
Alternatively, residences and businesses may use off-site security services. The off-site security reduces the cost, because each business does not have to hire security personnel. In many of today's off-site applications, the security services are only performing burglary monitoring. In these cases, if there is a breach in security at a site being monitored, the off-site security company receives an alarm. In response to the alarm, the security company then alerts the police. However, the security company cannot distinguish false alarms from real alarms and cannot view, in real-time, the event that caused the alarm.
Also, some businesses would like to monitor certain tasks such as how often certain tasks are performed (e.g., restocking the shelves, emptying the trash), how friendly their employees are to customers, and timeliness of service. General security monitoring cannot perform such automated intelligent audits.
Therefore, there is a need for real-time, off-site surveillance that allows for security surveillance as well as business auditing.

Central monitoring/managed surveillance system and method


A processor may collect process information associated with a peer node of a self-auditing blockchain. The processor may generate an imprint from the process information. The processor may compare the imprint from the peer node to an imprint consensus to detect an error. The error may indicate that the peer node has been compromised.

The present disclosure relates generally to the field of blockchain storage, and more particularly to identifying if a peer node within the blockchain has been affected by an attack.
Blockchain networks are often built on principles of trust. In order to maintain trust, data maintained by blockchain networks must be accurate. As such, identifying potential errors caused by malicious activity associated with the blockchain network, while ensuring trust is maintained, is paramount.


Herein is disclosed an ink jet printing method. An ink jet printer that is responsive to digital data signals is loaded with ink receptive substrates having a gloss of at least 60 when measured at 60.degree. using a BYK Gloss meter. The printer is also loaded with a liquid inkjet ink comprising a carrier, a pigment and a surfactant selected from the group consisting of a potassium salt of a phosphated ester of a C.sub.8 to C.sub.18 alcohol, a phosphated ester of isooctanol and a phosphated coester of a C.sub.8 to C.sub.18 alcohol and an oxygen substituted aliphatic ethoxlate. Printing is carried on the ink receptive substrates in response to the digital data signals.

Ink jet printing is a non-impact method for producing images by the deposition of ink droplets on a substrate (paper, transparent film, fabric, etc.) in response to digital signals. Ink jet printers have found broad applications across markets ranging from industrial labeling to short run printing to desktop document and pictorial imaging. The inks used in ink jet printers are generally classified as either dye-based or pigment-based. Dye-based inks generally produce low optical densities and exhibit poor lightfastness.
Pigment based inks have been gaining in popularity as a means of addressing these limitations. In pigment-based inks, the colorant exists as discrete particles. Pigment-based inks suffer from a different set of deficiencies than dye-based inks. One deficiency is related to the observation that pigment-based inks interact differently with specially coated papers and films, such as the transparent films used for overhead projection and the glossy papers and opaque white films used for high quality graphics and pictorial output. In particular, it has been observed that pigment-based inks produce imaged areas with reduced gloss when printed at high optical densities on these types of receivers. Another defect known as "starvation" relates to some inconsistencies of the stream of ink being fired causing changes of image densities and/or loss of information. Starvation is exhibited on plain paper as well as coated papers and films.

Pigmented inkjet inks containing phosphated ester derivatives